Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve Review

Putting the Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve to Work

The Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve isn’t just a bow; it’s a legacy. Manufactured by Bear Archery, this classic recurve bow evokes a sense of tradition and harkens back to simpler times when archery was a pure, instinctive art. With its one-piece red Dymondwood riser and clear maple limbs backed with black fiberglass, it promises both aesthetic appeal and reliable performance, making it a standout choice for archers who appreciate the roots of the sport.

What drew me to the Grizzly Recurve was a yearning for a more primal archery experience. I’d grown weary of the complexities of modern compound bows and desired a bow that demanded more from the archer and offered a deeper connection to the shot. The Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve presented the perfect opportunity to return to traditional archery and refine my instinctive shooting skills.

Upon unboxing, the Grizzly Recurve immediately impressed me with its solid construction and classic design. The red Dymondwood riser felt substantial and well-balanced in hand, while the contrasting black fiberglass limbs exuded strength and durability. The crowned arrow shelf with its Bear hair rest and leather side plate added a touch of elegance, suggesting meticulous attention to detail.

I considered a few other recurve bows before settling on the Grizzly Recurve, including the Samick Sage and the PSE Razorback. Ultimately, I chose the Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve because of its reputation for quality, its classic aesthetics, and the history associated with the Bear Archery name. Its slightly shorter 58″ AMO length also appealed to me, seeming ideal for both target shooting and hunting in dense woods.

My first impression of the Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve was one of excitement tempered with a healthy dose of respect. This wasn’t a bow that would hold my hand; it would demand that I learn its nuances and master the fundamentals of archery. The Grizzly Recurve seemed to be an instrument that would both challenge and reward me in equal measure.

Real-World Testing: Putting Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve took place at a local archery range, a controlled environment that allowed me to focus on form and accuracy. I also spent time in the backcountry, simulating hunting conditions and testing the bow’s maneuverability in varied terrain. I found myself drawn to its easy target acquisition.

The Grizzly Recurve performed admirably in both sunny and slightly overcast conditions, with the black fiberglass limbs effectively absorbing light and minimizing glare. However, shooting in windy conditions proved challenging, as the lightweight arrows were easily affected by crosswinds, requiring careful adjustments to aim and release. This is where arrow weight is truly important!

The Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve required a period of adjustment to master. Unlike a compound bow with its sights and release aids, shooting the Grizzly Recurve demanded a more instinctive approach, relying on feel and muscle memory. The learning curve was steep but rewarding, forcing me to refine my form and develop a deeper connection to the shot.

After the initial testing session, I discovered that the factory-supplied Dacron Flemish string stretched considerably, requiring frequent adjustments to the brace height. I also noticed some minor fraying on the Bear hair rest, indicating a potential need for replacement or reinforcement. These were minor issues that did not significantly detract from the overall performance of the bow, though.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve has proven to be a reliable and durable companion. The Dymondwood riser remains solid and free of cracks or splinters, and the fiberglass limbs show no signs of delamination or stress. I’ve come to rely on it.

Despite frequent use, the Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve has held up exceptionally well. The only signs of wear and tear are some minor scratches on the riser and slight fading of the black fiberglass limbs, cosmetic issues that do not affect the bow’s performance. The more I use it, the better I get, and the more I trust it.

Maintaining the Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve has been relatively simple. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and occasional waxing of the string have been sufficient to keep the bow in optimal condition. The Bear hair rest has required replacement twice, but this is an inexpensive and easily performed maintenance task.

Compared to my previous experiences with other recurve bows, the Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve stands out for its superior build quality, smooth draw cycle, and consistent accuracy. The Grizzly Recurve has exceeded my expectations, delivering a truly satisfying and rewarding archery experience. Its simplistic design makes it enjoyable for a wide variety of uses.

Breaking Down the Features of Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve

Specifications

The Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve boasts the following specifications: a one-piece riser made from red Dymondwood, limbs overlaid with clear maple and backed/faced with high-strength black fiberglass, a 58″ AMO length, a crowned, cut-past center arrow shelf with Bear Hair Rest and leather side plate, and a Dacron Flemish String. These specifications contribute to its performance and classic feel.

The 58″ AMO length makes it maneuverable in tight spaces, like hunting from a blind or navigating dense woods. The combination of Dymondwood and fiberglass ensures both strength and flexibility, resulting in a smooth draw and efficient energy transfer. The crowned arrow shelf and Bear hair rest promote consistent arrow flight, enhancing accuracy.

