Bear Instinct Review
from $300
Pros
- Very shootable rig
- Quick and quiet
- Value price tag
Cons
- String isn't prestretched
- Not very compatible with peeps without rubber tubing
Video
content from YouTube
Editors' review
The Instinct is a short axle to axle bow that has great maneuverability for many hunting situations. It has many features that make it a very good choice for the bow hunter with a value price tag. It has the "ready to shoot" option as well which gives you all the accessories already attached to the bow.
Finish
This rig has a quality and durable finish that with the proper care will last you as long as you own the bow. It comes in the Realtree hardwoods green camouflage with green components (limb pockets and cams).Riser
The riser on the Instinct is a rugged riser constructed out of machined aluminum. With the parallel limb design of this bow it allows for a longer riser of 22" which adds strength and speed. It also has nine cut outs along the length of the riser which reduces the overall weight of the bow to 4.1 pounds.Limbs/Limb Pockets
The Instinct's limbs are compression molded quad limbs and with their design have very little travel with little to no vibration. These limbs are very rigid and durable as well. The limb pockets on this rig are pivoting pockets that encase the ends of the limbs. They have a tight limb to riser fit with the addition of vibration dampening components inside to pockets to make the bow even quieter.Grip
The Instinct comes outfitted with a two piece laminated wood grip. In addition to the wood side plates, there is a rubber non skid component between the grip plates to assure your hand doesn't slip. This is a comfortable grip that isn't too fat and isn't too skinny making it very comfortable.Eccentric System
The Instinct comes equipped with a perimeter weighted single cam and idler wheel system. The weighted cam increases your strings speed which in turn increases the speed of your arrow and kinetic energy. The draw weight range of this system is from 40 to 70 pounds and has a comfortable 75% let off. This rig also has a draw length range of 23" to 30" that can be adjusted with interchangeable modules. A bow press is needed when changing out the modules. This system also boasts a 306 fps IBO speed.Ready to shoot package and vibration dampening
The Instinct also comes with the a RTS "ready to shoot" package that includes a whisker biscuit rest, 3 pin fiber optic sight, camo quiver, self aligning peep sight, stabilizer and wrist strap. Also every Instinct comes outfitted with Sims limbsavers and string leeches that help cancel noise and vibration.Shootability
The draw cycle of the Instinct is very smooth from start to finish with a smooth transition from a very easy valley to full draw. Once at full draw there is a solid back wall that does not move any further. Add in the fact that there is 75% let off and a 7.5" brace height; it makes this a very comfortable and forgiving draw cycle. Once shot this bow is dead in your hand with little to no vibration or hand shock.Instinct vs. Element
| Bow | Bear Instinct | Bear Element |
| Version | 2007 | 2007 |
| Picture |  |  |
| Brace Height | 7.5 " | 7.75 " |
| AtA Length | 30 " | 32 " |
| Draw Length | 23 " - 30 " | 24 " - 31 " |
| Draw Weight | 40 lbs - 70 lbs | 40 lbs - 70 lbs |
| IBO Speed | 302 fps - 306 fps | 300 fps - 304 fps |
| Weight | 4.1 lbs | 4.1 lbs |
| Let-Off | 75% | 75% |
| Where to buy Best prices online | ||
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The Element comes in at around $100 less than the Instinct but you give up some speed and components with that drop in price. The Bear Element also has a single cam system but without the perimeter weight which drops the speed a few fps. Also the Instinct has a vibration dampening package and the Element does not. The Element has a slightly longer 32" axle to axle length as well.