Would the Grizzly 1978 model be FF compatible?  The tips don't look all that substantial.

I have a Bear Grizzly made in the mid to late '70's, I don't exactly know which year, and agree that the limb tips do not appear to be fast flight compatible. AFAIK, the first fast flight compatible bows appeared in the 1980's. I bought my first trad bows during those transition years, and every one of them came with a clear warning from the bowyer not to use FF string. More recently, people have done their own tests and some have stated here on TradGang and other places that it does no harm to use FF string on these pre-FF bows.  Maybe so.  But I think the reason many of us hold on to these classic bows is to use them as they were designed to be used: with Dacron string.

Dave;
Thanks for your confirmation.  I pretty much answered my own question, as I asked it.

This bow is right on the border between Grayling and Gainesville manufacture.  Shoots nice.

Years ago, a member on another archery forum was adamant about being able to use non-stretch strings on any bow, new, vintage, self bow, anything. I challenged him if I tried it, would he buy me another bow if mine blew up. I got no response. Later, he posted that he blew up a Bear Grizzly, didn't know why but thought the bow was faulty. Hmmmm....... I use B55 on everything. It shoots just fine and I dont miss the extra 3 or 4 fps.

James;
Thanks; none of my recurves are FF recommended, so get Dacron.  All my longbows have D97 or Mercury on them.  New to me, Paul Bunyan 100 will have D97.

As my shoulder heals up, I'll try to work this bow into the line-up.  @68.5# at my fingers.  No much more than my Big River recurve and D/R longbow.  I'd like to hunt this bow before I can't.

Is Dynaflight 97 considered Fast Flight?

D-97 is considered in the FF category by manufacturers.  The concern of using FF class strings on old bows seems to be with the bow tips.  Many people, myself included, simply pad the loops to FF class strings and use them anyway.  The padding, which is usually 6-8 additional B-50/55 strings twisted into the loops, should in theory, protect the bow tips.  I use the same setup for my selfbows and have never had a problem . . . knock on wood!

NY Yankee, I know exactly who you're talking about. "LOL" 

I opt to not try FF on my 1978 Grizzly, thank you.  Padding the loops may work, but may not.

Looking forward to shooting Hickory arrows through this bow.

Got a Keefers 5 line striker plate to dress this bow up.

This just added hundreds of dollars to resale.

Pic crunched down again!

Try this?  NOPE!

One more.  Help!

I have a 1974, 1976, and 1999 Bear Grizzlies and I use either B50 or B55 on them. They shoot great and have taken deer.

B55 on my early 70's Grizzly.


No worries.   

Those Keefers do look good. I might need one in my life.