I have a Bear Grizzly 50lbs @ 28" draw I've been using it since 1968. It is still as strong as it was in the 60s. If I'm not using it throughout the week, I unstring it. 🎯
My first bow was the #60 Bear Grizzly. I bought when I was 15 years old. I could barely string it let alone draw it. That summer I worked for my dad and uncle in construction and by the fall I could draw and hold for a 3 count. Got books out of the library, learned how to shoot and later on began stumping with other archers who we’re happy to show me more. I loved that bow and shot it for the next 20 years. It’s gone now, but I’ll be buying another Bear soon.
At my local pro shop the other day, I saw a Grizzly someone had brought in sitting on the rack by the indoor range. It was absolutely gorgeous, just like the one in this video. A little while later I went over to the traditional bow section of the store, and they had two Grizzlys for sale. They looked like they were made from the old faded floor boards of a long-abandoned desert tavern. What a shocking difference! It made me really satisfied with my choice to buy used vintage. I got a 1969 Bear Polar, and only paid Samick Sage money for it.
The Bear Polar is a nice bow. I used to have a 1958 Bear Polar. I gave it to a good friend who was in a better position to use it than I was at the time. Boy, I miss it. Glad, though, he can use it. I don't regret that, either.
This was my first bow, will never forget it this is how I learned to shoot , this is how all bow hunter should start out ,I think I will try to get one
I'm a compound bow guy, but had watched some vintage Fred Bear videos (dude was fearless - or crazy - not sure which) but ran across this video. Great review - great shooting. Beautiful country you're in. Dang that bow is whisper quiet compared to my $1200 bow. Do I need a recurve bow? Oh, no - here we go.
I realy like this guy.its been ages when i buy bow from merlin.and i realy like it.but back to videos.please keep going to do videos it realy help to understeand everithing about archery.im from slovakia and we dont have guys like you much.i like your videos much.take care,cheers.
Thanks for the video review Jim. I recently picked up a vintage Grizzly from 1972 and I'm waiting for a new string to arrive (continuous loop) like what would have been supplied with the bow back in the day. It looks like it was abused a bit but heck it's old so there are some scratches and dings but the best part is that it has Fred Bears' autograph on the riser. I'd like to have it refinished but I've been told to leave it the way it is so as not to diminish the collectors value. So, that's what I'll do and then who knows, maybe my grandson will inherit it and become it's next custodian.
I own a grizzly, in the exact version as yours. This bow is PHENOMENAL in fit and finish. I got lucky to get it before the change. I own many bows of many designs and have made many selfbows. I can honestly say that my grizzly still edges out the others, and is my best overall bow, to this day. Even my Martin damon and Howat hunter from 1987, doesn't beat it. Thanks.
I've had my Grizzly for a tick under 10 years now. Absolutely love this bow. Started on an old 40lb Ben Pearson bow as a kid, then wanted something a bit flatter shooting and less marginal for deer, so I jumped up to a 55# Grizzly. Just recently picked up a new Bear Mag riser and 70# limbs because I wanted to face the challenge of a stronger bow again, and I'm absolutely loving it!
I’m watching this video in March of 22. I found it very informative. I currently shoot a Mathews compound but have a growing interest in traditional archery. Thanks and God bless
I started with a Samick Sage, and one day I was in the local outdoor shop intent on getting a new handgun. I went to the archery department first and test shot a 50# Grizzly. I brought it home instead. Zero regret.
Just something I would love to see would be a bear super Kodiak review. Maybe I'm just bad a searching for reviews and stuff but I had trouble finding much on that bow. Great video I watch a ton of your reviews just so I can see all sorts of different bows.
