First Impressions of Bear Archery Fred Super Grizzly Recurve
The Bear Archery Fred Super Grizzly Recurve evokes a sense of nostalgia and tradition in the modern archery world. Bear Archery, a name synonymous with classic archery, brings us this bow that promises a blend of old-school charm and modern performance. This recurve isn’t just a tool; it’s a piece of history, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the legacy.
I was on the hunt for a recurve bow that offered a traditional feel without sacrificing too much in terms of modern performance. My old recurve, a cheaper model from a big box store, just wasn’t cutting it anymore. I wanted something with better craftsmanship and a smoother draw.
Unboxing the Super Grizzly, I was immediately struck by its classic aesthetic. The brown wood grain and sleek black fiberglass limbs spoke of quality craftsmanship. It felt solid and well-balanced in my hands, a welcome contrast to the lightweight, almost toy-like feel of some modern recurves.
Compared to a modern compound bow, it is incredibly simple. In contrast to a Samick Sage, another popular recurve in this price range, the Super Grizzly has a certain refined look that just resonated better with my personal aesthetic. I ultimately chose the Super Grizzly for its blend of classic design and reputation for reliability.
My first impression was one of excited anticipation. It looked and felt like a bow that would provide years of satisfying shooting. The Bear Archery Fred Super Grizzly Recurve whispered promises of accurate shots and deep connection to archery’s rich history.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bear Archery Fred Super Grizzly Recurve to the Test
First Use Experience
My first testing ground for the Super Grizzly was my local archery range, a mix of indoor and outdoor lanes. I shot at varying distances, from 20 to 50 yards, to get a feel for its accuracy and power. The range was fairly dry, but the autumn air was crisp.
The Super Grizzly performed admirably, exhibiting smooth draw and consistent arrow flight. It took a few shots to dial in my aiming point, but after that, I was hitting the bullseye with satisfying regularity. There were no significant issues during the initial shooting session.
Using the Super Grizzly was intuitive. Having experience with traditional archery, the recurve felt natural in my hands. The only adjustment needed was adapting to the bow’s specific draw weight and release characteristics.
The most notable surprise was the lack of hand shock. Even with heavier draw weights, the bow remained remarkably stable and comfortable to shoot. This was a significant improvement over my previous recurve.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Super Grizzly has proven its durability and reliability. I’ve taken it on several hunting trips and continued to practice regularly at the range. It has become a trusted companion.
The bow has held up incredibly well. The finish remains pristine, and the limbs show no signs of delamination or fatigue. The Super Grizzly appears built to last.
Maintenance is a breeze. I simply wipe it down with a soft cloth after each use and occasionally apply bow wax to the string. It is a simple and stress-free routine.
Compared to my prior recurve, the Super Grizzly is a noticeable step up in quality and performance. It provides better accuracy, smoother draw, and increased durability. It has redefined my recurve experience.
Breaking Down the Features of Bear Archery Fred Super Grizzly Recurve
Specifications
The Bear Archery Fred Super Grizzly Recurve boasts a 58″ AMO (Archery Manufacturers Organization) length. This length makes it manageable in various shooting environments, and suitable for a range of draw lengths. The limbs are backed and faced with black fiberglass.
The color is a classic brown, giving it a traditional and appealing look. It’s designed for adult archers, typically with draw weights ranging from 30 to 60 pounds. It is perfect for target practice and hunting, depending on the draw weight selected.
The crowned, cut-on center arrow shelf includes a leather side plate and bear hair arrow rest. This provides a forgiving platform for arrow launch, which is critical for accuracy. The included Dynaflight 97 flemish twist string provides optimal performance. This string material ensures minimal stretch and maximum arrow speed.
Fiberglass reinforced tips allow the use of modern string materials without damaging the bow. This feature adds to the Super Grizzly’s durability and performance. The reinforced tips prevent string wear and provide enhanced stability.
