New Bear bows at Denton Hill

[droptine59]

I want to vomit!

In speaking with several of the reps in the booth, not a one was on the same page and when I addressed the quality of the bows vs. the bows of the 60’s & 70’s (material, shape, etc.) they advised  they are not a custom bow company and mass produce the bows via machinery. They also cited they cannot find a wood source. I stated  “gimmie a break” , I am a small time schmuck and I can find quality wood all day long and in volume. In speaking to several of them, they assumed the glazed over look as if they where staring right through me. In speaking to other collectors, they felt the same way. Bear just is NOT getting the picture. I felt insulted.

[kevin braun]

the foundation and views of a company will often pass on with the founder of the company.  Fred's passing brought on new decision makers.  It's no longer about quality and tradition. it is only about $$$.  Look how much the values of the large national chain changed after Sam passed away.(remember the only made in USA view)is long gone.

[brinkwolf]

Boy you got that right Kevin....

[mmisciag]

Large commercial operation not focused on this part of the business. Marketing is not telling them the right message. They are just doing their time.

You can't put that type of person in the "passion pit" that is ETAR. It's no wonder their eyes glazed over. They don't build bows, they sell them.

I did hear a few people saying this was new to have Bear onsite. They were happy to have it.

It sounds to me that they are trying to get back in the game. I think they are going to have a hard time.

BTW - I have a Bear Montana. It shoots fine and I didn't need the sales person from Bear to help me out. It was my first commerically made bow. I just ordered a Leon Stewart 3 pc TD Slammer. I can see his passion. NOT the same as the Bear Archery business.

[vtmtnman]

I shot the new TD and I thought it was one hell of a fine bow.The fit and finish wasn't that bad either.I spent time talking to one rep there as well.It was good to see them there anyways.

[Migra Bill]

The statement "I can't find a wood source." translates to -

"It is very difficult to find a wood source so that we can produce a bow for 40 bucks and sell it for $700."

[PAPA BEAR]

bingo bill.

[the force]

I just hope the new ones look half way as good as the old ones and shoot just as good

[PAPALAPIN]

ESCALADE = Last nail in Bear Archery coffin

[portugeejn]

Not to be negative or anything, but why would I want to purchase a newly made Bear bow that will loose half its value by the time it gets to my house, when I could spend $1400 on some really nice Bear bows that will be worth that much or more in a few years.  I just don't imagine I will be purchasing any new Bear bows.  Just new to me Grayling bows.

RonP

[reddogge]

"I just hope the new ones look half way as good as the old ones and shoot just as good"

Sorry to dissapoint you the force but I saw the offerings and they don't measure up to the old stuff.  Not even close.  Didn't shoot any though, couldn't get past the looks and feel in the hand.

Same thing happened to Winchester rifles in 1964 and they've been wandering adrift in the desert for the last 46 years.

[the force]

We need to      that they take everyone that was theres advice

[Craig Schoneberg]

A few months ago I emailed Bear Archery in resference to the new Supreme Takedown and their "Right hand available in: 45-60#. Left hand in 50-55# only." Asking why, since the limbs are interchangable, I can't order 60# limbs on a left handed takedown.  This is the response I received -   This is the response I received -  "In the past few years, our company has trimmed the traditional line of a lot of the left handed versions due to lack of demand."  

I replied, thanking them for the response, but went on to tell them that I own right and left hand Bear Takedowns, and ALL the limbs are interchangable.  Their 'customer care' rep didn't have a clue as to what I was talking about.  Just thought it was sad to see some employees of Bear Archery not having a working knowledge of their products.
Craig

[michaelschwister]

I say welcome and glad you came. However, you could get alot better bow  for alot less money in some of the other booths, and the guy who made the bow is standing there talking with you.

[jcar315]

Lots of sage advice / opinions voiced from Maryland to Nebraska. Thanks guys!

[jeff w]

Funny!

[COMPOUNDLESS IN CONCRETE]

Look at Martin Archery, I bet when Gail Martin dies, the tradtional line will probably go as well.

[owlbait]

Man, if they would've only known who you were and that you had all these connections here. Have they even heard of tradgang? Someone pass the word to them so we can help them out.

[Red Beastmaster]

I picked one bow from the rack and was very disappointed to feel the same crappy grip. The shelf is almost an inch above the hand and the throat is way too narrow.

They really had a chance to start over but missed the mark by a long shot.

[the force]

Maybe theyll reedo some stuff before the new ones come out they still got a few months