How Many Shoot and LOVE Bear TakeDowns?

[Nala]

Hey all,

One of the things that first got me interested in TRAD bows was seeing a Bear Takedown in one of their catalogs I picked up in a local archery shop one day.  I thought it was one of the most beautiful bows I had ever seen.  Even though I have never actually seen or handled one, I still think it is one of the most beautiful bows out there especially the rosewood versions of a couple years ago.

Since I have been involved in TRAD shooting for many years now I have seen many absolutely gorgeous bows, but the Bear TD's remain on top of my list as a "Holy Grail" bow to get someday.

I'm curious to see how many others out there feel the same way about these bows.  What do you all think?  How about sharing any stories you have about Bear TD bows?  Of course I'd like see some pics if you have them too.

Thoughts?

Thanks for the time.

Nalajr

[cacciatore]

I have your same feeling,in the 80's when i started shooting I was amazed by the beauty of the Custom Kodiak TD,but then I was shooting compounds so I never spent the high $s  buying one.Only in the last 2 years joininig this site, the bug started to work on my mind I begun to buy old Bear bows,being the TD the most sought for beauty and design.being a lefty it is been a little more difficult to find bows because they are rarer.Now I have 9 of them plus several limbs.The best buy as a price,beauty and performances is the Green Stripe,the so called risers made since 1982.They were reintroduced after the original Type1 1969 version.Those GS are enough easy to find,but are becoming everyday more sought,because people are realizing the quality of the construction and the overall performances.The bow is stable,quiet,accurate and forgiving.With the Rose Oak limbs pretty fast and smooth too.I own several custom but the updated Green Stripe has nothing less  that the best ones.

[cacciatore]

[cacciatore]

This is the same bow with the Rose Oak limbs.

[cacciatore]

In action during last elk season.

[cacciatore]

My original Bear bow rack 1983,full of Bear custom Kodiak of various years.

[cacciatore]

The Type 1 is for sure the most collectible,they were introduced in 1969 in 3 lenght configurations:A-B-C.The A is the shortest made in just 300 piece.I am been able to find one last year,but it is 2 years now that I am posting on the classified,looking for a B riser,with out success.I want one really bad and I'll keep looking.Only 400 were offered in B.The C is more a target riser and altrough is the rarest,200,it doesn't make the same high $s sa the other 2.

[cacciatore]

The Green Stripe,costs on the average around a 1/4 of the original Type1 but it is as good.
The last model of TD is the laminated handle reintroduced in the end of the 90's and all along the 00's.It is still a very good riser and it was reoffered in the A lenght,that was discontinued,in the Green Stripe serie.It has a slender handle and was sold with ff capable limbs.The shelf was really much like Fred's personal one.

[cacciatore]

The Rosewood version, still on sale,is the Supreme.It is a gorgeous bow with Zebra wood riser and Rose wood caps for the first serie and then with Zebra and Cocobolo.The limbs are Zebra wood under clear glass.It is a stunning bow but considered too expensive,it is $1400.Yes maybe is expensive but if you love the Bear TD and you can affort it,buy it.It is in the remembrance of the mytical Signature,the top of the TD line.

[cacciatore]

This is a type 1 B riser I sold because it was a RH.I am still looking for a lefty since then.

[cacciatore]

[cacciatore]

You will not be disappointed from a Green Stripe performances.

[GrayRhino]

You've been Bear bitten, big time!  Great looking bows you got there.  

[chris K.]

Shad has a takedown that I really like to shoot, and one that I about stole from him. He had one of his kids here so I didn't beat him down and take his bow from him.
Chris Kiefner

[Cherokee Scout]

I have been a fan of the TDs for a long time. Recently I have become more of a fan of the Mag riser tds than the wood. The wood risers are better looking but the grips available on the Mags help my shooting. Due to shoulder problems I need to shoot very light limbs. If anyone has light limbs, I might be interested.

[Bowwild]

I have the Supreme in A and B handles with two sets of limbs by Bear and a Rose Oak set coming at month's end. Frankly, if I had not heard on this site the Rose Oak limbs are superior performers I would have been satisfied with my factory Bears. I'm a leftie also. The Supremes are very well built and finished.  Some aren't crazy about the slimmed down riser profile but I find the grip and balance very comfortable and effective.

The new TD Bear is making now (replaces the Supreme) is much more affordable as it is made from "actionwoods". It is about $600 LESS than the Supreme and I think would be a very fine buy.

Interestingly, I visited Bear in early October and talked to the manager. When I told him some folks like the bulkier risers of old he said they have actually produced some bulkier risers for a few folks on special order.  Apparently they just don't machine them down quite as slim.  I don't know if they'd do that now though. Frankly, I don't know if I'd second- guess Bear on the riser design even if I could.

One thing I've found. Not all limbs fit on the peg so the latches can be closed on the riser. I'm hoping the Rose Oak limbs I receive soon will fit both risers without issue. If not, I'll have to send the offending riser or the limbs to Rose Oak and have them adjusted.

I don't hunt with my Supremes, at least not this year.  However, these are two of my bows (a blacktail is another) that I shoot regularly even now, during he season. I hunt with a recurve called "The Stick".

[Steve Clandinin]

Hey,thats my buddy Felix !LOL When someone wants to know about bows,especially Bears Felix is a walking book of knowledge with lots of stock to back 'er up.God I wish he could find that Riser he needs.

[cacciatore]

Thanks Steve.

[J. Adams]

great pics!  I've never owned a Bear takedown, but I sure enjoy looking at them.
Thanks for sharing cacciatore  

[zepnut]

There is nothing like the Bear takedowns. Limbs are interchangeable with all the risers. There are people that are making some quality limbs that fit the older risers and as you get older you get lighter limbs and you are still shooting the same riser. Plus the BEST takedown system ever devised period. " target="_blank">http://