Before we get started, I want to say this is meant to be a fun post. I am a hard working American and I have $500 or so bucks I want to spend in the near future on a project bow to reward myself for something I am proud of accomplishing.
I want a Bear recurve pretty dang bad. Fred Bear is a hero and I want to have a bow he designed. Before I get into the specifics of my request, I want to say I know there are better custom bows to be had out there and I know there might be better production bows I could buy. Don't worry, I will eventually get them. But seriously, right now my sights are set on a new production Bear recurve and I need your help choosing one. I recently handled every model at a trad shoot. Though I did not get to shoot them (impatient wife), I liked the grips and the feel of them all. I know I could get a used one for cheap, but I have been burned so many times buying or accepting used guns, cars, dogs, cats, and boats, I am not willing to do that unless the seller is willing to come to my house and let me shoot the bow until I am satisfied it will not blow up on me, kill me, disintegrate in my hands, attack me, or steal my wife. I figure a new bow with a warranty is my safest bet.
Now the specifics: I draw 26" and can shoot up to 60# comfortably. Looking for a bow in the 50#+ range for all legal wildlife in the great state of Georgia. I am considering the Super Mag 48, Kodiak Magnum, Grizzly, Super Grizzly, and Super Kodiak. Let me know what gets your vote and why. I eventually want to own every model, but I am looking for a fun one to start with. Ideally, I would like one that hits like a hammer with heavy aluminum arrows. It need not be whisper quiet, without hand shock, or even attractive. It just needs to be a new Bear recurve.
I have what you need. PM sent. You post might get pulled. There is a classified on here that you have to pay for.
I am not soliciting the site for bows for purchase. I am simply looking for recommendations on which model to purchase from a licensed dealer based on the recommendation of fans of Bear Archery bows. Thank you for your response.
Take a drive to Big Jim's shop in Albany, Ga. He is THE Bear dealer in the southeast. Shoot all the models and choose.
Yep, I would suggest shooting them before buying one. Everyone is different and buy different styles for various reasons.
With that said...Personally, I prefer a longer bow so the 48 and KMag would not be at the top of my list. (although I own 2 KMag). I would save a little more and get a kodiak.
Good luck.
My choice is and always has been the SK. I own TD's as well but only for being able to change limbs. I shoot my SK better, it's lighter to carry and a lot easier to quiet down..
Only issue I see you may have is your $ limit. I also recommend you try before you buy. It would be worth the trip to a dealer like Big Jim or at least to a dealer were you could shoot a few arrows before forking over the cash.
Good luck with you quest, TomM, Semper Fi
My vote is for the Super Kodiak. As we all know, Fred loved the Kodiak, which is why I love the Kodiak. I love it so much so that I purchase a 1965 Kodiak (the year of my birth). That said, today you can buy the next best thing, the Super Kodiak. If I had the desire to spend more cash, I would buy the 60" takedown in 50#. Fred loved that bow too and it has been an enduring design that lasts even today!
I am willing to save up some more for the Super Kodiak or the Takedown. Actually, I was really considering the Takedown, but I heard they were not as powerful as the Super Kodiaks.
I guess another way I should have put my request would be: If you wanted someone to experience how good Bear bows are, which bow would you suggest?
Thanks for all the responses so far.
I absolutely love the feel of my '65 Kodiak, esp. the grip! I've never shot the takedown, but I will own one someday.
No question the 59 remake.
If new, a '59 or a SK would be my choice. Used opens up many more possibilities. Any of the Kodiaks are great bows and a 64-67 Grizzly is one of the best shooting bows I know of.
X2 on the 59 those mothers are sweeeetttt !!!
I've owned Grizzly, Super K, and the various TDs. From your list it would be the Super K hands down. I like a more massive riser than the Grizzly.
Good bows all though.
With a new generation Bear, new with a warranty is definitely a good idea LOL. Just a personal bias of mine. Ok ok, there are plenty of good used newer Bears out there, you just have to find one hehehe.
Definitely if Big Jim is within 3 hours or less drive of your home I suggest calling him to set up a shooting day. He has a range with 3D targets on the property. He and his crew are as good as it gets for customer service!
My vote if you favor a shorter bow friendly for blinds, treestand, or thick woods/brush would be the KMag. For your draw a Super'48 would work excellent, and they shoot great too but I found the 48 is a bit hard to be consistent with past 20 yds unless your form and release is really top shelf. The Kmag isn't much longer but its enough to be a good bit more forgiving.
My next vote if you favor a longer 1pc bow is the 59 Kodiak Replica. Bear did this one right.
