Archery | Bear Takedown Bow Review

[@TradCat1970]

Thank you for shooting this bow again for us to see. I can never get tired of watching this beautiful bow launch arrows while shot by an archer with a good release like you 😊👍🏽

[@LongingToHunt]

Your form is very consistent brother! I just order the bear hunter takedown off of eBay, I’m very excited to make the switch from compound to traditional!

[@jimg691]

Now your talking buddy, this was Fred's favorite bow. Back in 1967 I shot at local indoor archery range. It was one of the first indoor ranges with automated targets that traveled back and fourth to the shooters and was designed like a bowling alley. It was Bourquins Archery Lanes in Mt. Ephriam N.J.. It was the East Coast's largest stocking Bear Archery dealer. The owners Bruce and Jane Bourquin were friends of Fred Bear. He made a personal appearance there in 1967 and I got to meet him and talk to him about all his hunts and watch some movies he brought along and see some of his personal gear. I have a Super Kodiak Special made in 1968 that shoots like a dream still. I believe the takedown was and is still his finest bow.

[@stevegaumont6726]

did you have seen this video about BEAR Shameful in hell decent ? apparently they lost their last bowyer and here the result on their product : kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2Wrn4mGp9ydkLs

[@anthonyforfare7223]

Interesting because they were first introduced to to public in 1970 aka 50th anniversary edition was in 2020. So….. you can do the math. You might just be misremembering or not , I don’t know which one ? 🤔😳

[@GregorsOutdoors]

Beautiful bow and excellent shooting. I am a 55 year old beginner in this sport . This is my traditional dream bow.

[@JK-qt5qb]

Good review. Thanks I have several Bear TDs and concur with your assessment. Never really considered them a luxury item, but they are very nice bows, and I love the interchangeability of the limbs. I'm shooting some limbs that are more than 50 years old. Put the same low-stretch string on them, and they perform just as well as the new, slimmed down limbs. The only peeve I have with the TD riser is the placement of the quiver inserts. The placement varies considerably from one riser to the next on both the A and B risers. IMO, some placements are more attractive and functional than others. I wish Bear would standardize the placement. My choice would be centered equidistant from either end of the riser in the center of the accent stripe. One final note. I've seen the quiver inserts pulled out of a number of Bear TD (and other) risers, usually splintering some wood near the insert hole as well. This is caused by using a quiver mounting screw that is too long. It bottoms out in the hole and then "pushes" the quiver insert up. If the insert is mounted below flush, it can also be pulled up, even with a screw/bolt that isn't too long. In this case, the screw pulls the insert up flush with the side of the bow/quiver mounting bracket. That's not an issue with Bear inserts, though, because they're mounted just a tad proud of the bow's surface.

[@Joker-yw9hl]

I love how this bow made you feel. Seems great

[@seancovel1698]

Love your videos! I’ve had this bow for six months now, and while I love it, there are some issues I wish I would’ve known about before dropping $1k. First off, it’s a known issue with the riser design that the limbs may move a little in the limb pockets. While this is less than a millimeter, it does make a click or creaking sound, which scares the ever loving beejezuz out of you when you’re approaching full draw and you think your bow is going to snap. The solution they recommend is to put felt on the base of the tips, or a little silicone, but both will wear down eventually. Bear said they’d fix it but I’d have to give them the bow for 8-12 weeks. Talking to guys have owned this bow for a long time they say eventually the small motion smooths out whatever’s hanging up in the pocket and the clicking stops. Secondly, the carpet on the riser looks like it came out of an office complex in 1984. Easy fix. I chose to remove it and throw n a magnet flipper bc I don’t usually shoot off the shelf. Finally, each generation of these risers uses different material to create their look. Mine has phenolic and a reddish bubinga. I love the look. Unfortunately, even large vendors like three rivers don’t track what wood is on the base of the limbs they are selling. So sometimes I’ll get a black-base limb, which works with the phenolic, or I’ll get a greenish maple wood at the base of the limb, which looks goofy. Bear archery has not great customer service, so you’re kind of on your own on that. The best bet for additional limbs may be EBay where you can be in contact with the seller and be sure you’re getting what you want. Then you just have to trust the condition. None of these issues are fatal, and the bow shoots like a dream, or like a savage monster, depending on the limb weight you throw on. But had I known this before I dropped a grand on a riser and limbs, I may have thought twice. My recommendation would be to get on the bear archery forums on Facebook, where new risers like this pop up regularly for 60% of MSRP.