Got my Grizzly in 1964. 43# factory green camo paint. Limbs still straight and shoots where aimed. My Bear "TigerCat" 45#, has a much thicker riser but works well. My "Tamer Lane" taget 34# is a sweet shooting bow. My modern "48 Magnum" and "Montana" are used daily in our apartment, hitting foam. I like Bear bows. lol
Jim I enjoy all your videos, but I truly enjoy haut watching you shoot. You. Have a very fluid, almost effortless looking shooting style. Could you edit together a video of just you shooting. Doesn't have to be new shooting, just go back thru your files, and edit together a collection of your shots, making sure to capture at minimum from your draw thru release on your shots. Fabulous videos. Brian
Great video. I enjoyed watching it. I have an Bear Grizzly I purchased back in 70's. It was my first real bow. It still looks and shoots great. Mine measured out to 48# from the factory and it is identified as such on the bow.
I’m halfway to being able to buy. I’m hopefully going to put in some hours during one of my school breaks. I just want to say thanks for making me know this is going to be the bow I keep for a long time. Once I outgrow it, I think the Kodiak will be my forever bow, then again I’m only a sophomore in high school so I’ve got some time.
Nice review Jim! I got one Bear Grizzly 55# about 1 month ago and I'm enjoying each second with this bow! It's just amazing. By the way, I also have noticed the poor quality of the string, in the beginning I thought it was me but I had to changed my bow string, now I have a real Dacron Flemish Twist and it's much more comfortable to shoot.
I tried out a friend's recently, I think made sometime between 2000 and 2010. Nice bow. Not entirely convinced it's competitive at its price point (meaning you can easily find equivalent performance for cheaper) but there's nothing bad about it. Can confirm 29" draw is no problem.
Just got my first recurve, Bear Grizzly, a few weeks ago! Your video helped seal the deal on that decision and I thank you very much for that! I looked at my string almost first off and sure enough it had one of those "bad" strings. I haven't gotten word on it yet and was wondering what makes the good flemish twist string such a more advantageous string over the bad one? What's the benefit if it exactly? Thanks from UP State NY, Grizzly, & keep the vids coming!!!
My Montana came with a junk string. The serving actually came undone after a short period of time. Grizzly is 'affordable'. Hard not to like a Bear. The speed was nice to see - respectable. Good review as always... and always to see you Jim. Take care and thanks,
been looking forward to this one for a very long time! I can't believe you didn't compare it to the Ragim Black Bear. Surprisingly it even shot the same speeds with your arrows.
+Vahid Saberin Agreed, a comparison would be interesting, as the Black Bear is the same size, style and speed. What does the extra £200 for the Grizzly get you, besides the name?
Great bow! My first bow was a Grizzly. Sold it when i went up in draw weight and switched to hybrid longbows. Agree about the strings -- it's almost as if Beard just makes 1 string length for a all their bows. It's a shame really.
I have a connection to Bear bows because, and this is really not explainable, Fred Bear hunted in the area where I grew up with a local guide who was one our next door neighbours in northern British Columbia, Canada. I thought at the time that the Bear bows were the most beautiful things I had ever seen. I was sixteen at the time so I hadn't seen much.
if you get the chance, take a few shots with an early 1960's grizzly. they have a radiused grip, which eliminates the hand bite i've noticed on the later grizzlies. I have a beautiful 1961 grizzly with a zebrawood riser, it is my favorite recurve in the whole world.
I am a fan of the practice of Archery. I have been wanting to start for some time, and have been looking at my local archery shop, though the primarily deal in compound bows the do carry a few recurve and longbows including at leas Samick. I would like to own a variety of bows the same as firearms and would like a more modern compound bow but also a recurve bow. I was turned toward the grizzly company and am wondering if you could give a recommendation. Appreciate your taking time to answer.
William Tell, I am years late to the party. However, could you attach a few broad heads and do another review? I am contemplating joining the trad gang!
Nice review again Jim. Any chance on doing a video on string making? I've just got into making my own flemish twists but I'd love to see how you make them.
Can you do a video of the pros and cons of the longbow and the recurve bow? Best 4 befinner, if one is harder on the fingers and more foregiving and so on.
You have a very vague opinion on craftsmanship at the end. What is lacking in quality? I'm genuinely interested since I plan on purchasing a Bear bow soon. Thanks for the video.
