#3 on this list
Kodiak Recurve (1959 Reissue)
Bear Archery
The 1959 Kodiak Reissue isn't just a bow; it's a piece of archery history brought back to life. This 60-inch one-piece recurve is for the collector who wants to shoot, the traditionalist who admires classic lines, and the hunter who seeks a connection to the golden age of bowhunting. It perfectly captures the aesthetics and performance that made the original 1959 Kodiak legendary. Its beauty is undeniable, featuring an I-beam riser of shedua and purpleheart, woods that contribute not just to its stunning looks but also to its stability and mass weight. Shooting the '59 Reissue is a smooth experience. The 60-inch length provides a forgiving draw and good cast, suitable for a wide range of archers. The green-glass backed limbs, characteristic of the era, offer a pleasing contrast to the rich riser woods. While it's a factory-built bow, it carries the feel and finish of something more bespoke. Its performance in the field is exactly what you'd expect: quiet, stable, and accurate. It's a bow that encourages slow, deliberate shooting and appreciation. The primary trade-off is its premium price point compared to other production bows, reflecting the quality of materials and the faithful reproduction of a classic design. **Highlights** * Faithful reproduction of the iconic 1959 Kodiak design and performance. * Stunning I-beam riser crafted from shedua and purpleheart woods. * Smooth 60-inch draw length accommodates most archers comfortably. * Quiet and stable shot, characteristic of well-designed one-piece recurves. * Offers a strong connection to traditional bowhunting heritage. **Watch-outs** * Higher price point than other production Bear models. * Collector's item aesthetics may deter those seeking a purely utilitarian bow. * Limited availability compared to standard production models.
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#4 on this list
G62 Recurve
Bear Archery
The Bear G62 marks a significant return for Bear Archery to a longer, newer one-piece design. This 62-inch recurve fills a notable gap in Bear's current one-piece lineup, providing an excellent option for archers with longer draw lengths who found the 58-inch Grizzly too short. It's for the hunter who appreciates the durability and reliability of a factory-produced Bear bow but needs a smoother draw cycle and less finger pinch, especially those drawing 29 inches or more. The G62 revives the sleek, early Grizzly silhouette, offering a clean aesthetic that’s both classic and refreshed. The longer 62-inch limb geometry, combined with modern materials, delivers a noticeably smoother draw than its shorter counterparts. This translates to increased comfort and consistency, particularly during prolonged shooting sessions or when holding at full draw. Construction features a robust dymondwood riser section for stability and a timeless blend of maple and fiberglass in the limbs for durability and solid performance. While it doesn't boast exotic woods, its functional beauty is undeniable. It’s a workhorse designed for the woods, offering the typical Bear quietness and reliability. The slight increase in length does mean a touch less maneuverability in extremely dense cover, but the trade-off for a smoother draw is often worth it for taller archers. **Highlights** * Longer 62-inch length ideal for archers with longer draw lengths (29"+). * Smoother draw cycle and reduced finger pinch compared to shorter models. * Robust dymondwood riser and durable maple/fiberglass limbs. * Revives a classic Bear Archery aesthetic with modern construction. * Reliable performance and inherent quietness for hunting applications. **Watch-outs** * Slightly less maneuverable than 58-inch bows in very dense brush. * Mass-produced grip may require minor customization for a perfect fit. * Not as visually striking as bows with exotic wood risers.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Kodiak Recurve (1959 Reissue) | G62 Recurve |
|---|---|---|
| Bow Type | One-piece Recurve | One-Piece Recurve |
| Model Year | 1959 Reissue | — |
| Overall Length | 60 inches | — |
| Riser Materials | Shedua, Purpleheart | — |
| Limb Finish | Green glass backing | — |
| Hand Orientation | Right or Left Hand | — |
| Bow Length | — | 62 inches |
| Riser Material | — | Dymondwood |
| Limb Material | — | Maple, Fiberglass |
| Ideal Draw | — | 29 inches + |
| Construction | — | Factory Produced |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Kodiak Recurve (1959 Reissue)
- Authentic reproduction of an iconic design
- Stunning aesthetics with shedua and purpleheart riser
- Smooth, stable, and quiet shooting experience
- Forgiving 60-inch length suits many archers
- Heirloom quality and durable construction
- Premium price point for a production bow
- Fixed draw weight, no limb swaps
- Longer length can make travel challenging
- Not the fastest recurve on the market
G62 Recurve
- Excellent smooth draw for longer draw lengths (29"+)
- Durable dymondwood/maple/fiberglass construction built to last
- Inherently quiet shot, ideal for hunting scenarios
- Classic Bear Archery aesthetic with modern performance
- Forgiving and consistent once tuned correctly
- Less maneuverable in extremely dense brush compared to shorter bows
- Mass-produced grip may not suit every hand perfectly
- No options for limb changes or exotic wood risers
- Not a 'speed demon' but emphasizes smooth draw and quietness
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