In the expansive world of archery, finding the right equipment can feel like navigating an endless forest.
But sometimes, a product emerges that stands out, much like a towering Alaskan spruce in a wilderness of pine.
Such is the case with Bear Archery's Alaskan Olive RH70, Multicolor. Priced at $549.99, this bow promises to provide a blend of performance, durability, and aesthetic appeal, all while carrying the legacy of a brand renowned for quality.
In this review, we're going to embark on a journey deep into the heart of this piece of archery equipment.
We'll dissect its performance by looking at aspects like speed, draw weight, and accuracy.
We'll delve into its construction and design, scrutinizing the quality of materials and the comfort it offers during use.
We'll also examine the user experience, from the ease of assembly to customer service.
Finally, we'll weigh in on its value for money, considering both its price point and the features it brings to the table.
So, draw your curiosity back like an arrow on a bowstring and prepare to take aim at the knowledge we're about to unveil.
Let's explore what makes the Alaskan a potential bullseye in the archery market.
Specifications
- Finish: Olive
- Axle-to-Axle: 32″
- Brace Height: 6.25″
- Draw Length: 25.5″-31″
- Let Off: 80%
- Bow Weight: 3.9 LBS.
Key features of the Bear Archery Alaskan include:
- DHC 80% Hybrid Cam: The bow is equipped with an all-new DHC hybrid cam system. This system offers a relaxed 80% let-off, providing a smooth draw cycle that doesn’t compromise Bear Archery’s signature smoothness.
- Performance Bargain: Despite its mass weight being under 4 lbs, the bow can deliver arrow speeds up to 335 FPS.
- Dead in Hand: It includes the new KillerWave in-limb dampener system that helps eliminate vibration, enhancing the accuracy of each shot.
- Ultimate Adjustability: The bow offers an impressive amount of adjustability with a draw length that can be set anywhere between 25.5″ and 31″. It also provides options for limb weights of 45-60 lbs or 55-70 lbs.
The Bear Archery Alaskan is also compatible with several accessories that enhance its utility and performance:
- Digital React Trio Pro: A cutting-edge bow sight that offers precision aiming.
- Hitman Kit: A comprehensive package that typically includes stabilizers and other accessories to improve bow performance.
- VRSA Light: A lighting accessory that can be a great addition for low-light hunting scenarios2.
My Personal Experience
It was a cold, crisp morning in the Alaskan wilderness.
My breath was visible in the air as I quietly navigated through the snow-covered terrain, my Bear Archery Alaskan compound bow in hand.
I was following the tracks of a large elk that I had been tracking since dawn.
The first thing that struck me about the Alaskan was its weight – or rather, the lack thereof.
Weighing under 4lbs, it was easy to carry over long distances, and it did not add to the fatigue of the day's hunt.
The olive finish not only looked sleek but also blended well with the surroundings.
As I spotted the elk grazing in a clearing, I appreciated the smoothness of the bow's draw cycle.
The DHC 80% Hybrid Cam system ensured a relaxed let-off, allowing me to maintain my focus on the target without straining.
The silence was palpable as I pulled back the string, the only sound being the soft crunch of the snow beneath my boots.
I had adjusted the draw length of the bow to match my arm span perfectly, a testament to its ultimate adjustability.
This, combined with the KillerWave in-limb dampeners, contributed to my shot's accuracy.
The dampeners absorbed most of the vibration, resulting in a quieter, more precise release.
When I released the arrow, it cut through the air at a stunning speed – one of the many benefits of a bow that boasts speeds up to 335 FPS.
The arrow found its mark, and the elk fell.
It was a clean, humane kill.
After the hunt,Stepping into the wilderness, the Alaskan Olive RH70 in hand, a sense of familiarity washed over me, as if it was an extension of my own arm.
Its Olive finish blended seamlessly with the environment, becoming almost invisible amongst the foliage.
The first thing that struck me was the weight.
At a mere 3.9 lbs, the Alaskan felt incredibly light, a feature that proved invaluable during long hunting treks across varied terrains.
Its compact 32″ axle-to-axle design further enhanced its portability without compromising on power and performance.
On one of these hunts, I found myself tracking a white-tailed deer through a densely forested area.
The deer was wary, senses heightened.
I knew I had to make the first shot count.
That's when I truly experienced the smoothness of the Alaskan's DHC 80% Hybrid Cam system.