Lastly I say skip the SK and get the 60" Takedown. And with the Takedown honestly I wouldn't worry about buying used, just buy from a vetted seller, and you can always find and play with other limbs if one set of limbs have problems. IMHO the speed thing you mentioned would not be noticeable to the naked eye or even on a point on shot, some guys claim the 1pc bow transmits a little more energy but its nothing to bite nails over.
Also, whatever you do, the stock strings Bear supplies with their bows are an absolute afterthought. Me personally, I'd only keep it as a spare if at all. Get a well made custom string made from BCY-X or Brownells Fury and you will transform the bow.
Super kodiak there fast, smooth, forgiving and quite to boot. Mine was an early 70s model, got dumb and sold it I kick myself every time I see one. I've shot a lot of bear bows none touch a SK in my opinion. But that's just me
I went through this a year ago, but left the wife at home. I was looking at the same choices, shot them all at an archery shop. Then I shot that new Kodiak, then shot some more, then ate dinner, then went back and shot it again. I ended up getting that bow. I love it. I also draw 26', it's 45 lbs, perfect for me. I suggest you follow these guy's advice and make the drive for a test run. But shoot the Kodiak last. Bring your $500 and wife's credit card to pay the balance.
I'm watching this post closely as I have found myself in the same boat. I have shot Hill longbows exclusively for a number of years, but can't get the idea of a Bear recurve out of my head. Great stuff so far!
I've had & shot Bear recurves, all my life. The Grizzlys, were always my favorites!!! I have 7 of them, ranging in dates from 1967-1972. Killed a bunch of deer with them!!! The Grizzlys were always touted as "The Working Man's Bow" (& they are as hard working as he is!) That said...
Ever since I was a kid, I have always wanted a Kodiak T/D. Back in 1984 while working part time in an Archery Shop, Bowhunter's Warehouse was selling them for $295. It was the only recurve bow they carried. Dang, I thought, I could buy a top of the line compound for that price!? (Stupid me!) So... I kept shooting & hunting with my Grizzlys, and I was happy with that! Untill...
A few years ago, we settled our Union Contract. We all got a fat "back pay" check. New cars showed up in the parking lot, guys bought boats & campers, I had something differant in mind... I called Big Jim!!! I ordered a Two Tone "A" handle riser, with 50# number 1 limbs. I was now, the proud owner, of the Bear Kodiak T/D I had wanted for 40 years!!!
Call Big Jim, make the trip, shoot them all!!
You'll be glad you did.....!!!!!
I have owned many fine, custom recurves in my long career as a bow shooter. Currently I have four curves on the rack--all are Bears. I like them every bit as well as any of the "customs" I had which are all gone now. I own a SK, a TD, and the 59 reintro. Recently I picked up a 1963 Grizzly just cause I wanted to play with one of the older classics--and that bow holds its own with my others. Of the Bears, I guess my preference is for the Super Kodiak--nothing about that bow not to like.
That being said, no one can help you pick the bow that is right for you. As suggested, go some place where you can get hands-on experience. It might surprise you which one turns out to be "the one".
With a 26" draw I feel like the Super Mag and Kodiak mag need serious consideration as well. Any fans of those two? How do they compare?
Thanks everyone who has responded so far. Keep the responses coming. I just found out I am getting a gain share payout from my job so this is definitely happening.
The K-Mag & SuperMag, are awesome bows, for folks with "normal" draw lengths. (28" & under) They really shine in a blind or tree stand! However... They seem to be less "forgiving" of a poor release, or bad form...?? I loved my 1967 K-mag, but the Grizzlys just seem to shoot & carry nicer with a bow quiver on them... JMHO
"Actually, I was really considering the Takedown, but I heard they were not as powerful as the Super Kodiak's".
Not as powerful? What the heck does that mean?
Not as powerful.
QuoteOriginally posted by ahab78:
Not as powerful.
Are you close to Big Jim's? If so, go and ask if he has a chronograph you can use when test shooting bows.
45@28 is 45@28. Depending on how clean your release is, all bows equal in weight should be relatively close in speed of cast of an arrow weighing the same and properly tuned. Some designs are better at transferring the energy to the arrow which will increase arrow speed, but Bear bows are Bear bows. The Bear takedown was THE bow Fred Bear used once it was designed.
If you take a peek at the photo in my avatar, that is Fred's hand and his TD he was shooting in the mid 80s. The bow was well over a decade old when the photo was taken. There is no telling how many game animals fell to the "not as powerful" bow.
So, Red's question simply asked if you could clarify what you mean by "not as powerful", but in a colorful way. ;)
Do you mean speed? Kinetic energy? Or are you repeating only what you have heard? How informed was that opinion? There are many variables that can influence "not as powerful."
There are very seasoned and wise archers on here, many who were hunting and shooting in the 50s, and some maybe in the 40s. It's like listening to the 25 year Gunny we all hear about. He's been there and done that. He tries to steer the young boots down the correct path to success.
