New Bear bows

[Wheels2]

I was checking out the new Bear recurves.  I am impressed.  Has anyone bought and shot one of the new bows?  I love the looks of the takedown

[Elmer Fudd]

wheels2, I haven't shot one of the new ones, but a lot of people say go with the Martin. I just purchased two older Bears through this sites classified listings and I am amazed at no stacking even at my 29 1/2 draw length. Both bows were marked at 28 inch. The Grizzly mid 70's manufacture, 58 length, 50lbs. The Polar, mid 60's manufacture, 64 inch length,44lbs. I expected the Polar to be smooth with a longer design and it's like butter. The Grizzly was a pleasant surprise. If the new bows are constructed similarly, they should be fine, but I'm ignorant on the modern construction differences. My bows are not for sale, but you might consider an older bow. They are cheaper than new, hold their value and no more risk financially than you would loose on a new bow if you decide to sell. Also, I've seen some pretty cool reproductions out there that, while expensive, are absolutely gorgeous.

[Elmer Fudd]

Wheels2, I shoot better than I spell.

[huntin_sparty]

I bought the 50th anniversary Kodiak Magnum not the prettiest but great shooter and no stack or pinch for a 52 inch bow at my 28.125 draw.  real happy with it, it is currently wearing the quiver which means #1 bow!

[arrowslinger22]

I've seen them and shot the Kmag and the Ausable.  I have a 64 kmag and I'd never trad it for the new one.  The 64 is twice the bow of the new one.  The Ausable is nice enough, but for the price you can do much better from many of the custom bowyers that are sponsors on this site.  JMHO

[jamesh76]

I also would stick with the older bears. For the price of a new one you can get a custom that is alot nicer. As others have also said.

[Bowwild]

I bought the new TD with A Riser and #3 limbs. I ordered it on January 7th and it arrived in mid-April.  Both appear to be very well made. The limbs fit perfectly and the riser feels good in the hand. I really like the wood and color combinations of this TD.

I bought and sold two Green Stripes this winter. I much prefer the new Riser (at least the A) over than the older Greenies.

My only complaint with the new riser is that the grip is a bit thicker (face to back) than I like. I'm not a ball dunker and this grip is 5.25" in circumference. I prefer grips that are under 5". My favorite Bear TD grip is the just discontinued Supreme -- it is closer to 4.25".

I find the bow very easy to shoot and the limbs weigh out, on very accurate digital scales higher than they feel (and significantly higher than Bear marked on them).

I haven't shot one but I've handled the 50th Anniversary Super K with green glass. I like it, but I'd prefer to find a LH Super K from 1967.5-1972 or so.

[huntin_sparty]

Originally posted by arrowslinger22:
I've seen them and shot the Kmag and the Ausable.  I have a 64 kmag and I'd never trad it for the new one.  The 64 is twice the bow of the new one.  The Ausable is nice enough, but for the price you can do much better from many of the custom bowyers that are sponsors on this site.  JMHO

Can you send it to me so I can try it out side by side to my new piece of junk?    

[arrowslinger22]

The new kmag is not "a piece of junk".  I didn't say that, sorry if it came off that way.  Specifically, I am very particular about the grip on a bow and my 64' fits and the new ones don't.  The wood combination is nicer on the 64 as well.  Like I said in my first post, it's JMHO and that's all.  I apologize for any offended by my comments.

[Blackhawk]

I feel Bear is certainly back on the right track with the 2011 lineup.  

For the past 20 years, I never gave them a second look and always favored the bows from Grayling.  

The current takedown is good looking, shoots fantastic, and fairly priced (just $799 for the TD).  I have only shot the A riser with #1 limbs (56") and found it to my liking even when drawing over 28"

The complaint about the bigger grip is common and I would not be surprised to see them improve that in future models.  Personally, I found the grip very acceptable.

[huntin_sparty]

Originally posted by arrowslinger22:
The new kmag is not "a piece of junk".  I didn't say that, sorry if it came off that way.  Specifically, I am very particular about the grip on a bow and my 64' fits and the new ones don't.  The wood combination is nicer on the 64 as well.  Like I said in my first post, it's JMHO and that's all.  I apologize for any offended by my comments.

No offense taken just having some fun.  I wish I could have a collection of bear bows from different eras but I need to hold at 5 bows to keep under my wife's radar for now!

[awbowman]

I shot the new T/D and found it at least comparable to the oldies.

[doug77]

I shot a Grayling green Kodiak in Waterloo this winter and I was very inpressed with how it looked and shot. I just prefer the old ones.

doug77

[Ragnarok Forge]

$800 for a factory bow?  No way!  I buy full on custom bows for that price.  Wait a year or two and the used bows will be half that price.

[frankwright]

There is a good article in this month's Bowhunter magazine telling all about Bear Archery.

New people in charge of the Traditional line and some old ones coming back to lend advice.
They appear to do a lot of hand work but I agree, that is custom bow prices.

[michigan bill]

I was handling the "new" Grizzly with the reddish handle and black glass limbs at Cabelas the other day.  I'll tell ya, for $330 it looked real good to me.  I looked closely at its fit and finish and it appeared really well constructed to me.
All the other models seem overpriced to me.
Bill

[newell38]

are other american made " factory" bows selling for cheaper somewhere else or am I missing something?

[Bowwild]

I have "factory bows" (3) that cost as much or more than these bears, by quite a lot. My custom bows (except the classified purchases) cost hundreds more. I'm sure there are customs that are less than the ones I prefer, but there you go.

If one can find the spec they need in the classifieds I think it is a terrific thing to buy there:

1. Save some mone.
2. If resale occurs you'll lose less.
3. A fellow Trad Ganger benefits.
4. Weeks, months, even  years waiting can be saved.

I'm a fan of Bear but that doesn't drive my decision to buy a bow. In fact, I'm intriqued by the new green glass Super K.  However, I think Brandon at Rose Oak makes a superior bow in all aspects (Super Wildcat). If I can stand the wait, don't mind spending $400 more, and can turn my back on nostalgia, another one will be in my future. That Macassar & Phenolic with Curly Maple limb veneers is gorgeous and I already know they shoot great!

[Blackstick]

In a previous post I said it took 17 weeks for my order of an “A” riser. I went back and looked at a calendar and it was actually 18 weeks. To be fair, it was somewhat of a special order as I had Bear leave out the threaded inserts. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but it does mean that they are trying to listen to the customer. The only quality problem that I can see is with the glue holding down the rug rest. Other than that I couldn’t be happier and am seriously thinking about a new Super K. That’s something I wouldn’t have done 10 years ago.

[C Kerley]

I just saw that Bear donated a new takedown to be raffled at Compton...good move Bear Archery!