Hello Everyone,

I am a few basic questions about the Bear Kodiak.  I see that Bear offers this model in both gloss or matte finish.  I assume that the finish that was used by Fred Bear himself was a gloss finish?  Not sure.  I assume that the only difference between the two Kodiak's Bear offers is the finish and that the remainder of the construction (woods, etc.) is identical?  Lastly, it appears these bows are hard to find.  I am looking for a 45# - not sure of finish - and can't find any in stock.  Thanks!  Dave

Yes,the original was gloss.Big Jim shows gloss and matte,in stock.

http://www.shop.bigjimsbowcompany.com/Bear-Archery-59-Kodiak-59Kodiak.htm

There's a bunch listed on the big auction site if Big Jim doesn't have what you are looking for.

Jim, I know that my follow-up question is personal preference but I will ask anyway.  If you were using this as a hunting bow for whitetails would you order the matte/satin vs. the gloss?  I remember years ago that I would add bow socks to my bows to eliminate shine from the limbs.  Have you seen both gloss and matte/satin and do you have a preference?  Thank you for your reply!  Dave

Trap - Thanks for the reply.  Do you have any thoughts on my last question?  I know it is personal preference.  Thanks,  Dave

Well,I like satin but gloss can work as well unles you are doing a lot of moving around in bright sunlight.Some people apply past wax before the season and don'y buff it.This gives the bow a temporary dull finish that is easily rubbed out after season.

One of my favorite bows is a '59 reproduction made by Vintage Works and it came with a gloss finish.I used a fine rubbing compound to reduce the gloss slightly and it'd now close to looking like the original Kodiak finishes.

Whichever finish you pick,I think you will really like that bow.

I bought one used this year. It's a Purple Heart and I put on a mountain muffler string. It shoots very quietly and very nice. I have the gloss version and I will be hunting with it this year.
The gloss doesn't bother me.

I shot two deer last year with gloss finish, they didn't  seem to mind.

Mine is gloss too, nice shooter

When I hunt with my 1960 Kodiaks I simply put on a coat of gunstock wax and do not buff it out until after the season...takes the glare off fine...another option is a set of Limbsations from Onestringer

DDave

Just put on a set of limb skins.

Mine has the gloss finish. Love this bow!

They are sweet... my wife has a 30lb in gloss.
I have a few 59s in stock in 45 and other weights.

I told Bear, if they would use me in a regular hunting show, I'd never shoot another one of mine      they would have to supply me with a 59 and a td though....wonder why they thought that was funny.
Bigjim