We are here to help.
Thank you, Bud! Well said...
There are some of us here, who have been "around awhile"... There are some things we hear & read, that to us "old guys" sound funny, & make no sense... (bare shaft tuning...? I always shot my arrows, with feathers on them?) I guess sometimes, we can seem a little "sarcastic", but as Bud said, we are all here to help!!!
Really depends on what you want to do with it. If you aren't worried about a blind then a SuperK would be my choice. I have a blind that I turkey hunt out of and the only Bow I have that will work in it is the SuperMag; even a KMag is pretty clumsy in it. I shoot the Grizzly and SuperK about the same so I went with it just because it is a bit handier. I find 58" to be a good compromise length. You really need to shoot them for yourself though.
I owned a beauty of a super K that I of course regret selling now. Both of my brothers shoot the new super K takedowns. One of them hunts and shoots his as his primary bow, shoots 3-4 deer and a turkey with each each year. He owns widows and a slew of other high end bows but he always says he shoots it so well and just likes it so much it's his go to bow. The things beat to piss from hard hunting and still solid as a rock. I haven't shot the new 59's but their beautiful and I'd love to own one at some point.
Also depending on what your doing the takedowns so nice because it of course can be taken down. We canoe, backpack, bike, skydive (just kidding) into a lot of our spots and nothing beats a takedown for that. If I didn't need the takedown feature or intend on shooting different weight limbs needing multiple sets (I only shoot one weight) I like the look of one piece bows and sometimes they can be quieter. Not always but sometimes takedowns can get weird vibrations or rattles etc.. due to the design.
Red Beastmaster, I own both a SK and TD in 45# draw weight and made within probably a year of each other (current production models)--same string material, etc. I don't have a chrono but to my eye the SK is definitely faster than the TD and seems to hit the target harder but I can't get it as quiet as the TD. Don't have any idea why that would be but it's my experience with the two bows I have--may just be bow specific in this case.
Thanks for the responses. I will definitely try to make it to Big Jim's to try them all.
Rather than debate anyone on here, I apologize to Red for my short comment back to him regarding how powerful a Takedown is or is not in comparison to a Super Kodiak. I am sure he was just trying to help me out, and I just read it the wrong way. I read the Takedown was less powerful than the Super Kodiak in a couple of other places on the internet while doing research on Bear Bows. I have no idea what they meant or what the experience is of those who said it, but a few people did say it in different forums so I thought it might have some validity and I wanted to get your seasoned opinions on that. I have two 50# bows. Shooting the same arrow, one makes a "pop" sound and the other makes a "boom" sound when hitting my target. I have no idea if one has more kinetic energy or speed, but I take the one that goes "boom" when I go hunting.
David, is yours an A handle or B? And what is the length? Limb length and riser length can change things around. I have a 65 Kodiak that sends an arrow sailing and a 65 Grizzly that seems faster. The Grizz is 58 AMO and the Kodiak is 60. Both are 45#. Limb length (the working part), riser length, and overall design definitely play a role. I have a 55# SK and B handle with #2 limbs in 55#. Now I have to go shoot both to see what I can see! ;)
I'll offer my two cents. I've owned/shot extensively the Kodiak Magnum, 59 Kodiak, Super Kodiak, Grizzly and Take-down. All are very nice bows. I personally didn't like the K-mag because of my 28" draw and it being a little finicky shooting. I loved that it was super compact and handy. Super K is very smooth as is the take-down. 59 Kodiak is a great bow, but different than the others. I think it's a better bow for the guy who likes both longbows and recurves, because it's a closer feel than going from a longbow to a big risered recurve.
All that said, with your little extra windfall cash, I'd recommend seriously considering an A handle take-down with #1 limbs. This will give you a snappy bow with your 26 inch draw and still be really smooth. It'd be a nice compromise between the 60" Super K and the 52" Kodiak Magnum. As far as the super magnum, even with your 26" draw, I'd say pass until you see a used vintage one down the road that you can pick up for $150-200 and make it a 'specialty bow'. Also, with the take-down you can add a set of limbs (good used ones are available at fair prices here on Trad-gang classifieds) as your budget and desire allows. The old Grayling ones were not rated for fast flight strings, so they won't have the same performance as the new limbs do from current production. If you add a set of #3 limbs down the road, that will make a 60" bow on an A riser and be extremely smooth shooting for you. Pay attention to grip size. My A handle had a blockier, large grip handle. Some of the vintage B risers had a slimmer handle, so this may play into your decision.
It's certainly fun to be shopping and playing out the options. Good luck with your hunt.
I think myself that the SK is a faster bow(just a feeling) but to go bow is the TD.
