In the world of archery, it's essential to find a bow that fits your style, performance needs, and budget.
This is where Bear Archery's Inception comes into play.
Retailing at $429.99, this right-handed bow brings forth an interesting blend of affordability, power, and precision that's set to appeal to both seasoned archers and newcomers alike.
In this comprehensive review, we'll dive deep into the Inception's standout features, its performance in various conditions, comfort, and user experience.
We'll also compare it to some key competitors, helping you to understand whether it's the right choice for your archery adventures.
Let's embark on this exploration of the Inception, a bow that promises a perfect balance between cost and quality.
Specifications
- Axle-to-axle: 32″
- Brace height: 6″
- Let-off: 75%
- Speed: 340 fps
- Mass weight: 4.3 lbs
- Draw length: 25.5″-30″
- Available colors: Realtree Edge, Fred Bear Camo, Shadow
- Dexterity: right hand & left hand
- Draw weight: 45-60 lbs & 55-70 lbs.
The features of the Inception:
The riser is engineered to eliminate flex, reduce weight, and maintain strength.
This design, in conjunction with the ShockWave limb dampening device, improves accuracy and reduces vibration, ensuring a smooth and comfortable shooting experience.
The Inception also features a Hybrid Cam System that offers a super smooth draw cycle while generating high speeds.
It confidently delivers arrows at a speed of 340 feet per second, making it a highly competitive option in the market.
Another key feature of the Inception is its use of Contraband strings and cables, known for their durability and performance.
These strings and cables ensure legendary performance for seasons to come, adding to the longevity of the bow.
The bow is finished with state-of-the-art hydrographics, adding an aesthetic appeal to its robust build.
The Inception comes “ready-to-hunt” right out of the box, equipped with four Trophy Ridge accessories:
- Fix 5 multi pin sight
- Quick Shot Whisker Biscuit arrow rest
- Static 6” stabilizer
- 5-Spot broadhead quiver
- No-Tie Tube Peep.
These included accessories further add to the value of the Inception package, providing you with all the necessities to get started with your archery or hunting journey.
My Personal Experience
As a seasoned hunter, I have had the pleasure of using the Inception on several hunting expeditions, and it never ceases to impress.
Its strength, speed, and simplicity have made it a reliable companion in the wilderness.
Allow me to share a few of my experiences with this bow.
On one particular deer hunting trip, the Inception truly demonstrated its mettle.
The weather was harsh, and the terrain was rough.
However, the bow’s lightweight design, weighing just 4.3 lbs, made it easy to carry around all day without causing any strain or discomfort.
The riser's unique design, which minimizes flex and reduces weight, proved to be a game-changer, ensuring I could maintain a steady aim in challenging conditions.
One unforgettable moment occurred when I spotted a whitetail deer about 30 yards out.
The Hybrid Cam System, which offers a super smooth draw cycle, allowed me to draw the bow quickly and quietly.
The 75% let-off provided by the Inception made holding my draw comfortable as I waited for the perfect shot.
When the moment came, the bow released the arrow with impressive speed, hitting 340 feet per second, and it flew straight and true, striking the deer right in the vitals.
It was a clean, ethical shot, and I attribute that to the accuracy and power of the Inception.
On another occasion, the Quick Shot Whisker Biscuit arrow rest was particularly noteworthy.
During a squirrel hunting trip, I had to navigate through dense foliage.
The Whisker Biscuit kept my arrow secure, even while moving through the undergrowth.
The Fix 5 multi-pin sight also proved invaluable during this trip.
The different pins allowed for quick adjustment to varying distances, which is crucial when hunting smaller, fast-moving targets like squirrels.
Over the years, the Inception has stood the test of time.
The Contraband strings and cables have maintained their performance despite extensive use, and the state-of-the-art hydrographics finish has kept the bow looking new and stylish.
The bow's durability, combined with its performance, has made it a favorite in my collection.
These experiences reflect the versatility of the Inception.
Whether it's hunting big game like deer or smaller targets like squirrels, the bow's performance remains consistent and reliable.
From my perspective as a hunter, the Inception offers an exceptional blend of power, precision, and durability, all at an affordable price point.
Price and Value for Money
At a retail price of $429.99, the Inception is positioned in the mid-range category of compound bows.
The question then arises: does it offer value for money? Based on its features, performance, and user experiences, the answer is a resounding yes.
For starters, the Inception's high-speed performance is a notable advantage.
