Vintage Bear Super Kodiak

[Captain*Kirk]

I've been viewing some of these for sale lately and am feeling the pull.

Does anyone here own one, and if so, your opinion? I know the SK was rumored to be Fred Bear's 'go-to' bow. It would fit in nicely with my other vintage Bears but not sure it there is a whole lot of difference between the SK and other models. Any advice or comments appreciated!

[Pine]

Hard to beat bow. 

[M60gunner]

I have a 73 model I bought new. Although the 55#’s has gotten harder to pull I still manage a few shots. I bought that bow because it was top of line for Bear one piece bows that year. I can’t compare it to other models because I never saw a need to try them. I like it so much I had Rich Lopez refinish it a few years back.

[Captain*Kirk]

Just so happens a '69 Black Beauty waltzed in my front door Friday ( 60" AMO version)
Actually it's more like a 50-year old frumpy hausfrau than a "beauty", but I have plans to spruce it up. Best part is it's a 40#'er that I should be able to shoot in the back yard for 100+ arrows at a time rather than most which are in the 55-65# range, with enough oomph to take afield after whitetails if I feel the need.

[Captain*Kirk]

Well, took some elbow grease, a new Flemish twist string, period correct Bear white calf hair rest and strike plate and other assorted polishes, wax and such to make it shine, but I think it turned out pretty good.

[Pine]

That looks sweet. 

[Captain*Kirk]

Thanks, Dale!

[Captain*Kirk]

I'm here to tell you...of all the vintage Bears I have, this is probably the most accurate of all of them. I had to back up from 17 yards after blowing up a few nocks.

[Pine]

 

[Captain*Kirk]

It's difficult to describe this bow. And since a picture is worth a thousand words, I'll let the picture do the talking.
17 yards

[stagetek]

1967 1/2 thru 1969 are the phenolic years. I like those the best, with the '69 being my favorite. The '69, at least mine, has a slimmer handle and a nicer grip than the other years. The '68 seams "bulky" to me. But, honestly, I don't believe you can go wrong with any of them.