Super Kodiak or 59 Repro. Save a little more and buy the top of the line. Both are smooth bows that shoot as good as they look and both are easy to shoot well.
One grip may feel better than the other to you and that is key. Try before you buy.
Oh and I wouldn't worry too much about old bows blowing up. New bows do it occasionally as well. It's generally a defect that causes failure, not age. I have a room full of vintage Bears and they all get shot after a close inspection. Some get shot a great deal and they are still going strong.
BudB. The TD is B handle with #1 limbs. Both bows are 60" bows.
Thanks again to everyone for responding. I spent a good deal of time on my property this morning scouting. Realistically, I can do everything I want to do with the 54" Pika I have now, but it is set up for night hunting hogs (quiver, stringtracker, and flashlight). And I have always wanted a Bear bow and I need a good bow for daylight operations. After walking my property and scouting the best spots for this season I think it is going to require me to get two bows. Hahaha.
First, the deer and hogs are bedding in the thickest brush we have had in a decade -- we have had a tremendous amount of rain this year. I am going to bust some brush this summer and make some paths into their bedding areas for some stalking in the fall. Shots will be about 7 yards and under so I am leaning toward the Super Mag in 55#.
Second, I am hunting a few open clearings that may require me to reach out to 20-25 yards for deer. Not sure if I will ever shoot that far or not, but I would like enough bow (flattest trajectory) to have the confidence to do so if that big buck ever shows up. For that reason I am looking at 65# bows which would put me at around 60# for my draw length. This leaves the Super Grizzly, Takedown, and Super Kodiak.
Not trying to start a debate here on what poundage is right or wrong. I have seen too many of those threads go sideways quick. I want a 65# bow because I have a short draw length and I want that extra horsepower my friends with the 30" draws are able to get. Besides, I have some 2219s that need a bow and I can pull 65, so why not.
I would get an "A" riser T/D new or used. Then get limbs that fit your need as far a poundage and length. They are fantastic bows....... :thumbsup:
At 20-25 yards you need to accurate first then if you want a flat trajectory you need a lighter arrow or to buy a radical designed bow
Thanks again to everyone for responding. I spent a good deal of time on my property this morning scouting. Realistically, I can do everything I want to do with the 54" Pika I have now, but it is set up for night hunting hogs (quiver, stringtracker, and flashlight). And I have always wanted a Bear bow and I need a good bow for daylight operations. After walking my property and scouting the best spots for this season I think it is going to require me to get two bows. Hahaha.
First, the deer and hogs are bedding in the thickest brush we have had in a decade -- we have had a tremendous amount of rain this year. I am going to bust some brush this summer and make some paths into their bedding areas for some stalking in the fall. Shots will be about 7 yards and under so I am leaning toward the Super Mag in 55#.
Second, I am hunting a few open clearings that may require me to reach out to 20-25 yards for deer. Not sure if I will ever shoot that far or not, but I would like enough bow (flattest trajectory) to have the confidence to do so if that big buck ever shows up. For that reason I am looking at 65# bows which would put me at around 60# for my draw length. This leaves the Super Grizzly, Takedown, and Super Kodiak.
Not trying to start a debate here on what poundage is right or wrong. I have seen too many of those threads go sideways quick. I want a 65# bow because I have a short draw length and I want that extra horsepower my friends with the 30" draws are able to get. Besides, I have some 2219s that need a bow and I can pull 65, so why not.
my vote goes to the takedown just because that one riser can become multiple bows. You have one riser that can become and extension of your body and you can plug and play different limbs of lengths and weights for whatever you want to do. Target practice/hunt/hunt a blind/3d. it really is such a versatile bow IMO. But boy I do love me some grizzly. And the new model super grizzlys are amazing bows! Go shoot some if you can and really find out which works best for your needs. I have several bear bows and I shoot year round so I enjoy my takedown pluggin and playing with limbs of different lengths and weights.
My GO TO is the T/D, I,ve had several Sk's but like the extra physical weight of the T/D's.
The Takedown is out of my range at the moment, but I think it will be my best option and it is the iconic bow of their lineup, for me at least. Plus, I really like the idea of getting limbs from 35-72#.
Thanks to everyone who responded. And if you hunt, good luck this fall!
For me the lucky moment came when I found a used 1964 Bear Grizzly, brown glass and Zebrawood riser. I have to say the bow still shines and it's my go to bow. I'm looking online frequently to pick up another one. It's not a speed demon, but it's accurate as best as I can shoot.
You might think about getting a riser and adding the limbs later. The new Bear limbs are outstanding. I own a A handle Mag riser and a all Burbinga B riser. I shoot both risers with #3 Bear limbs. You can also find used Bear Super Kodiac TD bows ranging from $550 to $650 in the classifieds.Take your time and get what you want.