Was wondering what everyone's opinion of current or recent manufacture Bears was.
I read multiple posts about the 60's-70's era Bears being great bows, but am wondering if there are issues with current bows or ???.
Ken
Check back a couple of weeks on either Pow Wow or the collectoers portion of this forum...there a pretty good thread about the old versus new Bears....good luck
Its entitled "super kodiak old-new"....I posted on it on the 25th of February....good thread......john
I made a point of trying the new Kodiak Magnum when I was in Kalamazoo, as I have several older ones. It shot just as well, but the grip was a little more massive. I would not hesitate to buy a new one based on performance.
Killdeer
I own a 67 Super Kodiak and have shot the new ones. The new ones vibrate ALOT more. Other than that performance was probably close to the same. I do know that I would not trade my 67 for a new one.
My favorites are '59 to '65 I have no interest in the new ones. The new ones I've looked at don't even come close to my old bows in fit, finish, wood selection and over all feel, grip etc. If you do some looking you can still find some 50+ year old Bears in mint condition at a very good price. And if your willing to pay up to what the new ones sell for it should be easy to find an exceptional old bow in that price range! I'm sure the new ones will show the same or better in some cases fps numbers and do the job of hunting just as well. It just comes down to preference I guess, apples or oranges.
I'd have no problem getting one of the new ones. I like the way they shoot and they're built stronger. Bear has also been handling any of the few problems that come up with these bows.
However, some of the vintage SK's can be found at half the cost of a new one, making them a good bargain as well.
How can you age the older bows.. Are they dated by the serial number ?
The new bows are very nice and I would not hesitate to buy one.
In fact, I bought 2...........Philip
The older Bears are easily identified by the decals or silkscreens on the limbs. Those marked Grayling, Michigan are old (1947-1977) and the newer models will have the Gainesville, Florida markings. Serial numbers may be helpful, but they are not a reliable indicator of year made.
Keep in mind that Bear implemented yearly changes, cosmetic and otherwise, but most of us love the Grayling models primarily for how they shoot, how they look...and nostalia.
For beauty's sake, none have exceeded the Bears from '57-'77 models.
If it were me spending my money for a new one I'd opt for one of the repros from Vintage Works. Beauty and performance combined.
I went down to Gander Mountain here a few months back, and was interested in trying out the new models they had in stock. There's a few things that keep me from getting one of the new ones.
Length and grip being the main reasons. I prefer 66" or longer. I've heard that I can special order longer, but haven't really checked into it that much.
The grips seemed too small in my hands.
I think I'll stick with the Grayling models, I just like them better overall.