Bear (Bow) Experts

[Chain2]

Being I’m from Michigan I’ve started to think about buying a Bear Bow. I see them locally for sale,  CL and in the papers. I have a 31” draw and I’d like to be high to mid #50’s at that length. What model/specs do you guys recommend ? Thanks Guys

[Orion]

With your draw length, I'd recommend a 64- or 62-inch recurve, preferably the 64-inch.  That limits your choices in a newer/contemporary Bear to a Super Kodiak or a Bear TD with a B riser and no.3 limbs. Maybe the new K-4 is also made in that length.  There are some older Bear models that were offered in 64-inch and longer lengths as well. 

If you're measuring your draw length on a compound, it will likely decrease an inch or two when you switch to trad equipment.  That means you could go with something about 2 inches shorter than what I'm recommending.

Certainly can shoot a shorter recurve, and I'm sure others with long draws will attest to that, but the bow is much more likely to stack, and finger pinch will increase, whether you perceive it or not.

On a 50# recurve, the weight will likely increase from 2# to 3# per inch of draw over 28 inches, i.e., 6# to 9# heavier than the weight marked at 28 inches. Thus, you would want a bow marked about 42#-44#@28 inches to achieve 50# at a 31-inch draw length. Not exact, but pretty close.

Good luck on your search. 

[NY Yankee]

Some people with very long draws have and do shoot bows like the Chyanne and Kodiak Magnum which are much shorter bows. I would suggest a 60" Super Kodiak in 45 pounds. At your draw, you will be very close to 50 pounds, if not a couple over, depending on the bow's actual draw weight. A bow marked 45x will be a bit over. X45 will be a bit under. There are many good used Bear bows on the auction sites and classifieds. You don't see much bad written about a Super K.

[Steelhead]

31" is a long way to go
I would look at 64 inch Super Kodiaks,64" Kodiaks and Kodiak Deluxe and or Special Deluxe models in 64 inches or longer.Also the 1959 Kodiak known as 59ers in 64 inch.I have had those models in various years and I think you would have a smooth bow to shoot at your draw.Those are some to look for in your search

They have longer tournament style bows like the Tamerlane as well that would accomidate your draw.

[TIM B]

I'm no expert but shot longbows for 20 some years and then wanted a short fast recurve so bought a 55# Griz - I've shot it for 4 seasons now and it's a great bow with a lotta mojo in it as it has killed a pile of white tails.  But for some of the reasons stated above I been wanting a super kodiak.  So I ordered one in 50# and it should be here next week.  I like that it will have a D97 string and 2" longer and 5# lighter I should be able to hold it back for a extended period of time which was tough w the Griz.  I am 6'4"
Hope this was helpful in some way
Tim B

[Chain2]

Thanks Guys. I appreciate the info.

[Ray Lyon]

B handle takedown with #3 limbs or 64” Super K. Because of your long draw, I agree with other comments and no more than 45# @28” and if 31” draw then you should be 46-49# if you choose a 40#@28”. That’s plenty for whitetail and most other game because of the mechanical advantage of your longer draw.

[Chain2]

Thanks Ray. I’ve never shot one but they look cool.

[Trenton G.]

I've got a 66" Bearcat. I don't know how long of a draw it will take. I draw 29" without a problem and I would think with that length you could get away with longer. I don't know how hard they are too find. Mine is 42@28 so it would be getting close to 50 at your draw.

[mnbwhtr]

I've shot Bear T/d since 1971, had several sets of limbs, you can figure 3-4# per inch. My favorites were #2's on a B rizer 61@28 75@32. I just bought a new pair of #3's(64in), they came in 50 @28 and 57@30. Over the years my draw length has shortened up some as age set in.

[Bill Turner]

The Bear takedown would be my first choice at your draw length. A B-riser and number 3 limbs will offer all the versatility you'll ever need. The Bear takedown has stood the test of time and will be with you for years to come. Buy it, you'll be glad you did.