A Legend Reimagined

Gene Sanders left a mark on the traditional archery world that few bowyers ever will. Alongside Larry Holden at G&L Archery, Gene helped design a handle-forward recurve longbow they called the Pit Viper — a bow known for its speed, its silence, and its buttery smooth draw. When Gene passed away, it seemed like much of that craftsmanship might fade with him.

I never purchased the original Pit Viper form. Instead, I took a different path — I built my own form from an original Pit Viper bow, studying its geometry and feel until I could faithfully reproduce what made it special. The result is the Drop Tine Viper: a bow that honors the original design philosophy while carrying my own craftsmanship into every limb, riser, and tip.

The Viper is a handle-forward R/D longbow — a design that rewards instinctive shooters with a natural point of aim and a draw cycle that feels effortless from start to finish. It’s fast, it’s smooth, and it’s quiet. Whether you’re in a treestand at dawn or shooting in the backyard, the Viper disappears into your shot.

The Drop Tine Viper is available in lengths of 56″, 58″, 60″, 62″, and 64″, giving shooters of varying draw lengths and hunting styles a fit that feels purpose-built.