I have an old Bear Kodiak Magnum, which I picked up a couple years ago. It is 1960s vintage and in pretty good shape. I have been shooting it quite a lot over the past week or so and get pretty good groups at about 6 yards. That is the length of my basement. Now that I think about it, the bow has never been tuned properly and I should probably do that to get best performance. When I got it 2 years ago, a new dacron B50 string was put on along with a brass nocking point. There is not even a string keeper, which is another oversight. First question, what should the brace height be on this bow? It is 52" AMO, 40#. I just think, if it is shooting so well now, how much better could it get, if it was properly tuned. Any advice?
I have a 1970 and 2007 K-mag both are brace hights are 83/8" both zip out a 1916 legacy arrow. If you are getting proper arrow flight and no string noise congrads you are there!
I'd start around 7 1/2 - 8 and go from there . I find mine to be good at 8 1/2
Magwa45,
Get ya some of the new Carbon Express 90's and leave em long to start with. My son shoots the old Thunderstorms that were dropped for the new 90's. They spine about the same I think ? They shoot good with 175 gr tips. His bow is 45lb but he only draws it about 25".
nocams
My K-Mags like an 8.25" brace height. What is your draw length? I think you may like an 1816 arrow.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Killdeer/Hunting%20and%20Camp/2007%20November%20Hunt/Img_4920RE610.jpg)
Killdeer
I have one and my brace height is 8 3/8.
Okay, who makes a 1916 or a 1816? Are those aluminum?
-Charlie
8 inches on mine....and it shoots good 52# xx75 2018's
Loonyums, LOL!
Easily had, easily replicated.
Killdeer
My draw length is about 28 1/2" and I have been using some Carbon Express Predator 2000 101204. I also have some Easton Legacy 2216 which I had made up as flu flus. I like the carbons.
And I have been shooting 125 grain field points.
'Em floofers are a might/lot stiff. I dunno about carbons, never messed with them.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Killdeer/TG%20Uploads/Archery%20Equipment/06NewYearsEve65KMag.jpg)
Killdeer
8.5" brace height on my K-Mag, +3/8" nock shot with a 3 Under release works for me...
Nice shooting Killdeer.....Is that the same bow You used at the bunny hunt in NY?
Nope. That was a Cheyenne.
K~
Thanks for all the advice! I now have a flemish string and about to set it up. I will go for around 8 inches. One more question, maybe a minor point. Do you measure brace height on your K Mag from the deepest part of the handle or from the rear of the sight window? It do make a difference!
Deepest part of the grip. Also, mine likes a high nock point. If I set it up with the arrow level with the shelf the bow won't shoot. May be just me though. My brace is set at 8.5". Also, it is a late 60's model, 45# @ 28". Have fun.
I got the flemish string on with about an 8" brace height measured from the sight window. The new aluminum 2314 arrows are not shooting too well, but the carbon predator 2000s are very nice. But I think I will make the switch to wood.
I have a 1965, believe the same as killdeers. Brace height is 8.5+ for my shooting style. Sounds to me you are pretty heavy on the arrows. I bare shafted and shoot 2013's at 28" with 100 grain. Bow says 45lb but my scale shows 47. All my old bears weigh heavy on my scale though.
I have a 1967 (1/2) Kodiak Mag 55# @ 28" (my draw length)
My brace hieght is 8 1/2" and my nock point is 1/2" above level,shooting 3-under.
Shoots 55#-60# woodies (29" BOP) and 2018's (29" BOP) W/125gr. points,with darn near perfect arrow flight.
WOW!!!!! Look at that!!!!! There's a whole 'nother page!!!!! :banghead:
(more coffee!!!!!) :coffee:
I just got in the mail yesterday a 1967 kodiak hunter 55# at 28" 58" long.I shot 2117 with 145 2018 with 125's at 29.5" both fly great but I think the 2018's fly a little better.I set the brace height at 8.25"seems to be really good.I have to say I love those ol Bear bows!I wish I could find a few more!! Jason