Welcome to our deep dive into the world of archery, where we're putting the spotlight on the Bear Cruzer G-2 RTH recurve bow.
This piece of archery equipment, simply known as the Bear Cruzer, comes with a price tag of $419.99, showcasing its place within the mid-range category of bows.
In this comprehensive review, we will delve into various aspects of the Bear Cruzer.
We'll discuss its design and build quality, assessing its durability and craftsmanship.
We will examine its performance, exploring factors such as accuracy, power, and ease of use.
We'll also consider its versatility and adjustability, evaluating how well it caters to different archery styles and skill levels.
Moreover, we'll be talking about the value it provides for its cost, comparing it to similar products on the market, and determining whether it's worth the investment.
Finally, we will wrap up with its pros and cons, providing a balanced perspective to help you make an informed decision.
Stay tuned as we unravel the strengths and weaknesses of the Bear Cruzer, providing a thorough analysis of this intriguing archery equipment.
Specifications
The Bear Cruzer G2 RTH recurve bow, also referred to as the Bear Cruzer, is a versatile and adaptable piece of archery equipment that combines top-of-the-line features with an impressive set of specifications.
The specifications for the Bear Cruzer include:
- Speed: 315 fps at max draw weight and draw length
- Axle-to-Axle: 30 inches
- Brace Height: 6.5 inches
- Mass Weight: 3.0 pounds
- Draw Lengths: 12 to 30 inches
- Draw Weight: 5 to 70 pounds
- Color Options: Shadow, Realtree Edge, Undertow, Wildfire, Muddy, TrueTimber Kanati, and Toxic
The Bear Cruzer is designed to fit all ages and skill levels due to its adjustability.
The draw length and draw weight can be adjusted between 12 and 30 inches and 5 and 70 pounds respectively.
This feature makes it an excellent choice for beginners.
The bow features a long, perfectly angled, narrow, and flat-backed grip.
The design promotes consistent hand placement and makes it comfortable to hold.
The draw cycle is generally smooth, and the bow’s 70 percent let-off doesn’t take you by surprise.
However, it is noted that there are no limb or cable stops on the bow, which creates a spongy valley.
The more the limb bolts are turned in, the more the bow is itching to go.
Despite this, the bow is stable and performs exceptionally well at ranges between 15 and 40 yards.
The bow comes ready to hunt with several included accessories.
These include a four-pin Trophy Ridge sight, Whisker Biscuit arrow rest, stabilizer, five-arrow quiver, wrist sling, peep sight, and d-loop
My Personal Experience
As an avid hunter with years of experience in the field, the Bear Cruzer has been a reliable companion for me on many of my excursions.
I remember the first time I held the Bear Cruzer in my hands.
Its slim grip fit perfectly into my palm, and the weight, a mere 3 pounds, made it feel like an extension of my arm rather than a tool I was holding.
This light weight, combined with its compact size, made it an ideal choice for long hunting trips where I needed to travel light.
One of the things that impressed me most about the Bear Cruzer was its adjustability.
On one hunting trip, I was with a group of friends who were fairly new to archery.
They wanted to give it a shot, and the Cruzer's adjustable draw length and draw weight came in handy.
With a few quick adjustments, each of my friends was able to comfortably use the bow, a testament to its versatility and user-friendliness.
The Bear Cruzer's performance in the field is what truly sets it apart.
On one memorable hunting trip, I was tracking a whitetail deer through the dense forest.
The quietness of the forest was palpable, and any noise could scare away the deer.
When the moment came, I drew the bow, and the smooth draw cycle was a comfort in the tense silence.
The release was crisp, and the arrow flew straight and true, landing exactly where I had aimed.
It was a successful hunt, but more than that, it was a testament to the Bear Cruzer's accuracy and power.
However, it's not always smooth sailing.
On one occasion, I had the bow strung at a draw weight north of 50 pounds.
The bow felt like it was itching to go, and when I drew it back, I experienced the “spongy valley” that I had heard about.
The bow didn't have a hard stop, and it caught me off guard.
It was a reminder that while the Bear Cruzer is a powerful tool, it requires a certain level of skill and understanding to use effectively.
In terms of accessories, the included four-pin Trophy Ridge sight and Whisker Biscuit arrow rest have been valuable aids in my hunting.
The sight, in particular, has helped me with aiming in various lighting conditions, while the arrow rest has ensured that my shots are steady and accurate.
Overall, using the Bear Cruzer has been a gratifying experience.
Its versatility, power, and adjustability make it a reliable bow for both beginners and experienced archers alike.
