I have not been able to shoot either, but am giving thought to picking up one of the two. My bows are used for hunting.

How do they differ in shooting characteristics, my DL is 28.5". Other comment and pics are welcome.

Very different grip styles, mass weight, and riser shapes.  I own both in the recent production models and like both but if I had to choose one it would be the 59er as it seems to shoot more accurately for me due, I guess, to the differences mentioned. I shoot longbows a lot and the 59er resembles the feel of those grips more. Both are fine bows. My only complaint about the new 59ers is the leather used on the grip.  It just doesn't match the quality of the rest of the bow.  I had Big Jim replace it with brown beaver tail--really improved the looks and gives you a very secure feeling grip--sort of like a checkered grip.

I have an Kodiak from the 80's and it shoots good. I too have been looking at the 59 but can't pull the trigger due to the price tag. For me I like the 59 grip way better.

yeah I agree with David both are very good bows and I own several Kodiaks old, new and vintage. My two favorites are my 54 and 59 and if I had to choose just one the 59 wins on pure smoothness alone!

QuoteOriginally posted by Anointed Archer:
yeah I agree with David both are very good bows and I own several Kodiaks old, new and vintage. My two favorites are my 54 and 59 and if I had to choose just one the 59 wins on pure smoothness alone!

Yep...  

I have a '58 Kodiak (that is going moose hunting in six weeks) and a '60 De Luxe. I also used to shoot a '70 Super Kodiak that I took a chance on buying and determined later was unsafe to shoot because of damage.

Even though the grip on that last one was very similar to the first two, it felt like a dead log in my hands compared to them. I know there are people who like them, but I'd bet money that you'll prefer the '59 in a comparison.

I have a couple SK's and have shot a newer 59er. For me it is a toss up but the slim grip on the 59er reminds me of my R/D LB. I do not have long fingers so the grip fits me a little better. More like the grip on my late 90's Bear TD.

My favorite is the 58 Kodiak.  Just me but I really like the grip.  I have all the Kodiaks and Super Kodiaks through 71...but I seem to keep coming back to the 58.

thats awesome tippit, it would be so cool to be able to shoot the bear line in chronological order and feel all the changes.

I have only handled a few vintage kodiaks, but the 59 would be my choice so far. I have a 61 that i really enjoy but would trade it in a hearbeat for a 59