Bear '59 Grizzly

[K2]

I know I couldn't afford a '59 Kodiak so I ended up getting a '59 Grizzly.  How does the Grizzly stack up against the Kodiak.  The Grizzly seems to be similar in design to the Kodiak.  Thanks for any info.  Ken

[alaskabowhunter]

a lot of guys like them, the "working man's" bow. I am sure Bjorn will chime in here, he loves those '59 grizzly's. they sure have great laminations, a lot more work to fabricate a '59 Griz compared to a '59 Kodiak.

[Jeremy]

I love the '59 Grizzly!  The Kodiak my be a little faster... don't really know, don't really care - mine both shoot the same arrows (Grizz is 53#, Kodiak is 52#).  Early draw weight is higher for the Kodiak b/c of the limb design (more deflex coming off the riser and more string contact on the limb at brace) and it stores more energy.  The Grizz is a little quieter than the Kodiak with a bare string (less string contact = less slap) and is a very sweet shooting bow!

I'm hunting with a '59 Grizz this year  

[Migra Bill]

No one has mentioned the one big difference - the wood! If astetics mean anything to you those exotic rosewoods, bubbinga, purple heart etc. used on the Kodiaks make those Michigan Rock Maples on the Grizzlys look a little.... umm. shall we say... less impressive.

[Jeremy]

Here are some '59s.  I think the Grizz holds it's own against the Kodiak in the looks department, and my Kodiak is stunning!

 

The Kodiak is on the far right, followed by the KSpecial and then the Grizz.  The pic doesn't show it well, but the rosewood Ibeam on the Grizz is gorgeous.  I'll see if I can hunt down a better pic.

[K2]

Jeremy,

The one I have looks jsut like your Grizzly, but not that good of shape.  What can I put on the wood to make it look refreshed.  The wood looks a little dry.  Thanks.  Ken

[TRAP]

Ken, if you bought the one that ended last night on the auction site it appeared to be in excellent shape.  A little bit of Bowdoc's polish or some sort of clearcoat conditioner will make it shine.  

Good Luck with the Grizz, I love all the 62" Grizzlies but the 59 is my favorite.  The colors just look like autumn to me.  

Trap

[K2]

Trap,

Yes I finally won one.  I tried for the'59 Grizzly that ended Sunday but was beat out by someone who came in at the last few seconds.  Oh well, at least I finally got one.  I really want to get a '59 Kodiak but the prices are too high for me.  I just retried from the military and money is tight so I will start off with the Grizz.  It looks like you have some nice ones.  If you ever want to get rid of one let me know.  Thanks.  Ken

[Horney Toad]

The laminated wood on a griz with the glass colors is a cool vintage vibe for sure.

[Danny Rowan]

I have a 1960 grizz, looks just like the 59 except the tips are fiberglass on the 60 and linen phenolic on the 59, that is 65# and is the quietest bow I have ever shot. I love it. I also will any day now have a 1962 Grizz that is 60#. I want one other Bear and that is a 1962 Kodiak at 60#, one of these days I hope to find one.

Danny

[Bjorn]

"How does the Grizzly stack up against the Kodiak"
We are talking 59 and 60 Kodiaks and Grizzlies for comparison here-kluzakid?
As someone said the Kodiaks can look more beautiful to many eyes; mine included.  
The Grizzly is a great compromise.......62"-not 60" or 64" and to many people that feels just right.
The Grizzlies are definitely more affordable, and really good value.
As far as shooting? The wood played a bigger role in those days, so there are some bows that are just 'better' in feel and performance than others and there were many that were not marked right either! LOL!!
I think a 60" Kodiak will out perform the Grizzly, and the Grizzly beats the 64" Kodiak, for those drawing under 30".

[K2]

Thanks guys. The one I got was 62"; 45@28.  Should be here in a few days.  Ken

[One eye]

I had a '59 Grizzly that was very beautiful.  It was sold in a fit of stupidity.  On the hunt for another.
Dan