Bear Archery Paradigm RTH Package BEA2184 Review

First Impressions of Bear Archery Paradigm RTH Package BEA2184

The Bear Archery Paradigm RTH Package BEA2184 promises a blend of speed, forgiveness, and affordability in a ready-to-hunt package. As someone deeply entrenched in the world of archery and tactical gear for over a decade, I was eager to see if this bow lived up to the hype, especially considering the Bear Archery legacy. Could this package offer serious performance for both seasoned archers and newcomers without breaking the bank?

My personal archery journey started in my youth, with a simple recurve bow and a whole lot of patience. As I’ve grown, my pursuits have expanded to bow hunting and a deep interest in the technical aspects of archery equipment. I was in the market for a new bow that offers a smoother draw cycle than my older, aggressive cam system. I also wanted something that was accurate and forgiving, all while being readily available in a complete package.

Upon unboxing the Bear Archery Paradigm RTH Package BEA2184, I was immediately struck by the clean, black finish and the seemingly robust construction. The included Trophy Ridge accessories looked decent enough, though I reserved judgment until I could test them in the field. My initial thought was that this seemed like a well-thought-out package, designed to get you shooting quickly and efficiently.

Compared to other ready-to-hunt packages I’ve evaluated, such as those from Diamond Archery and PSE, the Paradigm appeared to offer a slight edge in terms of advertised speed and a potentially more forgiving brace height. I ultimately chose this model because of the DHC cam system and the promise of a smoother draw cycle, based on online reviews and my own initial inspection. I was excited to get to the range and see how it performed.

Overall, my first impression was one of cautious optimism. The Bear Archery Paradigm RTH Package BEA2184 presents itself well and seems to offer a good balance of features and value. Time will tell if it lives up to its full potential, but for now, I’m eager to put it to the test.

Real-World Testing: Putting Bear Archery Paradigm RTH Package BEA2184 to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Bear Archery Paradigm RTH Package BEA2184 to my local outdoor archery range for its initial test run. The range provides distances out to 80 yards, allowing me to assess the bow’s accuracy at various distances. I started at 20 yards to get comfortable with the draw cycle and release.

The weather was slightly overcast with a light breeze, conditions that can affect arrow flight. I was immediately impressed with the smoothness of the draw cycle. The DHC cam system lived up to its promise, making it significantly easier to pull back than my previous bow. After a few adjustments to the sight, I was grouping arrows within a 4-inch circle at 20 yards.

One initial issue was the Whisker Biscuit V. While functional, it seemed to cause some slight arrow drag, which I’ll address with a different arrow rest down the road.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Bear Archery Paradigm RTH Package BEA2184 has proven to be a reliable and accurate bow. I’ve taken it on a few practice hunting trips, simulating real hunting scenarios in wooded areas. The black finish has held up well, showing only minor scratches from brush contact.

Cleaning and maintaining the bow has been straightforward, requiring only regular waxing of the string and occasional inspection of the cams and limbs. I do wish the included stabilizer was slightly more effective at dampening vibration, but it’s adequate for the price point. Compared to my previous experience with a more expensive Mathews bow, the Paradigm doesn’t quite match the same level of refined performance, but it comes surprisingly close, especially considering the cost difference.

Breaking Down the Features of Bear Archery Paradigm RTH Package BEA2184

Specifications

The Bear Archery Paradigm RTH Package BEA2184 boasts several impressive specifications that contribute to its overall performance. It features a 33-inch axle-to-axle length, offering a good balance of stability and maneuverability in tight hunting spots. The 6.5-inch brace height is generous, making the bow more forgiving to minor inconsistencies in shooting form.

The draw length is adjustable from 27-32 inches in half-inch increments, allowing archers of various sizes to find a comfortable and efficient fit. The draw weight ranges from 55-70 lbs, providing ample power for hunting various game species. The DHC cam system is designed to generate speeds up to 333 FPS with an 80% let-off, enabling a comfortable hold at full draw.

These specifications translate to a bow that is relatively easy to handle, powerful enough for hunting, and adjustable to suit different archers. The high let-off is especially beneficial for those who spend extended periods at full draw, waiting for the perfect shot.

