The quality of Bear bows died with "Papa Bear".

In the '60's and early '70's, Bear was the top of the heap.  When they got bought out by Victor and Kidde, it was the beginning of the end.  Same thing happened to Wing when bought out by AMX and then Head Ski.

That timing also coincided with the wheelie bow coming into prominance.  When Bear started concentrating on Compounds, theirtraditional quality began its decline.

Just my thoughts.

Have shot many many Bear bows from the 60's on up to the present andthe old ones are the best by far.

At Vermonster's I shot and old recurve from Bear and was really impressed, smooth drawing, and the bow was more than 40 years old, looking brand new.

Just my .02

F-Manny

Yeah, that one will be 50 next year Manny. LOL

Too many great old ones to even think about the new...

I have several Kodiak 55/56's, a 57, a 62, a 63...all are great shooters and give up nothing to the newer model bows (of any maker, really).

I have a recently built Super K that I really enjoy and have had no problems whatsoever after thousands of shots.

QuoteOriginally posted by bjk:
Too many great old ones to even think about the new...

Exactly my thought.  In the past month I bought a '64 K-Mag (43#) and a '72 K-Hunter (50#).  Both are in almost new condition and are absolutly georgous.  They are smooth, quiet and are great shooters and I bought both for less than the cost of one of the new Bear bows.   I know that I will have these bows for as long as I can shoot - and I will enjoy them every time I look at them.

The old Bears just have that something special. Nothing against the new ones, but the history in the old ones is a big draw.

I've been shooting Bear recurves,Kodiaks and TDs for almost forty years and have abused a few-never broke one in action. All but one TD were 1972 models or before. I currently own nine and a '69 B wooden TD gets several hundred arrows per week thru it. None are for sale and I've only owned or used bows by two other bowyers for thirty years. On is a Saxon Kadiak ('59 copy) and the fastest bow with heavy arrows was a Super K copy,67#, built by Owen Jeffery in '88, but it was stolen. The numbers might have something to do with how many stories you hear; they built a TON of bows. Don't know about the new ones except that they don't compare well cosmetically, IMO.......Grant

I have bought a Kodak Mag. A Gainsville production 2007 and I just love it! I shoot it everyday and have no problems with it!