Hi Jim, very much appreciate your reviews and Jeff's, in fact ended up with an #50 AuSable after much thought thanks to both your reviews. I also own a Kodiak Magnum 50th anniversary which is absolutely great. Was wondering if it was possible to acquire strings from you? I have a hard time in Italy finding really good string ...
Right here's one for you Jim! After our conversation in the shop earlier about me needing to try a one piece trad now to shoot off the shelf...Grizzly or Cottonmouth?
I wonder what is going on with their strings, saw another kodiak magnum with a “flemish twist” string that was not properly tapered and twisted together, so there was a portion of the string sticking out of the twist. Not a great look on a bow that costs > 500 cad here. Otherwise the bow is nice
That seem be a nice bow and must be great for hunting. I just purchased my first bow which is a Chinese Mandarin curved bow with 50 pounds pull. I have not used it yet as I am looking for arrows to use with it.
First of all: thank you for the review =) You're right, the string of my Super Kodiak is also really bad. They have to change this.. Greetings from Germany ;)
I really do make a conscious effort to try to support American made products and to my surprise the majority of these wooden bows being sold on Landcaster Archery or Amazon are all bows made in Asia. The only true reputable American brand I know is made by Fred bear and generally a wooden Recurve bow from them starts around $400 price point. Makes me wonder if there’s a genuine craftsmanship and quality difference from the cheap Amazon $200 Asian bows to something like a Fred bear recurve bow ? This is all stuff I need to do research on. What’s your thoughts on the subject is there a difference in quality and craftsmanship ??
Hey there, nice little summary. :) I managed to get my hands on a 50th anniversary edition Magnum and I'm absolutely hooked. No handshock, draws smoothly as butter, no pinch at my tiny drawlength of 27". I'm shooting it at #37 (it's a #40 bow), but TBH I have to work out a fair bit to be able to shoot for days on end. I was thinking about getting another Bear at a slightly lower poundage for the lazier days. Which model would you recommend?
Hey man I have a really old bear grizzly I've done research and it's made between 1953 and 1959,it doesn't have a coin inlay and leather handle, I'm trying to get into archery, I'd love to talk to you sometime maybe you could help me out a bit with some archery questions and care for this old bow
Jim, would you say the NEW Bears shoot as good as the old ones ? I'm looking for a Super Kodiak but having trouble finding a nice used one with straight limbs....
I only just watched your review on the bear grizzy, I'm very disappointed! you mentiond some quality issues possibly with the manufacture process does this mean some bows are made better than others? I mention this because I have a 60# bear grizzly for only 3yrs and it developed cracks all along the front of the limbs. When I contacted you about the bow I was told by your company "Merlin Archery" that it's only guaranteed for 1 yr. As a result I've a bow sitting on my shelf that cannot be used, It makes an expensive book end. I would not advise anyone purchase this bow. It's a thumbs down all the way, I'm now looking for another bow but think I'll stay away from bear due to this experience. I've been burned once and I'll not be burnt again.
TheJacyboy ever heard of bad apples and i bet your shooting to lite of arrow for better "speed" too. nothing wrong with cracks going the long way with the bow as long as there stable. ill buy bears any day of the week there good bows.
Don Riley We're not the only ones lookin for a vintage Super Kodiak. Every SK that has sold on eBay has gone for more than $400. Can't seem to get it for any less. They are highly sought after. Most quiet and smooth Bear bow there is.
I have a bear Grizzly and fully agree about the string. I am no expert on bow strings, but something is just off about the string that came with mine. Can anyone recommend where I can obtain a good Flemish String for my Bear Grizzly?
+Jeff Kavanagh Love your videos Jeff and Grizzly Jim, I just acquired a Bear Grizzly from Ebay, have not received it yet, but was wondering how/where to get a good Dacron Flemish string for it?
i just bought an old version of one of these in a pawn shop with no string. On the side is written "AMO-56"", is this correct string size or is there a trick I don't know and need to order shorter or longer? Was gonna order the Fleming Fast string. Any help is appreciated, new guy here!