Performance & Functionality

The Bear Archery Paradigm RTH Package BEA2184 performs admirably, delivering a blend of speed, accuracy, and user-friendliness. The DHC cam system is the star of the show, offering a smooth draw cycle and impressive arrow speeds. At the range, I consistently achieved tight groupings at distances out to 50 yards, indicating good inherent accuracy.

While the included Trophy Ridge accessories are functional, there’s room for improvement. The 4-pin sight is adequate, but I plan to upgrade to a single-pin adjustable sight for increased precision at longer ranges. The Whisker Biscuit V, as mentioned earlier, introduces some arrow drag, which slightly affects arrow flight. The stabilizer is sufficient, but a higher-end model would provide better vibration dampening.

Overall, the bow meets and slightly exceeds my expectations for a ready-to-hunt package in this price range. The DHC cam system and forgiving brace height make it a joy to shoot, while the adjustability ensures a comfortable fit.

Design & Ergonomics

The Bear Archery Paradigm RTH Package BEA2184 features a sleek and functional design. The all-black finish gives it a tactical appearance, while the riser and limb dampeners contribute to a quiet shooting experience. The bow feels well-balanced in hand, and the grip is comfortable, even during extended shooting sessions.

The bow weighs in at a manageable weight, making it easy to carry on long hunting trips. The draw length adjustment system is relatively simple to use, requiring only a few basic tools. While there’s a slight learning curve associated with setting up the accessories, the overall design is user-friendly, even for beginners.

Durability & Maintenance

The Bear Archery Paradigm RTH Package BEA2184 appears to be built to last. The limbs are made from durable composite materials, and the riser is constructed from machined aluminum. After several weeks of use in various conditions, including exposure to rain and dust, the bow shows no signs of significant wear and tear.

Maintaining the bow is relatively simple, requiring only regular waxing of the string and occasional lubrication of the cams. Replacement strings and cables are readily available from Bear Archery and other archery suppliers, ensuring long-term usability. With proper care, this bow should provide years of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bear Archery Paradigm RTH Package BEA2184 comes with a comprehensive set of accessories, including a Trophy Ridge integrated 4-pin sight, IMS Whisker Biscuit V, 5-Spot quiver, stabilizer, peep sight, and D-loop. These accessories are functional and provide a good starting point for new archers.

However, there’s plenty of room for customization. The bow is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, including different sights, arrow rests, stabilizers, and quivers. Many archers choose to upgrade the string and cables for improved performance and durability. The riser also features standard mounting points for adding accessories like a bow-mounted camera or a laser rangefinder.

The ability to customize the Paradigm allows archers to tailor the bow to their specific needs and preferences, making it a versatile platform for various archery disciplines.

Pros and Cons of Bear Archery Paradigm RTH Package BEA2184

Who Should Buy Bear Archery Paradigm RTH Package BEA2184?

The Bear Archery Paradigm RTH Package BEA2184 is perfect for beginning to intermediate archers looking for a complete, ready-to-hunt setup at an affordable price. It’s also a great option for experienced archers who want a reliable and forgiving bow for hunting or recreational shooting. The adjustable draw length and weight make it suitable for a wide range of shooters.

Those who should skip this product are archers who demand the absolute highest levels of performance and are willing to invest significantly more in their equipment. Die-hard target archers may also find the included accessories limiting and prefer to build a custom setup from scratch.

A must-have accessory or modification for many will be an upgraded arrow rest and potentially a higher-quality stabilizer. Also, custom arrows tuned specifically for the bow and the archer’s draw length/weight will maximize accuracy.

Conclusion on Bear Archery Paradigm RTH Package BEA2184

The Bear Archery Paradigm RTH Package BEA2184 delivers on its promise of providing a blend of speed, forgiveness, and affordability in a complete package. The DHC cam system is a standout feature, offering a smooth draw cycle and impressive arrow speeds. While the included accessories are functional, there’s room for improvement through aftermarket upgrades.

The value proposition is strong, as the Paradigm offers a significant amount of performance for its price point. I would personally recommend this bow to anyone looking for a reliable and forgiving hunting bow that won’t break the bank.

If you’re ready to step into the world of archery or upgrade from an older bow, the Bear Archery Paradigm RTH Package BEA2184 is an excellent choice. Head to your local archery shop or trusted online retailer and experience the difference for yourself!