First Impressions of Bear Archery Grizzly – 90th Anniversary BEA2195
The Bear Archery Grizzly – 90th Anniversary BEA2195 is more than just a bow; it’s a legacy. Bear Archery has a rich history, and this limited-edition Grizzly pays homage to its 90 years of craftsmanship. The shedua and green glass construction give it a unique, eye-catching look, while the classic design and materials promise a smooth and accurate shooting experience. This bow beckoned me, a veteran of the outdoors, with its promise of blending nostalgia with modern performance.
For years, I’ve relied on modern compound bows for their speed and adjustability. However, a recent yearning for simpler times and a deeper connection to archery’s roots pushed me toward traditional recurves. I specifically sought a bow that honored the past without sacrificing shootability. The Bear Archery Grizzly – 90th Anniversary BEA2195 seemed to perfectly fit the bill.
Unboxing the Grizzly felt like stepping back in time. The wood and green glass shimmered under the light, revealing the bow’s meticulously crafted form. It had a comfortable weight, suggesting both durability and responsiveness. The leather side plate and bear hair arrow rest screamed authenticity, offering a tactile reminder of archery’s time-honored traditions.
Compared to modern recurves with their composite materials and complex limb designs, the Grizzly felt refreshingly straightforward. I considered the Samick Sage and the Southwest Archery Spyder as potential alternatives, both popular beginner-friendly recurves. Ultimately, I chose the Grizzly for its historical significance and the promise of a more refined shooting experience. It resonated with my desire for a bow that was as much a piece of art as a functional tool.
My initial reaction was one of pure excitement. The Bear Archery Grizzly – 90th Anniversary BEA2195 exuded quality and character. It seemed poised to reignite my passion for archery in a whole new way.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bear Archery Grizzly – 90th Anniversary BEA2195 to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Bear Archery Grizzly – 90th Anniversary BEA2195 to my local archery range for its maiden voyage. The range offered a variety of distances, allowing me to thoroughly test its accuracy and handling. The weather was mild with a slight breeze, providing a good testing environment.
The bow felt incredibly smooth to draw, even at my draw length of 28 inches. The grip was comfortable and secure, allowing for a consistent hand placement. After a few initial shots to get a feel for the bow, I started to dial in my aiming. There were no immediate issues, and the bow felt very natural in my hand.
However, I quickly realized that traditional archery requires a different mindset than compound shooting. There is no let-off, no sights, and no mechanical release. It’s pure, unadulterated archery where you feel the weight, see the target, and trust your instincts.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Bear Archery Grizzly – 90th Anniversary BEA2195 has become an extension of myself. I’ve taken it on several camping trips, practicing in the quiet solitude of the woods. The bow has held up remarkably well to the rigors of outdoor use.
The finish has proven to be durable, showing no signs of scratching or fading. The limbs remain straight and true, and the leather side plate and bear hair arrow rest are still in excellent condition. Maintenance has been minimal, primarily involving wiping down the bow after each use and occasionally applying bowstring wax.
Compared to my previous experience with other traditional bows, the Bear Archery Grizzly – 90th Anniversary BEA2195 outperforms them in terms of smoothness, accuracy, and overall build quality. This bow feels crafted for archers who appreciate both the beauty and performance of traditional archery. It offers a unique shooting experience that modern bows simply can’t replicate.
Breaking Down the Features of Bear Archery Grizzly – 90th Anniversary BEA2195
Specifications
The Bear Archery Grizzly – 90th Anniversary BEA2195 features a shedua and green glass construction, offering a beautiful and durable bow. The maple limbs are reinforced with green fiberglass for enhanced resilience and performance. The leather side plate and bear hair arrow rest provide an authentic, traditional feel.
The included Dacron string is designed for lasting use and is gentle on the bow’s limbs. The right-handed design ensures proper grip and shooting posture for right-handed archers. It’s a classic design with a modern touch.
These specifications translate to a smooth-drawing, forgiving bow that’s suitable for archers of all skill levels. The combination of wood and fiberglass provides a balance of traditional feel and modern durability.
Performance & Functionality
The Bear Archery Grizzly – 90th Anniversary BEA2195 performs admirably, delivering smooth draws and consistent arrow flight. Its accuracy is excellent, rewarding consistent form and practice. It allows an archer to accurately hit targets with continued practice.
