Anyone eyed them or shot one?
dad,
I visited the Bear Pro Shop adjacent to the factory in early October. They didn't have any of the bows on hand at the time because they were in Evansville, IN being photographed for their catalogue.
I like the pictures of the green glass Super Kodiak and of course the take down. I own two Supremes (TD) and Eric at the pro shop says the new takedowns will have the same profile, shape, grip, etc. but the woods are of a more economical combination. I've heard it takes 12 weeks to have the TD built. I'll likely buy the "A" takedown riser pretty soon but I prefer Rose Oak limbs for my bears.
Sorry I couldn't directly answer your question of having handled them. I can tell you if the TDs shoot like the Supreme, I'll like them. The grip is very slim and some don't like em but I do. I find the bow's grip fits my hand well and is easy to replicate in my hand. The fit and finish are great on the Supremes and I'd expect the same on these. I expect these TDs to be even better suited for hunting because they won't be so fancy.
I know they are in the hands of some folks now.
I have held and shot four of them. The workmanship is definitely a cut above what they did in the past. I didn't shoot them long enough to really evaluate them, but I was pleased with the Ausable and Super Grizzly in that they didn't stack at 29". My Bear rep is primarily a compound shooter and he didn't have the four samples setup properly; nock height way to low and no idea on brace height, etc. Love the green glass on the Super K and the Kodiak Magnum. I have several on order and expect one to be shipped any day now. The grips are different and should feel more like the 1970 vintage. The Super K had a different shape than I remember, almost like a ridge or corner where the bow should set on the life line of your palm. In the little I shot it I liked it. I think it will help with proper placement in your hand.
I shot the new TD at Denton hill.I'm impressed.Great speed and not alot of hand shock.I had to remind myself I was holding a production bow.The only complaint I have with it is the grip thickness.I likie more of an Asbell/Silvertip grip.A little thin for me,but I plan to order one anyways.My local shop said they would be availible in the spring.I want to get a set of rose oak or RER limbs for it too.The stock limbs are good though,I just tried the other limbs and like the wood options.
I held just about every bow they had.Wish I had shot them all looking back now.I really like the super K with green glass.That was one of the best decisions to reproduce.Green glass is classic Bear. :thumbsup:
There you go dad! Excellent reports!
I handled the bows at Denton this summer. I was impressed by the looks and feel.
Like Roy said the TD's will have slimmer grip like the Supremes, which is like the 80's/90's Green Stripers. I really like this grip and it fits my hand nicely.
I have a new TD on order.
Well I heard that they would be a the Kalamazoo show next month.
It is true. Bear has a booth at the Kalamazoo show and they will be there in force. They will not sell any bows but should have several to try. Bear will refer you to their dealers if you want to buy one. We have several bows on order and have asked Bear to ship in time for Kalamazoo.
I am excited to see this. Bear is making a huge effort to regain the traditional market. There is another big sportsman's show in Grand Rapids the same weekend as Kalamazoo and all the archery reps I know go to the GR show.
Does anyone know if hey are releasing the new KMs in odd weights (48#s etc) such as you would see once in awhile in the older ones?
Emmett
Just received the Feb/Mar issue of Traditional Bowhunter Magazine and they showed the 50th anniversary models of the Kodiak and the Kodiak Mag. COOOOOL!!!! I can't wait til K-zoo to see the new models. I would like to shoot the take down.
Emmett, the catalog lists the bows in 5# increments. I suppose it is possible for a 45# bow to actually come in at 48# (45xxx) but I haven't heard anything to indicate this from Bear.
Saw one of the new Super Kodiak yesterday. They have taken a lot of time and cleaned them up. The tip overlays were smooth and the tips are heart shaped, the fad outs are very clean. The grip has had more on the heal and the throat area.The arrow shelf is radusued and arrow plates are cut right. I had them string it up. It tracks in the groves and down the limbs. The string is flemish twist. When I out a arrow nocked it would completely ride the arrow plate except for the protecter[leather plate]. Now if they would make a run of them in 64" lenght. I havent eyed one of the TD' but if they did has good a job as on the SK I might be temped. They list the #3 limbs all most as a after thought on their web sight. For guys with a longer draw mine is 30.5 with arrows 31.25 TBOP the lower power limbs in 35# and 40# are good news.