Squeaky Reed no that's just the length of your bow if you get a used bow at the pawnshop like we did it's best to take it to a bass pro shop or something and learn all of its specifications. Trust me! It makes you feel a lot more confident.
Great review but you spent too much talk on the factory string ...replacement is easy and cheap and the bow can't be judged by the string he cames with . I own 3 grizzly , Grayling and Gainsville and they are step-stone of modern trad archery. Best hunting bow ever made ! One of the grizz i use the most is 57# at my draw length , i shoot 670gr arrows and it hits hard ;)
Question. I'm decently new to archer. A few years back I was shooting a mission by mathews(roughly 2 years ago). This year I bought a Elite Energy 32, been shooting it for only about 3 months and the more I get into it I find myself very interested in Recurves(Hence how I stumbled upon your videos which I very much enjoy by the ways!). Anyways my question is seeing as I'm decently new to archery I was just wandering if you would say that you enjoyed the Ragim Black Bear or the Bear Grizzly more and if you would gladly recommend both bows as good starter bows? Thank you!
+Daniel Audette They are both great bow. The Grizzly is the nicer bow to shoot but it is £200 more expensive... saying that the Black Bear is a great bow for the money... Hope that helps Daniel?
I have a Bear Grizzly 50lbs @ 28" draw I've been using it since 1968. It is still as strong as it was in the 60s. If I'm not using it throughout the week, I unstring it. 🎯
My first bow was the #60 Bear Grizzly. I bought when I was 15 years old. I could barely string it let alone draw it. That summer I worked for my dad and uncle in construction and by the fall I could draw and hold for a 3 count. Got books out of the library, learned how to shoot and later on began stumping with other archers who we’re happy to show me more. I loved that bow and shot it for the next 20 years. It’s gone now, but I’ll be buying another Bear soon.
so you would say that this bow is basically a jack of all trades that has quality?
I picked up a new Grizzly today. I look forward to using it for many years. Thanks, for the good review.
At my local pro shop the other day, I saw a Grizzly someone had brought in sitting on the rack by the indoor range. It was absolutely gorgeous, just like the one in this video. A little while later I went over to the traditional bow section of the store, and they had two Grizzlys for sale. They looked like they were made from the old faded floor boards of a long-abandoned desert tavern. What a shocking difference! It made me really satisfied with my choice to buy used vintage. I got a 1969 Bear Polar, and only paid Samick Sage money for it.
The Bear Polar is a nice bow. I used to have a 1958 Bear Polar. I gave it to a good friend who was in a better position to use it than I was at the time. Boy, I miss it. Glad, though, he can use it. I don't regret that, either.
This was my first bow, will never forget it this is how I learned to shoot , this is how all bow hunter should start out ,I think I will try to get one
I'm a compound bow guy, but had watched some vintage Fred Bear videos (dude was fearless - or crazy - not sure which) but ran across this video. Great review - great shooting. Beautiful country you're in. Dang that bow is whisper quiet compared to my $1200 bow. Do I need a recurve bow? Oh, no - here we go.
I realy like this guy.its been ages when i buy bow from merlin.and i realy like it.but back to videos.please keep going to do videos it realy help to understeand everithing about archery.im from slovakia and we dont have guys like you much.i like your videos much.take care,cheers.
Thanks for the video review Jim. I recently picked up a vintage Grizzly from 1972 and I'm waiting for a new string to arrive (continuous loop) like what would have been supplied with the bow back in the day. It looks like it was abused a bit but heck it's old so there are some scratches and dings but the best part is that it has Fred Bears' autograph on the riser. I'd like to have it refinished but I've been told to leave it the way it is so as not to diminish the collectors value. So, that's what I'll do and then who knows, maybe my grandson will inherit it and become it's next custodian.
