Bear Archery The Hunting Public Adapt RTH Package Review

First Impressions of Bear Archery The Hunting Public Adapt RTH Package

The Bear Archery The Hunting Public Adapt RTH Package is a collaboration bow, born from the minds at Bear Archery and the popular hunting collective, The Hunting Public. This bow aims to offer a blend of affordability and performance, packing a solid punch for the price. I was drawn to this bow because I was looking for a reliable hunting bow that wouldn’t break the bank, but still offered enough adjustability to grow with my skills and hunting style.

Upon unboxing, my first impression was of a well-packaged, complete setup. The bow itself felt solid, with a reasonable weight that suggested quality materials. While the included accessories seemed basic, they appeared functional enough to get started, a welcome change from bare-bow purchases requiring immediate accessory investments.

I’ve used several other compound bows in this price range, including models from Diamond Archery and PSE. I chose the Bear Archery The Hunting Public Adapt RTH Package over those primarily because of the collaboration with The Hunting Public, whose dedication to ethical and accessible hunting resonated with me, and the promise of a highly adjustable draw length. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic; the bow seemed promising, but I knew the real test would be in its performance and fine-tuning.


Real-World Testing: Putting Bear Archery The Hunting Public Adapt RTH Package to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Bear Archery The Hunting Public Adapt RTH Package was at my local archery range, prepping for deer season. I spent the afternoon dialing in the sight and getting a feel for the draw cycle. The weather was mild and sunny, perfect for sighting in a new bow.

The bow felt relatively smooth during the draw cycle, although the single cam design was noticeable compared to dual cam systems I’ve used previously. I did notice some significant cam lean and overall factory setup issues that needed immediate attention. The adjustments took a bit of time, but once dialed in, the bow began to group arrows consistently at 20 and 30 yards.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, both at the range and during practice hunts, the Bear Archery The Hunting Public Adapt RTH Package has held up reasonably well. I’ve taken it out in light rain and cooler temperatures, and haven’t noticed any significant changes in performance. The finish on the riser has proven to be fairly durable, with only minor scratches appearing from handling in the field.

The string and cables have shown minimal wear, although I’ve made sure to keep them waxed regularly. Maintenance has been straightforward; a quick wipe-down after each use and regular lubrication of the axles. I’d say it performs similarly to other bows in its class after proper adjustment but initially the factory setup left much to be desired.

Breaking Down the Features of Bear Archery The Hunting Public Adapt RTH Package

Specifications

  • Axle-to-Axle Length: 32 inches – This provides a good balance of stability and maneuverability, suitable for both treestand and ground blind hunting.
  • Brace Height: 6.5 inches – This offers a forgiving shooting experience, reducing the impact of minor form errors on accuracy.
  • IBO Speed: 320 FPS – A respectable speed that provides sufficient kinetic energy for ethical harvesting of game animals.
  • Draw Length: 24″ to 31″ – The wide range of draw length adjustability makes it an excellent choice for archers of varying sizes and experience levels.
  • Draw Weight: 70 lbs (Maximum) – This is a common draw weight for hunting whitetail and other medium-sized game; adjustability allows you to reduce it for comfort and training.
  • Let-Off: 80% – This generous let-off allows you to hold at full draw for extended periods, crucial when waiting for the perfect shot opportunity.

These specifications combine to create a bow that is both forgiving and powerful enough for most hunting situations. The adjustable draw length and weight make it a great option for growing archers or those wanting to refine their form.

Performance & Functionality

The Bear Archery The Hunting Public Adapt RTH Package performs admirably once properly set up. Accuracy is certainly achievable with consistent practice and tuning. The bow provides sufficient kinetic energy for ethical harvests on deer and other similar sized game, making it a reliable hunting tool.

The main weakness I encountered was the initial setup from the factory. The limbs were unevenly set, the peep sight was loosely tied, and the D-loop needed adjustment, plus there was noticeable cam lean and the sight was loose. Once these issues were addressed, the bow performed admirably, but the initial setup was a significant hurdle.

