In the world of archery, few names carry as much weight and recognition as that of Fred Bear.
So when a new product emerges bearing his name, it's only natural that the archery community takes notice.
Today, we're diving deep into a comprehensive review of the Bear Archery Escalate Fred Bear RH70, a bow that commands attention with its price tag of $749.99.
The moniker “Escalate” suggests a step up, an elevation, a progression.
But does it live up to its name?
In this review, we will dissect the Escalate Fred Bear RH70 to see if it's worth its substantial price tag.
We'll explore its design and construction, its performance in various settings, and its overall feel and usability.
We will also delve into the unique features that set it apart from the competition and evaluate the customer support and warranty services offered by Bear Archery.
Whether you're a seasoned archer or a newcomer to the sport, stay tuned to find out if this bow is the perfect fit for your archery needs.
Specifications
The Escalate Fred Bear by Bear Archery is a compound bow that is packed with features that cater to both novice and experienced archers alike. Here is a detailed list of its specifications:
- Axle-to-Axle: 31 inches
- Speed: Up to 339 FPS (Feet per Second)
- Draw Length: 26 to 30 inches
- Finish: True Timber Strata
- Dexterity: Available for both Right Hand and Left Hand users
- Draw Weight: Options for 45-60 lbs or 55-70 lbs
- Let-off: Customizable to four different positions (75%, 80%, 85%, or 90%) using EKO Technology
- Brace Height: 6.5 inches
- Mass Weight: 4.1 lbs.
Notable features of the Escalate Fred Bear include:
- EKO Technology: This technology allows for let-off customization to four different positions (75%, 80%, 85%, or 90%), providing adaptability to different shooting styles and preferences.
- Custom Grips: The bow comes with the new GRIZgrip® for a more relaxed and natural grip on the bow and the popular VERSAGRIP, which may enhance your control and accuracy.
- Vibration Reduction System (VRS): This feature helps stabilize and reduce lingering riser vibration by up to 25% from the motion of shooting an arrow, allowing for a smoother and quieter shot.
- Limb Dampening Technology: Introduced in 2022, the KillerWave® limb dampeners fit strategically in the upper and lower limbs to eliminate additional vibration in every shot, contributing to a more comfortable shooting experience.
- Performance: With class-leading speeds up to 339 FPS and a mass weight of only 4.1 lbs, the Escalate Fred Bear offers insane performance at an unbeatable price. It's designed to be both nimble and manageable in various hunting scenarios, making it a performance bargain for its cost.
As for included accessories, the Escalate Fred Bear ships with the GRIZgrip® and VERSAGRIP for an enhanced, more natural grip on the bow.
It's also worth noting that a common accessory purchased with the bow, as suggested by Amazon, is the TruFire Smoke Adjustable Archery Compound Bow Release with Foldback Design – Black Wrist Strap2.
This accessory may further enhance your archery experience by ensuring a smooth and consistent release of your arrows.
In the following sections of this review, we will delve deeper into each of these features, discussing in detail their benefits and potential drawbacks.
We will also discuss the user experience, reliability, and value for money offered by the Escalate Fred Bear.
Stay tuned as we uncover what makes this bow stand out in the market.
My Personal Experience
As an experienced hunter, the first time I laid my hands on the Escalate Fred Bear, I could tell that there was something different about it.
There was an immediate sense of quality and craftsmanship that you could feel right down to your fingertips.
The True Timber Strata finish gave the bow an authentic and rugged look that I found appealing, and the compact size, with its 31-inch axle-to-axle length, felt perfect for my needs.
Setting the bow up was a breeze, thanks to the customizability offered by the EKO Technology.
I usually prefer an 80% let-off, and adjusting to my preference was straightforward.
It's worth mentioning that the bow comes with the new GRIZgrip and VERSAGRIP, which I found provided a comfortable and secure hold.
The grip felt natural and relaxed, allowing me to focus more on my target rather than worrying about maintaining a firm grip on the bow.
The first time I took the Escalate Fred Bear out for a hunt, I was excited to see how it would perform in the field.
I had the opportunity to use it in both spot and stalk scenarios as well as from a tree stand.
The bow was easy to manage in both situations, thanks to its relatively light mass weight of 4.1 lbs and its nimble design.
One of the biggest advantages I found was the Vibration Reduction System (VRS).
The lingering riser vibration was noticeably lower compared to other bows I've used.
The shot was smoother and quieter, which is a significant advantage when stalking prey.
The inclusion of KillerWave limb dampeners further eliminated additional vibration, which made for an even more comfortable shooting experience.
This was a game-changer for me because it not only enhanced the overall feel of the shot but also reduced fatigue during long hunting sessions.
The bow's performance was impressive.
With speeds reaching up to 339 FPS, I was able to take down a deer from a significant distance.
The power and speed that this bow offers are definitely class-leading, and it was a real thrill to see it in action.
An unexpected surprise was the bow's versatility.
