First Impressions of Bear Archery Alaskan XT Bow BEA2146
The Bear Archery Alaskan XT Bow BEA2146 promises a blend of speed, comfort, and modern features at a compelling price point. Marketed toward avid archers, it boasts a smooth draw cycle, vibration dampening technology, and accessory mounting options. I was drawn to this bow, hoping to find a versatile and reliable option for both target practice and potentially future hunting expeditions.
I’ve spent years lugging heavier, less forgiving bows through the woods. The constant vibration and the challenge of maintaining accuracy at longer draw lengths led me to search for something more refined. Bear Archery has a long-standing reputation, and the Alaskan XT’s advertised features, specifically the DHC-XR cam system and vibration dampening, seemed like a perfect fit for my needs.
Unboxing the Bear Archery Alaskan XT Bow BEA2146 was a positive experience. The olive finish provides a tactical and appealing aesthetic. The bow felt well-balanced in my hands, and the integrated picatinny mounts were a welcome sight, signaling a focus on modern accessory integration.
I considered the PSE Stinger Max and Diamond Archery Edge SB-1 before settling on the Bear Archery Alaskan XT Bow BEA2146. While the PSE offered a slightly lower price point, the Bear Archery bow’s reported smoother draw cycle and better dampening ultimately swayed me. The Diamond Edge SB-1, known for its adjustability, lacked the speed and advanced cam system I desired. My initial impression of the Alaskan XT was excitement; it felt like a step up in quality and performance compared to my previous bows.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bear Archery Alaskan XT Bow BEA2146 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Bear Archery Alaskan XT Bow BEA2146 was at my local archery range. I spent several hours dialing in the sights and getting a feel for the bow’s draw cycle. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, perfect conditions for initial testing.
The draw cycle felt remarkably smooth, as promised. The 80% let-off made holding at full draw significantly more comfortable than my older bow, allowing for more controlled aiming. I did notice a slight vibration on the shot despite the dampeners, but it was noticeably less than what I was used to.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Bear Archery Alaskan XT Bow BEA2146 continues to impress. I’ve taken it to both indoor and outdoor ranges, shooting in various conditions. I’ve even used it during a mock hunting scenario, navigating through wooded areas.
The bow has held up exceptionally well, with no visible signs of wear and tear beyond minor cosmetic scratches. Maintenance has been simple; a quick wipe down with a soft cloth after each use is all it typically requires. Compared to my previous bow, which constantly needed adjustments, the Alaskan XT has been a dream to maintain.
Breaking Down the Features of Bear Archery Alaskan XT Bow BEA2146
Specifications
The Bear Archery Alaskan XT Bow BEA2146 features a 33-inch axle-to-axle length. This provides a good balance of stability and maneuverability, suitable for both target shooting and hunting in confined spaces. The 6.25-inch brace height is forgiving, reducing the likelihood of arm slap.
The bow offers a versatile draw length range of 25-30 inches. This makes it adaptable to a wide range of archers. The draw weight is adjustable from 45-60 lbs, allowing users to customize the bow to their strength and shooting style. The heart of the Alaskan XT is the DHC-XR cam system, designed to deliver speeds up to 335 FPS.
The advertised speed translates to flatter trajectories and increased kinetic energy downrange. The 80% let-off reduces the holding weight at full draw. This enables longer aiming periods and improved accuracy. Vibration is minimized by in-riser dampeners and KillerWave limb dampeners.
These features contribute to a quieter and more comfortable shooting experience. The bow also features integrated picatinny mounts for accessories. This allows for easy attachment of sights, rests, and other accessories. A roller cable guard is included, designed to ensure a smooth draw cycle and reduce cable wear.
Performance & Functionality
The Bear Archery Alaskan XT Bow BEA2146 performs admirably. Its accuracy is consistent and repeatable, particularly after proper sight-in. The draw cycle is smooth and predictable, making it easy to achieve consistent anchor points.
The bow’s strengths lie in its smooth draw, forgiving brace height, and ample accessory mounting options. The vibration dampening, while not perfect, is a significant improvement over older bows. One area for potential improvement would be further reduction of vibration at the shot.
Overall, the Alaskan XT meets and even exceeds expectations for a bow in its price range. The speed is sufficient for hunting, and the accuracy is more than adequate for target practice.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bear Archery Alaskan XT Bow BEA2146 boasts a well-thought-out design. The olive finish is aesthetically pleasing and provides a degree of camouflage. The bow feels solid and well-built, inspiring confidence in its durability.
The grip is comfortable and allows for a secure hold. The bow is reasonably lightweight, making it easy to carry for extended periods. The learning curve is minimal; even novice archers should be able to pick up the Alaskan XT and start shooting accurately with a bit of practice.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience thus far, the Bear Archery Alaskan XT Bow BEA2146 appears to be built to last. The materials used feel robust and durable. The limbs show no signs of delamination or cracking, even after hundreds of shots.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the cams and axles are all that is required to keep the bow in top condition. The roller cable guard should help extend the life of the cables, reducing the frequency of replacements.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bear Archery Alaskan XT Bow BEA2146 comes as a bare bow, allowing for complete customization. The integrated picatinny mounts are a major advantage, providing compatibility with a wide range of sights, rests, quivers, and stabilizers.
The bow is compatible with most standard aftermarket accessories. This allows archers to fine-tune their setup to their exact preferences. Upgrading the stabilizer is a popular modification to further reduce vibration and improve balance.
Pros and Cons of Bear Archery Alaskan XT Bow BEA2146
Pros
- The smooth draw cycle and 80% let-off make it comfortable to shoot for extended periods.
- Integrated picatinny mounts offer a wide range of customization options.
- The 335 FPS speed is sufficient for both target shooting and hunting.
- Adjustable draw weight (45-60 lbs) accommodates archers of varying strengths.
- The olive finish provides a tactical and aesthetically pleasing look.
Cons
- Vibration at the shot, while reduced, could be further improved.
- It’s a bare bow, so you need to factor in additional costs for sights, rests, and other accessories.
Who Should Buy Bear Archery Alaskan XT Bow BEA2146?
The Bear Archery Alaskan XT Bow BEA2146 is perfect for intermediate archers looking for an upgrade. It’s also great for beginner archers who want a bow they can grow into. Hunters seeking a reliable and customizable bow at a reasonable price point would also benefit from the Alaskan XT.
Those who prioritize extremely low vibration or prefer a fully loaded ready-to-shoot package should skip this product. A high-end bow with advanced dampening technology, or a complete package from another manufacturer, might be a better choice for those individuals. A quality sight, arrow rest, and stabilizer are must-have accessories to maximize the bow’s performance.
Conclusion on Bear Archery Alaskan XT Bow BEA2146
The Bear Archery Alaskan XT Bow BEA2146 delivers a compelling combination of performance, features, and value. Its smooth draw, ample speed, and customization options make it a versatile choice for a wide range of archers. While the vibration dampening could be slightly improved, the overall shooting experience is enjoyable and accurate.
The price is justified, considering the bow’s features and build quality. I would personally recommend the Bear Archery Alaskan XT Bow BEA2146 to anyone looking for a reliable and customizable bow without breaking the bank. Consider the Alaskan XT if you want a bow that will grow with you as your skills develop; it’s an investment you won’t regret.