I have started shooting my Bear TD (Green Stripe) and just love it! I am looking for folks who shoot one of the newer Bear TD (2010-2011). Would like to know how they shot, are they worth the current price, what is the price of an extra set of Bear limbs? Any who has shot the older (70-80) TD, how the new bows compare to the older one? Thinking about purchasing a NEW TD, but hate to shell out that kind of money and not enjoy it!!!
My favorite, since I can't or afford if I did, Type 1 (original)A riser in LH, is the A Mag. I also shoot a B mag and an A Supreme. I've also owned Green Stripes and B Supreme.
I have a new A Riser TD on order - should be to me in early August (ordered on Jan. 7th). I haven't shot the new one but I've handled them and I like it very much, more than the Supreme or Green Stripe.
The bow retails for $799. The riser alone MSRP is $479. I don't know the price of limbs alone but I would immange about $320?
IT is a joy shooting the Bear TD's not just because of the slickness of putting them together but the "history" of the thing -- it's connection to Mr. Bear.
I love the old green stripes! Right now I have a matched pair of B mags though (traded my greenstripe for 'em).
The new T/D looks good, but the limbs are just the same that they've been making and there's room for improvement there.
For MY[/b] money, nothing beats the aftermarket limbs from Rose Oak Creations. Here's an indepth review I did some time ago:
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=078764#000000
Would love to have one with rose oak limbs.
I have a 1971 A-mag in 45# that I love to shoot. I'd love to find a set of 50-55#ers for it. A great bow!! I've been looking at the new one's but just don't have the scratch right now.
Tooooo many bows and counting!!!
I haven't seen the new ones yet,but if I had to buy some limbs they will be the Rose Oak ones.I am waiting for my third pair,this can tell you something.
I agree with Rose Oak limbs. I am buying a pair of the new Bears though (#3 size) just to compare to my ROs.
I have not the newest one but the most recent before that.They are great bows,worth the money but the Bear limbs are a little "doggy".I have owned three sets of Bear limbs,1 old and 2 sets of newer.After getting a set of Rose Oak limbs,I sold all 3 sets of Bears.Those Rose Oak limbs made it an entirely different bow and it was a good shooter before that.
Basic black or brown Rose Oaks don't cost anymore than the bear limbs.If it were me,I would buy a Bear riser and a set of Rose Oak limbs.You won't find a better shooting bow.Bear is selling risers and limbs separately now,so it is a win-win.
A friend of mine says mine is the quietest recurve he's ever heard and he has probably 50+ years in traditional archery.
Love the green stripe. Have a new one on order. Just spoke to 3 rivers and they have NO idea when they will be getting any. They have not received one take down yet. Only received a couple one piece bows so far.
I have a new one on the way as well...we shall see.....
I shoot a A mag riser and a new A wood riser and I prefer the A mag over the wood riser with # 1 Bear limbs.
wow, you can buy just the risers from Bear now? Fantastic!! I have a set of rose oak limbs, so I am almost there!
Great to see the Bear TD guys on this one.
I seem to prefer the "newer" vintage TD risers in both A and B. All of them shoot just the way I like and feel perfect for my hand. Also have a Mag riser in the B length and it too shoots very well.
I have another set of Rose Oak limbs on order and like the others above have mentioned they are fantastic.
Just to add another layer to the discussion right now I have several sets of the Green Tip Bear limbs and they seem to shoot pretty well for me.
Bear is supposed to be shipping me a brand new A Riser next week.....we will see. Anxious to get my hands on it and put it through its paces.
John C, can't wait to see that new A riser and here your assessments.
I'm supposed to have a new A-handle in two to three weeks. But, I've heard that before.
March 4th makes 8 weeks for me which was the estimate when I ordered the A Riser with #3 limbs.
I've been buying custom parts from Monte (inrut)to finish out a B Mag when I receive it back from BigJim's dipping operation this week.
This riser is undergoing; sandblasting, predator dipping, brand new latch kits, strike plate, rubber shelf, crews on window plate, leather strike plate pad, and even new leather pads on the latches. Maybe I'll put the cool little "bears" Monte makes for the latches, but since this is a RH bow and I'm a lefty, maybe not. The only thing original will be the riser itself which was crazy as it sounds, a 9 of 10 when I bought it froma Trad Ganger!
