Sanlida Dragon X8 Review: The Most Bow Per Dollar Right Now
Buy the Sanlida Dragon X8 if you want a full adult hunting setup for under $250 and you accept that the finish and the accessories are where the money was saved, because no other package at this price includes arrows, a release, a quiver, a case and a bow stand alongside a 0 to 70 lb, 18 to 31 inch bow. Skip it if you want dealer support down the road or you are already sure this will be a long-term bow, because established brands are easier to get parts and service for.
0 to 70 lb, 18 to 31 inches, and nearly everything in the box.
Sanlida Dragon X8 RTH Compound Bow Package, Right Hand
Under $250
A widely adjustable compound sold with sight, rest, arrows, release, quiver, case and stand.
Check price on AmazonSpecifications
| Axle to axle | 30 inches |
|---|---|
| Brace height | 6.6 inches |
| Draw weight | 0 to 70 lb |
| Draw length | 18 to 31 inches, in 0.5 inch steps |
| Stated IBO speed | Up to 310 fps |
| Bow weight | 3.8 lb |
| Adjustment | Draw weight and draw length adjustable without a bow press |
| Cams and machining | CNC machined cams and modules in 6061 T6 aluminium, BCY-D97 string and cables |
| Package contents | 5 pin sight, rest, stabilizer, wrist sling, peep, 12 arrows at 30 inch 500 spine, quiver, release, arrow puller, bow stand, case |
| Budget | Under $250 |
Specifications above come from Sanlida's published specifications on the current listing. Treat pricing as approximate, since Amazon pricing moves.
What it does well
- The package is genuinely complete. Arrows, a release and a case are normally $150 of extras and they are in the box.
- 0 to 70 lb of draw weight adjustment is unusually wide, and starting near zero makes it a practical bow for teaching form.
- 18 to 31 inches of draw length in half inch steps, adjustable without a press, so it fits a household.
- BCY-D97 string and cable material is a real specification rather than an unnamed string, and CNC machined 6061 aluminium cams are what you would expect several price tiers up.
- Sanlida lists a limited lifetime warranty on main parts with registration within 30 days of purchase.
Where it falls short
- The included arrows are 500 spine at 30 inches, which will not suit every draw length and weight combination. Check them against a spine chart before you shoot broadheads.
- The sight and rest are the cheapest parts of the package, and they are what limits accuracy first.
- Support is a mail-order relationship rather than a local dealer, which matters if a cam or module ever needs replacing.
- The 310 fps figure is an IBO style claim measured under standardised conditions and not what your hunting arrow will do.
- Right hand only on this listing, so left-handed archers need a different model.
What owners report
Published owner reviews of the Dragon X8 are unusually enthusiastic for a budget bow, and the recurring theme is that people expected less. Owners consistently report a smooth draw for the price, a quiet shot once the included accessories are sorted, and genuine surprise at the contents of the box. Reviews from archers who also own established brand bows generally place it below them on fit and finish while saying it shoots well enough that the price difference is difficult to argue with.
The recurring criticisms are consistent and predictable: the included arrows are generic and not necessarily right for your setup, and the sight is the first thing to replace. Take the arrow point seriously, because an arrow that is badly matched to your draw length and poundage will not fly with broadheads. Run your numbers through our arrow spine calculator before you buy hunting arrows, and check the finished build with the total arrow weight calculator.
The direct comparison people ask for is against the Bear Cruzer G4, which costs roughly double. The Cruzer fits smaller archers, starting at a 14 inch draw and 10 lb, and comes from a brand with dealers. The Dragon X8 gives an adult more equipment for less money. We work through it properly in the Cruzer G4 versus Dragon X8 comparison, and the beginner compound bow guide ranks the wider field.
As with any bow, set the draw length properly rather than approximately. Measure with our draw length calculator and have the setting checked at full draw by a pro shop. If you plan to hunt with it, confirm the minimum legal draw weight for your state and species with your own wildlife agency, since the rule varies and changes.
Who it suits
- Adults who want a complete, hunting-capable setup for the least money.
- Households where one bow needs to fit several people.
- Anyone returning to archery who does not want to spend $600 to find out if they still enjoy it.
Who should skip it
- Left-handed archers, since this listing is right hand only.
- Archers who want local dealer service and parts availability.
- Small children, who need the Cruzer's 14 inch draw and 10 lb floor.
Alternatives worth considering
Bear Archery Cruzer G4 Ready to Hunt Compound Bow, 70 lb, RH
Under $500
A 14 to 30 inch draw range and 10 to 70 lb from a brand with a dealer network and easy parts. It costs about double and includes less, and it fits smaller archers the Sanlida cannot.
Check price on AmazonDiamond Archery Edge XT Fully Accessorized Compound Bow, RH
Under $500
A caged riser and quad limb design that holds noticeably steadier, with 19 to 31 inch draw adjustment by module screw. The better bow if you are staying with archery.
Check price on AmazonGenesis Original Compound Bow, Right Hand
Under $250
Zero let-off and no draw stop, so draw length is a non-issue and form is the only variable. It will not hunt, and it is the better teaching tool.
Check price on AmazonKeep reading
- Bear Cruzer G4 vs Sanlida Dragon X8
- Best compound bows for beginners
- Arrow spine calculator
- Draw length calculator
- Bear Cruzer G4 review
This review draws on published specifications, manufacturer figures and the consensus of verified owner reviews. We have not tested this product ourselves, and we say so rather than implying otherwise. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sanlida Dragon X8 good enough for hunting?
Mechanically, yes. It reaches 70 lb, it is 30 inches axle to axle, and the string material is a known quantity. What needs attention before you hunt is the arrow: the included shafts are 500 spine at 30 inches, which is not right for every setup, and broadhead flight depends on correct spine. Check your state's minimum draw weight with your wildlife agency, and confirm broadhead flight before the season.
Sanlida Dragon X8 vs Bear Cruzer G4?
The Cruzer fits smaller archers and comes with dealer support. The Dragon X8 gives an adult far more equipment for around half the price. If the bow is for a child, buy the Cruzer. If it is for an adult on a budget, the Dragon X8 is hard to beat. Our head to head comparison covers the specifics including axle to axle, adjustment range and what each package contains.
Do you need a bow press to adjust the Dragon X8?
No for the normal adjustments. Sanlida states draw weight from 0 to 70 lb and draw length from 18 to 31 inches without a press, which is what makes it usable across a household. String and cable work still requires a press, and the listing names the replacement string and cable part reference for the Dragon.
Are the included arrows any good?
They are usable practice arrows, and they are one size. 500 spine at 30 inches suits a moderate draw length at moderate poundage and will be too weak for a heavy setup. Shoot them at a target, then buy properly matched hunting arrows once you know your draw length and final poundage. Our arrow spine calculator gives you the spine you should be ordering.
Is a limited lifetime warranty from a smaller brand worth anything?
It is worth exactly as much as the company's willingness to honour it, and the practical difference from an established brand is that service happens by mail rather than at a shop. Sanlida requires registration within 30 days, so do that on the day the bow arrives rather than when you need it.
How we choose: we compare published manufacturer specifications, verified owner reviews, and pro shop guidance. We do not test gear in person. Draw weight and arrow spine affect safety, so follow your bow manufacturer's specifications and have setup work checked by a qualified pro shop.
