Welcome to our in-depth exploration of the Super Kodiak, a recurve bow renowned for its masterful blend of power, precision, and aesthetics.
This masterpiece from Bear Archery comes at a price tag of $580.12, a testament to its premium quality and high performance.
Within this review, we will delve into the features that make the Super Kodiak stand out in the world of archery.
We'll dissect its design elements and the materials used, emphasizing the black/brown maple finish that gives it a robust yet elegant look.
We will also tackle the practicalities of using this recurve bow, from its 60″ size to its 40-50 LB draw weight, giving you insights into how these specifications translate into real-world performance.
Our discussion will not stop at the physical aspects of the Super Kodiak.
We will also explore the brand behind it, Bear Archery, and its reputation for creating some of the finest archery equipment in the industry.
So, buckle up as we take this journey into the wilderness, exploring the power and grace embodied in the Super Kodiak.
Whether you're a seasoned archer or a beginner looking to step up your game, this review promises to shed light on what makes the Super Kodiak a bow worth considering.
Specifications
- AMO length: 60 inches.
- Riser: Radiused, cut-on center shelf, 2-piece construction of Shedua with black stripe, rest and plate included, tapped with 1/4″ x 20 quiver inserts, inlaid Bear medallion.
- Limbs: Limb cores made with maple laminate and overlaid with high-strength black fiberglass. Bow tips are layered black and white fiberglass allowing the use of today's modern bow strings.
- String: DynaFlight 97 Flemish twist bow string. Manufacturer recommended brace height: 8″ – 9″. Replacement string length of 56″.
- Draw Weight:
The Super Kodiak bow has some unique features and design elements:
Design: The bow comes in two designs: Dymondwood® and Black Phenolic.
The Black Phenolic model features a three-piece attractive riser with a gorgeous accent stripe made of Bolivian Rosewood.
The riser is also capped with the same Rosewood for an exceptional visual contrast.
The Dymondwood® model features a similar design, but the riser is two pieces instead of three and made of Hard Rock Maple.
The limbs are durable and attractive with an interior of each limb consisting of maple laminate and an exterior made stronger with a rich black fiberglass overlay.
The bow tips also feature a fiberglass overlay.
The entire length of the bow from tip to tip is finished off with an ultra-high gloss finish.
Material: The Super Kodiak is made of a material called FutureWood.
This material, created by Fred Bear in the 1970s, was put back into use in bow construction only a few years ago.
A special vacuum is used to fill in all the pores in the wood in the handle area.
Once the pores are filled, the portion is baked and hardened, making the bow impervious to cracks or warpage.
Use: The bow is ideal for both target practice on the range and hunting.
It has a relatively quiet shot, even without dampeners.
The draw is easy, and the design makes it extremely comfortable to hold.
Despite its power, the Super Kodiak weighs only about three pounds, making it an ideal bow to transport to and from a favored hunting spot.
In terms of accessories, the Super Kodiak does not come with a bow stringer, which is recommended for stringing any recurve bow or longbow.
It's important to note that stringing a bow without a bow stringer, or stringing it backward, will void the bow's warranty.
The Super Kodiak is ready to use the minute the archer strings the bow, with no assembly required.
The bow is recommended to be unstrung if you do not plan to be shooting more than a week, and it should be stored on its side or hanging vertically from a peg.
It should never be rested on the lower tip for extended periods of time, and it should never be dry fired (shot without an arrow)
My Personal Experience
As a seasoned hunter, I've had the privilege of using the Super Kodiak on several occasions, and I must say, it is an experience worth cherishing.
Its unique blend of style, power, and precision has made it my trusty companion on many an expedition into the wilderness.
I still remember the first time I held the Super Kodiak.
The moment I laid my hands on the riser, I could feel the craftsmanship and thoughtfulness that went into its design.
The FutureWood material gives it a robust feel, yet it was surprisingly light, weighing in at just three pounds.
The subtle warmth of the wood and the smooth finish of the riser made for a comfortable grip, the first sign that this was a bow designed with the user in mind.
On my first hunting trip with the Super Kodiak, I was heading into the deep woods in search of whitetail deer.
I recall the ease with which I could carry the bow due to its ultra-light weight.
As I trekked through the dense undergrowth and over rough terrain, the Super Kodiak was never a burden.
Instead, it felt like an extension of my own body, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.
The moment of truth came when I spotted a buck in the distance.
As I drew the bow, I was struck by the smoothness of the draw.
There was no creaking, no resistance, just a steady pull until I reached full draw.
The bow felt balanced in my hands, and the arrow was steady on the rest.
The quietness of the draw was also impressive; it didn't startle the deer or reveal my position.
Releasing the arrow was an experience unto itself.
The Super Kodiak did not jolt or vibrate excessively; it was a smooth release, and the arrow flew straight and true.
The bow's power became evident as the arrow swiftly covered the distance and hit the target.