I own a grizzly, in the exact version as yours. This bow is PHENOMENAL in fit and finish. I got lucky to get it before the change. I own many bows of many designs and have made many selfbows. I can honestly say that my grizzly still edges out the others, and is my best overall bow, to this day. Even my Martin damon and Howat hunter from 1987, doesn't beat it. Thanks.
I've had my Grizzly for a tick under 10 years now. Absolutely love this bow. Started on an old 40lb Ben Pearson bow as a kid, then wanted something a bit flatter shooting and less marginal for deer, so I jumped up to a 55# Grizzly. Just recently picked up a new Bear Mag riser and 70# limbs because I wanted to face the challenge of a stronger bow again, and I'm absolutely loving it!
I’m watching this video in March of 22. I found it very informative. I currently shoot a Mathews compound but have a growing interest in traditional archery. Thanks and God bless
Love my old Bear Grizzly.
I started with a Samick Sage, and one day I was in the local outdoor shop intent on getting a new handgun. I went to the archery department first and test shot a 50# Grizzly. I brought it home instead. Zero regret.
Love my grizzly, got as first bow about six months ago Jeff and yourself made it an easy decision to go traditional thanks
Love Bear bows I have an original Bear Victor super Grizzly still shoots very well.
Just something I would love to see would be a bear super Kodiak review. Maybe I'm just bad a searching for reviews and stuff but I had trouble finding much on that bow. Great video I watch a ton of your reviews just so I can see all sorts of different bows.
Got my Grizzly in 1964. 43# factory green camo paint. Limbs still straight and shoots where aimed. My Bear "TigerCat" 45#, has a much thicker riser but works well. My "Tamer Lane" taget 34# is a sweet shooting bow. My modern "48 Magnum" and "Montana" are used daily in our apartment, hitting foam. I like Bear bows. lol
Jim
I enjoy all your videos, but I truly enjoy haut watching you shoot. You. Have a very fluid, almost effortless looking shooting style.
Could you edit together a video of just you shooting.
Doesn't have to be new shooting, just go back thru your files, and edit together a collection of your shots, making sure to capture at minimum from your draw thru release on your shots.
Fabulous videos.
Brian
I'll see what a can do Brian :)
Thanks for watching!
+MerlinArchery I'd love to see that too
Great video. I enjoyed watching it. I have an Bear Grizzly I purchased back in 70's. It was my first real bow. It still looks and shoots great. Mine measured out to 48# from the factory and it is identified as such on the bow.
I’m halfway to being able to buy. I’m hopefully going to put in some hours during one of my school breaks. I just want to say thanks for making me know this is going to be the bow I keep for a long time. Once I outgrow it, I think the Kodiak will be my forever bow, then again I’m only a sophomore in high school so I’ve got some time.
Great review I think it’s the prettiest of Bears Archery’s traditional bows!
I’ve been wanting one for some time.
Check out the bear 59 Kodiak talk about gorgeous.. double the price though
Nice review Jim!
I got one Bear Grizzly 55# about 1 month ago and I'm enjoying each second with this bow! It's just amazing.
By the way, I also have noticed the poor quality of the string, in the beginning I thought it was me but I had to changed my bow string, now I have a real Dacron Flemish Twist and it's much more comfortable to shoot.
I tried out a friend's recently, I think made sometime between 2000 and 2010. Nice bow. Not entirely convinced it's competitive at its price point (meaning you can easily find equivalent performance for cheaper) but there's nothing bad about it. Can confirm 29" draw is no problem.
Just got my first recurve, Bear Grizzly, a few weeks ago! Your video helped seal the deal on that decision and I thank you very much for that! I looked at my string almost first off and sure enough it had one of those "bad" strings. I haven't gotten word on it yet and was wondering what makes the good flemish twist string such a more advantageous string over the bad one? What's the benefit if it exactly? Thanks from UP State NY, Grizzly, & keep the vids coming!!!
What a beautiful bow!
My Montana came with a junk string. The serving actually came undone after a short period of time. Grizzly is 'affordable'. Hard not to like a Bear. The speed was nice to see - respectable. Good review as always... and always to see you Jim. Take care and thanks,
"bear that in mind"...was that...
