#3 in Recurve & TraditionalBear Archery Grizzly Recurve Bow
by Bear Archery
The Bear Archery Grizzly is a dependable, well-crafted one-piece recurve that pays homage to Fred Bear's classic designs while remaining accessible to today's traditional archers.
- Classic one-piece design
- Smooth traditional draw
- Durable maple limbs
- Draw Weight Range30-60 lbs
- Bow Length62 inches
- Riser MaterialHard Maple
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What you need to know
The Bear Archery Grizzly recurve bow carries forward the legacy of Fred Bear's original design, staying remarkably true to the classic silhouette that made it an icon among traditional archers. Crafted with a maple and hard rock maple riser laminated with red elm accents, and limbs finished in a rich, glossy hard rock maple, the Grizzly showcases the kind of old-world craftsmanship that modern manufacturing rarely replicates so faithfully. Measuring 58 inches in length, this one-piece recurve is compact enough to maneuver through brush and blinds yet retains the smooth draw and stable presence expected from a bow rooted in decades of hunting heritage. Its clean lines and warm wood tones make it as much a piece of functional art as it is a shooting instrument.
Performance-wise, the Grizzly is built for the archer who values feel and directness over mechanical complexity. Draw weights typically range from 30 to 60 pounds, allowing hunters and target shooters alike to select a variant suited to their strength and intended game, whether that's deer-sized whitetail or smaller varmints. The bow's handle is shaped for a natural, comfortable grip that encourages consistent hand placement shot after shot, a critical factor in recurve accuracy since there's no sight pins or mechanical release to compensate for inconsistency. The riser's moderate reflex and the recurve limb tips store and deliver energy efficiently, producing a smooth draw cycle and a crisp, quiet release that traditional archers prize for stalking game without spooking it.
Beyond its shooting characteristics, the Grizzly appeals to archers who want a connection to the roots of the sport, whether they're bowhunting in dense woods or practicing instinctive shooting at a backyard target range. It accepts a standard arrow rest and can be paired with a stick-on quiver, making it adaptable for field use without cluttering its minimalist profile. The bow's durable construction means it can withstand years of regular use, and its timeless aesthetic ensures it looks as impressive mounted on a wall as it does drawn back in the field. For archers seeking a dependable, no-frills recurve that channels genuine hunting tradition, the Bear Archery Grizzly remains a benchmark choice in the recurve bow category.
Key features
- 01One-piece traditional recurve design
- 02Available in 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 lb draw weights
- 0362-inch overall length with 7/8-inch riser
- 04Rigid riser core with hard maple limb laminations
- 05Pre-installed rug rest and Bear Riser medallion
- 06Two-piece brass bushings for optional stabilizer/sight mounts
- 07Right-hand and left-hand configurations available
Technical specs
| Draw Weight Range | 30-60 lbs |
|---|---|
| Bow Length | 62 inches |
| Riser Material | Hard Maple |
| Limb Construction | Maple/Fiberglass Laminate |
| Brace Height | 7-8 inches |
| Category | Recurve Bow |
| Brand | Bear Archery |
| Owner rating | 4.6 / 5 from 2,240 reviews |
How it scored
- Accuracy8.7
- Build quality9.5
- Ease of tuning9.3
- Value8.9
The good and the not-so-good
What we like
- Excellent build quality with maple/fiberglass limb lamination
- Smooth draw for a one-piece recurve
- Great value for beginners and traditional archers
- Lightweight and well-balanced for target and field use
- Classic Bear Archery aesthetics and heritage design
- Durable finish that holds up to regular outdoor use
Watch out for
- No let-off, so full draw weight held at anchor
- One-piece design less packable than takedown bows
- Stock string may need replacement for serious use
- Limited accessory mounting compared to modern takedowns
- Not adjustable in draw weight once purchased
Should you buy it?
The Bear Archery Grizzly is a dependable, well-crafted one-piece recurve that pays homage to Fred Bear's classic designs while remaining accessible to today's traditional archers. Its smooth draw cycle, sturdy hard maple and fiberglass limbs, and clean handling make it a strong choice for beginners transitioning into traditional archery as well as experienced shooters wanting a reliable field or target bow. While it lacks the modularity of takedown recurves, its simplicity and proven performance make it a lasting favorite in the recurve bow market.
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