Bear or Martin Recurve ?

[oldway]

I was just looking for some thoughts on the Bear Super Kodiak vs the Martin Hunter,from anyone who has shot or owned either of them.All opinions would be appreciated.

[Gray Buffalo]

I would go with the Bear. I've shot them both and I feel the bear is smoother.  MHO

[RC]

I have had both. The bear seemed more forgiving to me but the Hunter was faster. RC

[AkDan]

I really liked my damon howatt hunter.

One thing I did was take a file to the handle and shelf.  I put that shelf down lower to my hand.  Man that thing was a hummer!  Ugly what I did to it but it helped immensely!  

Unfortunately I broke that puppy on a concrete wall while biking home from the range.  Been wanting to replace that one ever since!

[damascusdave]

Are you talking about a brand new Super Kodiak and a brand new Howatt Hunter...I have had a 1990 Howatt Hunter for some time and currently have a 1970's Super Kodiak and a 1967 1/2 Super Kodiak...I had and sold a 1976 Super Kodiak...I like/liked all of them although they all have some differences in feel...if you want a bow that weighs 2 3/4 pounds the phenolic Super Kodiak is the only way to go...if you like a bow that weighs considerably less either the Hunter or a wood Super K would be your choice...in the end they are all about what you are able to put on them for a string...a good string will make them all better bows and a poor string will leave you disappointed...DDave

[Brock]

I prefer the looks and feel of the Hunter...especially older Damon Howatt Hunters if talking vintage.  I am not a Bear guy...other than maybe getting a 63 Dogleg since it is year of birth or a reproduction 59...hahaha.

If going new the Bear may shoot a little smoother but would see if you can shoot them both to see what feels best in your hand.

If vintage....just got to pick the one that catches your eye and stirs your soul....  Or go try some others too...Pearson, Wing, Browning, Howatt or vintage Bear and get a piece of history along with great performing bows.  I dont think you can do much better than a nice vintage recurve from these guys...I prefer the Explorer II or Safari II myself by Browning.  

[oldway]

I"m thinking of the newer models of the Bear and Martin,not the vintage bows.Thanks for the input.

[Terry Lightle]

Bear!

[AkDan]

a 90s hunter with the purpleheart riser is a pretty sweet piece!   not what I'd call vintage unless you're calling me out as being OLD LOL  :D

[dirtguy]

I love this topic.  With all the excellent custom bows out there I think that these two brands are sometimes short changed.  I own 2 Damon Howatt Hunters and love those bows.  I own Bear bows and while I don't own a Super k I have shot them and really like them too.  I don't think you can go wrong with either bow.  I think my Howatt Hunters fling the arrow very fast, but then again I felt that the Super Ks I've shot did too.  In the end you ought to shop used and buy one of each!

[Pointer]

I own a couple of each...old and new hunters and old Kodiaks. I love the bows. Howatt is quicker and Kodiak a little smoother on the draw. Can't go wrong with either so shoot both and choose one!  Good Luck

[Whitetailarcher]

I have an older Hunter. Can't really compare the two but I like the Hunter - very comfortable and a hard shooter - fairly quiet.

[Whitetailarcher]

I have an older Hunter. Can't really compare the two but I like the Hunter - very comfortable and a hard shooter - fairly quiet.