P-UNINTENDED
Hey mate, enjoy your videos. Have you ever shot a Bear Super Grizzly? Thanks.
been looking forward to this one for a very long time!
I can't believe you didn't compare it to the Ragim Black Bear.
Surprisingly it even shot the same speeds with your arrows.
+Vahid Saberin Agreed, a comparison would be interesting, as the Black Bear is the same size, style and speed. What does the extra £200 for the Grizzly get you, besides the name?
Great bow! My first bow was a Grizzly. Sold it when i went up in draw weight and switched to hybrid longbows. Agree about the strings -- it's almost as if Beard just makes 1 string length for a all their bows. It's a shame really.
I have a connection to Bear bows because, and this is really not explainable, Fred Bear hunted in the area where I grew up with a local guide who was one our next door neighbours in northern British Columbia, Canada. I thought at the time that the Bear bows were the most beautiful things I had ever seen. I was sixteen at the time so I hadn't seen much.
I’m a Grizzly Jim fan boy!
if you get the chance, take a few shots with an early 1960's grizzly. they have a radiused grip, which eliminates the hand bite i've noticed on the later grizzlies. I have a beautiful 1961 grizzly with a zebrawood riser, it is my favorite recurve in the whole world.
I am a fan of the practice of Archery. I have been wanting to start for some time, and have been looking at my local archery shop, though the primarily deal in compound bows the do carry a few recurve and longbows including at leas Samick. I would like to own a variety of bows the same as firearms and would like a more modern compound bow but also a recurve bow. I was turned toward the grizzly company and am wondering if you could give a recommendation.
Appreciate your taking time to answer.
Yeah the string my bow came with is all twisted like that too.
William Tell, I am years late to the party. However, could you attach a few broad heads and do another review? I am contemplating joining the trad gang!
Perty good shootin' there partner! Small group at the first set up.
What string would you recommend for this bow?
Great review thanks for taking the time to post.
I have a Bear Kodiak Magnum from the early seventies. Its 50lbs @ 28".
Nice review again Jim. Any chance on doing a video on string making? I've just got into making my own flemish twists but I'd love to see how you make them.
Man if he is a Bear Fan Boy, I would hate to hear you talk about something you really do not like at all haha
Nice Review! Its a beautiful working man bow, indeed.
Im waiting for the Kodiak Takedown review!
Can't wait till i get my Grizzly.. Get some practice then turkey hunting next spring.
Your reviews are Great but, can you make more about begginers bows?
Or Arrow feathers please, nice video by the way like always
Of course :)
+MerlinArchery have you shot a Martin hunter before? I am deciding between a bear bow or a Martin hunter.
Can you do a video of the pros and cons of the longbow and the recurve bow? Best 4 befinner, if one is harder on the fingers and more foregiving and so on.
Please, what is the recommended arrow weight (gpp) for the Grizzly? I got a lot of documentation with my Grizzly, but nothing about arrow weight...
I have a 28" draw length and I have a Bear Supermag 48. No problem. I would love to try a grizzly but,sadly, I'm financially constraned.
You have a very vague opinion on craftsmanship at the end. What is lacking in quality?
I'm genuinely interested since I plan on purchasing a Bear bow soon.
Thanks for the video.
The trad bows I'm checking out our Ragim Brown Bear, KG Forester, Oakridge Mezzo, Gera Bows White Elephant from Ukraine.
Hi Jim, very much appreciate your reviews and Jeff's, in fact ended up with an #50 AuSable after much thought thanks to both your reviews. I also own a Kodiak Magnum 50th anniversary which is absolutely great. Was wondering if it was possible to acquire strings from you? I have a hard time in Italy finding really good string ...
nice shooting
Wow nice shooting!
Right here's one for you Jim! After our conversation in the shop earlier about me needing to try a one piece trad now to shoot off the shelf...Grizzly or Cottonmouth?
