Well I have been thinking about getting a new bow and the '59 kodiak really catches my eye. I wanted a custom but am also considering the new bear kodiak replica. I was wondering what your alls thoughts were about custom kodiak replicas and the new replica bear has introduced? Are there any particular bowyers that make an outstanding 59 replica that I should consider? How does the bear kodiak shoot?
Thanks, Josh.
Here's a custom on the classifieds that's made by John McCullough. He's one of the top bowyers out there and I've got a Super Shrew that he built when he was making bows for Ron LaClair. He was also making a Grayling Spirit 59 copy for Ron that was very smooth and fast. I believe his 59'er model that he's making under his own name is similar.
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=201;t=000060
I had Vintage Works build me a 59 Hybrid,2 1/2 years ago and have been super pleased with it.The bad news is,word got out and they are have a much longer wait time now and prices have steadily increased due to demand.Really a great bow.
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/jbrandenburg/DSC_0004a.jpg) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/jbrandenburg/media/DSC_0004a.jpg.html)
I really like the Holmmade Kodiak. Not an exact copy but more of an inspired by custom. Little details are upgraded like the shelf and sight Window are radiused for better arrow clearance and his grip fit like a glove. The original grips aren't nearly as sweet. I handled both the new 59 and chads bow and it was night and day. I say get an original 59 if you want nostalgia.
sloaf, when you say night and day difference, do you mean the custom you had built is a lot better than the new bear '59 or vice versa?
sloaf, when you say night and day difference, do you mean the custom you had built is a lot better than the new bear '59 or vice versa?
Ed Holcomb makes the best 59er in my opinion.
I like the new Bear replica, but the Holcomb shoots better.
Bad thing is, the Holcomb is harder to come by as he only makes a few every year. I have his home number if anyone is interested.
Ed Holcomb X2
I have shot Multiple ones. The above mentioned bows are great. I also have a 60 Kodiak and love it.
John McDonald makes a Great 59 replica at Big River Bows also. He does not have a website but you could call him. His wait times are generally low and his Craftmanship is Great. You will find his prices very reasonable.
If you are not picky about looks, or specifics, I would say wait until something comes up with your specs on the classifieds.
Either way, Its a great design.
Prices are down considerably on the originals...I have 4 1960 Kodiaks and am hunting right now with the one that is in the worst condition...it is as fast and smooth as any of the fifteen or so bows I own...just some food for thought...the other thing to consider if you like longer recurves is that both the original 59 and 60 were made in 64 inch length...60's are tough to find, 59's are not
DDave
One thing that needs to be clarified about the originals has to do with grip size...Wade Philips once posted a PIC of 10 1960 Kodiak he owns and the differences in grip and limb configuration are considerable...factory production had a slightly different flavour 50 plus years ago
DDave
All Good :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Bow%20Pictures/1357047816.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Bow%20Pictures/1357047816.jpg.html)
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Bow%20Pictures/60k_zps6b44a779.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Bow%20Pictures/60k_zps6b44a779.jpg.html)
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/1362784607.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/1362784607.jpg.html)
I just put this one by John McDonald in the classifieds. I haven't shot a 59 or replica that I didn't like. It is a very good basic design.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v450/Fletcher610/Bow%20pics/P3220634.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Fletcher610/media/Bow%20pics/P3220634.jpg.html)
Holcomb. Fuzzy makes a great bow
Riegel,
Just sent you a PM. I have a new Holcomb 59er 49# at 28" for sale if you are interested. Let me know.
I have one from McCullough and although its a shooter, the limbs are developing cloudy spots.
The one from Vintage works is nice also. Nice finish, and very stable shooters.
The fit finish and performance from the Holcomb is outstanding.
You have three good choices.
Haven't been on in a while. What I noticed about the new 59 was the grip was small and not shaped to the standard a good custom has. Basically most stock grips lack a little finess unless your talking about a widow stock grip which hangs with the custom bowyers. Bear recently greatly improved there production quality but it's still not up to snuff to get my money.
I've owned a Vintage Works 59. Fit and finish was fabulous and it was just a beautiful bow. I own a new Bear 59 now. Love the way it shoots. Like the grip on it. The glass is nice and shiny with no streaks or lines. Bear did it right on this one. Reminds me of all the nice old Bears from the 60's and 70's. I'd buy either of these bows in a heart beat.
I have a vintage 59 Kodiak RH that I can no longer shoot due to shoulder pain and a new Gainesville 59 in left hand. They shoot and feel quite similiar. What the fellows at the Bear booth told me is that each grip and limb tip varies a bit due to individual bowyers. I have been told that you should replace the limb tips on the vintage 59's if you plan on shooting them much. The new 59's are great but if you want vintage consider a 1960, no problems with the tips and a very similiar design. Jim
X3 on the Holcombs....I own 3...so does my shooting buddy. They re super performers and tremendous execution. If I could figure out how to post some pics, I would....jackdaw
I have shot both the replicas, the original, and the current Bear 59. I personally think that the new Bear 59 has been equal or better shooting and wel built(except for the leather grip). Given that I would personally lean towards the new Bear for holding value, and because it's a Bear.
I have had several of Fuzzy's bows 59s and the Drake replica he makes, excellent work. However just not keepers for me prefer the originals. I am think of ordering the new 59 that Bear is now making, just makes sense to me to have a Bear sticker on the bow rather then someone else's?
X2 what LBshooter said.
I have owned both genuine bear Kodiak bows and replica models.