Design & Ergonomics

The Bear Archery The Hunting Public Adapt RTH Package boasts a simple, functional design. The new Bear Paw insulated grip is a welcome addition, providing a comfortable and secure hold, even in cold weather. The bow’s overall weight is manageable, making it comfortable to carry on long hunts.

The adjustability of the draw length and weight make it incredibly user-friendly, especially for beginners or those refining their form. The Ready to Hunt (RTH) package includes all the necessary accessories to get started immediately, further simplifying the setup process (although, as mentioned, tuning is almost certainly required).

Durability & Maintenance

The Bear Archery The Hunting Public Adapt RTH Package seems reasonably durable for its price point. The finish on the riser has held up well to regular use, and the string and cables appear to be of decent quality. Regular maintenance, including waxing the string and cables and lubricating the axles, will extend the bow’s lifespan.

The bow is relatively easy to maintain, requiring only basic tools and knowledge. With proper care, the Bear Archery The Hunting Public Adapt RTH Package should provide several seasons of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bear Archery The Hunting Public Adapt RTH Package comes with a basic set of accessories, including a pin sight, Whisker Biscuit rest, stabilizer, and wrist sling. While these accessories are functional, many archers will likely want to upgrade them over time to improve performance and accuracy. The pre-installed peep and D-loop are a nice convenience, but the quality of the installation may require adjustment.

The Bear Archery The Hunting Public Adapt RTH Package is compatible with most standard aftermarket accessories, including sights, rests, stabilizers, and quivers. This allows archers to customize the bow to their specific needs and preferences, making it a versatile platform for improvement.

Pros and Cons of Bear Archery The Hunting Public Adapt RTH Package

Pros

  • Affordable Price: The Bear Archery The Hunting Public Adapt RTH Package offers excellent value for the money, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious archers.
  • Adjustable Draw Length and Weight: The wide range of adjustability makes it suitable for archers of varying sizes, strengths, and experience levels.
  • Ready to Hunt Package: The included accessories provide everything needed to get started immediately, saving time and money on initial setup.
  • Collaboration with The Hunting Public: The association with a reputable hunting collective adds credibility and appeal to the bow.
  • Comfortable Grip: The Bear Paw insulated grip provides a secure and comfortable hold, even in cold weather conditions.

Cons

  • Poor Factory Setup: The bow often requires significant tuning and adjustment out of the box, which can be a deterrent for beginners.
  • Basic Accessories: While functional, the included accessories are relatively low-end and may need to be upgraded for optimal performance.


Who Should Buy Bear Archery The Hunting Public Adapt RTH Package?

The Bear Archery The Hunting Public Adapt RTH Package is perfect for beginner to intermediate hunters looking for an affordable and adjustable bow. It’s also a good choice for archers who appreciate the ethical hunting practices advocated by The Hunting Public. This bow is great for youth or smaller framed individuals due to the wide range of adjustability.

Those who demand top-tier performance right out of the box or lack the knowledge or resources to properly tune a bow should skip this product. Investing in higher-quality accessories, such as a better sight and rest, will greatly enhance the bow’s performance and accuracy.

Conclusion on Bear Archery The Hunting Public Adapt RTH Package

The Bear Archery The Hunting Public Adapt RTH Package offers a compelling value proposition for archers seeking an affordable and adjustable hunting bow. While the poor factory setup is a significant drawback, the bow’s adjustability, overall performance, and association with The Hunting Public make it a worthwhile consideration. With some initial tuning and potential accessory upgrades, the Bear Archery The Hunting Public Adapt RTH Package can be a reliable and effective tool for pursuing your passion in the outdoors.

I would personally recommend this bow to beginner to intermediate archers who are willing to invest some time and effort into tuning and customization. If you are budget-conscious and appreciate ethical hunting practices, the Bear Archery The Hunting Public Adapt RTH Package is a solid choice. Pick up your Bear Archery The Hunting Public Adapt RTH Package today and start your archery adventure!

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