That style of Flemish string us called an adjustable loop style.
What do you think about this bow for a 30.5” draw?
I wonder what is going on with their strings, saw another kodiak magnum with a “flemish twist” string that was not properly tapered and twisted together, so there was a portion of the string sticking out of the twist. Not a great look on a bow that costs > 500 cad here. Otherwise the bow is nice
That seem be a nice bow and must be great for hunting. I just purchased my first bow which is a Chinese Mandarin curved bow with 50 pounds pull. I have not used it yet as I am looking for arrows to use with it.
First of all: thank you for the review =)
You're right, the string of my Super Kodiak is also really bad.
They have to change this..
Greetings from Germany ;)
What’s the screw holes on the side of the bow for?
For mounting a bow quiver
Why 600 grain arrow? Thanks, Mark
He'll of a shot
.... robin hood over there!
Nice review and lovely description. I'm tempted.
Little note, just check your focus point on your main camera looks a little fuzzy
Unfortunately when I'm without a cameraman I am constrained to the limitations of autofocus.... And it kills me! :(
I'm interested in the PSE Anthem. It's half the price of the Bear Grizzly. Wondering how the 2 compare.
Thank U Jimmy, I love U, I've been waiting for this a long time....
Does anyone know where I can find this bow second-hand or cheaper that the full price?
I really do make a conscious effort to try to support American made products and to my surprise the majority of these wooden bows being sold on Landcaster Archery or Amazon are all bows made in Asia. The only true reputable American brand I know is made by Fred bear and generally a wooden Recurve bow from them starts around $400 price point. Makes me wonder if there’s a genuine craftsmanship and quality difference from the cheap Amazon $200 Asian bows to something like a Fred bear recurve bow ? This is all stuff I need to do research on. What’s your thoughts on the subject is there a difference in quality and craftsmanship ??
Hey there, nice little summary. :) I managed to get my hands on a 50th anniversary edition Magnum and I'm absolutely hooked. No handshock, draws smoothly as butter, no pinch at my tiny drawlength of 27". I'm shooting it at #37 (it's a #40 bow), but TBH I have to work out a fair bit to be able to shoot for days on end. I was thinking about getting another Bear at a slightly lower poundage for the lazier days. Which model would you recommend?
Nice review!
I'm definitely hearing some vintage gish-era pumpkins influence in the music. Did you write that? Also, good review.
I'm afraid not... just some stock music, 😅
Hey man I have a really old bear grizzly I've done research and it's made between 1953 and 1959,it doesn't have a coin inlay and leather handle, I'm trying to get into archery, I'd love to talk to you sometime maybe you could help me out a bit with some archery questions and care for this old bow
great reviews thanks
Thx for the vid, nice work!
You never really came back with your opinion about its performance at longer range....did it hold
at 30-40 yards or so?
Any chance for some Martin takedown recurves in the near future? Loving the content.
What material are you using for your target backstops? I really need to make something up.
Hi Jim. I use the " three finger under " style, which Bear Recurve Bow would you consider to be the most suitable, for me at 28".
That string has adjustable loops
Are the bear bows made in the USA..?
as far as I know they still are....?
I want to buy my first recurve I never shot one before. And I like your bow a lot do you think this will be good enough...
Jim, would you say the NEW Bears shoot as good as the old ones ? I'm looking for a Super Kodiak but having trouble finding a nice used one with straight limbs....
They seem to, but you can't beat the feel of a good old bear :)
I only just watched your review on the bear grizzy, I'm very disappointed! you mentiond some quality issues possibly with the manufacture process does this mean some bows are made better than others? I mention this because I have a 60# bear grizzly for only 3yrs and it developed cracks all along the front of the limbs. When I contacted you about the bow I was told by your company "Merlin Archery" that it's only guaranteed for 1 yr. As a result I've a bow sitting on my shelf that cannot be used, It makes an expensive book end. I would not advise anyone purchase this bow. It's a thumbs down all the way, I'm now looking for another bow but think I'll stay away from bear due to this experience. I've been burned once and I'll not be burnt again.