They are all great. It's just a simple yet beautiful effective design. As mentioned, and i
Must say thst he is a friend, Ed Holcomb makes a version which I think is fabulous and I'm sure other bow makers using this same basic bow design are great too.
IMHO,
I highly recommend a new one from Bear Archery.
The bow is outstanding to say the least and priced right!
The woods being used are really select and beautiful and the bow is true to the original model in every way.
Very fast, stable, smooth and whisper quiet.
Bear Archery hit a grandslam with this 59' re introduction model.
I have a 50# model and it is stunning.
Bravo Bear Archery!
The beauty of a bowyer like fuzzy Holcomb is you can change the wood if you wish and still retain the form. Love the new Bear 59'....love my Holcombs more..
Amen John . Team fuzzy.
The difference IMHO is one is a Bear the other is a copy...... :)
I hear ya guys.
I love fuzzy too!
Why buy a replica when you can buy a "new" original backed by a large company's warranty? There's a reason people market a replica due to the original's design and popularity. Bear hit a homerun with the new '59.
Have 2 of the "new" '59 Bear Kodiaks and they not only look superb but shoot equally as well.
Few "mods" to the first one:
(http://i.imgur.com/71TgNIq.jpg) (http://imgur.com/71TgNIq)
(http://i.imgur.com/tD7vHdb.jpg) (http://imgur.com/tD7vHdb)
(http://i.imgur.com/AfHvDPo.jpg) (http://imgur.com/AfHvDPo)
The copperhead skins really "pop" on this one. Liked the way it shot so much picked up another.
Really like the skins on that now ;)
Love the BEAR 59'.....one is a bear....production bow....one is a custom HOLCOMB....30 per year ...with a warranty...! Love em' both.....fuzzy has been making them for years....bought mine 5 years ago...Bear for about a year. (new model). This is no longer 1959, so the Bear is a "repro" as well. Its no longer a Greyling bow..! Like I said, I love the new BEAR and I applaud Bear for reintroducing it. More options with a custom bowyer....same design. Apples and oranges....its all good..
2x. John.
I've met Ed several times at Sawmill and Denton and shot his Kodak and "newer" Drake models. He is a heck of a good guy and his bows are certainly first class workmanship. Of course the new '59's are made in Florida but certainly the lineage and the perpetuation of the warranty favors Bear Archery. Although in these days of corporations, you never know. As was said, it's all good.
Eyeing this bow hard. Does anyone have one in SE WI that I can try one out?
I echo DDAve. Before you buy a new 2015 59'er from Bear or any of several really well-done replicas/ one-offs, have you shot an original 59? The grip is nice but not everyone's cup of tea. I would watch the usual places..Over the past 6 months there have been many offerings,everything from 30 to 70#, 56 -64", 59's and 60's and a growing number of Bear re-issues from 013 -2015 coming onto the market used, some have hardly been shot. The bow is a classic and a joy to hunt, but the same can be said for a Widow, a Wing Thunderbird, etc.
I would add that the other advantage is the buyers market right now. A mint 1959, 60" ,65#, absolutely gorgeous Brazilian Rosewood, recently went for...$515. That's a bow you simply cannot buy as a replica. The replicas are very pretty; many of the originals are heart-stopping home-wreckers.
I have not shot one. In fact the only recurves I have shot was a Kodiak Mag,Grizzly, Super Grizzly(of which I own) and an RER I used to own. A couple others I don't remember from whom I bought the RER from. I don't know anyone who shoots trad. :(
Many archery retailers who handle ANY trad bows keeps a Bear 59 re-issue in stock and you may be able to find one. The grip is unlike a KMag, Grizzly or Super Grizzly. The bow has a very fluid draw. Maybe you could ask if a TG member would be willing to lend you one to shoot for a few weeks if you pay the shipping. I have been dabbling in 59, 60 and 62 Kodiaks , had a 59 that was a joy to shoot, especially roving, and a real beauty..but not the perfect bow for me. But I sure liked roving the woods with her and she had serious mojo.
I'm on Big Jim's list for a Bear 59 with the maple window..... :) :)
Can't afford to buy a new Bear 59, but I found and bought a used John McCullough Grayling Spirit and I couldn't be happier. What a great shooter with a classic look. I would love to see how it performs next to a true Bear 59.
QuoteOriginally posted by mangonboat:
Many archery retailers who handle ANY trad bows keeps a Bear 59 re-issue in stock and you may be able to find one. The grip is unlike a KMag, Grizzly or Super Grizzly. The bow has a very fluid draw. Maybe you could ask if a TG member would be willing to lend you one to shoot for a few weeks if you pay the shipping. I have been dabbling in 59, 60 and 62 Kodiaks , had a 59 that was a joy to shoot, especially roving, and a real beauty..but not the perfect bow for me. But I sure liked roving the woods with her and she had serious mojo.
I was hoping someone would be local to let me shoot one of the new ones. I might just have to start stopping at all the archery shops I see on the way up north
QuoteOriginally posted by stabow:
The difference IMHO is one is a Bear the other is a copy...... :)
Totally agree Stabo. I'm not saying the copies are not fine bows. The Bear is not a "reproduction" but a reintroduction of a great bow that is tops I n quality. It's nice to have choices and I really enjoy supporting Bear in what they are doing to re-energize their involvement in the traditional bow market. I enjoy it a bit too much, me thinks! They have turned me into much more of a recurve shooter (and buyer) than I have been in years. :)
We have about 25 59' Kodiaks in stock. If you buy one and choose to return it, you will only be out shipping. They are sweet however and I doubt there will be many returns.
BigJIm