The adjustable draw length and draw weight made it adaptable for different hunting scenarios and prey.
Whether it was for small game or larger targets, the Escalate Fred Bear proved to be a reliable companion.
In summary, the Escalate Fred Bear was a joy to use.
It combined performance, comfort, and adaptability in a way that made my hunting experiences more rewarding.
It's a bow that I have since recommended to my fellow hunters, and one that I look forward to using in many more hunting seasons to come.
Price and Value for Money
With a price tag of $749.99, the Escalate Fred Bear is positioned in the premium segment of compound bows.
This may seem like a substantial investment for some, but it's crucial to consider the value that this bow offers in return.
Right off the bat, the Escalate Fred Bear impresses with its performance.
With speeds reaching up to 339 FPS, it competes with some of the fastest bows in the market.
When you factor in the bow's adaptability, courtesy of its customizable let-off and adjustable draw length and weight, you begin to appreciate its value.
This level of performance and adaptability is typically seen in bows that are priced much higher, making the Escalate Fred Bear a performance bargain1.
Then there's the issue of comfort.
With features like the GRIZgrip and VERSAGRIP, the Vibration Reduction System (VRS), and the KillerWave limb dampeners, the bow offers an enhanced shooting experience that is both comfortable and efficient.
These features contribute to a smoother, quieter shot and help to reduce fatigue during extended use, which can be crucial during long hunting sessions1.
Another aspect to consider is the bow's build and finish.
The True Timber Strata finish gives it a high-quality look and feel, which matches its performance.
This attention to detail is something you would expect from a premium product, and it's clear that Bear Archery has put thought into the design and aesthetics of this bow1.
Lastly, it's worth noting that the bow's versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to experienced archers, and for different hunting scenarios.
This adaptability enhances its value, as it's like getting multiple bows for the price of one.
While the upfront cost might be higher than some other models, the Escalate Fred Bear is a long-term investment that offers significant returns in terms of performance, comfort, and adaptability.
Its combination of top-tier features and specifications delivers a premium experience that justifies its price.
As such, it offers excellent value for money for those looking to elevate their hunting experience.
The Drawbacks
While the Escalate Fred Bear is an excellent bow that offers numerous advantages, no product is without its potential drawbacks.
One aspect that could be improved is the initial setup of the bow.
While the EKO Technology allows for customizable let-off, it could be a bit intimidating for beginners or those not accustomed to such a feature.
A more straightforward setup process could be beneficial for novice archers.
Also, while the bow is versatile and adaptable, the range of draw weights might not cater to all archers.
For instance, those who prefer a lower draw weight for more extended periods of shooting might find the lowest setting of 45 lbs a bit on the higher side.
A wider range in the lower spectrum could potentially make the bow even more inclusive.
On a personal note, during one of my hunting trips, I found that the GRIZgrip, while comfortable, took a bit of getting used to.
It was a minor adjustment period for me, coming from a different style of grip.
However, after a few sessions, I found it to be quite ergonomic and beneficial in enhancing my control over the bow.
Overall, these drawbacks are minor when compared to the significant advantages that the Escalate Fred Bear offers.
It's important to remember that each archer might have a different experience, and what could be a disadvantage for one might not be a significant issue for another.
These points are merely to offer a balanced perspective and not meant to detract from the overall quality and performance of the bow.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
In conclusion, the Escalate Fred Bear is an excellent compound bow that offers a mix of performance, comfort, and adaptability that is hard to find at its price point.
Whether you're an experienced hunter or a beginner looking to take your archery skills to the next level, this bow has plenty to offer.
The impressive speed of up to 339 FPS, coupled with the adjustable draw length and weight, means you have a bow that's versatile and ready to handle a range of hunting scenarios.
The customizable let-off offered by the EKO Technology is a standout feature that lets you tailor the bow to your shooting style, further enhancing its adaptability.
In terms of comfort, the Escalate Fred Bear truly shines.
The inclusion of the GRIZgrip and VERSAGRIP, as well as the Vibration Reduction System (VRS) and the KillerWave limb dampeners, all contribute to a smooth and comfortable shooting experience.
These features help to reduce fatigue and allow for more extended periods of shooting, which can be a significant advantage in the field.
While there are minor drawbacks such as the initial setup process and the limited lower range of the draw weight, these are far outweighed by the bow's advantages.
The minor grip adjustment period I personally experienced was quickly overcome and led to a more comfortable and controlled shooting experience.
Given the features, performance, and the overall quality of the bow, the Escalate Fred Bear offers excellent value for its price.
It's a worthy investment for those looking to enhance their archery experience and take their hunting skills to new heights.
The bow represents Bear Archery's commitment to providing top-tier products that combine technology, quality, and user experience.
Should you buy the Escalate Fred Bear? If you're in the market for a compound bow that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and versatility at a competitive price, then the answer is a resounding yes.
This bow delivers on all fronts, providing a premium experience that is sure to elevate your archery journey.