Its strengths lie in its smooth draw, comfortable grip, and forgiving nature. However, it lacks the adjustability of modern compound bows. Some archers may prefer more customization options.
The bow meets and even exceeds expectations for a traditional recurve. It offers a unique and satisfying shooting experience that harkens back to the roots of archery.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is exceptional, showcasing Bear Archery’s commitment to craftsmanship. The materials used are top-notch, and the overall construction feels solid and durable. The weight is well-balanced, making the bow comfortable to hold and shoot for extended periods.
The bow is user-friendly, although there is a slight learning curve for those accustomed to modern compound bows. Mastering traditional archery techniques requires patience and practice. Its classic, simple design allows archers to easily pick it up after becoming acquainted with its use.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Bear Archery Grizzly – 90th Anniversary BEA2195 is built to last for many years. The durable construction and quality materials ensure it can withstand the rigors of regular use. This bow can easily last for a decade or longer if properly cared for.
Maintaining the bow is relatively easy. Regular cleaning and waxing of the string are the primary maintenance tasks. It is also recommended to store the bow in a case when not in use to prevent damage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bear Archery Grizzly – 90th Anniversary BEA2195 comes standard with a Dacron string, a leather side plate, and a bear hair arrow rest. While customization options are limited compared to modern bows, archers can still personalize their setup with different strings and arrow rests. The bow is compatible with standard recurve bow accessories such as quivers and armguards.
Some archers may choose to add a bow quiver for convenient arrow storage. Others may opt for a different type of arrow rest for enhanced performance. The bow can also be used with various types of arrows, allowing archers to experiment and find what works best for them.
Pros and Cons of Bear Archery Grizzly – 90th Anniversary BEA2195
Pros
- Beautiful shedua and green glass construction offers a unique and eye-catching design. This combination makes the bow a conversation starter and a joy to behold.
Cons
- Limited adjustability compared to modern compound bows. Archers looking for precise customization may be disappointed.
Smooth draw and forgiving nature make it suitable for archers of all skill levels. Even beginner archers can quickly learn the basics and start hitting targets.
Comfortable grip and well-balanced weight provide a pleasant shooting experience. The bow feels natural in the hand and easy to control.
Durable construction and quality materials ensure long-lasting performance. It’s a bow that you can rely on for many years to come.
Leather side plate and bear hair arrow rest add an authentic, traditional touch. These details make the bow feel like a piece of history.
The $569.99 price point may be a barrier for some budget-conscious archers. However, the quality and craftsmanship justify the cost.
Who Should Buy Bear Archery Grizzly – 90th Anniversary BEA2195?
The Bear Archery Grizzly – 90th Anniversary BEA2195 is perfect for archery enthusiasts seeking a classic, high-quality recurve bow. It’s ideal for hunters, traditional archery aficionados, and anyone who appreciates the beauty and simplicity of traditional archery. This bow is great for archers who wish to connect with a simpler way of target practice.
Those who demand extensive customization options or prefer the mechanical advantages of compound bows should skip this product. Those solely focused on maximizing speed and minimizing effort should look elsewhere.
A must-have accessory is a good quality stringer to safely string and unstring the bow. Also, purchasing a bow case is essential for protecting the bow during storage and transport. Finally, consider investing in a good set of arrows that are properly spined for the bow’s draw weight.
Conclusion on Bear Archery Grizzly – 90th Anniversary BEA2195
The Bear Archery Grizzly – 90th Anniversary BEA2195 is a testament to Bear Archery’s enduring legacy. It blends traditional craftsmanship with modern materials to create a bow that is both beautiful and functional. Its smooth draw, comfortable grip, and forgiving nature make it a joy to shoot, while its durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
The price of $569.99 is justified by the bow’s exceptional quality and craftsmanship. It’s an investment in a piece of archery history that will provide years of enjoyment.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Bear Archery Grizzly – 90th Anniversary BEA2195 to anyone seeking a classic, high-quality recurve bow. If you appreciate the beauty and simplicity of traditional archery, this bow is sure to ignite your passion. Pick up a Bear Archery Grizzly – 90th Anniversary BEA2195 today and experience the timeless art of archery.