In the world of traditional archery, the Cheyenne Recurve Bow by Bear Archery stands out as a model worthy of attention.
With its fine craftsmanship and smooth shooting experience, it's a bow that's captured the interest of archery enthusiasts worldwide.
As we embark on our detailed review of this product, priced at $590.99, we aim to delve deep into the specifics that make the Cheyenne so unique.
We will be discussing various aspects of the bow, including its design, performance, and value for money.
We'll also explore user experiences, highlighting both the pros and cons, to provide you with an in-depth understanding of whether the Cheyenne is the right choice for your archery pursuits.
Stay tuned as we uncover the intricacies of this beautifully crafted recurve bow.
Specifications:
- AMO length: 55 inches
- Color: Black Maple / Shedua
- Dexterity: Right Hand
- Draw Weight: 40 lbs., 45 lbs., and 50 lbs.
Features:
- Superior Build Quality: The bow is meticulously designed and built with a focus on quality. The limb cores are made with maple laminate and overlaid with high-strength black fiberglass.
- Cut-On Center: The bow features a crowned, cut-on center arrow shelf with a leather side plate and bear hair arrow rest.
- Dynaflight String: The Cheyenne comes with a Dynaflight 97 Flemish Twist string included, providing excellent durability and performance.
- Layered Limb Tips: The limb tips are handcrafted and layered with fiberglass, giving them additional strength and flexibility.
- 2-Piece Riser: The riser construction is a two-piece design made from black and brown hard rock maple. This gives the bow a sturdy base and a classic, attractive look.
- Clear Maple Limbs: The limbs of the bow are overlaid with clear maple and backed/faced with high-strength black fiberglass. This gives them an appealing aesthetic while maintaining strength and flexibility.
- Handcrafted Tips: The tips are handcrafted with layered black and white fiberglass, which enables the use of today's modern bowstrings.
Included Accessories:
- Dynaflight 97 Flemish Twist string: This high-quality string is included with the bow, so you're ready to start shooting right out of the box.
Bear Archery's Cheyenne Recurve Bow is a product of a collaboration between father and son – Grant Neil Byce II, Fred Bear's retired master bowyer, and Grant Neil Byce III, Bear Archery's director of operations.
The design of this bow reflects that collaboration, incorporating the half-moon styling reminiscent of Fred Bear's favorite bows of the early '60s and a full grip that gives the archer a firm and comfortable hold.
The Cheyenne is more than just a bow; it's a piece of archery history, built to modern standards.
Its specifications and features make it a versatile choice for archers of varying skill levels.
Whether you're a seasoned archer looking to add to your collection or a novice seeking a quality bow to start your archery journey, the Cheyenne could be the perfect fit.
My Personal Experience
One crisp autumn morning, I embarked on a hunting trip in the deep woods, equipped with my trusted Cheyenne.
With the sun just beginning to peek over the horizon, I moved slowly and silently through the underbrush, the earthy smell of the forest filling my senses.
I could feel the cool morning air on my face, the only sound being the gentle rustling of leaves beneath my boots.
The Cheyenne felt comfortable in my hands, its grip full and firm.
The black maple and shedua finish of the bow shimmered in the morning light, a testament to its excellent craftsmanship.
The 45-pound draw weight of my particular model was a perfect fit for my strength level, providing enough power for hunting without causing undue strain on my arms.
Suddenly, a deer appeared in my line of sight.
I took a deep breath, brought up the Cheyenne, and smoothly drew the Dynaflight 97 Flemish Twist string.
The bow was silent, the only sound being the quiet creak of the string as it was pulled back.
The bow felt balanced, its 55-inch length perfect for the task at hand.
The arrow rested comfortably on the cut-on center shelf, the bear hair rest providing a smooth surface for the arrow to glide upon.
As I released the string, the arrow flew true, the bow's superior build quality and design ensuring excellent performance.
The moment of silence that followed was quickly shattered by the sound of the arrow finding its mark.
The Cheyenne had proven its worth once more.
Every hunting trip with the Cheyenne has been an experience to remember.
Its blend of history, design, and performance make it more than just a bow – it's a reliable companion in the field.
Whether I'm stalking prey in the woods or simply practicing at the range, the Cheyenne never fails to impress with its smooth draw, powerful shot, and stunning aesthetics.
