Good morning all!
I am new to TradGang and new to Archery. Purchased a vintage bear two tone glass powered bow the other day because the price was right for me as a beginner and it looks in great condition.

I need to get it strung though!1  I know nothing and I tried to search on the forums and came up with one post that lead to me being a little more confused ha-ha.

Short and simple - Does anyone have a link to string that will be good for my bow?

- I googled a place that has Dacron,D97,BCYX,8125g ... = me being more confused ha.
Also Have been reading about flemish strings? Whats the difference.

Sorry if this post is in the wrong forum, new to the site and it seems to be best fit here, from what I found.

V/r

When in doubt, go B-50 Dacron

B-50 or B-55
Flemish or Continuous loop .
You will also need to know the ( AMO ) , that's the string length of the bow .

A good Dacron string (B-50) that is the CORRECT length!!!
To find the correct string length, lay the bow on a table tips up. With a cloth tape, measure the bow from tip to tip, being sure the measuring tape stays in contact with the bow! Subtract 4" from the bow length. This will be the actual string length to order.

Give us a little more info on the bow. Bear bows usually show the AMO length on the riser below the grip portion, along with the draw weight at 28" and the serial number. They generally also have the model: Black Bear, Grizzly, Kodiak, etc. on the belly of the bow (the side that faces you as you shoot).

Vintage Bear bows were designed for B50 Dacron string, as others have mentioned. Since you are new to this, I'm going to assume you won't be making your own string. There are several excellent string makers on this site and if you provide them the information I listed above, any one of them can make you a great string for your bow. LBR and OliverStacy are two that come immediately to mind, but I think there are others as well. You could also check the pull down menu of sponsors up at the top of this page.

Welcome to the addiction, by the way!

B-55 is the better polyester (Dacron) material--less stretch and creep, but still safe for any bow.  That's what I suggest for old bows or any bow not rated for high performance materials.

Flemish or endless will work just fine.  Each has it's little differences, depends on what you like better.

There are a lot of questions answered on the FAQ section of my site (www.recurves.com).  If you have others, I'll be glad to help.

Chad

Do yourself a favor and get a string from Chad (Champion Bow Strings) - simply the best, especially with a tie on adjustable knock.

Bob.

Dacron for sure.

Ok, thanks for all the quick info! lots of brains to pikc on this site I can see =)

I added some photos






Does this bow ring any bells?

Bear Grizzly, I believe from early or mid 1970s.  58" AMO length, should take a 54" B50 or B55 string.  Looks to be in very nice shape.

Those Grizzly bows are sweet shooters! Enjoy your new bow. I would agree with jhk1 on the '70s. Have Chad twist up a Flemish Dacron string for you and go to shooting!

YUP: Chad at Custom Strings is top shelf and makes a great string.

thanks guys I PMed him last night

You've got yourself one of the best "used" bows that you'll probly find... An old Bear Grizzly!!! They've been around for years, Thousands of them made & still being shot today. Bear still makes them, and they're one of their best selling bows!!!

I have 5 of them...   :rolleyes:

Just so you know, Surfbow, your Grizzly has a 41# draw weight, probably 41@28, since the draw length isn't given.

Thanks guys!  Chad from recurves.com took care of me.

Oh man. You are gonna love that bow!  Its in great shape. Post picks when it makes meat.

I'm using a B55 string from 10 Ring Strings on my early 71-72 Grizzly.

If you peel off the strike plate the actual weight should be marked under it.

One of the best bows you could ever start out with, put on a B-50 or B-55 string and you will be all set.