Whether I'm teaching a friend the basics of archery or tracking a deer through the forest, the Bear Cruzer has proven to be an indispensable part of my hunting gear.
Price and Value for Money
The Bear Cruzer G2 RTH recurve bow is priced at $419.991.
Given the features, specs, and accessories included with the bow, this price point positions it as a mid-range option in the market.
When considering the value for money, there are several factors to take into account.
First, the Bear Cruzer's adjustability in terms of draw length and draw weight is a significant advantage, particularly for beginners or those who are still honing their skills.
This feature provides the flexibility to adjust the bow as the user's skills develop, negating the need to purchase a new bow as one's proficiency and strength increase.
Furthermore, the bow comes with a comprehensive set of accessories, including a four-pin Trophy Ridge sight, Whisker Biscuit arrow rest, stabilizer, five-arrow quiver, wrist sling, peep sight, and d-loop.
These included items add substantial value and save the buyer from the additional expense of purchasing these accessories separately.
However, the bow might require some additional investments to improve its performance.
For example, the bow could benefit from additional LimbSaver's between the bow's split limbs to reduce noise and vibration, especially when shooting at draw weights more than 50 pounds.
Considering the versatility, quality, and the range of included accessories, the Bear Cruzer offers good value for its price.
It's a worthwhile investment for both beginners who are just starting their archery journey and more experienced archers looking for a reliable, adjustable bow.
What are people saying?
Many users have expressed positive feedback about the Bear Cruzer, highlighting its great feel, smooth draw, and versatility for both target practice and hunting.
A user named Brandon T described the bow as a “great mid-range bow” with “plenty of fps” and noted that the draw felt “great and smooth.” Despite experiencing some factory issues, he still acknowledged the overall quality and performance of the bow.
Another user, Candice, had high praise for the Bear Cruzer, particularly its adjustable draw weight.
She bought the bow for her daughter, who had difficulty with the pull weight of most bows.
The fact that the draw weight is customizable made the Bear Cruzer a perfect fit for her daughter.
She also noted that the bow came highly recommended from her father-in-law, an avid hunter, which speaks volumes about the bow's reputation in the hunting community.
The Drawbacks
While the Bear Cruzer has many strong points, it does come with a few drawbacks.
As an experienced archer and hunter, I noticed that the bow has a tendency to create a fair amount of noise and vibration at the shot, especially when shooting at draw weights more than 50 pounds.
This can be a minor nuisance in the quiet of the forest during a hunt.
I recall one instance when the noise from the shot spooked a nearby deer that I wasn't targeting, causing it to bolt and alert other animals in the area.
This issue can be mitigated with some additional investment in noise and vibration dampening accessories, such as LimbSaver's for the split limbs.
However, it's worth noting for potential buyers who might be expecting a perfectly quiet bow right out of the box.
Another minor issue is the “spongy valley” feeling when you pull hard into the draw.
This was a bit disconcerting at first, especially when shooting at higher draw weights.
It took a bit of getting used to, and it's something that new users should be aware of.
Despite these minor issues, the Bear Cruzer remains a solid choice for a mid-range bow, offering exceptional value for its price.
The minor drawbacks do not significantly detract from its overall performance and utility, and with some minor adjustments and possible accessory additions, it can be an excellent bow for archers of all skill levels.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
After considering all the features, benefits, and minor drawbacks, it's clear that the Bear Cruzer G2 RTH recurve bow offers a compelling package for both beginners and experienced archers alike.
The bow shines in its versatility, with an adjustable draw length and draw weight that can accommodate users of all ages and skill levels.
The grip is designed to promote consistent hand placement, and the smooth draw cycle adds to the comfort and ease of use.
The included accessories add significant value to the package, with a four-pin Trophy Ridge sight, Whisker Biscuit arrow rest, stabilizer, five-arrow quiver, wrist sling, peep sight, and d-loop all included with the bow.
These add-ons enhance the shooting experience and save you from incurring additional expenses.
While there are minor issues such as noise and vibration at higher draw weights, and a slightly spongy feel at full draw, these do not significantly detract from the overall experience and can be managed with minor adjustments and additional accessories if needed.
The price point of $419.99 positions the Bear Cruzer as a mid-range option, but when you consider the adjustability, the range of included accessories, and the overall build quality, it offers excellent value for money.
In conclusion, if you're in the market for a versatile, adjustable, and value-for-money bow that delivers on performance, the Bear Cruzer G2 RTH recurve bow should be on your shortlist.
It's a worthwhile investment that caters to a wide range of archers, from those just starting out to more seasoned enthusiasts looking for a reliable, adjustable bow.
Happy archery!