Thanks for the info. Where is the best/quickest place to buy a new Bear TD riser? Guess I might as well get on with it!
Really hard to beat a Bear TD. Mag or Wood they are both great.
This Thursday will make 17 weeks since I ordered and paid for my New Bear A Handle.
Several TG sponsors do, or you could order through any local archery shop to you that carries Bear product.
I would attempt to list the sponsors but I know I would leave someone out.
I have some bear td bows on order. let me know what your looking for.
thanks, bigjim
Got a pair of Rose Oaks for my "green stripe" in Jan. I can't even begin to tell you the difference between them and the Bear limbs ! Made my B riser a 64"er. Smooth, fast...what a dream to shoot.
The Trad shop is busy as beavers making these guys, the responce and orders was more than expected, bows are in the works thats for sure, Bear is doing everything they can to get your bows out the door to you. Ken
I ordered a TD, B model from Larry at Lostnation on Christmas day. It made it to me a couple weeks ago.
I've not had the pleasure of shooting an older one but I was surprised at how smooth the new one is. It seems fairly quick with the stock limbs. I'd love to try a set of Rose Oaks after hearing you guys talk.
My green striper with Grayling limbs (55lbs) shoot petty good. So I think I'll give one of the new models a chance w/stock limbs....BCWV...can you tell me about the grip on the new "B" riser, I haven't got to hold one in person yet. I really like the grip on my green striper...sheft sit almost right on my hand, and the thumb side is almost flat.
I love the Bear takedowns. I have A & B wood risers from Gainsville. Can't afford a Grayling wood riser. Also have B & C mag risers. The B riser is my favorite since I have a 29 3/4" draw. It shoots smooth and fast enough for me. This winter I have been transitioning to carbon arrows after bad mouthing them for years. I have a lot of crow to eat now because they really breathed new life into an old bow. Shoulder problems have caused me to drop my draw weight down to 40 lbs. It sure was nice just to pop in a new set of limbs and keep shooting.
I have a Mag A B an C
I have a Grayling Wood B
and I have a Green Stripe B
2 sets of Rose oak limbs
3 sets of bear Limbs.
Love the takedowns. RoseOaks MUCH smoother and faster than the Bears.
My weight is 48" so I have limbs that make 48 on a A, 48 on a B, and 48 on a C.
My buddy just received a new Bear T/D last week after somewhat of a wait. I did not shoot it, but it looked and felt great (B handle). I am new to trad bows, but I have admired the simplicity of teh design since I first saw them.
I am ordering an A Handle tomorrow with 60#limbs, so I can have them in about 3-4 months, but my second pair of limbs will be Rose Oaks. They take the Bear to a whole different level in beauty with their custom ones. Very affordable too when you compare them to additional Black Widow limbs and the like.
Right now I am down to a single Black Widow SAG T/D. I sold my AW and I am still regretting it. I have to get another bow!!!!!
PS: I wish they offered custom or at least some other color. It is pretty, but I prefer a bow with some brown in it.
I ordered a red stripe from Bear today in an
A riser / RH with #3 / 50 lb / limbs. The dealer called Bear while I was standing there and they told him 6 to 8 weeks.
Longarrow,
From your description of the grip on your green stripe, I'd say it's pretty much the same.
Another member PMed me asking me to post some pictures of mine but I haven't made it yet. I'll try later this evening.
I shoot a 09 Bear Takedown 50 @ 28. Love the bow.
I should have waited to take some pics outside with better light but here's a few. The thing about these Bears is they all look the same!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v624/WV-Rocklock/Bowpics/P10100741.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v624/WV-Rocklock/Bowpics/P10100731.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v624/WV-Rocklock/Bowpics/P10100721.jpg)
Brad, those are good looking bows. Wish there were someplace I could go and shoot one before I make a purchase! Maybe I'll hold off until I make a big show and someone has one to shoot.
The Bear take down is legendary! The BEST no tools T/D ever made!
Old or new, they are fantastic. I have collected them for years and each and everyone is special.
My personal Hunting favorite.........My 1970 model, A handle with #3 limbs at #55 and 60".
Coming in 2nd. A 1984 green stripe B handle
(A handle not offered)60" (#1 limb) #55. Probably the best grip and shelf Bear made.
Not as fast as Fast Flight models but the deer I kill with it never see the arrow coming.
>>>>--------->Philip