Performance & Functionality

The Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve performs admirably as a hunting and target bow, delivering accurate and consistent shots with proper form and technique. Its smooth draw cycle and forgiving nature make it suitable for both experienced archers and those new to traditional archery. Its ease of use is noteworthy.

The strengths of the Grizzly Recurve lie in its simplicity, durability, and classic design. However, the factory-supplied Dacron string could be upgraded to a faster, more efficient material like B55 or Fast Flight. I would also like to see a slightly more durable arrow rest included in the package.

The Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve generally meets or exceeds expectations for a bow in its price range. Its traditional design and reliable performance offer a rewarding archery experience, though a string upgrade may be beneficial for maximizing its potential. It’s important to know what you want to accomplish, and the Grizzly Recurve is great for many applications.

Design & Ergonomics

The Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve features a classic one-piece design with a red Dymondwood riser and black fiberglass limbs. The bow feels solid and well-balanced in hand, and the grip is comfortable and secure. Its weight of 3.3 oz is easily manageable.

The Grizzly Recurve is relatively user-friendly, although mastering its nuances requires practice and dedication. The instinctive shooting style demanded by the bow may present a learning curve for those accustomed to modern compound bows. However, with proper instruction and consistent practice, anyone can learn to shoot accurately and consistently with the Grizzly Recurve.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care and maintenance, the Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve should last for many years. Its simple construction and durable materials make it resistant to wear and tear, and its timeless design ensures that it will remain a relevant and enjoyable archery tool for generations to come. This bow is meant to be passed down.

Maintaining the Grizzly Recurve is relatively simple. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and occasional waxing of the string are typically sufficient to keep the bow in optimal condition. Replacement parts, such as strings and arrow rests, are readily available from archery retailers.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve comes standard with a Dacron Flemish string, a Bear hair rest, and a leather side plate. Customization options are limited due to the bow’s one-piece design, but archers can experiment with different strings, arrow rests, and grips to personalize their shooting experience. The customization possibilities aren’t endless, but are there nonetheless.

The Grizzly Recurve is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, including quivers, armguards, and finger tabs or gloves. The bow is also compatible with most standard recurve bow arrows. Ultimately, the choice of accessories depends on the archer’s individual preferences and shooting style.

Pros and Cons of Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve

• Smooth Draw Cycle: The bow’s limb design results in a smooth and consistent draw, reducing fatigue and improving accuracy.

• Forgiving Nature: Its forgiving characteristics make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced archers, helping to develop proper form and technique.

• Durable Construction: The combination of Dymondwood and fiberglass ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to wear and tear.

• Affordable Price: The Grizzly Recurve offers exceptional value for its price, making it an accessible option for those seeking a quality traditional bow without breaking the bank.

• Limited Customization: The one-piece design limits customization options compared to takedown recurve bows.

Who Should Buy Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve?

The Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve is perfect for traditional archers, bowhunters seeking a simple and effective hunting tool, and those who appreciate the history and heritage of archery. It is equally well-suited for recreational target shooters, historical reenactors, and anyone seeking a deeper connection to the art of archery.

This bow might not be ideal for archers who prioritize maximum speed and adjustability, as it lacks the advanced features and customization options found on modern compound bows. Those seeking a high-tech, ultra-fast hunting bow should explore other options.

A must-have accessory for the Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve is a high-quality bow string, such as a B55 or Fast Flight string, to maximize performance. Also recommended are a durable arrow rest, a comfortable finger tab or glove, and a reliable quiver for carrying arrows. These simple upgrades can significantly enhance the shooting experience and optimize the bow’s performance.

Conclusion on Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve

The Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve is more than just a bow; it’s a piece of archery history. Its classic design, smooth draw cycle, and durable construction make it a rewarding choice for archers of all skill levels. I’ve found it to be an extremely fun and useful bow.

At a price of $441.60, the Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve represents a solid value proposition. While a string upgrade may be desirable, the bow offers excellent performance and durability straight out of the box. Its relatively affordable price and long-lasting build quality make it a sound investment for any archer.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve to anyone seeking a traditional archery experience. Its simplicity, reliability, and timeless design make it a joy to shoot and a worthwhile addition to any archery collection. Pick up a Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve and discover the simple joy of connecting with the target in a traditional way!