The Bear Paradigm RTH Package Black 60 lbs. Right Hand Made a Bold First Impression
For over a decade, I’ve been immersed in the world of outdoor and tactical gear. From selecting the right broadhead for a whitetail hunt to choosing the perfect pack for a week-long backcountry trek, I’ve seen gear make or break the experience. So, when I got my hands on the Bear Paradigm RTH Package Black 60 lbs. Right Hand, I was eager to see if it lived up to the Bear Archery legacy.
I needed a reliable, accurate, and forgiving bow that I could confidently recommend to aspiring archers. My old bow, while trustworthy, was starting to show its age, and I wanted something more modern and adjustable for teaching friends and family the ropes. The Bear Paradigm stood out because of its ready-to-hunt (RTH) package, offering a complete setup without the hassle of piecing everything together.
Unboxing the Bear Paradigm, the matte black finish immediately caught my eye; it screamed stealth and durability. The weight felt balanced, and the included Trophy Ridge accessories seemed of decent quality for a package deal. My initial thought was, “This looks like a solid starter bow, but can it perform?”
Compared to my older PSE, and a friend’s Mathews, the Bear Paradigm seemed to strike a good balance between affordability and features. The PSE felt clunky and outdated, while the Mathews, although undeniably high-end, carried a price tag significantly higher without offering a drastically different experience for a beginner. I chose the Bear Paradigm for its completeness and promising adjustability, hoping it would be the perfect teaching tool. I was cautiously optimistic. This bow had the potential to be something special, or just another black bow in a crowded market.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bear Paradigm RTH Package Black 60 lbs. Right Hand to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Bear Paradigm was at my local archery range, a mix of indoor and outdoor lanes. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, perfect for dialing in the sight. I started at 20 yards, getting a feel for the draw cycle and release.
The DHC cam system felt surprisingly smooth for a bow in this price range. The 80% let-off made holding at full draw comfortable, and the shot felt relatively quiet with minimal vibration. The Trophy Ridge 4-pin sight was easy to adjust, and I quickly started grouping arrows within a respectable 4-inch circle. However, the Whisker Biscuit V arrow rest did feel a bit stiff at first, and I had some minor fletching contact initially, needing some adjustments.
After a few hours of shooting, I was impressed with the overall performance and adjustability of the Bear Paradigm. There were no major issues, but I knew the real test would come with extended use and different conditions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, both at the range and during some mock hunting scenarios in the woods, the Bear Paradigm has held up remarkably well. The finish remains unblemished, and all the included accessories are functioning as they should.
I have noticed the serving on the string starting to show some minor wear, which is expected. This will require a serving replacement or potentially a new string in the future. Cleaning the bow is straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a microfiber cloth keeps everything looking good. I periodically check the tightness of all screws and connections.
Compared to my previous experiences with other bows, the Bear Paradigm offers a smoother and more forgiving shooting experience. Its adjustability is a major plus, allowing me to fine-tune the draw length and weight for different shooters.
Breaking Down the Features of Bear Paradigm RTH Package Black 60 lbs. Right Hand
Specifications
The Bear Paradigm RTH Package Black 60 lbs. Right Hand boasts the following key specifications:
- Axle-to-Axle Length: 33 inches. This longer axle-to-axle length contributes to stability and forgiveness.
- Brace Height: 6.5 inches. A generous brace height enhances forgiveness, making it easier to achieve consistent shots.
- Draw Length: 27-32 inches, adjustable in half-inch increments. This wide range of adjustability makes the bow suitable for archers of various sizes.
- Draw Weight: 45-60 lbs. This weight range is suitable for both beginners and experienced archers.
- IBO Speed: Up to 333 FPS. The DHC cam system delivers impressive speed for efficient energy transfer.
- Let-Off: 80%. The high let-off makes holding at full draw easier and more comfortable, reducing fatigue.
- Included Accessories: Trophy Ridge 4-pin sight, IMS Whisker Biscuit V, 5-Spot quiver, stabilizer, peep sight, and D-loop. These accessories provide a complete, ready-to-hunt setup.
These specifications translate to a bow that is stable, forgiving, and powerful enough for various hunting situations. The adjustability is a standout feature, making it a versatile choice for archers of different skill levels.
