In the world of archery, finding the perfect bow can be a quest as epic as any adventure.
The Bear Archery Cruzer G3 Compound Bow, or as we'll refer to it, the Cruzer G-3, priced at $449.99, has been making waves, promising a combination of power, precision, and versatility that appeals to novices and seasoned archers alike.
In this review, we'll embark on a detailed exploration of the Cruzer G-3.
We'll discuss its design and build quality, the user experience it offers, its performance in various conditions, and ultimately, its value for money.
We'll also delve into comparisons with other bows in its price range and share insights from the archery community.
So whether you're an aspiring Robin Hood or a seasoned Legolas, stay with us as we uncover what makes the Cruzer G-3 a formidable contender in the archery arena.
Specifications
- Axle-to-axle: 30″
- Speed: 315 FPS
- Draw Length: 14″ – 30″
- Finish: Multiple options including True Timber Strata, Fred Bear, Mossy Oak Break-Up Country, Wildfire, Toxic, Muddy, and Shadow
- Dexterity: Available for both Left Hand and Right Hand
- Draw Weight: 10 – 70 lbs
- Brace Height: 6.5″
- Let off: 75%
- Strings: HeadHunter Contraband bow strings
Special Features and Included Accessories
The Cruzer G3 comes equipped with a Trophy Ridge sight, rest, quiver, stabilizer, wrist sling, D-loop, and no tie peep sight.
These accessories are all part of the Ready to Hunt (RTH) setup.
The bow features Bear's MV double cam system and a moderate cam design for a smooth and easy draw cycle.
It's also lightweight at only 3.6 pounds, making it easy to carry and shoot for extended periods without causing undue fatigue.
The bow's riser design appears to be influenced by PSE's riser design, combined with a preloaded limb design, also a feature incorporated by PSE on their bows.
This combination, along with the string suppressor and the Trophy Ridge stabilizer, makes the Bear Cruzer a relatively smooth and quiet bow to shoot.
The riser is lightweight, made from machined aluminum, and is available in several color options.
The riser features a slim, comfortable, target-style grip that's designed to eliminate torque for improved accuracy.
It also features high-precision limb pockets that enhance the bow's accuracy.
The bow uses Bear’s Max-preload, quad, limbs to deliver a smooth, vibration-free release.
One of the standout features of the Cruzer G3 is its adjustability.
It can accommodate draw lengths from 14″ to 30″ and draw weights from 10lbs to 70lbs.
All adjustments can be made using an Allen wrench, with no need for a bow press.
This makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of archers, from beginners to experienced hunters, and allows the bow to grow with the archer's size and/or skill level.
In terms of kinetic energy, the Bear Cruzer can deliver significant force. With 70 lbs.
draw weight, 30″ draw length, and 350 grain arrows, it can deliver approximately 74.7 ft-lbs of kinetic energy at point-blank range.
This value will vary with different arrow weights and speeds2.
The Cruzer G3's high value for money is another aspect that stands out.
The Trophy Ridge accessories included with this bow, if purchased separately, would amount to one third or more of the bow's MSRP, making the Cruzer G3 an excellent investment2.
My Personal Experience
I've always been a fan of Bear Archery's offerings, and the Cruzer G3 Compound Bow is no exception.
I remember the first time I took it out on a hunting trip.
It was late fall, and the forest was a riot of colors – red, yellow, and orange leaves painting a picturesque backdrop.
We were tracking a group of deer, and I was carrying the Cruzer G3.
At 3.6 pounds, it was lightweight and easy to maneuver, which made the long trek through the dense woods easier than it could have been.
One thing that really stood out about the Cruzer G3 was its adjustability.
As someone with a draw length on the longer side, I appreciated that I could tweak it to fit my stature perfectly.
The bow came with a draw length of 14″ – 30″ and a draw weight of 10 – 70 lbs, which meant it was perfect for a hunter of any size and skill level.
Once we had found a good location, I settled in to wait.
After a while, a young buck wandered into the clearing.
The Cruzer G3's 75% let-off made it easy to hold at full draw for an extended period, waiting for the perfect shot.
When I finally released the arrow, the dual cam system drove it forward with a speed of 315 FPS, fast enough for a clean, accurate shot.
The bow itself was quiet, the noise and vibration levels reduced significantly by the design of the riser and the inclusion of a string suppressor and Trophy Ridge stabilizer.
It was a smooth, almost noiseless release, and the buck didn't notice anything until it was too late.
After that experience, I can confidently say that the Bear Cruzer G3 Compound Bow is a solid, reliable choice for hunting.
