Updated At
Price: $419.99 – $459.99
Customer Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Manufacturer: Bear Archery
Bear Montana Longbow Review – At A Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Length | Draw Weight | Material |
| 64 inches | 30 – 60 pounds | Black Maple, White Maple |
Hand Orientation | Finish | Arrow Rest |
| Right and Left-hand options | Handcrafted with fiberglass | Leather shoot-off-the-shelf |
Weight | Best For | Warranty |
| Lightweight | Traditional archery enthusiasts | 1-Year Limited |
Pros
Cons
| ||
Bear Montana Longbow Review: Smooth, Powerful, and Reliable
Archery has a long history, and for those who appreciate the traditional craft, choosing the right bow can make all the difference in your experience. The Bear Montana Longbow brings you the elegance of traditional design with modern durability, combining heritage and practicality for both beginners and seasoned archers alike.
With a sleek wooden body, quiet draw, and minimal hand shock, the Bear Montana Longbow is perfect for anyone seeking a reliable and aesthetically pleasing archery tool. In this review, let’s dive into what makes this bow a standout option for traditional archery lovers.
Product Details – Bear Montana Longbow
- Length: 64 inches
- Draw Weights: 30-60 pounds
- Material: Black Maple and White Maple limbs
- Hand Orientation: Right-hand and left-hand options
- Finish: Handcrafted black and white fiberglass overlays
- Arrow Rest: Leather “shoot off the shelf” for clean flight
✅ Best For: Traditional archery enthusiasts who want a reliable, durable bow with a smooth draw and classic aesthetic.
Bear Montana Longbow – Pros & Cons
Pros of Bear Montana Longbow
- ✅ Minimal hand shock for a smoother shooting experience.
- ✅ Durable black maple and fiberglass construction.
- ✅ Handcrafted for precision and traditional feel.
- ✅ Available in various draw weights to suit different archers.
- ✅ Lightweight and easy to handle for long shooting sessions.
Cons of Bear Montana Longbow
- ❗ The handle grip is not ergonomically contoured for everyone.
- ❗ Factory strings may need an upgrade for better performance.
The Bear Montana Longbow has received mostly positive reviews for its smooth shooting experience and traditional craftsmanship. Users appreciate its minimal hand shock and the elegant design that harkens back to traditional archery.
In-Depth Review of the Bear Montana Longbow
Traditional Design and Aesthetics
The Bear Montana Longbow is not just a tool for archery but a piece of craftsmanship. Its reflex-deflex design reduces hand shock, making it more comfortable to shoot for extended periods. The bow’s black maple riser and handcrafted tips layered with black and white fiberglass enhance its aesthetic appeal while improving its durability. These features make the bow both functional and visually striking, appealing to archers who love the traditional longbow style.
The clear white maple limbs, backed with high-strength black fiberglass, give the Bear Montana a sleek and refined look. It also adds to the bow’s overall toughness, ensuring that it can withstand regular use in both practice and hunting scenarios.
Smooth and Forgiving Shooting Experience
Archers who prioritize smooth shooting will find the Bear Montana to be an excellent companion. The bow’s narrow limbs are forgiving, meaning they won’t twist or torque even if your form or release isn’t perfect. This makes it an ideal bow for beginners still mastering their shooting technique. Additionally, experienced archers will appreciate the longbow’s reliable and consistent performance, even during longer shooting sessions.
At 64 inches in length, this longbow provides a full, smooth draw with no stacking, making it easier to maintain accuracy and consistency shot after shot.
Build Quality and Durability
Bear Archery has a long history of producing high-quality traditional bows, and the Montana Longbow is no exception. It is constructed from black hard-rock maple for the riser, and the limbs are made of white maple, faced with durable black fiberglass. These materials ensure that the bow remains lightweight but sturdy enough to withstand years of use.
The layered tips are designed to be compatible with modern fast-flight strings, which can enhance performance. However, some users have reported that the included string isn’t the best and may need to be replaced for optimal results.
Leather Arrow Rest for Enhanced Flight
A standout feature of the Bear Montana Longbow is its leather “shoot off the shelf” arrow rest, which allows for a cleaner arrow flight. This traditional style of shooting without a mechanical rest means that arrows fly directly off the bow shelf, providing a more authentic shooting experience. It’s a feature that many traditional archers appreciate for its simplicity and effectiveness.
Draw Weight Range
The Bear Montana Longbow comes in a wide range of draw weights, from 30 to 60 pounds. This versatility allows archers of different strength levels to find a suitable option. Whether you’re just starting and need a lighter draw weight or an experienced archer looking for something heavier, the Montana can accommodate you.
