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The Bear Archery Kodiak Recurve (Reissue) is more than just a bow; it's a piece of living history, a faithful reissue of the iconic 1959 Kodiak. This isn't a modern interpretation, but a true-to-form reproduction, complete with the distinctive shedua and purpleheart riser and classic green glass limbs. For collectors and purists, it's a chance to own and shoot a legendary design without hunting down a fragile, original vintage model. What's impressive is that despite its collector-grade appeal, this bow is built to be shot hard. The craftsmanship is evident in every detail, from the seamless laminations to the deep, rich finish. The combination of woods in the riser is visually striking, giving the bow a timeless elegance. Performance-wise, the 1959 Kodiak design is a proven winner. It's a smooth-drawing recurve, typically around 60 inches, with a comfortable grip that helps promote consistent shooting. It handles well and delivers an arrow with authority, proving that classic designs still hold their own against modern counterparts. This bow appeals strongly to those who appreciate the aesthetic and historical significance of traditional archery equipment. It's an investment in heritage, but also a fully functional and capable hunting or target bow. While it lacks the modularity of takedowns, its singular beauty and performance make it a cherished possession. It's for the archer who wants to connect with the golden age of traditional archery and own a piece of that legacy they can actively shoot and enjoy.
Pros
- Faithful reproduction of an iconic design
- Exceptional build quality and aesthetic appeal
- Smooth drawing and forgiving shootability
- Excellent grip for consistent hand placement
- Durable and reliable for field use
Cons
- Fixed draw weight, no room for growth
- Higher price point than many entry-level bows
- One-piece design limits transport options
Best uses
- Traditional Hunting
- Target Archery
- Historical Reproduction
- Collector's Item
Specifications
- Bow Type
- One-piece Recurve
- Riser Materials
- Shedua, Purpleheart
- Limb Materials
- Maple, Green Fiberglass
- Bow Length
- Typically 60 inches
- Draw Weights
- 30-60 lbs (in 5 lb increments)
- Draw Smoothness
- Excellent
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Full catalog listing & offersBest for
Traditional Hunting, Target Archery, Historical Reproduction, Collector's Item
Where to buy the Kodiak Recurve (Reissue)
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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 a display piece; this bow is built for the field and the range, ready to perform. Craftsmanship shines through, with seamless laminations and a rich finish that highlights the natural beauty of the wood. The original 1959 Kodiak design was, and remains, a workhorse. It offers a smooth draw cycle, especially in its typical 60-inch length, and a grip that promotes consistent hand placement and repeatable shots. It handles cleanly, feels balanced, and sends arrows downrange with authority, proving that classic designs often need no improvement. This bow embodies the heritage of traditional archery, connecting the shooter to decades of success in the woods. This Kodiak reissue is primarily for the archer who values history, aesthetics, and a deep connection to the roots of the sport. It's an investment in a legacy, but one that is entirely functional for hunting or target practice. While it lacks the modularity of takedown designs, its singular elegance and proven performance make it a truly cherished piece of equipment. It caters to those who want to experience the feel and spirit of a classic, actively shootable piece of traditional archery history.
Who It's For
This Kodiak reissue targets the traditional archery enthusiast who appreciates historical designs and high-quality craftsmanship. It’s not a budget beginner bow, but rather a step up for archers who understand the nuances of a classic one-piece. It's perfectly suited for hunting small to medium game, recreational target shooting, or simply enjoying the pure act of shooting a beautiful, functional piece of history. Collectors who want to shoot a '59 Kodiak without risking a fragile original will also find this compelling. It demands respect and provides a rewarding shooting experience for those willing to give it.
Materials & Build
The reissue faithfully replicates the original's construction. The riser is a striking blend of shedua and purpleheart, layered to create a visually rich and structurally sound core. Limbs are crafted from a maple core laminated with green fiberglass, providing strength, stability, and the iconic vintage look. The finish is deep and durable, protecting the wood while enhancing its natural grain. This isn't mass-produced assembly; it’s a bow built with an eye for detail, ensuring reliability and aesthetic appeal that honors its lineage. The build quality is exceptional for an in-production traditional bow.
Real-World Performance
Out in the field or on the range, the Kodiak reissue performs admirably. The 60-inch length provides a forgiving string angle for most draw lengths, making it smooth through the shot cycle. It’s not the fastest bow on the market, but speed isn't its primary virtue. Instead, it delivers a quiet, consistent shot with good arrow stability. The grip is comfortable and repeatable, aiding accuracy. Broadhead tuning is straightforward with appropriate arrow spine, and it handles various arrow weights well. This bow performs exactly as a well-made, classic recurve should, with honesty and reliability.
Fit & Tuning
The Kodiak's grip is a well-regarded classic, designed for a comfortable, positive hand position that naturally encourages good form. Being a one-piece design, there's no limb alignment to worry about. Tuning primarily revolves around finding the correct arrow spine for your specific draw length and weight, and then fine-tuning nocking point and brace height. It's a forgiving platform for traditional tuning methods. The fixed draw weight means you'll need to choose the appropriate poundage for your strength and intended use, as there's no room for increasing or decreasing weight without buying a new bow.
Comparable Alternatives
At its price point, few bows offer the same blend of historical accuracy and shootability. For a similar aesthetic and one-piece recurve feel, you might consider offerings from Howard Hill Archery (though often custom) or other legacy brands if you can find them in stock. The Martin Hunter is another classic one-piece, often slightly more affordable, but lacks the specific '59 Kodiak lineage. For modularity, similarly priced quality takedown recurves like the Hoyt Satori or Samick Sage (a different tier, but widely available) offer limb interchangeability but lose the classic, monolithic aesthetic.
How we picked
We started with a long list of off-the-shelf recurves that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
- Repairability and support
- Field-fixable design, available parts, and a warranty the maker actually honors.
Kodiak Recurve (Reissue) — frequently asked questions
- Is the Kodiak Recurve (Reissue) worth it?
- We rank it #8 in Off-the-Shelf Recurves. The Bear Archery Kodiak Recurve (Reissue) is more than just a bow; it's a piece of living history, a faithful reissue of the iconic 1959 Kodiak. This isn't a modern interpretation, but a true-to-form reproduction, complete with the distinctive shedua and purpleheart riser and classic green glass limbs.
- What is the Kodiak Recurve (Reissue) best for?
- Best for traditional hunting, target archery, historical reproduction and collector's item. Standouts: faithful reproduction of an iconic design and exceptional build quality and aesthetic appeal.
- What are the downsides of the Kodiak Recurve (Reissue)?
- Fixed draw weight, no room for growth, Higher price point than many entry-level bows and One-piece design limits transport options.
- What are the key specs of the Kodiak Recurve (Reissue)?
- Bow Type: One-piece Recurve · Riser Materials: Shedua, Purpleheart · Limb Materials: Maple, Green Fiberglass · Bow Length: Typically 60 inches · Draw Weights: 30-60 lbs (in 5 lb increments)
- Who It's For?
- This Kodiak reissue targets the traditional archery enthusiast who appreciates historical designs and high-quality craftsmanship. It’s not a budget beginner bow, but rather a step up for archers who understand the nuances of a classic one-piece.
- Materials & Build — what should I know about the Kodiak Recurve (Reissue)?
- The reissue faithfully replicates the original's construction. The riser is a striking blend of shedua and purpleheart, layered to create a visually rich and structurally sound core.
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