TheJacyboy ever heard of bad apples and i bet your shooting to lite of arrow for better "speed" too. nothing wrong with cracks going the long way with the bow as long as there stable. ill buy bears any day of the week there good bows.
Don Riley We're not the only ones lookin for a vintage Super Kodiak. Every SK that has sold on eBay has gone for more than $400. Can't seem to get it for any less. They are highly sought after. Most quiet and smooth Bear bow there is.
Any chance of a non traditional review?
Recurve/Compound ect
I have a bear Grizzly and fully agree about the string. I am no expert on bow strings, but something is just off about the string that came with mine. Can anyone recommend where I can obtain a good Flemish String for my Bear Grizzly?
try Vaportrails.com. They make good strings, at least for me.
The strings Bear sends out are a flemmish mess. lol
Love their bows though.
You don't like bear bows do you Jeff? Lol
MerlinArchery Good thing I found a good string maker. "wink, wink"
+Jeff Kavanagh I agree...can you recommend where I can obtain, what would be considered, a good Flemish String for my Bear Grizzly?
+Jeff Kavanagh Love your videos Jeff and Grizzly Jim, I just acquired a Bear Grizzly from Ebay, have not received it yet, but was wondering how/where to get a good Dacron Flemish string for it?
james walker Talk to Jim. (insert big smilie face here)
When will we be getting a review on the takedown? Great video.
There's a 1948 Grizzly for sale on eBay and it looks nothing like this bow.
Just curious, what happened to Jeff Kavanaugh
i just bought an old version of one of these in a pawn shop with no string. On the side is written "AMO-56"", is this correct string size or is there a trick I don't know and need to order shorter or longer? Was gonna order the Fleming Fast string. Any help is appreciated, new guy here!
Squeaky Reed no that's just the length of your bow if you get a used bow at the pawnshop like we did it's best to take it to a bass pro shop or something and learn all of its specifications. Trust me! It makes you feel a lot more confident.
Great review but you spent too much talk on the factory string ...replacement is easy and cheap and the bow can't be judged by the string he cames with .
I own 3 grizzly , Grayling and Gainsville and they are step-stone of modern trad archery.
Best hunting bow ever made !
One of the grizz i use the most is 57# at my draw length , i shoot 670gr arrows and it hits hard
;)
Was wondering why you were wearing a bear hat!!!
3 times the price of a sage or there abouts but is it 3 times the bow????
Jealous of that hat! Can’t find one like that
Could you please do a bearpaw kodiak hunter review?)
Grizzly or slick stick recurve?
Jeez. Chuck already. ;-)
Can you make a Ragim Impala review? Please do it!
Try a super kodiak sometime .
Hi Jim, I know you have a bear kodiak takedown but how about a review on the Kodiak 59?
Gladly if you wanna send me one ;)
you would review peoples bows?
Can you compare Buck Trail Cougar vs Samick Sage? Or just make review of Cougar ^^
+Wo Ra If i can get my hands on a Cougar i might ;)
Question. I'm decently new to archer. A few years back I was shooting a mission by mathews(roughly 2 years ago). This year I bought a Elite Energy 32, been shooting it for only about 3 months and the more I get into it I find myself very interested in Recurves(Hence how I stumbled upon your videos which I very much enjoy by the ways!). Anyways my question is seeing as I'm decently new to archery I was just wandering if you would say that you enjoyed the Ragim Black Bear or the Bear Grizzly more and if you would gladly recommend both bows as good starter bows? Thank you!
+Daniel Audette They are both great bow. The Grizzly is the nicer bow to shoot but it is £200 more expensive... saying that the Black Bear is a great bow for the money... Hope that helps Daniel?
I'll keep these words in mind when the time actually comes for me to buy my first re-curve. Much appreciated.
Could you do a review of the lil rattler? Great video by the way
+Oliver Phillips There is one on the way :)
+MerlinArchery thanks :)