1958 Blonde kodiak Special ( I stand corrected)

[Jacquesbonin]

Well gang, I recieved a 1958 Bonde Kodiak Specialfrom Ron Bickle last week. I decided to use wood arrows and compete in our state Championship,held in Andover,Mass. This event was put on by the Andover Sportsman Club. They did an awsome job setting the course, smaller targets with smaller kill zones. the first half was set mostly broadside, very enjoyable. The second half, very interesting,targets are now angled,uneven footing and shooting up and down at a very steep angle. After thouroughly enjoying the shooting and the competitors I shot with, I won the event against the ILF rigs and carbon arrows. Using a 54 year old bow and wood arrow was my challenge and through the grace of God, I was able to accomplish the deed! Ron as well as others thought I should share this story with Trad Gang members and the "BEAR" enthusiast!
My name is Jacques Bonin from Goffstown,N.H. You will find shooting weekends with a different bow just about every weekend. This actually gives me the opportunity to experience the shoting available back in time ,the time period these older bows were produced. Hope you enjoyed this story and may you be so inspired! Thanks,Jacques
Here are the specs on the bow:
          A
        XW327
         66"
         63#
 it has the dried grass colored glass back and belly, no white on it that I can see. Just a good shooting bow,period. I wonder if the 57 brown glass model of the same draw weight would perform the same? Thanks for any info you can deliver on actual year, and your thoughts on the performance of the 1957 Kodak Special vs the 1958 Thanks,Jacques

[vintage-bears]

Hi Jacque. Congratulations my friend!
As Rich has stated, the bow you have there is a Kodiak. The blonde as you put it is maple. White glass is what Bear Archery used on the Kodiak in 1958. If it has brown glass and a single shelf, it would be a 1957 Kodiak. Both awesome shooters.

The Super Kodiak was introduced 1967 mid year.

.......Philip

[cacciatore]

Congrats for your victory with a so old bow against modern bows and staff.

[Larry m]

58 Bear Kodiak, Wood Arrows and winning the State Championship. Nothing better then that!!!
Congratulations
Very Well Done..........

Can you post any pics of your bow and the stats of your set up? Shaft, spine, weight, fletch, etc..

[Jacquesbonin]

The bow has "KODIAK Special" written on the upper belly side of limb. I bougth it off the classified 10 days or so ago. I don't use photo shop,although I have photo's fron Ron I could email to someone. I used 60#shafts,3 white left wing fletching and cut to 27" to the back of 145grain heads. I draw 25.5, this bow is 63#s at 28", that being said, I probably draw around 57-58#s on this bow. And I didn't do anything other than use a stringer to string the bow, I believe the brace height to be 7 and3/4", I didn't even change the nockset that was on the flemish twist string. I couldn't be happier with the bow and the outcome. Send me an email address and I will send out pictures! Thanks guys,Later,Jacques

[vintage-bears]

[email protected]

Thanks Jacque ......Philip

[Jacquesbonin]

Now,I just looked at the 58 Kodiak, listed further down this same page and that bow is white glass, my bow is definately dried grass color, not a yellowed finish as I have had many a mature bow which had yellowed. Very interesting. Any clues as to the difference, guys? Thanks,Jacques

[Jack Shanks]

The 1957 & 58 Kodiak Specials had tan glass back and belly. You can see the difference in the two from this excellent identification guide Wade Phillips posted some time ago.

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=002059;p=1

[Jacquesbonin]

Jack that was awsome! I appreciate the response. I really haven't been keeping up on the different models,years offered and the changes. I just know what I like, and that is anything old! Shooting this Kodiak Special and shooting it well, validates my feelings. This bow may be one of the bows I carry on the tribute hunt to "Fred Bear" this october. Thanks for your help, I will keep everyone posted on any interesting finds. Jacques

[mullet]

I have one with the same spec's except it's 45#. It is in mint condition with the original box, quiver, and arrows I just had reflechted. It is one of the finest shooting bows I own.Congratulations on providing it a new home.

[Robertfishes]

Ya Mullet that is one fine bow you have there! I was looking it over today at LongHammock...

[Shane Reed]

congrats! I sure hope the replica field bow your making will be with you at the tribute hunt. Cant wait to come over your place!