In the world of archery, there are few names as iconic as Bear Archery, a brand steeped in a rich legacy of craftsmanship and performance.
Their Grizzly Recurve Bow, affectionately referred to as the Grizzly, is no exception to the brand's commitment to excellence.
With a price tag of $469.99, this bow is not an impulse buy, but rather an investment in a piece of equipment designed for both functionality and longevity.
In this review, we will delve into the Grizzly's key features, including its design, build quality, and performance.
We will also discuss its value for money, and how it compares to other recurve bows in the market.
Our discussion will extend to the user experience it offers, from unboxing to its handling and shooting.
Whether you're a seasoned archer or a novice looking to invest in your first quality bow, this review aims to provide a comprehensive look at what the Grizzly brings to the archery range.
Stay tuned as we unravel the story behind the Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve Bow.
Specifications
The Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve Bow, or simply the “Grizzly”, is renowned for its superior build quality and timeless materials.
The bow, which has been proving itself since 1950, is designed for big performance that fits any budget and skill level.
The Grizzly's limbs are overlaid with clear maple and backed and faced with high-strength black fiberglass, adding to its durability and resilience.
The arrow shelf is crowned and cut-on center, coming with a leather side plate and bear hair arrow rest for added convenience and precision.
Its string is made from Dacron, a durable material known for its high tensile strength and excellent resistance to stretching and abrasion.
The classic look of the Grizzly is retained in its design but with modern-day performance-enhancing materials.
Here are the specifications of the Grizzly:
- AMO Length: 58 inches
- Color: Shedua
- Dexterity: Right Hand, Left Hand
- Draw weight: Options ranging from 30 lbs. to 60 lbs. in 5 lbs. increments.
As for the included accessories, the bow comes with a leather side plate and bear hair arrow rest. Notably, the package dimensions are 61 x 9.1 x 3 inches, with a weight of 1.5 kilograms.
In the following sections, we will delve deeper into these features and specifications, exploring their benefits and how they contribute to the Grizzly's overall performance and value.
We will also provide insights into how these features compare to those of other recurve bows in the market, helping you make an informed decision.
My Personal Experience
As an experienced hunter, I've had the privilege of using various types of bows over the years.
But the Grizzly holds a special place in my heart, a trusty companion that has stood the test of time and harsh wilderness.
The first time I held it in my hands, I knew it was a well-crafted piece of equipment.
The clear maple overlay on the limbs was not only aesthetically pleasing but also offered a sense of durability and strength.
The black fiberglass backing and face further enhanced this feeling.
The bow felt like a perfect balance of classic craftsmanship and modern materials.
One of my most memorable experiences with the Grizzly was during a hunting trip in the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest.
The morning was foggy and the visibility was low.
I was tracking a deer, moving slowly and stealthily, blending with the environment.
With the Grizzly in my hand, I felt confident.
Its lightweight construction and balanced design allowed me to traverse the rough terrain without feeling burdened.
As I spotted the deer through the mist, I carefully positioned the Grizzly.
The crowned, cut-on center arrow shelf was a boon at that moment.
The arrow sat perfectly on the bear hair arrow rest, and the leather side plate gave me a comfortable grip.
As I pulled the Dacron string, I could feel the draw weight of the bow – I had chosen a 50 lbs.
version.
The draw was smooth, and I could feel the power stored in the bow.
Releasing the arrow was like second nature.
The Grizzly's design allowed for a clean, smooth release, and the arrow flew straight and true, hitting the target accurately.
The silence of the forest was broken only by the soft thud of the arrow finding its mark.
That day, the Grizzly proved its worth not just as a beautiful piece of equipment, but also as an effective tool for hunting.
Over the years, I've used the Grizzly in different environments – from the cold, snowy landscapes of the north to the humid climates of the south.
Each time, the bow has performed consistently, proving its resilience and reliability.
Its flexibility in draw weight options has allowed me to adapt to different hunting scenarios.
The Grizzly has truly lived up to its reputation as a “sure shooter” for any skill level.
Remember, though, that as with any piece of hunting equipment, the Grizzly requires regular care and maintenance.
The maple and fiberglass construction is sturdy, but prolonged exposure to extreme weather conditions can affect its performance over time.
Regularly checking the bowstring, arrow rest, and overall condition of the bow will ensure its longevity and keep it performing at its best.
In conclusion, the Grizzly is more than just a recurve bow to me.
It's a trusted partner, a symbol of my hunting journey, and a testament to Bear Archery's legacy of quality and performance.
It's a bow I would recommend to any hunter, whether a novice or a seasoned professional.
Price and Value for Money
Priced at $469.99, the Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve Bow sits in the mid-to-high range of the recurve bow market.
While this may seem steep at first glance, it's important to consider what you're getting for your money.
The Grizzly is a product of a legacy brand known for its high-quality craftsmanship and performance.
The materials used in its construction – clear maple for the limbs and high-strength black fiberglass for the backing and face – are durable and designed to last.
The Dacron string is another testament to the quality of the materials used, known for its excellent resistance to stretching and abrasion.