The draw cycle was almost effortless, with a relaxed 80% let off that allowed me to maintain my focus on the deer without straining or rushing.
The Alaskan's killer feature, literally and figuratively, is its KillerWave in-limb dampeners.
As I released the arrow, the bow remained dead in my hands, with virtually no vibration.
This greatly improved the accuracy of my shot, leading to a successful hunt.
The adjustable draw length from 25.5” to 31” was another feature that stood out.
On this hunt, I found that a longer draw length gave me better control and precision, and adjusting it on the Alaskan was straightforward and quick.
Lastly, the arrow speed of up to 335 FPS was impressive, providing the fast, clean kill that is essential for ethical hunting.
From these experiences, I can confidently say that the Alaskan Olive RH70 is not just a tool, but a companion for the dedicated hunter.
Its design reflects a deep understanding of a hunter's needs and challenges, making it a reliable choice for anyone serious about their archery.
What are people saying?
Ethan
- Ethan loves the color of the Bear Archery Alaskan and thinks it's a great bow overall.
- He found tuning a bit unusual due to the single yoke on top, and the bow didn't come in tune, requiring some adjustments.
- Once tuned, the bow was pulling 69lbs at a 28.5in draw.
- He emphasizes that tuning the hybrid cams is challenging and recommends having the right skills or a trusted bow tech to do it.
- Despite some issues with the strings and the design of the limb stop, Ethan appreciates the bow's solid build and light weight.
- He also recommends a bow cover to protect the large cams during transport.
- After running the bow through the chrono, he achieved 270fps at a 28.5 inch draw, 69 lbs, with a 500 grain arrow.
Shradical
- Shradical's first bow was a Cabelas brand made by PSE, but he finds the Bear Alaskan to be a great upgrade.
- He chose the Bear Alaskan based on budget-friendly bow reviews and was not disappointed.
- He found the cam adjustments for draw length and stop to be self-explanatory and easy to make.
- Once set up, his groupings were super tight at 30 yards.
- He was shooting it at 70lbs with a 28” draw and found the bow to be dead in hand with zero vibration.
- The let-off was also fantastic.
- His only complaint was about the finishing on the paint.
- Despite that, he would 100% buy this bow again.
- After his first hunt of the season, he was still in love with the bow, having bagged his first doe.
The Drawbacks
- A customer review on Amazon highlighted that tuning the bow was a bit unusual, and the bow did not come perfectly in tune. The user had to adjust the cable to get it in tune.
- The strings were not particularly appreciated by this user, and they suggested using a more round smooth string for better performance.
- They also mentioned that while the bow is light and well balanced, it is quite large and might be more suitable for taller individuals. However, this person, being 5'9″, did not have any major issues with its size.
In terms of personal anecdotes, when I was learning about archery, I remember being surprised at how important proper tuning was for compound bows.
It's not just about the quality of the bow but also how well it's adjusted to the archer's specific needs and shooting style.
So, it's interesting to see that even for a high-quality bow like the Bear Archery Alaskan, tuning can still be a bit of a challenge.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
The Bear Archery Alaskan Compound Bow has established itself as a promising option for bowhunters, particularly those seeking a high-performing bow at a great value.
It's designed with cutting-edge technology, including a new DHC hybrid cam system and KillerWave in-limb dampeners that improve accuracy by reducing vibration1.
The Alaskan is a performance-packed bow offering impressive arrow speeds up to 335 FPS, a comfortable draw cycle, and a significant amount of adjustability in draw length.
It's also light, with a mass weight under 4 lbs, which adds to its usability in the field.
What stands out in user reviews is the appreciation for the bow's solid build, ease of adjustability, and excellent performance.
Users praise the bow's smooth draw cycle, dead-in-hand feel, and the impressive accuracy it delivers.
However, it's also important to note that some users have pointed out the need for tuning skills or the help of a trusted bow tech to tune the hybrid cams.
Additionally, the finishing on the paint may leave a bit to be desired, as per some users' observations.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Bear Archery Alaskan Compound Bow appears to be a reliable choice, particularly for those who are serious about their bowhunting.
Its performance and adjustability, coupled with its reasonable price, make it a compelling choice for both experienced archers and newcomers to the sport.
In conclusion, if you're in the market for a compound bow that delivers on performance, adjustability, and value, the Bear Archery Alaskan Compound Bow is a strong contender that is certainly worth considering.
