Bear Archery Constrictor Crossbow Review

First Impressions of Bear Archery Constrictor Crossbow

The Bear Archery Constrictor Crossbow promises tight-quarters maneuverability and a ready-to-hunt package. Bear Archery aims to deliver a powerful and accurate crossbow in a compact design. This crossbow immediately grabbed my attention with its narrow profile and included accessories, a package often sought after by seasoned hunters.

My primary need was a crossbow that was easy to handle in dense woods and tree stands. I needed something compact and maneuverable without sacrificing power or accuracy. The promise of a narrow 10″ cocked width, paired with the included scope and arrows, suggested a complete and capable hunting solution.

Unboxing the Constrictor, I was initially impressed with the fit and finish. The crossbow felt solid in hand, and the included accessories seemed to be of reasonable quality. The top-mount quiver design was a unique feature I was eager to test in the field.

Compared to other crossbows I’ve used, such as the Barnett Whitetail Hunter Pro and the Wicked Ridge Warrior Ultra-Lite, the Constrictor stood out due to its narrower profile when cocked. I chose the Bear Archery Constrictor Crossbow because I needed something easier to maneuver in tight hunting scenarios, hoping the narrower profile didn’t sacrifice too much power. I was also enticed by the complete ready-to-hunt package.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The Constrictor’s compact design and included accessories were promising, but I was keen to see how it performed in real-world hunting situations. The negative user feedback mentioning limb issues has me a little worried.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Bear Archery Constrictor Crossbow to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Bear Archery Constrictor Crossbow at my local archery range and then took it on a wild hog hunt in the Texas backcountry. The conditions were varied, from sunny and dry at the range to humid and slightly rainy during the hunt. This would be a great test to see how well the Constrictor performed.

The Constrictor performed well at the range, with accurate shots at 30 and 40 yards. The illuminated scope made target acquisition easy, even in lower light conditions. While hunting, the crossbow’s narrow profile proved invaluable for maneuvering in dense brush.

There was a slight learning curve with the top-mount quiver. Initially, it felt a bit awkward, but I quickly adapted to its placement and pivot feature. I did notice that the included cocking sled felt a little flimsy, raising concerns about its long-term durability.

My initial experience was largely positive. But I had to continuously monitor for any signs of limb stress due to the negative reviews I read.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Bear Archery Constrictor Crossbow has generally held up well. I’ve taken it on multiple hunting trips and spent considerable time practicing at the range.

I started to notice some slight wear on the string serving and the finish on the rail. Regular waxing and lubrication were essential to mitigate these issues. The cocking sled I mentioned previously is showing more signs of wear and tear than I’d like.

Cleaning the crossbow after each use was straightforward, although I paid extra attention to the trigger mechanism to ensure smooth operation. Compared to my previous crossbow, the Wicked Ridge Warrior Ultra-Lite, the Constrictor is more compact and maneuverable, but it requires more frequent maintenance due to its higher draw weight. I still worry about limb failure.

Breaking Down the Features of Bear Archery Constrictor Crossbow

Specifications

The Bear Archery Constrictor Crossbow boasts a mere 10″ width when cocked and 14″ when uncocked. It also comes equipped with a top mount 5-arrow quiver, 1-5 x 24 illuminated speed comp scope, sling, aluminum cocking sled, and rail lube / string wax. The crossbow comes with 3 TrueX Max 425 grain arrows.

The Bear Archery Constrictor Crossbow weighs 7.8 lbs, and measures 31″ in length. The width is 11.2″, and the height is 5.75″. A Lithium Metal Battery powers the scope.

These specifications are crucial for hunters who need a compact and lightweight crossbow for maneuverability in dense environments. The narrow width is particularly important for tree stand hunting, where space is limited. The included accessories provide a complete ready-to-hunt package, eliminating the need for immediate additional purchases.

Performance & Functionality

The Bear Archery Constrictor Crossbow delivers impressive accuracy out to 50 yards with proper tuning and practice. It is reliable in varying weather conditions, though moisture can affect string performance if not properly maintained. The trigger pull is crisp and consistent, contributing to improved accuracy.

The main strength of this crossbow is its compact design and maneuverability. A weakness is the relatively short power stroke, which can limit arrow speed compared to larger crossbows. Overall, it meets my expectations for a compact hunting crossbow, but its long-term reliability remains a concern.

Design & Ergonomics

The Bear Archery Constrictor Crossbow features a balanced design that makes it comfortable to hold and shoot. The materials used appear to be of good quality, although the plastic components of the quiver and cocking device feel somewhat cheap.

The crossbow is relatively user-friendly, although cocking can be challenging for those with limited upper body strength. The top-mount quiver is a unique design feature that enhances maneuverability, but it may take some getting used to.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care and maintenance, the Bear Archery Constrictor Crossbow should last for several hunting seasons. The string and cables will need to be replaced periodically, depending on usage.

Maintaining the crossbow is relatively easy, requiring regular waxing of the string and lubrication of the rail. However, limb issues, as highlighted by other users, remain a potential concern. I make sure to inspect the limbs before and after each use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bear Archery Constrictor Crossbow comes with a 1-5 x 24 illuminated speed comp scope. This scope is adequate for most hunting situations. The included quiver is a convenient addition, holding five arrows securely.

Aftermarket accessories, such as upgraded scopes and slings, can be added to enhance performance and comfort. The crossbow is compatible with standard crossbow bolts, allowing for some customization. The Bear Archery Constrictor Crossbow is compatible with most universal crossbow accessories.

Pros and Cons of Bear Archery Constrictor Crossbow