Bear Alaskan Pro Compound Bow

The Bear Alaskan Pro is the most refined bow in the Alaskan line and, at a $659.99 launch price, a lot of premium feel for the money. Its EKO2 cam brings a genuine 80-or-85-percent let-off choice to a value bow, its Bear Paw rubber grip is pulled from Bear's flagship hunters, and its 33-inch reflex riser keeps it stable and steady on aim. It pushes the family's speed to a 339 fps IBO rating and delivers real hunting numbers - 312 fps with a 400-grain arrow - inside a shot that reads about 94 decibels with almost no hand shock. What stayed with me is the let-off choice: being able to flip to 85 percent for a long treestand sit or 80 percent for a firmer hold is a flagship trick at a value price. The draw stacks a little into the back rather than rolling like a top-end bow, but the forgiving valley and rock-solid wall more than make up for it. It is an excellent bow for the hunter who wants Bear's better cam and grip without flagship money, particularly strong as a quiet, adjustable treestand rig. Buyers who want the lowest entry price should also look at the PSE Stinger MAX, and those wanting the widest budget adjustability at the Bowtech Convergence... read full review