Performance & Functionality
The Bear Paradigm RTH Package Black 60 lbs. Right Hand performs admirably, especially considering its price point.
Accuracy is excellent; once dialed in, the bow consistently groups arrows tightly at various distances. The smooth draw cycle and minimal vibration contribute to a comfortable shooting experience. The included Trophy Ridge accessories are functional and reliable, though serious archers might eventually upgrade for enhanced performance.
The Bear Paradigm’s main strength is its adjustability, allowing for customization to fit different shooters. The Whisker Biscuit V, while functional, could be improved for smoother arrow passage. Overall, the Bear Paradigm meets and even exceeds expectations for a bow in its class.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bear Paradigm features a sleek, all-black design. The riser is well-balanced, and the grip is comfortable, promoting proper hand placement.
The bow feels solid and well-built, using durable materials that inspire confidence. There is a slight learning curve for adjusting the draw length and weight, but the process is straightforward with the included instructions.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bear Paradigm appears to be built to last. The finish is resistant to scratches and wear, and the limbs feel sturdy and well-constructed.
Maintenance is simple; regular cleaning and lubrication of the cams and axles will keep the bow in top condition. Replacing the string and cables will eventually be necessary, but that’s standard maintenance for any compound bow.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bear Paradigm RTH Package Black 60 lbs. Right Hand comes with a comprehensive set of accessories, including:
- Trophy Ridge 4-Pin Sight: A basic but functional sight that allows for quick target acquisition.
- IMS Whisker Biscuit V: A full-containment arrow rest that is suitable for beginners.
- 5-Spot Quiver: A lightweight quiver that securely holds arrows.
- Stabilizer: A small stabilizer that helps reduce vibration and improve balance.
- Peep Sight & D-Loop: Essential components for proper aiming and release.
The Bear Paradigm is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, including different sights, arrow rests, stabilizers, and quivers. Archers can customize the bow to suit their specific needs and preferences. The standard riser also allows the mounting of after-market quivers, rests and stabilizers.
Pros and Cons of Bear Paradigm RTH Package Black 60 lbs. Right Hand
Pros
- Excellent Adjustability: The wide range of draw length and weight adjustments makes it suitable for archers of all sizes and skill levels.
- Complete RTH Package: Includes all essential accessories, making it ready to hunt straight out of the box.
- Smooth Draw Cycle: The DHC cam system provides a comfortable and forgiving shooting experience.
- Affordable Price: Offers great value for the money compared to other bows in its class.
- Quiet and Vibration-Free: In-riser dampeners and KillerWave limb dampeners contribute to a smooth and quiet shot.
Cons
- Whisker Biscuit V: The Whisker Biscuit V arrow rest can be a bit stiff and may require some tuning to eliminate fletching contact.
- Stock String: The stock string, while functional, may require replacement sooner than higher-end strings.
Who Should Buy Bear Paradigm RTH Package Black 60 lbs. Right Hand?
The Bear Paradigm RTH Package Black 60 lbs. Right Hand is perfect for:
- Beginner Archers: Its adjustability, forgiveness, and complete package make it an ideal starter bow.
- Intermediate Archers: Offers a solid platform for improvement and customization.
- Hunters on a Budget: Provides a reliable and accurate hunting setup without breaking the bank.
Who should skip this product?
- Experienced Archers Seeking Top-Tier Performance: More advanced archers may prefer a higher-end bow with more refined features.
- Archers Requiring Specialized Features: Those with specific needs, such as extreme draw lengths or specialized hunting styles, may need a more tailored bow.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- Higher-Quality String: Upgrading the string can improve performance and durability.
- Drop-Away Arrow Rest: A drop-away arrow rest can provide smoother arrow flight and improved accuracy.
Conclusion on Bear Paradigm RTH Package Black 60 lbs. Right Hand
The Bear Paradigm RTH Package Black 60 lbs. Right Hand is a solid and versatile bow that offers exceptional value for the money. Its adjustability, smooth draw cycle, and complete RTH package make it an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate archers.
The price is definitely justified for what you are getting. You get a complete package ready to go.
I would absolutely recommend the Bear Paradigm to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable bow. It’s a great starting point for a lifetime of archery enjoyment. So, if you’re ready to take your shot, give the Bear Paradigm a try. You might just be surprised at how accurate and enjoyable archery can be!