Editors' review
Bear has one of the most complete lineups for any compound bow company in the 2020 model year. If a shooter can not find the bow specifications and a price point they are looking for in the Bear lineup, chances are it does not exist. The Paradox is an older style single cam bow. Although most flagship hunting models in 2020 are hybrid or dual cams, the single cam still holds a place in the hearts of many shooters for how smooth drawing and mostly maintenance free they are. The Paradox also sports some really awesome hunting specifications coming in at a fairly compact axle-to-axle measurement of 32-inches, a brace height of 6.25-inches, a speed rating of 330 feet per second with 80% let-off, and weighs a pretty great 4.3-pounds. A decade ago, this model would have been the specifications every hunter was looking for, and even in 2020 these are comparable and desirable specifications for those wanting a dedicated hunting rig. This bow also comes with a favorable price tag of only $399, which makes it one of the best hunting bow values on the market in 2020. The bow is not perfect though, although it would be crazy to think a rig under $400 would not have some slight negatives. For starters, the Paradox is not customizable in terms of the draw cycle and cam system. There is no choosing let-off, or opting for different back wall feels. Shooters get what they get. The bow is also only offered right handed models. For some, those may be deal breakers, but for others, none of those are going to matter after seeing the amazing value and price point for how great the bow shoots and performs.
Finish
Bear does a great job with their finishes, and it may not be expected to look as great as it does when a bow is priced below $500. However, the Paradox has the same level of high quality finish as the rest of the Bear lineup, and the final product looks great, and should be a long-lasting, durable finish. The options for finishes are somewhat limited, and just a bit confusing depending on where shooters are looking at the Paradox. The Bear website currently shows the Paradox only offered in Realtree Edge, but YouTube videos show the Paradox in the throwback Fred Bear pattern, and Cabela's has the Paradox available in TrueTimber Strata. It appears like the Paradox was available in Veil Stoke and Veil Alpine at one time as well. So depending on the store, some may have a variety of offerings, although it seems pretty rare a single store would have enough Paradox for someone to see all the patterns to pick which is their favorite in person.
Riser
The Paradox riser is a fairly standard looking Bear riser. When hanging in the store, the Paradox clearly has Bear lineage. The cutouts are pretty well spread out and serve the purpose to make the bow relatively lightweight at 4.3-pounds before accessories are added. The aluminum riser is a reflexed design, and is pretty short compared to some other 32-inch axle-to-axle bows on the market in 2020. With the single cam system, the Paradox also comes with a 6 1/4-inch brace height, which is a great measurement to get the most speed possible while still having a fairly forgiving brace height. The cable containment system is an old school slide with a stationary cable guard system. The high end Bear models have some more advanced technology, but for the price of the Paradox it is understandable to not have the same level of technology used. The Paradox also has a string stop system and a front mounting stabilizer bushing to help limit the pin float on target and reduce some shock after the arrow is released with any stabilizer shooters may choose.
Grip
The Paradox grip is built directly into the riser design, and matches the feeling of other Bear models. There is a side plate installed on the grip, but it is primarily only to show the Bear name. The side plates do not add anything to the overall shape and feel of the grip itself. In terms of comfort, the grip just feels right. It has comfortable rounded edges that fit nicely into the shooter's hand, and partners well with the flat back. The grip's girth is just about perfect as well, which is not too thick or too thin. As with other Bear models, it would be great to have a grip that was a bit warmer in the cold weather. Being part of the aluminum riser, the grip is going to be cold during bow hunting conditions. This is not unique to the Paradox, but it would be nice to see a warmer grip option. At the end of the day, the grip fits into the shooter's hand comfortably and will not be a reason shooters look at a different bow.
Limbs
The Paradox is similar to other Bear models in that it has split limbs used to store the energy. The limbs have a cool contoured design as well having a different shape out by the cams as they change size and shape going into the limb pockets. The Paradox limbs are available in one configuration ranging from 55-70-pounds, which means it will fit most shooters wanting a hunting bow. It would be nice for the 45-60-pounders to be available on this model also, but ultimately the set they have on the Paradox should be fine for most shooters. The Bear limbs are also equipped with ShockWaves limb dampeners, which are located on the underside of the limbs close to the cam system. These limb dampeners are not as traditional looking as other split limb dampeners, which go in between the two limbs, but seem to work fine enough keeping the noise and vibration to a minimum.
Eccentric System
The Paradox is outfitted with a single cam system, which is less popular now than they were a decade or so ago. The single cam functions with the bottom cam doing the work, while the top cam is basically a wheel for the string to roll against. Single cams are known for their smooth draw characteristics keeping the shooter's effort relatively minimal compared to the performance produced. The single cams on the Paradox clock in at an IBO rated 330 feet per second, which is not blazing fast, but is an acceptable speed. The cam also has a rotating draw length module, which allows for draw lengths from 23-30-inches in half-inch increments. Many bows on the market in 2020 feature adjustable let-off so shooters can choose what holding weight or valley feel they prefer. The Bear Paradox does not have that ability, but the 80% let-off feels great and is fairly popular with many shooters liking higher let-offs on their hunting bows. The Paradox single cam is a bit out of date since many bow companies have transitioned away from single cams, but this design is flawlessly done and the smooth drawing cycle will be easy to get used to for any shooter.
Draw Cycle/Shootability
Single cam bows are notorious for their smooth draw cycles and ease of tuning and the Paradox is no different. The 330 feet per second speed is not blazing fast, but it is also not expected out of a single cam bow with such a smooth and easy draw cycle. The 6 1/4-inch brace height is also fairly standard for hunting bows in 2020 as well. The 80% let-off rolls over nicely and allows shooters to only hold 20% of the overall peak weight at full draw. This high let-off number is becoming increasingly popular for 2020 hunting bows as well, and helps make things as comfortable as possible as shooters hold on their target. After the arrow is released, the bow does have a little noise and felt vibration. With a nice stabilizer, most of that will be removed. Single cams have lost some popularity in recent years, but this bow really feels great! Oftentimes budget bows are geared towards newer shooters, and for those just getting into archery, it would be hard to find something not to like about the Paradox and the shooting experience it provides.
Usage Scenarios
Most budget friendly bows are automatically thought of as youth or beginner models. For the 2020 Bear Paradox, that is also true. However, with the specifications the Paradox has, this model is really competitive with high end hunting models as well. Although the price may draw more novice shooters to make the purchase, any shooter on a budget, or wanting a backup hunting bow, the Paradox really shines. For $399, it is really hard to find flaws with the Paradox, and this model really speaks to how committed Bear is to bringing a bow model and price point to every single person interested in a new hunting bow.
Summary
Bear Archery has always been dedicated to offering a wide range of different models at every price point. Bear Archery also offers bows for large box stores, but also have models sold only from archery pro shops. The 2020 Paradox is available at box stores, but is a really awesome hunting bow on paper. The Paradox is a direct competitor with a lot of really awesome hunting bows given the favorable specifications in terms of size, performance, and shootability. The $399 price tag really sets the Bear Paradox apart from many, because this bow is one of the best values in compound archery. Single cams are not as popular as they used to be, but their smooth draw cycles, and easy tuning still make them really great hunting bows. The Paradox does not have the most updated technology, and lacks some customization options other models may have. However, for $399, most people will quickly look past that in order to have a super nice hunting bow for an awesome price. The Paradox will more than likely appeal to new hunters, or youth shooters given the sticker price. However, the Paradox will make a great hunting bow for anyone on the market for single cam smoothness at a really affordable price point. Bear has created an awesome hunting bow almost anyone can shoot, and it only costs $399.
