Bear Archery
Bear Archery was founded in 1933 by Fred Bear in Detroit, Michigan and relocated to Gainesville, Florida after Bear’s death in 1988. The brand’s traditional recurve and longbow line (Kodiak, Grizzly, Super Kodiak) is the historical reference standard for American traditional bowhunting. Modern compound production is in Gainesville alongside the traditional line.
Brand ethos and manufacturing
Two brands in one: the traditional line (Kodiak Magnum, Grizzly, Super Kodiak) that carries Fred Bear’s legacy, and the affordable compound line (Species, Legit) that hits the entry-hunter and youth market. The traditional bows are still hand-glued hardwood risers with hard-maple lamination limbs.
Flagship products
- Bear Kodiak Magnum 52: 52 inch recurve, 50 lb at 28 inch draw, laminated hard maple and rosewood. MSRP USD 499 to 599.
- Bear Super Kodiak 60: 60 inch recurve, 45 to 65 lb, brown-glass laminate. MSRP USD 799 to 899.
- Bear Species EV: modern compound, 30 inch ATA, 6 inch brace, 320 fps IBO. MSRP USD 449.
Warranty and forum reputation
Rokslide traditional bowhunter threads treat the Kodiak Magnum as the reference short-recurve hunt bow. Bear’s Gainesville customer service handles traditional riser and limb warranty on defect returns; lifetime warranty covers the traditional line to the original owner. The compound line has a limited 1 year cam warranty.
Common complaints
The Kodiak Magnum has a documented wrist-slap issue for shooters with a high grip; ArcheryTalk traditional threads consistently recommend a Toelke Whip or Border Hex 7.5 for shooters who cannot adjust grip. The compound line (Species, Legit) sits below Hoyt and Mathews on machining tolerances and cam smoothness; it is a value entry point, not a flagship competitor.