Bear Montana or Patriot

[joekeith]

What's the difference between these two bows?  Has anyone here shot both of these?  If so could you tell me what ya like about, or dislike about each one.  Any thoughts or opinions appreciated.  

[ron w]

The grip is the biggest differance, I think, also the price. I have 2 Montanas and really like them. One is 50# and one is 55#, both are kinda generic but I shoot them as well as anything I have. Plus a friend told me that I did'nt need a haul line from my stand, he said you could just throw it down and you would'nt hurt it, lol.

[SlowBowinMO]

I have shot both, and I have owned a Patriot for several years.  Like Ron said, the grip is quite a bit different, I have large palms so I appreciate the larger grip on the Patriot.  Compared side by side the Patriot is a good bit faster than the Montana.  I personally think the new Patriots are overpriced but they are a good buy used.  Like many hybrids, the Patriot shoots very well at a fairly low brace, mine is at 6 1/2".  Bows are a very personal thing so if you're able to handle and shoot both prior to buying you'll likely have a preference.

[bgram]

Like Tim has stated, I totally agree.  I had a 55# Montana a couple years ago. It was a good, dependable shooter, not the fastest, but it was always consitent, as long as you could line your hand up right.  I've just recently picked up a Patriot from a member on here.  It's a 50#'er, grip is totally different, not blocky, but it's contured to fit your hand.  Speed difference is a big noticeable difference.  The Patriot is faster, without a doubt.  I really like it, still playing with the tuning and such on it though.  If you can find a used Patriot, it'd be well worth the money.  If you are on a budget, or money is tight, the Montana is still a good bow for the money and durability.

[kevgsp]

Have a 50lb montana and really like it. My only complaint is I have a wide hand and the montanas grip is only 4" long.