[@skipkoske4552]

You must have one of the newer ones as the ones from the late 60's & early 70's don't have that problem. I have a target 69" C handle with 33# limbs & dead quiet with no movement in the limb pockets. oldwibowhunter

[@bowman321123]

Very nice looking bow, love to just listen to it. I'm fortunate to own one of the Mag B riser takedowns, with the 64" 48# and 62" 42# limbs and both are a real treat to shoot. I'm always pleased and proud when someone comments on it.

[@benny742]

This bow is featured in a DLC for the hunting sim, Way of the Hunter. It's a blast to use in-game but difficult to master when in the field. Th real life counterpart looks so beautiful - great review! Definitely recommend Way of the Hunter played on Ranger difficulty with this bow. A serious challenge

[@NUSensei]

I've played the game. Didn't know the DLC had this bow. I'll take a look.

[@johnbottone4996]

Your commentary was spot. I believe if you compare the price of this Bo with other quality bows, it's relatively cheap.

[@KirstiStephenson]

This is a Beautifully Crafted Bow! Question for you- Is there a particular type and brand of bow that is uses most often by Athlete's in the Olympics? Thanks!😊

[@NUSensei]

Hoyt bows are the most common in the Olympics, followed by Win&Win. There are a few other models used at top level, such as Fivics and MK.

[@KirstiStephenson]

NUSensei Awesome, Thank You for responding to my question, much appreciated ❣✌💖🇨🇦 K

[@dace48]

Second-hand bow? Looks a bit Grizzly.

[@louisernesto5886]

i realize it's pretty off topic but does anyone know a good place to watch newly released movies online ?

[@romeoharold2183]

@Louis Ernesto try Flixzone. You can find it on google =)

[@jaxonpeyton9513]

@Romeo Harold yea, I have been watching on flixzone for since april myself :D

[@louisernesto5886]

@Romeo Harold Thanks, signed up and it seems like a nice service :D Appreciate it !!

[@romeoharold2183]

@Louis Ernesto you are welcome =)

[@Gamerdude535]

Awesome review!!!! Mmm this bow with #3 limbs and the black maple b riser in a darker tint (cuz of the future wood process the risers do vary quite a bit) is one of my dream bows!!! Wish I could get my hands on one now lol. I have been lucky to find $30 (US dollar) garage sale deals for my Bear Super Mag 48 recurve bow and a York Archery Thunderbolt recurve bow over the past few years. Been entering those bow of your choice giveaways bear archery's been doing hoping to win and get a takedown, lol but no luck so far :P. Would also like to get my hands on one of those magnesium b risers they used to make.

[@actstuntcam]

Wow, here I am two years later. I finally got that bear. I shot it for a few months and then the riser delaminated during a competition (I could literally see the sky through it). Bear replaced that riser, but I'd really lost confidence in it. That was compounded when one of the mounting inserts wound out. I'd noticed, from new, how poorly they'd been put in and the 'tapping' seemed pretty bad. I'm not sure if they do that in-house, or just get very cheap nasty inserts. I sold it recently with my fingers crossed it doesn't break for the new owner. She owned a Bear longbow, that blew apart within weeks of owning it. I now own a White Feather Lark and it has been awesome so far. It is very pretty, as good finish as the bear and I'm shooting it with UUkha limbs, which means I can shoot lower poundage at more speed. Lark with UUkha limbs was $1000nz, vs $1800 for the Bear. I know which I think is better value.

[@airecomprimido7666]

I love Fred Bear bows I have a hug collection . Nice shooting ! 🇦🇷

[@claytongreen2744]

Good form Brother👍 I agree one of the best!!! We keep the Spirit alive shooting this way!!👍

[@seanyouknowwho798]

There is clearly a “Bow-mance” going on here! But have to say, I got it going on too! Nice review!

[@easternmikeoutdoors]

Had a Bear recurve and shot for Jennings back in the day. 🙂 Ever open your grip? It may calm the wrist turn.

[@davidransom4476]

Got tired of lugging a compound around years ago, so bought a regular Bear Takedown, back when they still used screws. Was surprised by how heavy it was. Very nice bow, though. Got a Ragim after that and almost didn't know I was carrying something around.

[@hettro-cv6082]

I agree This is my next bow. I have a used Bear Grizzly from the 70's from Ebay what a great bow!

[@actstuntcam]

Nice one man. Can't wait to get mine (hopefully soon, as soon as I sell my Compound). I want an African Bubinga/Black Phenolic riser. B- riser #3 limbs - approx 45Lbs -50lbs. Great shooting dude. I currently shoot a Martin Hunter, which is incredibly nice to shoot as well as pleasing to look at, but it's not quite as nice as the Bear - not as well finished, not quite as smooth on the draw or release.

