Removing the leather grip on 59 Bear Kodiak...

[Huntingnut]

I bought a new 59 Kodiak a few months ago. I love the bow, but the leather isn't wearing as well as I would like. Also, the bow has some really nice grain that is covered. Anybody removed the leather and left it off? How hard is it to get off, and does it noticeably change the grip? It's probasbly the nicest bow I've owned, and thats saying something, I'm just not sure about the grip.

[Blackhawk]

I removed mine and replaced with a better one.  However, I have heard of owners removing the grip completely and love how it looks and shoots.  I say go for it...and may even do the same myself soon.

[Possumjon]

I've been thinking of doing this with mine also, I'm worried about the stickiness left and how to remove it

[Amberjack]

Glad this came up.

I have a 59 without a grip but would like to put one on.  Where would you look for grip material and is there a pattern available?

Jack

[Possumjon]

Originally posted by Amberjack:
Glad this came up.

I have a 59 without a grip but would like to put one on.  Where would you look for grip material and is there a pattern available?

Jack

The other thought I had was trapping a beaver this spring or winter and using the tail  

[tippit]

Search "Replacing Bear leather grips" in the Trad History/Collecting Forum...tippit

[HerbP]

Order beaver tails from big jims you can get one for around 20 bucks and big jim will even tell you how to put them on. It's easy, makes a good grip and looks good. All ya need is saran wrap, warm water, an ace bandage and barge glue.  Done quite a few on all my bows. Herb

[TRAP]

Fred Bear removed the leather grip on his original 59.  So....why not.