Yes sir , they make some handsome bows . Based on what the Bear Rep. at Customer Service told me about the 64inch Super Kodiak , and the price of the ’59 Kodiak , I’d say it is one of their ”HAND MADE , ONE AT A TIME ” bows .

Glass and wood separated on my SK in December . I shipped it to the Gainesville factory 2-3 days before New Years . Called the Rep in mid-February as instructed ,,,,,,,,,,estimated receive date ,,,”early March”.

In my 55 years I have handled , seen and shot a lot of Bears . I do not know of one that came apart like mine . But the Cust.Ser. Dept. is very easy to get along with .

Needless to say ,,,,,I been watchin’ for the UPS truck !

I look at it in a more spiritual (I love how I can just use that word in place of “disturbed” and get away with it 😈 ) way. Bear (Fred) did quite a bit for traditional archery. He is one of the OGs. Yes, his company has moved on into more modern things, but it has kept its roots as well. The only Bear bow I have ever owned in a wheelie. I recently gave it to a friend of mine. He will continue to make good use of it, but I have chosen a different path. Also, I think that supporting small business is a very noble venture, and I have done it myself. But I think Bear (the company) is to archery what a hybrid bow is to longbows and recurves. I don’t think I will ever own a bear again (unless I pick one up at a garage sale), but I would definitely not discount giving them my business if there is something I need and they sell (strings, parts, whatever) and the “locals” are out of stock. Now an X-Bow company that decides to put out a trad line just to “capitalize on the growing trend” is a different story. IMHO, of course. Be well.

Alex

😀

I agree, it’s a gorgeous bow and a beautiful throw-back. I love the Grayling Green SK as well. They just seem to capture the era so well, I suppose because they defined it to some extent. But I think I’ll be putting my hard earned scratch into a custom bow when I do “step up”.

AlexBugnon wrote: I don’t know about you guys, but the only reason that has kept me from NOT buying a new, leather handle, brown glass new ’59 Kodiak, is my choice 3 years ago to be a one (long)bow shooting guy…

I like having several bows. Why deny yourself the joy of diversity? I like being able to switch it up and shoot different bows/arrows. Just like I like to change my shirt from time to time… keeps people wondering who’s that coming down the road?

I guess when it comes to women, you have to pick one and stick with her. But there is no such requirement or delusion when it comes to bows (or guns,or…). All this said assuming it’s an affordable luxury to you. If not, that’s another story.

I say, go for it! But be careful. Those Gainsville bows don’t have the longevity they used to have in Fred’s day. Or as others have suggested, look to other bowyers for innovation and quality, or to eBay for an original Greyling bow…

Steve, would you be willing to elaborate more on the ”LONGEVITY”?

The question of the late model Bear bows being capable of lasting many years has always plagued my thoughts . That along with my 2012 S.K. delaminating after only 12 months is a little more than disturbing .

I’ll second that what Steve said. My ’70 Super Kodiak and ’70 Tigercat not to mention my ’75 Kodiak Magnum and ’76 Super Grizzly look almost brand new…..compared to my 2001 Super Kodiak which hasn’t been shot that much. I’ve heard of other similar finish and fiberglass problems too. A new Bear? No thank you until they get their act together. 🙁 Horserod

mhay wrote: Steve, would you be willing to elaborate more on the ”LONGEVITY”?

The question of the late model Bear bows being capable of lasting many years has always plagued my thoughts . That along with my 2012 S.K. delaminating after only 12 months is a little more than disturbing .

I fear this topic may hijack the thread… So I’ll keep it short. My experience with new bear bows runs exactly 2 bows deep. And both those bows delaminated. 1 after a season of use, the other after 50 shots. From reading other forums, my experience was not all that unusual. That’s all I’ve got to say about that.

Thank you , Steve. No hijackin’ intended.

A few pics of my ’70 K-Mag:

43 years old, and still a snappy, great-shootin’ bow. It will likely be my choice for turkeys this year.

But agreed – I wouldn’t buy a new Bear. Seen too many issues with them.

Mmm, she’s purdy Bruce 😀

Thanks, Alex. I love that little K-Mag.

Despite what I said above about new Bear bows, I took a look at the new Kodiak you’re talking about – it’s definitely a great looking bow. I wonder if their higher-end, limited edition bows are still being built with more attention to detail? If so, that one would be hard to resist.