Bear Super Kodiak, Opinions Sought

bpjon · December 18, 2009, 11:33:00 AM

I've been thinking about buying a new Super Kodiak, and I'm wondering how they compare to the Supers of yesteryear. I haven't had a Super Kodiak since some dirtbag stole mine out of my pickup in Ely, MN in 1989, and I don't want to spend the money just to find out the newer bows can't match my memories.

OldSkoolArcher · December 18, 2009, 11:40:00 AM

Personally I would probably look for one like you used to own. It is probably going to be a better bow and then you know you won't be dissapointed.

December 18, 2009, 11:47:00 AM

Ditto the above.

BJP · December 18, 2009, 11:49:00 AM

I think the grips are more comfortable on the older ones than the new. Go with the older one.

jwingman · December 18, 2009, 12:06:00 PM

A new one will probably cost you more than you can buy a really good older model for. I found a mint blue stripe 1976 with the blue wood on the front overlay. I think this bow is a lot more bow than the new ones and a lot prettier too! That's my two cents.
Good luck with whatever choice you make and fling lots of arrows out if it.
Happy Holidays - jwingman

Brad_Gentry · December 18, 2009, 12:07:00 PM

This probably won't be much help, because I've never shot one of the old Super K's, but what the heck..

I dont' have a "new" new one, but have one from around '97 or '98, and it really is a heckuva good shooting bow. Now obviously, looks-wise they don't hold a candle to the old ones, but shootin'-wise, I can't see how the old ones would have shot much better. Besides that, it's about as durable as a recurve gets, and I don't have to worry about dinging it up.

Brandon Stahl · December 18, 2009, 01:22:00 PM

cacciatore · December 18, 2009, 01:25:00 PM

I have quite a few old ones that I love.I never would buy a new one,but still looking for some more late 60's.They are forgiving,quiet,accurate and beautyful and fast enough for every need,you can ask more to a 2-300$ bow.

ronp · December 18, 2009, 01:36:00 PM

I have an older super kodiak and, though I haven't shot it too much, it is a really nice shooting bow. I need to get some arrows tuned to it. And I really like the looks of that Super Wildcat! I thought I was done buying bows... so I better quit looking at them!!!

George D. Stout · December 18, 2009, 02:26:00 PM

I think it was one of the best bow designs ever made. It points perfectly and shoots great. Brandon's models are sweet, need to work on one of those with the old bubinga/shedua, or bubinga/pau ferro, etc., with black glass.

Just an FYI on the Super Kodiak; Owen Jeffery was Bear's chief designer from 1967 through the early 70's and had a hand in the Super K design, as well as the takedowns.

bpjon · December 18, 2009, 02:50:00 PM

Brandon, those are beautiful.

reddogge · December 18, 2009, 02:54:00 PM

Brandon,
Absolutely stunning version of the old classic. I'd choose one of these if I had the chance. I understand Brandon's bows perform well too.

jcar315 · December 18, 2009, 05:46:00 PM

While I don't have an "old" Super Kodiak I do have a "newer" one and I also have one of Brandons Rose Oak Wildcat TD bows.

The SK shoots very nicely for what I paid for it....but NOTHING like the Rose Oak bow which is fantastic!

A late 1960's early 1970's Super Kodiak is on my "wish list" as far as bows go. For everyone I have talked to they are real shooters!

bigiron · December 18, 2009, 05:58:00 PM

the new ones are rather disapointing after haveing or shooting the older sk.

glenbo · December 18, 2009, 06:19:00 PM

i have an older that I payed 100 bucks for and I love it.No experience with the new model but there are plenty of deals out there.Good luck,glen

Archer Fanatic · December 18, 2009, 07:15:00 PM

I have a 1969 & a 1971 Super Kodiaks and they are great bows and shooters. I believe like George D. Stout that are the best one piece bow ever made.

ChuckC · December 18, 2009, 08:26:00 PM

I personally would not get stuck on the SK only. There are several awesome SK knock off's for lack of a better term that are worthy of a look. See above or several others including one by Big Rivers and I believe R&R and even the Predator.

You do, however, show good taste.
ChuckC

Steve Kendrot · December 18, 2009, 09:44:00 PM

I got on in a pawn shop for $30 back in 05. Great shooting bows.

Blackstick · December 19, 2009, 05:24:00 AM

If you kept your eyes open, you could probably get three Grayling bows for the price of a new one.

Horney Toad · December 19, 2009, 12:04:00 PM

Brandon, you should make an all black one with bamboo limbs and black glass.