Bear Charge Compound Bow

At a $299.99 bow-only launch MSRP, the Bear Charge delivered about as much hunting bow as $300 could buy in 2010 and 2011 - a light, forgiving 30-inch single-cam hunter with a smooth draw, an 80-percent let-off, and the genuinely useful ability to adjust its own draw length from 26 to 30 inches in the field without a press. Its published speed of up to 305 fps IBO lands in the more realistic 260s at a typical setup, which is plenty for close-to-mid-range whitetail work where its 7.75-inch brace keeps shots forgiving. What I keep coming back to is how little it asks of a new shooter: set the draw with a hex key, add ten dollars of dampeners to quiet the shot, and you have a bow that flatters a beginner instead of punishing one. It is an excellent first or backup bow for the budget-minded hunter learning the craft, particularly strong for treestand and blind work inside 40 yards. Buyers who need the draw range to start smaller for a young shooter should also look at the Diamond Razor Edge, while those chasing a bit more speed with a full 70-pound top can weigh the PSE Stinger... read full review