Recurve question??

[bambeklr]

My grandfather gave me a recurve today. It is a bear kodiak. It is green and the front by the shelf is white. Does anyone know much about these bows. It is in great shape. It has been unstrung for years sitting in his garage on the wall. He said he has a couple more he wants to give me.

How do I know if the thing is safe to put a string on?? Or should I just keep it for show?

[smj]

Finish cracks are not a problem. Deep cracks are. Twisted limbs need to be dealt with, but not a show stopper. String it to a low brace height first, see if it appears sound. Draw it shallow, listen for any noise. There should be none. If all looks and sounds good, brace it and shoot it. I would shoot a heavy arrow, 10 grains per pound or better. Do not over-draw the bow. If you feel it starting to stack on you, reduce the amount you draw the bow. Inspect it regularly - however - note that very often when a glass bow fails there is no warning. They just go "pop!" and it is over. Still, there are a lot of great older bows out there. I still have and shoot one from back when I was probably in fourth grade - maybe made in the 50's.

If the bow has seen some high heat, like in a car during summer with the windows all closed up, it can have an effect on the glue joints - but is more of an issue when the bow is strung. The glue softens and the bow comes apart.

You might drop a picture and a note to Bear, see what they have to say, since they are still in business...

[voodoofire1]

I've got an old Kodiak, it's a great bow, about been through all 5 of my kids, it's with the last one now, and it's been shot by so many people that I lost count years ago, I agree with smj, lots of wisdom in those words, go slow, take it easy and if it does appear to shoot ok, please replace the string, the continuous loop strings(served loops) are fine, but try a flemish twist, they are much quieter on these bows and in my opinion will improve the longevity of your old bear, we won't shoot anything else on ours, if you need one let me know, send me the weight and length and I'll send you one... also these old bears are not fast flight compatable, use only b-50...........if you run into any problems let me know, I've repaired a few of these too.... good luck and enjoy,Steve

[fred70]

Bear kodiak is a excellent bow is among one of my favorites in mycollection! Smj And VooDoo are masters at the craft all great advice! No Bear bow deserves a shelf!! LOL!!

[bambeklr]

I cleaned it up the other day. I will try to get a pic on her soon.