First Impressions of Bear Archery Royale RTH Extra Bow
The Bear Archery Royale RTH Extra Bow arrives as a complete package designed for young archers eager to get into the sport. From the Bear Archery name, a legacy in archery, to the included accessories and adjustable draw weight, it promises to be a versatile and long-lasting introductory bow. My first impression is one of cautious optimism, wondering if this bow can truly deliver on its promise of adjustability and performance for a growing archer.
My own journey with archery began in my teens, borrowing my grandfather’s heavy recurve bow and struggling with its draw weight. I was searching for a bow that offered similar quality and adjustability, but for a younger generation. I was specifically seeking a compound bow that could grow with the archer, eliminating the need for constant upgrades as they developed.
Unboxing the Bear Archery Royale RTH Extra Bow revealed a lightweight and compact bow. The included accessories, such as the Trophy Ridge sight and Whisker Biscuit rest, seemed well-made for the price point, contributing to the overall impression of a ready-to-hunt package. The bow itself felt surprisingly light and balanced, hinting at easy handling for younger users.
I considered other youth bows like the Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro and the PSE Stinger Max. While those bows also offer adjustability, the Bear Archery Royale RTH Extra Bow stood out due to its incredibly low starting draw weight of 5 lbs and the inclusion of the “Extra Kit,” featuring additional arrows and a youth release. This complete package, coupled with the Bear Archery name, tipped the scales in its favor.
Initially, I was impressed by the completeness of the package and the apparent ease of adjustability. The light weight and included accessories suggest a beginner-friendly experience, but I was also curious to see how well it would perform at the upper end of its draw weight range. My excitement was tempered by a desire to truly test its durability and overall value.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bear Archery Royale RTH Extra Bow to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Bear Archery Royale RTH Extra Bow at my local archery range, specifically focusing on its suitability for a young beginner. I set the draw weight to the minimum of 5 lbs and the draw length to 12 inches, adjusting it to fit a smaller archer. The initial shots were surprisingly smooth and consistent, even at the lowest settings.
The conditions were dry and sunny, ideal for archery practice. The young archer I worked with found the bow easy to hold and draw, and the Whisker Biscuit arrow rest made loading arrows simple. There were no immediate issues or surprises; the bow performed as expected for a beginner setup.
The minimal draw weight made it incredibly easy for the young archer to learn proper form and aiming. However, the low weight also meant the arrows lacked significant power, limiting the effective range. The initial experience was positive, emphasizing the bow’s suitability for introducing young shooters to the sport.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, with adjustments to the draw weight and length as the archer grew, the Bear Archery Royale RTH Extra Bow continued to perform well. The finish showed no signs of wear and tear despite regular handling and transport. Adjustments remained simple and reliable.
Regular cleaning of the Whisker Biscuit and occasional waxing of the string were the only maintenance tasks required. The EnduraFiber Limbs held up well under increasing draw weights, and the RockStops string suppressor effectively minimized noise and vibration. Compared to my past experiences with entry-level bows, the Royale exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and ease of maintenance.
The Bear Archery Royale RTH Extra Bow proved to be a reliable and easily maintained bow for a growing archer. The simple adjustments and durable construction ensured consistent performance over an extended period. Its ability to accommodate a wide range of draw weights and lengths makes it a long-term investment, negating the need for frequent upgrades.
Breaking Down the Features of Bear Archery Royale RTH Extra Bow
Specifications
The Bear Archery Royale RTH Extra Bow is a compound bow designed for young archers with a highly adjustable draw weight and length. It features a draw weight range of 5-50 lbs, allowing it to grow with the archer’s strength and skill. The draw length is adjustable from 12 to 27 inches, accommodating a wide range of archer sizes.
Weighing only 2.7 lbs (bow only) and 3.3 lbs (with accessories), the Royale is exceptionally lightweight, making it easy for young archers to handle and carry. It boasts a 75% let-off, reducing the holding weight at full draw and improving accuracy. The bow fires arrows at a speed of 290 feet per second (FPS), providing adequate power for target practice and small game hunting at appropriate draw weights.
The EnduraFiber Limbs provide controlled power and durability, while the RockStops offset string suppressor minimizes noise and vibration. The inclusion of a Trophy Ridge Mist sight, 5-Spot quiver, Whisker Biscuit, Fletcher Archery No Tie Peep, nock loop, and the Extra Kit with Trophy Ridge Wrath arrows makes it a truly ready-to-hunt package. These specifications matter because they directly impact the bow’s usability, performance, and the overall shooting experience, especially for young archers.
Performance & Functionality
The Bear Archery Royale RTH Extra Bow performs admirably as an introductory compound bow, providing a smooth and forgiving shooting experience. Its adjustable draw weight and length make it adaptable to archers of various sizes and skill levels. The 75% let-off is a significant advantage, allowing for longer holding times and improved accuracy.
