The Bear Archery Brave Black Made a Bold First Impression
The Bear Archery Brave Black isn’t just a toy; it’s an introduction to a lifelong skill. Manufactured by Bear Archery, a name synonymous with quality in the archery world, this bow is designed to be a young archer’s first step into the sport. Its light draw weight and included accessories make it immediately appealing and beginner-friendly.
My own interest in this bow stemmed from wanting to introduce my niece to archery. I needed a safe, manageable, and, frankly, cool-looking bow to spark her interest. The Bear Archery Brave Black seemed to tick all those boxes.
Unboxing the bow, I was pleasantly surprised by the overall feel. The composite limbs and riser feel surprisingly robust for a youth bow. It isn’t some flimsy plastic thing.
I considered other youth bows like the Genesis Original Kit and the Barnett Lil Banshee Jr. Genesis is renowned for its zero let-off, making it suitable for a wide range of draw lengths, but it’s also more expensive. The Barnett Lil Banshee Jr. is cheaper, but the build quality seemed inferior. The Bear Archery Brave Black appeared to offer the best balance of quality, features, and price.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. It looked good, felt solid, and came with everything needed to get started. Hopefully, it would perform as well as it looked.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bear Archery Brave Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Bear Archery Brave Black with my niece at a local archery range. It was a sunny, windless day, ideal for introducing her to the basics of aiming and shooting. The range offered a safe and controlled environment.
The bow performed surprisingly well given its low draw weight. My niece quickly got the hang of drawing the bow and releasing the arrow. The included Whisker Biscuit Arrow Rest proved particularly helpful in keeping the arrows stable.
There were no immediate issues, although the 1-pin sight did require some initial adjustments to get properly zeroed. The temporary tattoo was a big hit with my niece and added some fun.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Bear Archery Brave Black continues to perform admirably. It is holding up well to regular use. There are no signs of any significant wear and tear.
The composite limbs seem durable, and the riser hasn’t shown any signs of cracking or bending. I’ve found that wiping the bow down with a damp cloth after each use helps to keep it clean and prevent any buildup of dirt or debris.
Compared to my experiences with other youth archery sets, the Bear Archery Brave Black is a clear step above. The quality of the components and the overall design give it a more premium feel. It outperforms most other bows in its price range.
Breaking Down the Features of Bear Archery Brave Black
Specifications
- Age Range: The Bear Archery Brave Black is suggested for ages 8 and older. This age range seems appropriate given the draw weight and size of the bow.
- Axle-to-Axle: It has a 26-inch axle-to-axle length. This contributes to the bow’s compactness and maneuverability, ideal for younger shooters.
- Draw Length: The bow has a 13.5-19 inch draw length. This adjustable range accommodates a wide spectrum of young archers as they grow.
- Peak Weight: The peak weight ranges from 15 up to 25 lbs. This adjustability is critical as it allows the archer to gradually increase the draw weight as they gain strength.
- Limbs and Riser: It features durable composite limbs and riser. These materials are lightweight and durable.
- Brace Height: The brace height is 5.5 inches. This measurement impacts the bow’s forgiveness, making it more user-friendly.
- Let Off: The bow offers a 65% let off. This reduces the holding weight at full draw, making it easier for young archers to aim and hold steady.
- Included Accessories: Includes (2) Safetyglass arrows, armguard, 2-piece arrow quiver, finger tab, Whisker Biscuit Arrow Rest, 1-pin sight, and a temporary tattoo. These included accessories provide everything a beginner needs to start shooting.
- Hand Orientation: It is a right-hand only bow. Left-handed archers need to look elsewhere.
Performance & Functionality
The Bear Archery Brave Black performs its job admirably. It is providing a safe and enjoyable introduction to archery for young archers. The bow is accurate enough for target practice at close ranges.
Its strengths lie in its adjustability, ease of use, and included accessories. Its primary weakness is the limited draw weight, which will eventually necessitate an upgrade as the archer grows stronger. It meets and exceeds expectations for a beginner’s bow.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is surprisingly good for a youth bow. The composite materials feel durable and well-made. The bow is lightweight and comfortable to hold, even for extended periods.
The design is user-friendly, with simple adjustments and intuitive operation. There is minimal learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bear Archery Brave Black is built to last. It should withstand regular use for several years. Maintenance is simple.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bear Archery Brave Black comes with a comprehensive set of accessories. These include arrows, an armguard, a quiver, a finger tab, an arrow rest, and a sight. There are limited customization options available for this particular model.
It’s designed as an entry-level bow. It is not compatible with most aftermarket accessories designed for more advanced bows.
Pros and Cons of Bear Archery Brave Black
Pros
- Affordable Price: It offers excellent value for money, making it accessible to a wide range of families.
- Adjustable Draw Weight and Length: These adjustments allow the bow to grow with the archer.
- Comprehensive Accessory Package: It includes everything a beginner needs to get started.
- Durable Construction: The composite limbs and riser are built to withstand regular use.
- Lightweight and Easy to Handle: Makes it manageable for younger archers.
Cons
- Limited Draw Weight: The 25 lb maximum draw weight will eventually be too low for some archers.
- Basic Sight: The 1-pin sight is adequate for beginners but lacks the precision of more advanced sights.
Who Should Buy Bear Archery Brave Black?
The Bear Archery Brave Black is perfect for:
- Parents looking to introduce their children to archery in a safe and affordable way.
- Beginner archers aged 8 and older.
- Individuals seeking a complete starter kit with all necessary accessories.
Who should skip this product?
- Experienced archers seeking a more powerful and customizable bow.
- Individuals requiring a left-handed bow.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A target suitable for the bow’s draw weight.
- Additional Safetyglass arrows for extended shooting sessions.
Conclusion on Bear Archery Brave Black
The Bear Archery Brave Black is an excellent entry-level bow that provides a safe, fun, and affordable introduction to the world of archery. Its adjustable draw weight and length, combined with its comprehensive accessory package, make it an ideal choice for young beginners.
The price is definitely justified given the quality, features, and included accessories. I would personally recommend it to any parent looking to get their child involved in archery.
Start your young archer’s journey today with the Bear Archery Brave Black! This bow is a great investment. Buy one to create memories that will last a lifetime.