I am going to get a new longbow, and can't decide between these 2.
the bear is $350
64"
r/d
the bama is $400
66-68"
straight limb
I like that the bear is shorter and R/D (and cheaper :) ), but a lot of people say the bama is really smooth.
Are there any major differences,cast, speed, hand shock, etc?
i know we live in a fast food society, BUT ...,
there is NO WAY yer gonna know what bow is best for YOU unless you try before you buy - there are no exceptions to this rule! anything else is gambling with your money and time ...
all the opinions yer about to read have nothing to do with YOUR reality.
good luck!
Rob is right on. If it was me, I'd keep an eye on the classifieds. You should be able to find a nice bow in great shape for less than the new Bear. I have a Bama Hunter and it's a fine bow, built by a fine upstanding bowyer. I've never shot the Bear, though I've read great reviews of them. If you can't shoot the bows before buying you're taking a chance, but there's nothing new about that. Look at all the bows for sale! Lol! If you get a used bow in good shape for a fair price, you should be able to resell it for about the same price if it doesn't fit you. With a new one you'll lose some reselling it usually. Right now, for example, there's a JD Berry in the classifieds for $325. I hear they're sweet bows, higher end than either the Bear or Bama. Buying used is a good way to find out what you like. When the Shoots get going in the spring try to make some of them. That's where you'll be able to try lots of bows. Anyway, good luck with your decision, and have fun!
Definately agree with trying as many as possible. Trad shoots, as mentioned, are a great place as most are more than happy to let you shoot their bow. I also second the used bow idea, I bought several and shot them for awhile until I settled on what was for me. You never know you may find "the" bow for you as I did...I'm getting ready to order my third Mohawk ;)
Eric.
without a doubt, used bows are almost always better value deals as the savings on top end bows are typically well into the hundreds of dollars.
and just sometimes, a seller will give you a grace period of a day to see if you'll bond with the bow and if not, it's your dime to send it back in the condition received.
I think most guys should always think about the possibility of re-selling a bow, most guys switch bows often. I am no expert on the Bama bows, I have heard good things about them. But, a Bear will always have a good re-sale value. There are a jillion Bear fans out there.
I have never shot a Bama bow but I have shot a Bear Montana. It wasn't for me, too much hand shock. I ended up going to a Trad. shoot and got a beautiful Leon Stewart LB R/D, in fact the only problem with it is, it's too pretty to take into the woods hunting so I bought another bow for that. Both bows were purchased for about 1/3 what they sold for new, and both are still in new condition.
I cannot answer your specific questions comparing the bows you asked about. I can however ofer my opinion. There are a number of Bowyers and Bows that I had never heard of before untill I joined this site. There is virtualy no chance I will get to shoot any of them as I don't see them in my area or the shoots I attend. So, I am forced to rely on input from others who have shot those bows and that own them. I would guess that is why you asked. It is good advice for you to try before you buy and if you see something you like and can pick it up used you are better off than spending the hundreds more for new. The Bear is a production bow and offers no options other than a specific poundage at 28'. For a little more you get a bow made just for you and to your specifications. Also with a custom order, in most cases you get to deal with the person who is actually going to make the bow.As stated above this is your choice as to what you may like. Good luck with either choice.
Joe