First Impressions of Bear Archery Royale RTH Compound Bow
The Bear Archery Royale RTH Compound Bow enters the market as a versatile and highly adjustable option designed primarily for young archers or those with smaller statures. Bear Archery, a well-respected name in the archery world, aims to provide a complete ready-to-hunt package. The standout features of adjustable draw weight and length, along with the included accessories, make it an appealing choice for beginners.
I was looking for a bow that my nephew could grow into. He’s shown an interest in archery, but most bows are either too powerful or too long for him currently.
Upon unboxing, the lightweight design was immediately apparent. The bow feels well-constructed, although the materials are clearly chosen to keep the cost down, it still seems durable enough for its intended purpose. Compared to some of the higher-end compound bows I’ve handled, the finish isn’t as refined, but the adjustability and complete package make it a more attractive option than other bare-bones bows in this price range.
I was cautiously optimistic. The Bear Archery Royale RTH Compound Bow seems promising for introducing young shooters to archery, but I wanted to see how it performed in real-world situations and how easily it could be adjusted.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bear Archery Royale RTH Compound Bow to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Bear Archery Royale RTH Compound Bow at my local archery range. I started with the draw weight set at its lowest (5 lbs.) and the draw length at 12 inches to accommodate my nephew’s smaller frame. The bow was easy to draw, and the included Trophy Ridge Mist sight made aiming straightforward, even for a novice.
Shooting in slightly damp conditions didn’t affect the bow’s performance. The Whisker Biscuit arrow rest kept the arrow securely in place, and the grip provided a comfortable hold even with slightly wet hands. After getting accustomed to the bow, I began incrementally increasing the draw weight and length.
The adjustments were simple using an Allen wrench as advertised. There were no initial problems, and the bow felt surprisingly smooth and consistent for its price point.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Bear Archery Royale RTH Compound Bow has proven to be quite reliable. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the string, limbs, or cams, and the included accessories are holding up well.
Maintaining the bow is relatively easy. A quick wipe-down after each use and occasional lubrication of the cams are all that’s needed to keep it in good working order. Compared to other adjustable bows I’ve used, the Royale is much simpler to adjust, which is a huge plus for growing archers. I’m impressed with its ability to maintain accuracy and consistency even after numerous adjustments.
Breaking Down the Features of Bear Archery Royale RTH Compound Bow
Specifications
- Draw Weight: Adjustable from 5 to 50 lbs. This incredibly wide range makes it perfect for beginners and allows the archer to gradually increase resistance as they grow stronger.
- Draw Length: Adjustable from 12 to 27 inches. Accommodates a broad range of archers, from small children to adults with shorter draw lengths.
- Maximum Speed: 290 fps. While not the fastest bow on the market, it provides sufficient speed for target shooting and hunting small game at lower draw weights.
- Letoff: 75%. This significant let-off reduces the holding weight at full draw, making it easier to hold steady for longer periods.
- Bow Weight: 2.7 lbs. (bow only), 3.3 lbs. (with accessories). The lightweight design is ideal for young archers or those who prefer a lighter bow.
- Axle-to-Axle Length: 27 inches. A compact length makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and ideal for youth archers.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the bow’s versatility and usability for a wide range of archers. The adjustability ensures that the bow can grow with the archer, while the lightweight design and smooth draw cycle make it comfortable and easy to shoot.
Performance & Functionality
The Bear Archery Royale RTH Compound Bow performs admirably for its intended purpose. The adjustability is the standout feature, allowing for precise tuning to match the archer’s strength and draw length.
Its strengths lie in its ease of use, adjustability, and lightweight design. One area for improvement would be the quality of the included accessories; while functional, they are not top-of-the-line. It meets expectations for a beginner-friendly bow at this price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bear Archery Royale RTH Compound Bow features a simple yet effective design. The materials used are durable and lightweight, making it comfortable to hold and shoot.
The grip is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the hand. There’s no significant learning curve, and the bow is intuitive to use, even for first-time archers.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bear Archery Royale RTH Compound Bow seems built to last, with durable limbs and a sturdy riser. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintaining the bow is relatively straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication are sufficient to keep it in good working order.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bear Archery Royale RTH Compound Bow comes with a range of accessories, including a Trophy Ridge Mist sight, 5-Spot quiver, Whisker Biscuit arrow rest, Fletcher Archery No Tie Peep, and a nock loop.
Customization options are limited, but the bow is compatible with standard aftermarket accessories. This allows for upgrades to the sight, arrow rest, or quiver if desired.
Pros and Cons of Bear Archery Royale RTH Compound Bow
Pros
- Highly Adjustable: Draw weight and length can be easily adjusted without a bow press.
- Complete Package: Comes with all the necessary accessories to start shooting right away.
- Lightweight Design: Easy to carry and handle, especially for young archers.
- Smooth Draw Cycle: Provides a comfortable and forgiving shooting experience.
- Affordable Price: Offers excellent value for money compared to other adjustable bows.
Cons
- The included accessories are functional but not high-end.
- Maximum draw weight of 50 lbs might be limiting for more experienced archers.
Who Should Buy Bear Archery Royale RTH Compound Bow?
The Bear Archery Royale RTH Compound Bow is perfect for: Young archers who are just starting out and need a bow that can grow with them; adults with shorter draw lengths or those who prefer a lighter bow; archers on a budget who want a complete ready-to-hunt package.
This product should be skipped by: Experienced archers who require a higher draw weight and faster arrow speeds; those who prioritize top-of-the-line accessories; individuals seeking a bow for competitive archery.
Must-have accessories or modifications: Higher-quality arrows for improved accuracy; a stabilizer to reduce vibration and improve balance (if not already using); and potentially upgrading the sight and quiver as the archer progresses.
Conclusion on Bear Archery Royale RTH Compound Bow
The Bear Archery Royale RTH Compound Bow is an excellent choice for beginners and young archers seeking a versatile and adjustable bow. Its affordability, complete package, and ease of use make it a standout option in its price range.
The price is definitely justified given the bow’s adjustability and included accessories. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a beginner-friendly compound bow.
For those wanting to introduce a young person to the sport, or for individuals looking for an easy-to-use and highly adjustable bow, the Bear Archery Royale RTH Compound Bow is a solid investment. Grab one today and get ready to hit the range!