Fred Bear bug got me.....

[choochoou]

I just bought a custom Kodiak takedown I've always wanted one.finally. Joe

[slim_grim]

The Sportsman's Channel uploaded their Fred Bear special about a month ago. It's definitely worth watching if you haven't already.    

http://vimeo.com/91749603

[STICKBENDER98]

Got back into traditional shooting and hunting 20 plus years ago using my dad's Bear Alaskan, 62" 45# @ 28".  Not sure how old it is exactly, he's had it for as long as I can remember, I'm 46 now so it's been around for awhile.  I'm very fortunate to have it hanging on my bow rack with the rest of my herd.  I was also very fortunate to pick up a like new '67 Kodiak Magnum last weekend in a trade, haven't shot it yet but planning on it this weekend.

[jackdaw]

5 years ago I could not find them original 59 Kodiak to buy so I ordered two reproductions..!!! Ed Holcomb makes a beautiful copy that are real performers..!! Then I bought a 1967 1/2  super Kodiak, the first year model super Kodiak! They are stellar performers and super stable...... Bear Archery knew theirstuff .... I am proud  to own a Grayling classic....!!!

[Frank V]

I don't think this is drifting the thread, anyone who is interested in Bear bows should get the DVD set offered by 3-Rivers & others. There are a great many of Freds hunts in there & some interesting interviews about Bear Archery.
  I watch my set several times a year.

[Woodduck]

So what about the string that comes with the new '59. Weren't you going to say something about why you went to another string?

Not many folks buying/trying the new bows?

[59Alaskan]

very cool TRAP!!!

[David Mitchell]

Woodduck, I acquired three new Bear recurves in the past 12 months! And I basically have been a Hill style longbow guy for many years now. I really like what they are doing--especially since they changed the finish in the last year or so.  None of my new Bears have developed the stretch lines across the back of the limbs that the Cheyenne I had developed in only about three weeks--it was made about 2011-12 I think.  The strings that came with them are what I use.  They seem fine to me but it would be nice if whoever makes them would taper the strands out so they don't all end abruptly below the loops. All of a sudden the string drops to half the diameter of the loop.  Not a functional issue but cosmetically not real attractive.  I give Bear a big thumbs up on their traditional line.

[jackdaw]

Now Trap...when are you going to start making those awesome feather...brush-rest styled, strikeplate rests like you have displayed here...???? Love that...!!!

[jackdaw]

call Steve "bearbowman" Smith and get one of his 59' Kodiak accent strings.......AWESOME..!!! Just google Bearbowman bow strings.....owned 5 now......great stuff...

[IronJohn]

That dual shelf Kodiak laying on the hay bales with the vintage Bear quiver in Trap's pic is to die for! Look at the tiny tips and sleek lines of that bow, what a looker  

[Frank V]

That bow that Trap shows on the bale of hay is a beautiful bow.

Tim Meigs built several a few years back with a compass in the grip, I was lucky enough to get one & it's a great shooter & a lot of fun. Not a Bear, but built by one of the great old bowyers.

[TRAP]

The "hay bale" bow is a 1955 Kodiak I picked up on the big auction site for $85.00.  A little sandpaper, some veg tanned leather and a bottle of tru oil resurrected a classic.

The narrow limb tips make the 55 one of the best shooters Bear Archery ever made.

DD