Editors' review
The Agenda 6 is part of the flagship lineup of Bear bows in the 2014 season and sure to impress all that shoot it. Sporting the new H13 hybrid cam system with a rotating module, not only is this bow easily adjustable, but it is fast too, providing 350 fps. With a silky smooth draw, and unexpectedly quiet from a speed bow, this rig is deadly and a surprise to shoot.
Finish
This rig comes in Realtree APG and Shadow series, but can also be ordered in green, red, black, and Realtree AP Snow. These colors are sure to please and will allow the shooter the ability to personalize the bow.
Risers/Limb
The riser for this rig uses an all new technology that makes it lighter, yet stronger and reduces vibration to almost zero. This riser reduces vibration by evenly distributing limb loads and maximizing the energy throughout the riser instead of at the limbs. The riser is a forged, machined aircraft grade aluminum that provides superior strength in critical areas while reducing mass in those low-stress areas of the riser. This design creates one of the most reliable and light-weight bows on the market today. The limbs are Max-Preloaded Quad limbs that are high-tensile composite limbs that offer proven power and performance. The limbs can be ordered in 40# -50#, 50# - 60#, or 60# - 70# peak weights. This split limb set is held in place with a pair of High-Performance Zero-Tolerance limb cups that reduce any possible limb movement and lock the limbs securely in place. These limb cups are said to be "the most precise limb-to-pocket fit yet."
Other Components
This rig also comes with an H13 Cam system, Dual Arc offset string suppressors, Bear pre-stretched Contra-band HP strings, cable slide, Bear hinge guard, and grip. The H13 cam system gives this bow an extremely smooth and highly-efficient draw cycle. The string suppressors are integrated into the riser and are adjustable and eliminate any residual string noise. The grip is a removable overmold with side panels. Some shooters shoot with the overmold in place, while others feel it makes the grip a little bulky. Those that find it bulky remove the overmold using the side panel grip. Whichever way you choose to shoot this rig, it remains accurate and consistent.
Eccentric System
This bow is setup with a pair of H13 Cams that, coupled with the limbs and strings, produce an incredible 350 fps IBO. This cam system rides on a pair of dual stainless steel sealed bearings that reduce friction and give the cam a smoother rotation. The cam system also offers a rotating module for length adjustments and a solid draw stop that can be easily adjusted for fine tuning the draw length in 1/16" increments.Draw length can also be easily adjusted on the cams. Simply by loosening and rotating the module to the appropriate spot, the draw length can be adjusted through a range of 25.5" - 30" in 1/2" increments. These adjustments can be made quickly and easily without the use of a bow press or the need to change modules. This cam system is designed to be efficient and smooth at any draw length while providing excellent speed.
Draw Cycle/Shootability
This bow offers the shooter with an extremely smooth draw for a speed bow. Most bows that offer an IBO of 350 fps are harsh and difficult to transition to let-off. The Bear Agenda 6 has an extremely smooth and highly efficient draw cycle regardless of draw weight. This draw cycle has been described as "liquid smooth" and "comfortable."
Silencing Package
Bear has stepped up a bit in the bow design arena. The Agenda 6 has a newly designed riser that reduces overall mass, yet absorbs more vibration. They have also integrated rubber vibration dampeners into the riser to absorb even more vibration. When adding the bi-dimensionally adjustable string suppressors, and built-in string dampeners, this rig is quiet out of the box. When adding a stabilizer, this bow is virtually vibration-free. This is one of the quietest speed bows on the market.Comparisons[VS]bear-agenda-6,mathews-creedThe Bear Agenda 6 has been compared to the Mathews Creed by many. The Creed is slightly shorter with a 30" ATA instead of the 32" of the Agenda 6, and the Creed also has one more inch brace height. Both have peak draw weights of 70#, but the Agenda 6 offers an additional 17 fps IBO, coming in at 350 fps. Both bows are fast, accurate, smooth, and quiet. Each is easy to adjust, and are excellent bows for any archery situation. Mass is virtually even between these bows as well. With all the specs of these two bows so similar, the shooter is advised to shoot both to determine whether or not they wish to go with the more popular Matthews over the Bear, but they must also know that the Creed lists for an additional $100. Both are excellent rigs.
Usage Scenarios
This bow is a surprise to most archers that give it a try. With an IBO of 350 fps, it is viewed initially as simply a speed bow. Then, when it is time to shoot, the two things that stand out are the speed, and the quietness. This bow will certainly be found at the local 3D courses, because, let's face it, many shooters use the speed as their bragging rights. With the 32" ATA, 6" brace height, and the speed, this rig will also be found in many tree stands and in many ground blinds. This bow is versatile and can be shot in any archery scenario.
Value
The MSRP for this rig is $899. There are many that feel this is overpriced with Bear using it as a tactic to achieve the same notoriety as bows such as the Matthews Creed or the Bowtech Specialist. For a bow with the specs and quality of the Agenda 6, this is an average price. The archer looking for a new rig should make it a point to give this one a try before making the final decision.
Summary
The Agenda 6 is part of the 2014 Bear lineup. Although this bow will be found in all archery scenarios, it is accurate and has the knockdown power a hunter needs. With a 32" ATA, 6" brace height, and only 3.9 pounds, this rig is strong, but not bulky and is easy to carry into the field. This bow can be ordered in five color schemes, is easily adjustable, and can be ordered with 50#, 60#, and 70# peak weight limbs. All adjustments can be done quickly with a hex wrench and without a press. This is a solid shooting platform that will please all those who shoot it.