[@robdag2417]

My first recurve! Just got the "Rambo" #155

[@diegutendingeaufwachen5636]

I bought this bow again, because I was silly and sold my 2012 Bear Take Down (Black, A-Riser, #3 limbs), which was perfect. 1.) Colour of riser and limbs didn't match. Riser was black, limbs were bright grey. 2.) Bottom limb was borderline, it had clearance, but not such severe. 3.) Top limb was horrible. Clearance in all directions. My bow merchant told me, Bear drastically increased the prices, and drastically decreased quality. It took me about 6 hours of craftmanship to make this bow like it has to be. Shame on you, Bear Gainesville! Fred Bear is turning over in his grave about the poor quality. You're just selling due to a famous name, a legend!

[@atpandme]

I just received a brand new takedown and mine did come with those little leather straps around the latch. I guess they're standard now?

[@Sams911]

just ordered the limited edition... can't wait to shoot this beauty..

[@sheepersjeepers4953]

Well? How is it?

[@stevegaumont6726]

@@sheepersjeepers4953 he must regret it....did you have seen this video about BEAR Shameful in hell decent ? apparently they lost their last bowyer and here the result on their product : kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2Wrn4mGp9ydkLs

[@joshuamadread3678]

Leaning towards this bow do you know where its made? My friend is recommending bob lee bows but I really like this design

[@NUSensei]

Fred Bear bows are made in the USA.

[@ryukage6695]

Fantastic review, looking to get one but trying to decide between this or the Hoyt Satori... how would you compare the two? Hoyt Satori and bear takedown

[@chris2realnice229]

NUSensei, at the end of the video I noticed the target backstops you had there......the two big ones with the layers of cardboard or at least thats what they looked like. What is the material? Is it readily available? How does it stand up? I've used similar in the past made from Donnacona type flooring and sound board. Think T-Bar ceiling tiles laid down on the flat like your cardboard? Got a link? Any other info? thanks

[@Most1ted]

My dream bow. Looks amazing. Would it be possible to be a competitive barebow shooter with this type of bow?

[@FrankChristopherOutdoors]

Great video my friend. You may have said this but I apologize I missed it....what riser and limbs are on this bow? What poundage are you shooting here? Thanks 🙏

[@zebschreiber7357]

I bought this bow with 68# limbs from 3rivers several years ago, shot the hell out of it every day for almost a year, loved it then 3weeks before bow season began I heard a creek sound when I drew had someone look when I drew and the latch was separating from the wood I sent 3rivers pics and they wanted the bow back it was still under warrantee they shipped it back to bear archery and they had it for over a year and did nothing, bear archery wouldn't even talk to me about it and they wouldn't tell 3rivers anything ether in the meantime i spent little under $900 and no bow for over a year finally my patience ran out and I talked 3rivers into giving me store credit for the money I spent so I could purchase a different bow which they happily did. but the experiance really soured my stomach towards bear archery. all I wanted was my bow fixed or a replacement riser and sent back to me and they wouldn't even talk to me about it. that was around 7years ago and to this day I wont buy a bear archery product because of how they handled that and how they treated me.

[@dalelong8001]

Thank you for sharing the living hell you went through with your takedown. I'm so sorry to hear how poor the Bear Warranty Dept in Gainseville has become. I have had to urge to get one, however after reading your story, along with a few others, I have decided against it. Again thank you and best wishes.

[@aliesmaili1200]

@NUSensei - Did you make or purchase those wooden target stands on wheels? They're phenomenal.

[@gerardwilliams2297]

They were made by someone in his club.

[@TaiiLuder]

What was the draw weight on that bow? also is it #1 or #3 limbs on that B riser?

[@tjj4lab]

So Nu, insanely expensive traditional archery style bows, this or the Black Wolf?

[@desertrainfrog1691]

Black Wolf is probably a bit less expensive I'd say?

[@greenhoodedvigilante458]

That is personal prefference. Black wolf is more like high end modern trad bow made of modern material. Also ILF, so limbs are interchangeable and also draw weight and tiller. Bear takedown bow is also modern traditional bow but made of traditional wooden material. So, what you want is up to you

[@tslmiami6288]

Just got mine today! All I can say is WOW!!!!!

[@symbolsandsystems]

Could you do some reviews of Archery Netting and Targets?

[@jamesgretsch4894]

Would you do a video on a tour of your shooting grounds? I mean the place you do the videos. It looks almost like you shoot in a warehouse or a modern farm barn. With all your videos I’m curious and I’m sure others are curious too. Thanks.

[@NUSensei]

Check out the "5 Years of Archery" video.