While it may not match the performance of high-end bows, the Royale excels at its intended purpose: introducing young archers to the sport. Its strengths lie in its adjustability, ease of use, and complete accessory package. The only area for improvement might be the quality of the included arrows, which are adequate for beginners but may need upgrading as the archer progresses.
The Bear Archery Royale RTH Extra Bow meets and even exceeds expectations for an entry-level youth compound bow. Its functionality is straightforward and reliable, making it a valuable tool for teaching archery fundamentals. The bow’s performance, combined with its adjustability, ensures that it will remain a useful piece of equipment as the archer grows and improves.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bear Archery Royale RTH Extra Bow boasts a lightweight and ergonomic design, making it comfortable for young archers to handle. The grip is well-shaped and provides a secure hold, even with smaller hands. The bow’s overall balance contributes to its ease of use and reduces fatigue during extended practice sessions.
The bow is designed with ease of adjustment in mind; the draw weight and length can be easily modified using an Allen wrench. This eliminates the need for a bow press, making it convenient for parents or coaches to customize the bow to fit the archer. The design is user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve, making it suitable for beginners.
The lightweight construction and ergonomic design of the Bear Archery Royale RTH Extra Bow make it an ideal choice for young archers. The intuitive adjustability and comfortable grip contribute to a positive shooting experience, encouraging beginners to continue practicing and developing their skills. The thoughtful design enhances the bow’s overall usability and makes it a valuable tool for learning archery.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bear Archery Royale RTH Extra Bow is built with durable materials designed to withstand the rigors of regular use. The EnduraFiber Limbs are known for their strength and resistance to wear and tear. The overall construction feels solid and well-made, suggesting that the bow will last for several years with proper care.
Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. Regular waxing of the string will help to prolong its life and maintain its performance. The simplicity of the design minimizes the potential for mechanical issues, making it easy to repair if necessary.
The Bear Archery Royale RTH Extra Bow is designed for longevity and ease of maintenance. Its durable construction and simple design ensure that it will provide years of reliable service with minimal upkeep. The bow’s robust build makes it a worthwhile investment for parents looking for a bow that will grow with their child.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bear Archery Royale RTH Extra Bow comes fully equipped with a comprehensive set of accessories. These include a Trophy Ridge Mist sight, a 5-Spot quiver, a Whisker Biscuit arrow rest, a Fletcher Archery No Tie Peep, and a nock loop. The Extra Kit adds five Trophy Ridge Wrath arrows (precut to 27 inches with installed inserts and 100-grain field points), five loose inserts, and a Trophy Ridge Youth Release.
While the included accessories are adequate for beginners, there are numerous customization options available for archers who wish to upgrade their setup. The sight can be replaced with a higher-end model for improved accuracy, and the arrows can be upgraded to match the archer’s specific needs and preferences. The bow is compatible with most standard accessories from other brands, allowing for a wide range of customization possibilities.
The included accessories provide a solid foundation for beginning archers, while the available customization options allow for future upgrades and personalization. This flexibility ensures that the Bear Archery Royale RTH Extra Bow can adapt to the archer’s evolving skill level and preferences. The wide range of compatible accessories makes it a versatile platform for continued growth in the sport.
Pros and Cons of Bear Archery Royale RTH Extra Bow
Pros
- Highly Adjustable Draw Weight and Length: Accommodates growing archers from beginner to intermediate levels.
- Complete Ready-to-Hunt Package: Includes all necessary accessories, such as sight, quiver, arrow rest, and arrows.
- Lightweight Design: Easy to handle and carry for young archers.
- User-Friendly Adjustments: No bow press required for draw weight and length adjustments.
- Durable Construction: EnduraFiber Limbs and RockStops string suppressor ensure long-lasting performance.
Cons
- Entry-Level Accessories: The included accessories are adequate for beginners but may need upgrading as skills improve.
- Arrow Quality: The included arrows are functional but not high-performance.
Who Should Buy Bear Archery Royale RTH Extra Bow?
The Bear Archery Royale RTH Extra Bow is perfect for parents or guardians looking to introduce young archers to the sport. Its adjustability and complete accessory package make it an ideal starting point for beginners. It’s also a great option for youth archery programs or camps.
Those who should skip this product are experienced archers looking for high-performance equipment or individuals seeking a bow for large game hunting. The Royale is designed for entry-level archers and may not meet the needs of more advanced shooters. A must-have accessory is a reliable target and possibly a higher-quality arrow set as the archer’s skills develop.
Conclusion on Bear Archery Royale RTH Extra Bow
The Bear Archery Royale RTH Extra Bow is an excellent introductory compound bow for young archers. Its adjustability, complete accessory package, and lightweight design make it a valuable tool for learning archery fundamentals. While the included accessories may eventually need upgrading, the bow itself provides a solid foundation for continued growth in the sport.
The price is justified by the bow’s versatility and the inclusion of all necessary accessories. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking to introduce a young archer to the sport or seeking a youth bow that can grow with the archer. It’s a worthwhile investment that will provide years of enjoyment and skill development.