Moreover, the design of the Grizzly combines the best of classic and modern archery.
The iconic design, with its modern performance-enhancing materials, makes it a versatile bow suitable for various archery needs, from hunting to target practice.
The range of draw weights from 30 to 60 lbs.
also offers flexibility for users of different skill levels and strengths.
The included leather side plate and bear hair arrow rest add value to the package, contributing to the bow's overall performance and user experience.
The fact that it caters to both right-handed and left-handed archers is another plus.
However, value for money isn't just about the product's price and features.
It's also about the enjoyment and satisfaction you get from using it.
As a hunter, I've found the Grizzly to be a reliable and efficient tool that enhances my hunting experience.
Its build quality, performance, and classic aesthetics make it a joy to use and a piece of equipment I'm proud to own.
In conclusion, while the Grizzly comes with a significant price tag, it offers excellent value for money considering its quality, versatility, and performance.
It's an investment in a piece of archery equipment that is designed to last and deliver a superior user experience.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced archer, the Grizzly is a worthy addition to your archery arsenal.
What are people saying?
The Grizzly has garnered positive feedback from users who appreciate its design, build quality, and performance.
Here are some key points from two users' perspectives:
Darline emphasizes the craftsmanship of the Grizzly, calling it a “beautiful work of art.” She appreciates the care taken in designing and building the bow and believes it's built to last, possibly even to be passed down to future generations.
Hayden, an experienced archer, calls the Grizzly the “greatest bow” he's ever shot.
He highlights the bow's included Flemish twist string, which saves the user from needing to buy a new string.
Hayden appreciates the Grizzly's aesthetics and comfortable grip, as well as the smoothness and lack of hand shock when shooting.
He also notes that the Grizzly surpasses his Martin Saber in reducing vibration, despite the latter's design focus on this aspect.
Hayden commends the Grizzly's power for its size and appreciates the pre-installed bear hair rest and plate.
Both reviews highlight the Grizzly's durability, design, and performance, reinforcing its value for money and making it a highly recommended choice for archery enthusiasts.
The Drawbacks
Despite the many positive attributes of the Grizzly, no product is without its drawbacks, and personal experiences can sometimes highlight these.
For instance, during one of my hunting trips, I found that adjusting to the draw weight took some time.
I initially opted for a 55 lbs.
draw weight bow, thinking that the additional power would be beneficial for hunting larger game.
However, I found that it required more strength and endurance than I was accustomed to, making it a bit challenging during longer hunting sessions.
While this isn't a drawback of the bow itself – after all, the Grizzly offers a range of draw weights to suit different users – it's a reminder that choosing the correct draw weight based on your strength and endurance is crucial.
It's worth noting that with some practice and conditioning, I was able to adjust to the higher draw weight, but it did initially impact my shooting comfort.
Another minor issue I've encountered is with the bear hair arrow rest.
While it's a nice inclusion and adds to the bow's aesthetic, I found that it tends to wear down with regular use, especially in harsh weather conditions.
Again, this is not a major issue, and the rest can be easily replaced, but it's something to keep in mind for long-term maintenance.
Despite these minor points, I still believe the Grizzly is an excellent recurve bow.
Like any piece of equipment, it has its quirks, but none of these significantly detract from its overall performance or value.
It's always important to remember that personal experiences can vary, and what may be a minor issue for one person may not be a problem for another.
The key is to understand the bow's features and limitations, and adjust your expectations and usage accordingly.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
In concluding this review, the answer leans heavily towards a resounding “Yes.”
The Grizzly is a true testament to Bear Archery's legacy of high-quality craftsmanship and performance.
Its superior build quality, durable materials, and thoughtful design make it a reliable and efficient tool for archery.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced archer, the Grizzly offers a range of draw weights, catering to your specific needs and skill level.
The bow's classic aesthetics combined with modern performance-enhancing materials make it not only functional but also a joy to use and own.
Its smooth, comfortable grip, lack of hand shock, and the clean, smooth arrow release contribute to an overall excellent shooting experience.
The inclusion of a leather side plate and bear hair arrow rest adds to the package's overall value.
While there are minor issues like adjusting to the draw weight and wear and tear on the bear hair arrow rest, these do not significantly detract from the Grizzly's value.
With proper care, maintenance, and understanding of your own strengths and preferences, these can be easily managed.
The positive feedback from users like Darline and Hayden further attest to the Grizzly's quality and performance.
Darline appreciates the bow's craftsmanship and durability, while Hayden praises its smoothness, lack of hand shock, and power.
Both users believe the Grizzly offers excellent value for money.
At $469.99, the Grizzly is indeed an investment.
But given its features, performance, and the enjoyment you can get from using it, it offers excellent value for money.
It's a piece of equipment designed to last and to enhance your archery experience, whether for hunting or target practice.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a recurve bow that combines classic aesthetics with modern performance, the Grizzly is a worthy choice.
Its legacy of quality and performance, coupled with its features and positive user feedback, makes it a reliable and enjoyable piece of archery equipment.
The Grizzly is not just a purchase; it's an investment in your archery journey.