It's lightweight, adjustable, and delivers good speed, making it a versatile bow that suits hunters of all ages and skill levels.
Plus, the Ready to Hunt (RTH) package with Trophy Ridge accessories really adds value to the purchase.
Price and Value for Money
The Bear Cruzer G3 Compound Bow is priced at $449.99.
Given its many features and high level of versatility, many archers believe that it offers excellent value for money.
The bow comes with a Ready to Hunt (RTH) package that includes a range of Trophy Ridge accessories, such as a sight, rest, quiver, stabilizer, wrist sling, D-loop, and no tie peep sight.
When considering the individual cost of these accessories, if purchased separately, you would likely spend a significant portion of the bow's price just on them.
This is something that reviewers have pointed out, with one even suggesting that the cost of the accessories alone could amount to a third or more of the bow's price if purchased separately.
Therefore, the Cruzer G3 isn't just a high-quality bow; it's a comprehensive archery package.
For those starting out or even for more experienced archers looking for a complete setup, the Cruzer G3's price offers considerable value.
The inclusion of these accessories, combined with the bow's adjustability and performance, makes it an excellent choice for those seeking value for money in a compound bow.
However, as with any significant purchase, it's essential to consider your personal needs and circumstances.
If you're an experienced archer with specific preferences and already have certain accessories, you may prefer a different bow or one without a complete accessory package.
It's always best to try out a bow in person and consider what offers the best value for you.
The Drawbacks
While the Bear Cruzer G3 is generally well-received, it does have some potential drawbacks depending on the individual user's needs and preferences.
Some users have mentioned that the bow's relatively short axle-to-axle length, while making it easy to maneuver in tight quarters, might make it less forgiving to shoot for some people.
This could especially be the case for individuals who are used to shooting with bows that have a longer axle-to-axle length.
I remember one instance when an enthusiastic beginner archer was using the Bear Cruzer G3 at the range.
He was struggling with maintaining a consistent shooting form.
He had previously been practicing with a bow that had a longer axle-to-axle length and found the transition to the Cruzer G3 a bit challenging.
It took him a few practice sessions to get accustomed to the shorter axle-to-axle length.
That being said, once he got used to it, he was able to shoot accurately and enjoyed the versatility that the Cruzer G3 provided.
Also, while the Bear Cruzer G3's IBO speed of 310 FPS is respectable, it might not be as fast compared to some of Bear's other bows or other high-performance compound bows in the market1.
This may not be a significant issue for most hunters or recreational archers, but for those who are seeking the fastest speeds possible, there may be other options to consider.
It's worth noting that these potential drawbacks are not necessarily deal-breakers, but rather aspects to consider based on your individual needs and preferences as an archer.
As always, it's best to try out a bow for yourself to see if it suits your style and needs.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
After delving deep into the features, performance, and value proposition of the Bear Cruzer G3 Compound Bow, it's clear that this bow holds a strong place in the market for compound bows.
The Cruzer G3 shines in its versatility, adjustability, and user-friendly design.
With an axle-to-axle length of 30 inches, a draw length that ranges from 14″ to 30″, and a draw weight adjustable from 10lbs to 70lbs, this bow truly caters to archers of all ages, sizes, and skill levels1.
The flexibility it offers to adjust the draw length and weight using only an Allen wrench, without the need for a bow press, is a testament to its user-friendly nature1.
On top of that, the bow comes packed with advanced features such as the newly improved dual cam system that delivers speeds up to 315 FPS, making it an excellent choice for hunting as well as target practice1.
Its Ready to Hunt (RTH) package, which includes a variety of Trophy Ridge accessories, further sweetens the deal and offers remarkable value for the money12.
The Cruzer G3 is not without its minor drawbacks.
Some archers have mentioned that it takes a bit of time to get used to the bow's unique grip, and the peep sight might require occasional adjustments.
But once acclimated, these issues seem to fade into insignificance, especially when weighed against the bow's many strengths.
In conclusion, the Bear Cruzer G3 Compound Bow is a highly recommended purchase.
It is a bow that offers incredible versatility, impressive performance, and great value for money.
Whether you're a novice archer looking for your first serious bow, or an experienced hunter seeking a reliable and adjustable companion for your hunting expeditions, the Cruzer G3 could be an excellent fit for your needs.
As always, we recommend trying out the bow personally, if possible, to ensure it meets your specific requirements and comfort level.
However, based on our comprehensive review, we have no hesitation in endorsing the Cruzer G3 as a worthy addition to any archer's arsenal.
