Stacking on old Bear bows

[Double A]

i'm not sure what my draw length is, planning on getting that figured out this afternoon, but i am looking at some used bear bows and wondering if they are noted for stacking at extended drawlengths, as i'm reasonably sure mine will be around 30 inches.  looking at a 52" kodiak at 45# and i'm just wondering what to watch out for. thoughts?

[Gordy]

First, you must be about 6'6" to be shooting 30" ?  
I'd get a real measure first, but there are plenty of short bows that shoot sweet out to 30" but they aren't the norm.

Shoot any bow you plan on buying before the purchase... if you simply cannot, I'd stay 62" plus for 30" draw.  No draw back to a long bow except for size the rest is all good....    

[SirRobin77]

Hey A
My draw is 30" and i shoot a Bear Kodiak Magnum.The amo is 52" and its 45# at 28" but at 30" its 61#. I had it put on the scale two days ago.I went with the shorter bow cuz i will be hunting from a blind.
These are sweet shooting bows and it did'nt feel like i was pulling 61# but thats what the scale said. Its a good idea to stay with a lower poundage bow like 45# since you have a long draw like i do.I think it was like 54 or 55 # at a 29" draw if im not mistaken.
Im 6'4" by the way.
Matt

[GingivitisKahn]

My ape-armed son shoots his KMag pretty well.  Stacking schmacking.

[TonyW]

Just make sure you have good nocks so you never accidentally dry fire the Magnum. I can't go 30" on my 48" Super Magnum, but if I pull it past my normal anchor to 29" it is smooth. Old Fred and his bowyers designed and built the later Grayling ones pretty well, but watch out for 1963 doglegs and the late 60s black beauties.

[Roger Swalls]

I had one years ago,just like you described. I only draw 28" but I don't recall any problems.

[myshootinstinks]

I'm 6'4" and have a 28" draw due to the fact that I anchor at the right cheek-bone. I have friends that are 5'10" or so that draw near 30" because they anchor on the side of their face.
  So, the above advice I agree with, check your draw.  Having said that, I have several old Bears that my long-draw pals have never complained about stacking.

[Jeremy]

I'm 5'11" (or thereabouts) and draw a full 30" on my old Bears.  
Stacking is a function of string angle at the tips which is determined by bow lengh and limb design.  The old Bear recurves are find for stacking out to 30", but what I'm sensitive to is finger pinch - the string angle at your fingers.  Many people mistake that for stacking.
I like the oldies that are 62"+ and shoot everything that was made before 1960  

[WidowEater]

I have a 28 in draw and I hate the KMag.  I really like the Grizzlys and Kodiaks though and have nothing bad to say about them.  There was no issue with stacking but I couldnt get it to shoot right. I have always liked longer bows and could definitely notice the pinch on the Kmag.

[Double A]

awesome, i got measured last night and my draw length is 29 inches, i anchor the fletch in the corner of my mouth.  i'm not sure why thats just what i do, should i change that?  looks like the 52" mag should be cool according to your awesome feedback. got a great line on one that is mint, can't wait!

[TxAg]

" Old Fred and his bowyers designed and built the later Grayling ones pretty well, but watch out for 1963 doglegs and the late 60s black beauties."


What's the issue with the 63's?   I read that there were some problems, and tat they were only produced that one year....but what about the ones that still function smoothly?

[Frank V]

DoubleA, I had a Kodiak Mag that was 45lb. I draw 29-1/2" with a curve, I used if for bowfishing for several years before giving it to my Nephew. I liked it didn't nottice any stacking. Frank

[Jeremy]

TxAG, the '63 KMags had a problem.  The other models were fine.

[Jeremy]

Oops.  Correction: the other '63 Bears shot fine, they were sill butt ugly!  :D  

[TxAg]

haha, thanks.

i reread my post and it's a little misleading.....

what i meant to ask is:  "what about the 1963 models that still shoot fine....anything to be worried about."