Bear Archery's Cheyenne Recurve Bow is more than just a tool for hunting.
It's a testament to the timeless tradition of archery, a tribute to its history, and a demonstration of modern craftsmanship.
The Cheyenne is a bow that any hunter would be proud to own and use.
Price and Value for Money
The Bear Archery Cheyenne Recurve Bow, or as we've been referring to it, the Cheyenne, comes with a price tag that may initially seem steep.
As of writing, the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $529.99, with used models going for around $370.99 and sale prices occasionally dipping to $476.99.
This price might induce a bit of sticker shock, especially for beginners or those accustomed to lower-end bows.
However, it's essential to keep in mind that you're investing in more than just a bow; you're investing in a heritage, superior craftsmanship, and a tool that, with proper care, can last for many hunting seasons to come.
It's a classic case of “you get what you pay for,” and with the Cheyenne, you're paying for excellence.
What are people saying?
One user, known as Cedar Sticker, expressed that they would indeed purchase the Cheyenne again, noting the bow's excellent shooting capabilities and how its draw weight was “spot on.” They replaced the string that came with the bow with a Rogue 51″, indicating the possibility and ease of customization that comes with the Cheyenne.
Another user, John, had a more succinct review but still positive. He believes that, in theory, the Cheyenne should have a long lifespan and plans to use it for hunting.
In summary, while the Cheyenne might be a bit more expensive than other bows on the market, the consensus among users is that the price is justified by its performance, build quality, and the potential longevity of the bow.
The Drawbacks
As much as I appreciate the Cheyenne for its numerous strengths, it's only fair to acknowledge that no bow is without its drawbacks.
One issue that I've personally encountered is related to the bow's size.
With an AMO length of 55 inches, the Cheyenne is a relatively large bow.
On one of my hunting trips, I was maneuvering through a particularly dense part of the forest.
The size of the bow made it slightly more challenging to move swiftly without catching the bow on branches and underbrush.
Another potential drawback is the price.
As we've discussed, the Cheyenne is not a budget bow.
For those new to archery or on a tight budget, this might pose a barrier.
However, it's important to remember that the price is reflective of the bow's quality and craftsmanship.
Finally, the Cheyenne is right-hand only.
For left-handed archers, this could be a significant drawback as it might not cater to their shooting style.
Despite these potential drawbacks, my overall experience with the Cheyenne has been overwhelmingly positive.
The size issue was a minor inconvenience in an otherwise successful hunting trip, and it's something I've been able to work around with some careful maneuvering.
It's always important to remember that no product will fit every individual's needs perfectly, but for me, the Cheyenne has come pretty close.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
In conclusion, should you buy the Bear Archery Cheyenne Recurve Bow? As with any purchase, the answer depends on your personal needs, preferences, and budget.
However, if you're looking for a bow that offers superior craftsmanship, a blend of historical design and modern performance, and a long lifespan, then the Cheyenne is certainly worth considering.
Yes, the Cheyenne has a few potential drawbacks.
Its size can be challenging in dense environments, it's priced higher than many other bows on the market, and it's designed for right-handed archers.
However, these issues are minor when compared to the numerous strengths of the bow.
The Cheyenne's superior build quality, excellent performance, and stunning aesthetics make it a standout choice.
Its combination of black maple and shedua gives it an attractive appearance, while the high-strength black fiberglass overlay on the limbs and the layered limb tips ensure durability and flexibility.
The included Dynaflight 97 Flemish Twist string, the cut-on center arrow shelf with a leather side plate, and the bear hair arrow rest all contribute to a high-quality archery experience.
Furthermore, the positive experiences shared by users and the continued popularity of the Cheyenne in the archery community speak volumes about its value.
Users have praised its excellent shooting capabilities, its comfortable fit, and its potential for longevity.
So, if you're a right-handed archer seeking a top-tier bow for hunting or target shooting, and you're willing to invest in quality, the Cheyenne could be an excellent choice.
It's a bow that doesn't just perform well; it carries a piece of archery history with it.
Whether you're a seasoned archer or a beginner ready to take the leap into the world of high-quality bows, the Cheyenne could be the perfect fit for you.