[@MarkSeverance-hh4ts]

I adore my Bear Takedown. I’ve hunted and taken several animals with it since 2016 when I got it. I’ve gone to other bows but keep coming back to it. It’s like that perfect ex-girlfriend you finally come back to after you’ve left her to find someone hotter.

[@mythrid12]

Thinking about getting the A Riser with the #1 limbs so the 56'' option. Do you think I'd notice any stacking with a 29'' draw?

[@greenhoodedvigilante458]

May be not. Over 29 inch, 60" is finer.

[@juffurey]

is this a target recurve? I didn't realize how huge that riser was until you started shooting.

[@anthonyforfare7223]

No it’s a hunting bow. He’s just a smaller person. 👍😁😎🎯🏹

[@ryukage6695]

I know it can come in as small as 56"...I have a 28 in draw... Would a 56" still work? The intent is hunting and being more mobile

[@greenhoodedvigilante458]

You will be fine with 56" bow with 28" draw length. Over 29 inch draw length, 60" bow would be more comfortable. The limbs of this bow is very high quality and very smooth. There are reasons why this costs 1000 usd.

[@Narcomoeba1]

NUSensei, may I ask what is that arrow quiver you are using on this video?

[@TheVeganeater]

I got a all wood Trad bow. Paid $6-$700 Canadian and don't know who made it . With black pen on bottom limb it says ultimate predator #50 @28". It has seamless transitions where the limbs attach. Limb bolt are countersunk and is quality woodworking but who made it? Does predator make ultimate predator?

[@personal.YouTube.channel]

I need some help ! I'm trying to get a straight answer but not even the internet can answer. I'm looking for a 30" Bow cuz I can use to hunt up to medium size game. Now when I say 30 in I mean 30" after the takedown bow is put together and the string is put on it. And you measure from end to end. It would be right there at 30" And it must be a takedown Do you know of one

[@TRAZ4004]

That’s a compound length, trad bows are often longer.

[@davidblowe9096]

My trad bow is a (no later than 1964) Wing Gull, one piece 42lb. Sometimes is nice to leave the modern stuff in it's case and just shoot.

[@alexyatsyuk70]

What do you think of touma archery scurve bow and phenolic riser

[@full.grain.]

What are your targets made from/where did you buy them?

[@seabtahi]

Can you please tell me if I should get this bow or the one piece famous kodiak bow? Thanks!

[@solidstream13]

How do you select what size riser ticket?

[@pearljaime2]

What is the difference between the A riser and B riser?

[@user-bo8yt4uc8b]

The takedown feature is a great help to pack your Footmobile

[@darquesand]

Could you show us that green target stand.

[@lswisherl]

Didn't you get a Bear Takedown from Grizzly Jim for sponsoring him? I remember watching you review of that one a few months back. Not sure though, I could be going senile....

[@lswisherl]

Also, wanted to say, for a beginner archer like me, whose nearest archery club is 2 hours drive away, you videos are very, very helpful. Thank you very much for the effort you put into making them.

[@ka-bar5060]

Yes, this is that bow. Which is why his statement that he "brought it from some guy off the internet" is so funny.

[@kaushalbhardwaj9407]

Is it good for beginners?

[@jdtexas5281]

could you tell me what quiver you are using here in this video please?

[@NUSensei]

Mandarin Duck Ranger.

[@ianklauss4235]

Damn it. Now I need to get me a Bear take down. And a good Banh Mi.

[@djteeke]

How would you rate this compared to the predator wood recurve?

[@dalephillips7879]

i had a predator classic for only a few days i bought 2nd hand just to see if i liked it as they are rare in uk.. great build quality maybe better now than the bear line of bows as for build quality from what i hear have to admit i didn't like the fatter grip on the predator coming from a hoyt buffalo and it was in truth too heavy for me but also i never really intended to keep it in saying that beautiful bow shot great i do however love the bear takedown never had one you are 100 percent paying more for the name than it's maybe worth considering you can get a custom made bow cheaper

[@Skybaby79]

What arrows would you recommend for it? How do you feel about novelty arrows, like glow in the dark or signal arrows?

[@aboveaveragebayleaf9216]

Arrows should be picked based on the draw weight of your bow at your draw length. Look up videos on arrow spine.

[@jeppegass7142]

anyone got some input/opinion on the Core pulse recurve? Am buying a beginner bow, but not sure of quality

[@MONKLJ]

What model bow , takedown is a wide range

[@michaelderry1911]

What length and draw weight is it ?

[@mattsmith2051]

Better than a grizzly?

[@stanleyascencio6209]

#NUSensei Where did you purchase your quiver?

