Brace height and string length question...

[DRR324]

I let one of my buddies borrow one of my old Bear recurves, for his high school aged son to use.  I honestly don't recall the model of the bow, possibly a polar.  But, my question- it is marked 52" amo, what length string to purchase, and what should brace height be?
I know I could research it on the net, but also know someone here will know the answer, and I trust the info from fellow gangers.
Thanks
Dave

[Tim Fishell]

Dave, if it is a Bear 52" recurve then it should be a Kodiak Magnum.  The string length should be around 48" and brace height should be around 8 inches.  I am just going by what I remember but I can confirm that when I get home and can check mine.

[vermonster13]

Tim's advice is right on.

[DRR324]

Tim,
Not sure that it is a Kodiak... pretty bad when I can't remember.  But, it's one that I don't shoot much.  I really think it says Polar II or something to that effect....I do recall it being 55#, 52" amo.  I think the string I have for it is too short- brace height is pushing 10" or so.

[vermonster13]

If it's a PolarII, it is more likely to be a 62" bow.

[DRR324]

Vermonster- feeling like a newb over here....
it definately is more in the 52" range, way shorter than my 62" bob lee.
I'll do some net search and see if I can track down what bow it is...

[Tim Fishell]

Dave, from what I know (which isnt much about old bear bows) the only bow they made that was 52" was the Kodiak Mag.  The Polars from that I remember were all 58" and longer.  Regardless of what kind of bow it is if it is a 52" AMO bow then I would still start in the area I had said above.  Hope this helps out.

[DRR324]

Ok, a bit of net surfing->>>>>
its a Black Panther, which from what I just read, is a Kodiak with different finish, sold mostly through Montgomery Ward stores.  SO- Tim, you were correct in your vast knowledge of Bear bows....    
I'll call my buddy and have him check string length just to be sure.  Thanks guys!

[Tim Fishell]

I wouldnt go that far Dave!!  Glad to figured it out and set me straight.  I never heard of a Black Panther.  See you taught me something new today!!  You the man!!  

[DRR324]

Glad I could further your Bear Recurve education!
Now, don't spend the rest of the day doing internet research on them....
You guys need to keep me informed of when your getting together for a hunt, bunny hunt etc.  I haven't talked with Jason all summer.  But, between coaching summer travel softball, sons football, and my new position of girls varsity bball asst., I don't have much free time.  BUT- pm me with details, dates, etc, and I may just show up, it'd be great to meet everyone face to face.
Dave

[Tim Fishell]

I will be sure to let you know when we get together up there.  Jason and I were talking about possibly doing a hunt up on his stomping grounds in the Stanton or Flat River state game areas.  If it happens I will be sure to let you know.  Take care buddy and good luck!!