I have owned a  Hoyt Dorado before and I really like the bow. I have heard that the Buffalo is an awesome shooter and a very smooth bow. But I really love the looks of the Bear Takedown. Which would you prefer and why. I just want some honest opinions. I am planning on getting one of these bows in the next 3 to 6 months or so. I can't shoot one because no bow shop around here has them. Bass pro does have a Super Kodiak in stock that I could shoot. Would that be close enough to the bear takedown. Thanks

Bear T/D Hands Down!!!!!!!!!!  

I've shot both. I have a long draw 30.5 and both pull all the way back smoothly. The buffalo shot exactly where I looked and fast. The bear was way nicer than I thought it would be. To me it would boil down to want you want to hold, the buff of course is a metal riser and all the weight is right there and it feels heavy to me that however also makes it dead in the hand. The bear is wood and wood just feels right on a bow. The whole bow feels more evenly balanced. So they ya go. They both shoot as well as you can it comes to what you want. Good luck!

I haven't shot the Hoyt, but own a Bear TD (I don't think they are comparable to the Super Kodiaks I have owned either). which one do you really want ?

I really want the Bear. The tradition of the bow. And the looks of the bow just blow me away. I think thats what I'm going to go with. A riser with #1 limbs for now. I still need to save a little more. I really like the black diamond wood red stripe.

I like the Buffalo better. I was able to play with both. And I went with the hoyt. From the moment it was in my hand it hit exactly where I was looking. The bear was nice but te buffalo felt better. Try to atleast handle them before you decide.
though for a takedown I just got my bama 2peice tribute royal... I may never shoot any other bow agan.

I read a lot of forums, I've heard some less than flattering things about the Bear Traditional bows quality control lately, don't think any of it was in relation to the take down model though. So if I had my heart set on a Bear Take Down I would want to see and shoot before I bought or I would buy one of the originals! Or maybe order from someplace like rmsgear and have them check it out before it ships to you versus ordering from someplace that wouldn't have the knowledge to check it out properly before it gets shipped I've never read anything negative about theBuff or any other Hoyt! If I had the coin I would own one of the original Bear Take Downs! I need the longer model if I every bought one and those seem to be even more expensive!

I got the Bear TD, A handle #1 limbs, last fall and have been shooting it all spring.  I just can't put it down.  wish i woulda bought one alot sooner.  It shoots great for me.  I haven't had my hands on a buffalo so i can't talk comparisons but i don't think you will be disappointed  if you get the bear.

I got the Bear TD, A handle #1 limbs, last fall and have been shooting it all spring.  I just can't put it down.  wish i woulda bought one alot sooner.  It shoots great for me.  I haven't had my hands on a buffalo so i can't talk comparisons but i don't think you will be disappointed  if you get the bear.

I got the Bear TD, A handle #1 limbs, last fall and have been shooting it all spring.  I just can't put it down.  wish i woulda bought one alot sooner.  It shoots great for me.  I haven't had my hands on a buffalo so i can't talk comparisons but i don't think you will be disappointed  if you get the bear.

I've always liked the Bear TD and now it looks like you can get custom limbs from Kirk at Bigfoot Bows  

I've never shot a bear takedown, but here's a review on the Buffalo.

http://rysanpei.blogspot.com/2014/12/projecthoytbuffalo-initial-set-uptuning.html

http://rysanpei.blogspot.com/2015/04/hoyt-buffalo-in-field.html

The only problem now is that my limb started to splinter. I am tough on my bows, but it's only been five months.

Thanks Ryan.
Great Review!

Shoot them both. Then decide. I love Bear T/D's, so it's a no-brainer for me. But, if you're on the fence, you should shoot both, then decide.

I bought a Bear Custom Kodiac TD in early April. First recurve I've shot since I took up the longbow about 12 years ago. Can't really compare it to the Hoyt u mentioned but the Bear shoots like a dream. The nostalgia alone is worth the price of admission.    

You stated you really want the Bear, so you answered your own question.

Sam McMichael           :

Get the Buffalo, sell the limbs, put F4s or F7s or it and have a seriously smooth fast rig.