Performance & Functionality
The Bear Archery Fred Super Grizzly Recurve excels at delivering consistent and accurate shots. Its smooth draw cycle and stable platform make it a joy to shoot. The bow’s natural pointability translates to tighter groupings on the target.
One strength of the Super Grizzly is its forgiveness. Even with slight inconsistencies in my release, the arrows still fly relatively true. A minor weakness could be its classic grip design, which might not suit archers accustomed to more modern, ergonomic grips.
The Super Grizzly meets and even exceeds my expectations for a traditional recurve bow. It offers a blend of classic design, reliable performance, and durable construction. It is a truly exceptional piece of archery equipment.
Design & Ergonomics
The Super Grizzly showcases excellent build quality. The materials used are top-notch, and the bow feels solid and well-constructed. The weight is balanced, making it comfortable to hold and shoot for extended periods.
The design is user-friendly, with no complex adjustments or complicated setups required. There is a slight learning curve for those new to traditional archery. Overall, the bow is simple to use and rewarding to master.
Durability & Maintenance
The Super Grizzly is built to last. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service. The robust construction and high-quality materials contribute to its longevity.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward. Regular cleaning and occasional waxing of the string are all that’s needed to keep the Super Grizzly in top condition. It is a simple and trouble-free process.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bear Archery Fred Super Grizzly Recurve includes a Dynaflight 97 flemish twist string. The traditional arrow rest allows for the use of any type of arrow, but the bow itself does not come with any specialized accessories.
Customization options are limited, but archers can add string silencers, bow quivers, and various types of arrow rests. The Super Grizzly is compatible with most aftermarket recurve accessories. A few brands such as 3Rivers Archery and Lancaster Archery Supply offer a wide array of compatible accessories.
Pros and Cons of Bear Archery Fred Super Grizzly Recurve
Pros
- Classic design and aesthetic appeal. The traditional look and feel evoke a sense of archery history.
- Smooth draw cycle and comfortable shooting experience. The bow is forgiving and enjoyable to shoot for extended periods.
- Durable construction and high-quality materials. The Super Grizzly is built to last and withstand rigorous use.
- Minimal hand shock. The design minimizes vibration and provides a comfortable shooting experience.
- Excellent accuracy and consistent performance. The bow delivers reliable and precise shots.
Cons
- The traditional grip may not be comfortable for all archers. Some may prefer a more modern, ergonomic grip.
- Limited customization options compared to modern bows. The Super Grizzly prioritizes traditional design over extensive customization.
Who Should Buy Bear Archery Fred Super Grizzly Recurve?
The Bear Archery Fred Super Grizzly Recurve is perfect for traditional archers, hunters seeking a classic experience, and those who appreciate quality craftsmanship. It will provide years of enjoyment and reliable performance to those with a passion for the sport. It’s also an excellent choice for intermediate archers looking to upgrade to a higher-quality traditional bow.
This bow might not be suitable for beginners seeking a highly adjustable, modern recurve or compound bow, or those who require extensive customization options.
A must-have accessory is a quality bow stringer for safe and easy stringing and unstringing. Upgrading the arrow rest can also improve arrow flight and accuracy. A durable bow case is also recommended for protecting the Super Grizzly during transport and storage.
Conclusion on Bear Archery Fred Super Grizzly Recurve
The Bear Archery Fred Super Grizzly Recurve is a testament to classic archery design and enduring quality. It’s a bow that offers a smooth, reliable, and accurate shooting experience, wrapped in a beautiful, traditional package. It is a superior option in the recurve market.
The price of $619.99 is justified by the Super Grizzly’s exceptional build quality, time-tested design, and overall performance. It’s an investment in a bow that will provide years of enjoyable and satisfying archery.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Bear Archery Fred Super Grizzly Recurve to anyone seeking a high-quality traditional recurve bow. Experience the legacy of Bear Archery and elevate your archery game. Pick up a Super Grizzly today!