Bear Chrystal Light bow???

[NativeArcher]

A buddy of mine is telling me about this Bear Chrystal Light recurve he has, says in great condition with original paperwork and all. Has anyone heard of or any experience with this model. I told him I would like to check it out, he says its worth some $$$$. was just looking for any feedback or info on this model thanks all...matt

[Danny Rowan]

Bear made the bow one year only if I remember correctly. Kodiak Special Deluxe and Kodiak Deluxe I believe were the names. Had a clear glass over wood vaneers. Beautiful bows but there was a problem with the glue and delaming was a problem. They are worth some money to collectors but I would not shoot it.
They are beautiful bows if ya find one in excellent conditon.

Danny

[NativeArcher]

wow that glue issue is really good to know thanks .. matt

[Chris Wilson]

The kodiak delux and kodiak special delux were made in 1960 with crystalight bearglass.  The limbs were maple with zebrawood veneers and clear crystalight glass.  They were made only for that one year. Unfortunately, the crystalight glass was prone to cracking and fogging up and, as Danny mentioned, there was also a serious issue with the glue and many of those bows delaminated.  Finding one that is in "great condition" is quite a find and would be highly desirable to collectors.  If it's in great condition, it's not a bow you'd want to risk stringing and shooting.