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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.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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
Best uses
- Traditional Bowhunting
- Stump Shooting
- Target Archery
- Collection & Display
Specifications
- Bow Type
- 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
Pricing
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Full catalog listing & offersBest for
Traditional Bowhunting, Stump Shooting, Target Archery, Collection & Display
Where to buy the Kodiak Recurve (1959 Reissue)
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The Bear Archery 1959 Kodiak Reissue is a direct nod to a bygone era, bringing back one of bowhunting's most iconic designs. This isn't just a bow; it's a meticulously crafted piece of history intended for those who appreciate the heritage and feel of traditional archery. It’s a 60-inch one-piece recurve, designed to capture the exact aesthetics and performance that made the original 1959 Kodiak a legend. While it carries a premium price tag, what you're paying for is the faithful reproduction of a classic, from its I-beam riser of shedua and purpleheart to its distinct green-glass backed limbs. For the hunter, the Reissue delivers a smooth, quiet, and stable shot that encourages deliberate, connected shooting. Its 60-inch length provides a forgiving draw suitable for many archers, making it a reliable tool in the field for those prioritizing experience over sheer speed. It's built for stability and accuracy, embodying the traditional qualities cherished by its namesake. This bow caters to archers who value craftsmanship, a tangible link to bowhunting's past, and a shooting experience that feels more bespoke than mass-produced. While classified as a production bow, the ‘59 Reissue distinguishes itself with materials and finish quality that often rival semi-custom options. It’s for the archer who understands that performance isn't solely about FPS, but also about the balance, feel, and soul of the equipment. It's a statement piece that performs, a true classic for both the collector and the serious traditional bowhunter.
Who It's For
This bow is for the traditional archer who prioritizes feel, history, and craftsmanship. It appeals to bowhunters seeking a deep connection to the roots of the sport and collectors who want a functional piece of art. It’s not for speed demons or those solely focused on the latest technology. Instead, it’s for someone who appreciates the slower, more deliberate pace of traditional archery, valuing the shot experience above all else. Its forgiving 60-inch length makes it accessible to a wide range of draw lengths, and its inherent stability suits hunters and stump shooters alike.
Materials & Construction
The 1959 Kodiak Reissue is built with an I-beam riser crafted from contrasting shedua and purpleheart woods, providing both visual appeal and structural stability. This specific wood combination contributes to its mass weight, dampening vibration and improving shot stability. The limbs feature classic green glass backing, a hallmark of bows from that era, providing a smooth draw and good cast. Every detail, from the limb tips to the finish, is meticulously reproduced to honor the original design. It's a high-quality factory build, bridging the gap between mass production and custom work.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the Kodiak Reissue is predictably smooth, quiet, and dead in the hand. The 60-inch length offers a forgiving draw cycle, especially beneficial for those with longer draw lengths (up to 29-30 inches) or those new to recurves. It casts an arrow with authority and consistency, making it effective for hunting within traditional ranges. Don't expect blistering speeds; this bow is about accuracy, shot consistency, and a pleasurable shooting experience. Its mass helps keep it stable through the shot, and the quietness is a distinct advantage in hunting situations.
Durability & Longevity
Built with quality woods and solid glass limbs, the 1959 Reissue is a durable piece of equipment. The integrity of the one-piece design means there are no limb pockets to loosen or alignment issues to contend with. With proper care – avoiding extreme temperature fluctuations, using a good stringer, and protecting the finish – this bow will last for decades. Its classic design also ensures it won't become 'obsolete,' maintaining its appeal and performance for the long haul. It's an heirloom-quality piece designed to be shot and enjoyed for generations.
Trade-offs & Alternatives
The primary trade-off is the premium price point, reflecting its status as a faithful reissue of a classic. You're paying for the legacy and the specific aesthetic. Being a one-piece, travel can be more challenging than with a takedown. Draw weight is fixed, so choosing the right weight upfront is critical. Alternatives at this price point might include custom bows from smaller bowyers, which could offer more personalized tuning, or other high-end production one-piece recurves like the Great Northern Ghost, which offers similar quality but with a more modern design sensibility. Bear's own Kodiak Magnum is a shorter, faster option for those seeking speed in a classic package.
How we picked
We started with a long list of one-piece 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 (1959 Reissue) — frequently asked questions
- Is the Kodiak Recurve (1959 Reissue) worth it?
- We rank it #3 in One-Piece Recurves. 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.
- What is the Kodiak Recurve (1959 Reissue) best for?
- Best for traditional bowhunting, stump shooting, target archery and collection & display. Standouts: authentic reproduction of an iconic design and stunning aesthetics with shedua and purpleheart riser.
- What are the downsides of the Kodiak Recurve (1959 Reissue)?
- Premium price point for a production bow, Fixed draw weight, no limb swaps and Longer length can make travel challenging.
- What are the key specs of the Kodiak Recurve (1959 Reissue)?
- Bow Type: One-piece Recurve · Model Year: 1959 Reissue · Overall Length: 60 inches · Riser Materials: Shedua, Purpleheart · Limb Finish: Green glass backing
- Who It's For?
- This bow is for the traditional archer who prioritizes feel, history, and craftsmanship. It appeals to bowhunters seeking a deep connection to the roots of the sport and collectors who want a functional piece of art.
- Materials & Construction — what should I know about the Kodiak Recurve (1959 Reissue)?
- The 1959 Kodiak Reissue is built with an I-beam riser crafted from contrasting shedua and purpleheart woods, providing both visual appeal and structural stability. This specific wood combination contributes to its mass weight, dampening vibration and improving shot stability.
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