Bear Kodiak Hunter, Why No Respect?

[Stumpkiller]

I like my '71.  The green Futurewood is a little "70ish".  I have a 30" draw and a friend (with a 27" draw) that was a Martin dealer used to say it was disgusting how I got speed out of a Bear.

Smooth, reliable, and cheap (I paid $60 for mine back in the 90's).  I see a lot of them as bowfishing rigs.

[Horney Toad]

I like the beefy and stable riser. They aren't as collectible as the kodiaks since they aren't as old, but they are a good solid shooting bow.

[Stumpkiller]

Say, there's one out there currently on "The Bay" that somebody sure expects respect for.  He's started it off at $325.00!  But it does come with a bow quiver.  I guess the market for them sure must be picking up big-time!    

[Frank V]

Originally posted by Jack Shanks:
Frank,

 I was just messing with you. My long term memory is still pretty good it's the short term I have trouble with.

Now, what were we talking about?

Uhhhh let's see it was bows?        
I really do like the  Hunter.
Frank

[Frank V]

Originally posted by Jack Shanks:
Frank,

 I was just messing with you. My long term memory is still pretty good it's the short term I have trouble with.

Now, what were we talking about?

Uhhhh let's see it was bows?      
I really do like the Kodiak Hunter.
Frank

[Larry m]

I still think it's a bargain shooter for the money. The later years of production were certainly the nicer looking and can still be found at reasonable prices!

[brianbfree]

I picked one up on an auction site that had been refinished and whoever did the job did it well I paid $199.00 its 48# and 58 AMO I enjoy shooting a lot it shoots straight and hits hard. I draw 29 inches so I get a little more out of her.

[Pack animal]

Morning all
I have a LH 1969 Kodiak Hunter which on my scale registers 64# @ 28"
I have also owned a 1954 Kodiak (73#), a 1956 Grizzly(60+#), a 1957 Polar(63#), and a 1957 Kodiak( 60+#) ...(( I listed these because they are all somewhat comparable in poundage))
I also have a Grizzly and a Super Kodiak of comparable year manufacture(but lesser poundage).

My feeling is compared to the other 60+ poundage bows, the Kodiak Hunter seems to be more a "Brutish" shooter( it just seems to have a harder punch.  Kind of like a "heavy" thug brawler compared to the finesse and graceful lightness of the others).  
Compared to the Grizzly and Super Kodiak of comparable yr, The Kodiak Hunter does not feel as light in my grip or seem as fast as the Grizzly.  And it does not even come close to the smoothness and shooting pleasure of the Super Kodiak.
As for shape; the Kodiak Hunter also lacks the smooth trim graceful shape of many of the other Bear bow lines, but to me there is a certain seductiveness to its shape.  A feeling of how comfortingly purposeful the KH sits in my hand, as if it belongs there, coiled ready to strike.... never at rest.
All that being said; people who know nothing of bows, when looking at mine, often will point to the Kodiak Hunter and ask "whats that??"...
And my final thoughts; the #1 bow I liked taking to the woods is the Kodiak Hunter, and #2 was the 1957 Kodiak(which is also one of the few bows I regret selling).

[damascusdave]

Pack animal you say the Kodiak Hunter seems to have a harder punch and then say the Grizzly is faster...I often hear or see in print things like that and just cannot get my scientist brain around it...the simple fact is that the same weight arrow at higher velocity will have great energy or "punch"...shoot a comparable draw weight 64 inch 1960 Kodiak, either the regular one or the Deluxe, and you will soon lose interest in those other Bears

DDave

[Robert Marvin]

punch=handshock?

[Pack animal]

Dave; I believe what your "scientist brain" has to say.  I have not clocked either bow's arrow speed, so my assessment is based simply on my perception at the time.  It would be fun  some time to do a little more side-by-side scientific analysis(as we know sometimes perception is nowhere close to reality...)

Robert; The Kodiak Hunter never seems too "shocky" to me.... But then again I shoot a .44 Mag revolver one handed and don't complain about the punch on my wrist from it...:-)

[Jon Stewart]

Dad shut the doors on the family archery shop in 68.  I got home from the Marines in 69 and my welcome gift was a 68 Kodiak Hunter.  That will always be my favorite bow.