The shot was clean and ethical, a testament to the Super Kodiak's power and precision.
Since then, the Super Kodiak has been my companion on many hunts.
Its durable construction means that even after multiple uses in various weather conditions, it has held up well without any signs of cracks or warpage.
The bow's design also makes it comfortable to hold for extended periods, minimizing fatigue during long hunts.
One thing I've learned over the years is the importance of maintaining the Super Kodiak properly.
I make it a point to unstring the bow when not in use for more than a week and store it properly.
I've also invested in a bow stringer to ensure I string the bow correctly and safely, as recommended.
In conclusion, the Super Kodiak is more than just a hunting tool; it is a partner that enhances the hunting experience.
Its blend of aesthetic appeal, functionality, and durability make it a bow worthy of any hunter's arsenal.
Whether it's the silent woods at dawn or the thrill of the hunt, the Super Kodiak has been a trusty companion, embodying the spirit of the wilderness.
Price and Value for Money
The Super Kodiak Recurve Bow is priced at $580.12, placing it in the higher price range of recurve bows available on the market.
However, considering its features, craftsmanship, and performance, many users find it to offer excellent value for money.
The superior construction and design of the Super Kodiak ensure a durable and reliable bow that can withstand the rigors of hunting and target shooting.
The use of high-quality materials like FutureWood and fiberglass overlay on the limbs contributes to the longevity of the bow, making it a long-term investment.
The bow's performance is another factor that justifies the price point.
With its smooth draw, powerful shots, and excellent precision, the Super Kodiak delivers on all fronts as a high-quality hunting and archery tool.
Moreover, the Super Kodiak offers versatility with options for both left-handed and right-handed users and a range of draw weights.
This allows users to choose the version that suits their needs and preferences the best.
User reviews also validate the value proposition of the Super Kodiak.
Many users, like Wayward, who initially worried about the price, found the quality and performance of the bow to be well worth the investment.
And the fact that it comes fully assembled and ready to shoot adds to the convenience and value.
So, while the Super Kodiak may require a significant initial outlay, its durability, performance, and the quality of the archery experience it offers make it a worthwhile investment for serious archers and hunters.
What are people saying?
The Super Kodiak has garnered positive reviews from users, who praise its design, functionality, and quality.
Here are some highlights from user reviews:
Wayward describes it as “another outstanding Bear Archery product”.
They were particularly impressed by the larger riser arrow window, which they found facilitated gap shooting at longer ranges.
They also noted that although they initially worried about the price, they felt the quality of the bow justified it as soon as they held it.
Joseph is another satisfied customer who loves the sleek design and the classic look of the Super Kodiak.
The fact that the bow was designed by Fred Bear for hunting all game species adds to the excitement of owning it.
Although Joseph hasn't yet used it for hunting, they find it a joy to shoot.
The Drawbacks
While the Super Kodiak is an exceptional bow with numerous merits, it isn't without its drawbacks.
One potential downside is the fact that it does not come with a bow stringer included.
For beginners or those new to traditional archery, this might require an additional purchase and learning curve to safely string and unstring the bow.
I also recall an instance during one of my early hunting trips with the Super Kodiak.
I was out in the field when a sudden downpour started.
With the rain, I found the grip on the riser became slightly slippery.
It was not a significant issue, and I managed to adjust my hold to maintain a steady grip, but it was a small inconvenience that reminded me to perhaps consider adding a non-slip grip wrap for wet weather conditions.
In conclusion, while these drawbacks are worth noting, they are minor when compared to the overall performance and quality of the Super Kodiak.
With a little adaptation and the right accessories, these issues can be easily mitigated.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
For those passionate about archery or hunting, and who value high-quality craftsmanship, performance, and durability, the answer leans heavily towards a resounding ‘yes'.
The Super Kodiak offers an exceptional archery experience, from its smooth draw and powerful shots, to its comfortable grip and sleek design.
Its resilience and performance in various conditions make it an excellent choice for both target shooting and hunting.
While the Super Kodiak comes with a higher price tag, the quality of materials used, the construction, and the overall design, offer great value for money.
This bow represents a long-term investment that is built to last, not just a seasonal or occasional use product.
The minor drawbacks, such as the absence of a bow stringer and the potential for a slippery grip in wet conditions, are relatively minor and can be easily addressed.
These are small inconveniences when weighed against the multitude of benefits the Super Kodiak offers.
User testimonials further reinforce the positive aspects of this bow.
Both Wayward and Joseph, among others, attest to the Super Kodiak's outstanding performance, design, and the joy it brings to the archery experience.
In summary, if you are looking for a high-quality recurve bow that delivers in terms of performance, durability, and design, the Super Kodiak is a choice worth considering.
It stands as a testament to the excellence in craftsmanship and performance that Bear Archery is known for, making it a worthy addition to any archer's arsenal.
Click here to learn more about the Bear Archery Super Kodiak and get the best price on Amazon.