[@eliotlincoln4657]

Stanley P mandarin duck Dragonborn I would recommend 🤙🏼

[@gislaaas1450]

💛

[@ka-bar5060]

Bought from "some guy off the internet"...LMAO!!!

[@74verseveld]

That's the bow in rambo v... 👌

[@golfbum1975]

Is it this bow or a black widow? I had a hard time trying to identifying it in the theater.

[@NUSensei]

Bear confirmed that it is the Takedown. There is a limited edition Rambo Bear Takedown on sale in various stores.

[@potassiumcyanide3857]

The connection is fragile and cannot be fixed once it break

[@thewaiyat]

Is it left hand bow?

[@savnet_sinn]

It's available in both right and left variants.

[@tabithastew9850]

i want one

[@mscforester5541]

it's all a matter of "offer and demand", right? you pay quite a lot for..."one lemon piece" discussing up and down while the warranty period disappears day after day...or taking a decision, even this means to cancel you dream of decades accepting that the quality nowadays can no longer be compared with what funded the high reputation of this bow. if i lived close to the (re)seller it would be a complete other situation, but every complaint costs me 50$ shipping which NOONE refunds me! so my opinion is not so dificult to understand, isn't it?

[@mscforester5541]

check the number of comments complaining similar problems...this is definitely not a single "lemon tree". However, everybody is free in his/ her opinion, no need to insult me!

[@hettro-cv6082]

What arrows do you use?

[@mscforester5541]

Hy guys! Today I will give you an update of the Bear TD reviews: Got a brandnew unused Bear TD 2 weeks ago and unwrapping it it faced several quality problems none of the reviewers are talking about: 1.) Limbs do not fit very smoothly into raisers´ lock, so not only noisy but causes a shock with every shot. Of course easily to repair with just a piece of thin leather or felt, but unacceptable for a >900$ bow! 2.) Fixing a Thunderhorn two Point quiver the bushing break out and damaged the raisers´ surface. Again, not a very big job to repair it, but I have not even shot a very single arrow! 3.) Use of FastFlight strings Bear Archery offers just Dacron, but almost all resellers offer FastFlight. Asking Bear Archery they said with bows made after 1999 it shouldn´t be a problem but higher abrasion has to be accepted...but what "higher abrasion" means in number of shots or so they didn´t answer! I will not bore you with the customers complaint trouble I have to handle currently but for your information, Bear Archery offers just 1 (ONE) year warranty for its traditional bows while the technically much more complicated compounds come with lifetime warranty...Black Widow offers 5 years, Bearpaw even 30 years! No doubt, the Bear TD is a beautyful vintage bow, technically not latest state of art (just check Hybrid bows) but apparently good shooting, but with a severe quality problem and therefore totally overpriced! And for all of you still interested in this bow (including me) an important hint: 1.) buy it through a dealer in the EU, so you get at least 2 years warranty by law 2.) don´t buy it online but in a shop where you can check inmediately the described problems! Good luck and always into the center!

[@SuperJayman27]

msc forester ..My friend I would say you might have have a personal grudge against ‘BEAR ARCHERY,’ as you have this same review in the COMMENTS Of every bear review on YOU TUBE...Every company is capable of sending out a lemon once in a while,but I’m sure when notified they made it right..you can’t trash the BOW On one bad experience.

[@rampantcolt1684]

Forester; Every manufacturer has an occasional lemon, be it Cadillac, BMW, Colt or S&W. Of the tens of thousands of Bear TD's in circulation and used for hunting in North America, obviously it's a well proven and timeless design. Bear has a warranty, if it doesn't work right, just send it back and don't whine and slander away like an old lady who is the neighborhood gossip.

[@garlicgirl3149]

I want to do a Carry Fisher and not pay rent not for 👠but a 🏹!!!

[@airecomprimido7666]

Sugoi!

[@1RobHunter1]

----------------------------------------- =----------> If it makes you feel that way, who cares about what it costs. It is living Art.

[@marcelocardosorabelo3623]

VERY COOL!

[@asusdag2904]

Some Guy. LoL

[@jorgeescalante3865]

Rambo Last Blood

[@brainstemriff]

Traditional bow... it looks like it came from the back of a spaceship but yeah no we shall go with traditional .. if by traditional you mean sourced from the planet pluto

[@floaterfans]

I have my grandfather's bow, same bow, 50 years old...Fred Bear was way ahead of his time.

[@ReturnerMusic]

Anybody else think the limb latch system looks hideous?

[@Exodus26.13Pi]

Wait until you discover that Biblical Cosmology is our reality and that EARTH IS FLAT.

[@tiberiu_nicolae]

Lol