With the ability to fire arrows at a speed of 340 feet per second, it offers a level of performance typically found in more expensive bows.
This speed, combined with the Hybrid Cam System that ensures a super smooth draw cycle, makes the Inception a powerful and efficient tool in the hands of a hunter or an archer.
The innovative design of the Inception's riser, which is engineered to eliminate flex, reduce weight, and maintain strength, is another factor that contributes to the bow's excellent value proposition.
This design improves accuracy and reduces vibration, leading to a more comfortable shooting experience.
Furthermore, the Inception's use of Contraband strings and cables, known for their durability and performance, ensures the bow's longevity.
These strings and cables, combined with the state-of-the-art hydrographics finish, result in a durable and stylish bow that's built to last.
The Inception also comes with a range of Trophy Ridge accessories, including the Fix 5 multi pin sight, Quick Shot Whisker Biscuit arrow rest, Static 6” stabilizer, 5-Spot broadhead quiver, and No-Tie Tube Peep.
These accessories further enhance the bow's value, providing users with all the essentials right out of the box.
Lastly, the fact that the Inception offers two draw weight ranges (45-60 lbs & 55-70 lbs) makes it versatile and suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to seasoned archers and hunters.
Taking all these factors into account, the Inception offers excellent value for money.
It combines high-end features and performance with a reasonable price tag, making it an excellent investment for anyone looking to delve into the world of archery or hunting.
The Drawbacks
While the Inception has a lot to offer in terms of performance, affordability, and durability, it is not without its minor drawbacks.
It's important to note that these are largely subjective and may not be an issue for every user, but they are worth mentioning for a comprehensive review.
One minor concern I had while using the Inception was the initial setup.
Although it is marketed as ready-to-hunt right out of the box, it still requires some fine-tuning to suit individual preferences.
For example, adjusting the draw length and draw weight can be a bit challenging for beginners who are not yet familiar with the process.
On one occasion, I remember spending a considerable amount of time adjusting the Fix 5 multi-pin sight to get it perfectly aligned with my shooting style.
While it was not a deal-breaker by any means, it did take some extra time and patience.
Another minor drawback is the sound.
While the Inception is generally quiet, thanks to its ShockWave limb dampening device, it is not the quietest bow on the market.
During one of my early morning hunting trips, I noticed a slight noise upon release.
While it wasn't loud enough to spook the game, it was still something I noticed.
Lastly, while the Inception does come in both right-hand and left-hand models, the color options are limited to Realtree Edge, Fred Bear Camo, and Shadow.
More variety in color options would have been appreciated by archers who place a high value on the aesthetic appeal of their equipment.
However, these are minor issues in the grand scheme of things.
They certainly don't overshadow the overall performance and value that the Inception offers.
Despite these drawbacks, the Inception has served me well on numerous hunting trips and has become a reliable part of my archery gear.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
In conclusion, the Inception by Bear Archery is an impressive bow that excels in many areas.
Its high-speed performance, innovative design, and comprehensive package of Trophy Ridge accessories make it a compelling option for both beginners and seasoned archers or hunters.
The standout features of the Inception, such as its innovative riser design, ShockWave limb dampening device, Hybrid Cam System, and Contraband strings and cables, all contribute to a superior shooting experience.
These features not only enhance accuracy and reduce vibration but also ensure a smooth draw cycle and high arrow speeds.
The Inception's durable construction and stylish finish further add to its appeal, promising a bow that will last for seasons to come.
While there are minor drawbacks, including the initial setup and the slight noise upon release, these are far from being deal-breakers.
In fact, they are largely overshadowed by the Inception's numerous strengths.
One of the greatest strengths of the Inception is its value proposition.
It combines high-end features and performance with a reasonable price tag, making it an excellent investment.
With a price of $429.99, it offers premium bow performance without the premium bow price tag.
Based on its performance, features, and value for money, the Inception is a solid choice for anyone interested in archery or hunting.
Whether you are a beginner looking for a reliable and feature-packed bow to start your journey, or a seasoned archer looking for a reliable bow for your hunting expeditions, the Inception is a choice you won't regret.
In summary, if you're looking for a bow that balances cost, performance, and durability, the Inception should be at the top of your list.
It's a testament to Bear Archery's commitment to delivering high-quality and affordable archery equipment, and it stands as a worthy contender in the market.
Should you buy the Inception? Given its numerous benefits and outstanding value for money, the answer is a resounding yes.