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Kodiak Recurve (Reissue)

The Bear Archery Kodiak Recurve (Reissue) isn't just another bow; it's a direct portal to archery's golden age. This faithful reproduction of the legendary 1959 Kodiak isn't a modern reimagining, but a meticulous replication of a time-honored design. You'll find the distinctive shedua and purpleheart in the riser, paired with the iconic green glass limbs, delivering a package that's as beautiful to behold as it is effective to shoot. While its collector appeal is undeniable, don't mistake it for

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The Bear Archery Kodiak Recurve (Reissue) isn't just another bow; it's a direct portal to archery's golden age. This faithful reproduction of the legendary 1959 Kodiak isn't a modern reimagining, but a meticulous replication of a time-honored design. You'll find the distinctive shedua and purpleheart in the riser, paired with the iconic green glass limbs, delivering a package that's as beautiful to behold as it is effective to shoot. While its collector appeal is undeniable, don't mistake it for

Key takeaways

  • 60-inch AMO length
  • Riser crafted from shedua with purpleheart accent striping
  • Action maple limb cores with vintage green fiberglass facing
  • Reinforced limb tips compatible with modern low-stretch strings
  • Factory-installed leather grip and crowned arrow shelf
  • Faithful reproduction of historic 1959 geometry and materials

Intended uses

  • Traditional bowhunting
  • Field archery courses
  • Instinctive shooting practice
  • Traditional archery purists

Verification notes

Evidence: expert reviewed. Last verified October 16, 2026.

Catalog photo
Real product photography — no AI-generated or placeholder imagery.

Editorial take

The reissue of the 1959 Bear Kodiak revives one of traditional archery's defining benchmarks without altering what made the original work. Built on a 60-inch AMO profile, the bow pairs a shedua riser split by purpleheart laminations with action maple limb cores faced and backed in signature green fiberglass. It preserves the classic profile and lines of Fred Bear's vintage production runs, offering the distinct look and feel of mid-century field tackle without the structural degradation common to aged, second-hand wallhangers.

In the hand, the bow displays the steady, well-mannered shooting characteristics that established its reputation. The draw cycle remains predictable and linear through standard draw lengths, stacking only minimally as you push past 28 inches. With its leather-wrapped grip and radiused shelf cut near center, instinctive arrow placement comes naturally. Hand shock is well-damped for a lightweight one-piece recurve, and the 60-inch footprint provides ample string angle while staying short enough to clear low timber and ground blinds.

Being a rigid, one-piece wood bow, it requires acceptance of clear operational boundaries. You cannot swap limbs to change draw weight, and bare-shaft tuning requires careful arrow spine selection, point-weight experimentation, and brace height adjustments rather than mechanical tuning screws. It sits at a premium price point compared to utilitarian takedowns, making it an investment meant strictly for traditional hunters and instinctive shooters who value craftsmanship and historical design over modern modularity.

Best for

  • Traditional bowhunting
  • Field archery courses
  • Instinctive shooting practice
  • Traditional archery purists

Not ideal for

  • One-piece construction lacks limb adjustability and takedown packability
  • Commands a significant price premium over standard production recurves
  • Requires strict arrow tuning due to non-adjustable shelf dynamics
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Verified specifications

Key features
  • 60-inch AMO length
  • Riser crafted from shedua with purpleheart accent striping
  • Action maple limb cores with vintage green fiberglass facing
  • Reinforced limb tips compatible with modern low-stretch strings
  • Factory-installed leather grip and crowned arrow shelf

Warranty and repair information: contact Bear Archery directly for the most current terms. Bear Archery support

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