However, for those who prefer even higher poundage bows for hunting, the 60-pound maximum might feel limiting.
Comfort and Handling
Although the Bear Montana Longbow is designed to minimize hand shock, some users find that the handle grip could use some improvement. The wrap is a thin foam material that might not feel as secure or comfortable for some archers, particularly during extended shooting sessions. That said, it’s easy enough to modify the grip by adding a leather wrap or other customizations to fit your personal preferences.
Who Will Love the Bear Montana Longbow?
✅ Archers who appreciate traditional longbow aesthetics and craftsmanship.
✅ Beginners seeking a forgiving bow with a smooth shooting experience.
✅ Hunters needing a reliable bow with minimal hand shock for a full day in the field.
✅ Experienced archers looking for a lightweight, durable bow with various draw weights.
✅ Recreational archers who value style and functionality in their equipment.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
✅ If you’re someone who prefers a more ergonomically contoured handle grip, you may want to explore other longbow options.
Customer Experiences with the Bear Montana Longbow
We’ve thoroughly researched honest customer experiences with the Bear Montana Longbow, and here’s what they had to say:
- ✅ Beautiful craftsmanship: Users consistently praise the longbow’s sleek, elegant design, noting that it often turns heads at the range.
- ✅ Smooth shooting: Many users highlight how smooth and forgiving the bow is, even for beginners still perfecting their shooting form.
- ✅ Lightweight: The bow’s light weight is frequently mentioned as a positive, making it easy to handle during extended practice or hunting sessions.
- 🚫 Handle grip concerns: Some users report dissatisfaction with the thin foam handle wrap, stating that it doesn’t feel very durable or comfortable for long shooting periods.
- ✅ Quiet draw: The bow’s quietness during draw and release is often mentioned, making it a great option for hunters who need to remain stealthy in the field.
- 🚫 String upgrade needed: A few archers have noted that the factory strings aren’t of the highest quality and suggest upgrading to a higher-performing string.
Value Analysis of the Bear Montana Longbow
The Bear Montana Longbow stands out as a high-value purchase for archers who want a reliable and stylish traditional bow.
Key Strengths: Build Quality, Forgiving Shooting
- Durability: The use of black maple and high-strength fiberglass ensures that this longbow is built to last, making it a smart investment for long-term use.
- Shooting Performance: The smooth draw and minimal hand shock make it a pleasure to shoot, whether you’re practicing at the range or hunting in the field.
- Aesthetics: The handcrafted black and white fiberglass overlays give the Bear Montana a distinct and beautiful appearance, which is often praised by those who use it.
Considerations: Handle Comfort, String Quality
- Handle Grip: While the bow is comfortable to shoot, the handle grip might not be ideal for everyone. Some users find the thin foam wrap insufficient and prefer to modify it with a leather grip.
- String Quality: The included string is functional but may not offer the best performance. A quick string upgrade could significantly enhance your shooting experience.
The Bear Montana Longbow is a good choice for archers who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and smooth performance. Its durability and forgiving nature make it an excellent long-term investment for both new and experienced archers.
Final Thoughts: Is the Bear Montana Longbow Worth It?
The Bear Montana Longbow is a timeless choice, offering smooth shooting, minimal hand shock, and exceptional craftsmanship. However, the handle grip and factory strings may need customization for some users.
FAQs – Bear Montana Longbow Review
What makes the Bear Montana Longbow stand out?
The Bear Montana Longbow stands out due to its combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern durability. It features a black maple riser and white maple limbs faced with black fiberglass for added strength. The handcrafted tips and leather “shoot off the shelf” arrow rest offer an authentic shooting experience that is both forgiving and precise. With a smooth draw and minimal hand shock, it’s a great choice for archers of all skill levels.
Is the Bear Montana Longbow suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Bear Montana Longbow is an excellent option for beginners. Its reflex-deflex design reduces hand shock, making it easier to handle for those who are still developing their form and technique. The bow is also forgiving, meaning that even if your release or form isn’t perfect, it will still shoot accurately, giving beginners a more positive experience while learning.
How does the Bear Montana Longbow handle hand shock?
The reflex-deflex design of the Bear Montana Longbow significantly reduces hand shock compared to other longbows. This feature makes it more comfortable to shoot over long periods, as the vibration felt in your hand after each shot is minimized. Many users find this bow to be one of the smoothest traditional longbows available, making it a pleasure to shoot.
What draw weights are available for the Bear Montana Longbow?
The Bear Montana Longbow is available in a range of draw weights, from 30 pounds to 60 pounds. This allows archers of different strength levels and shooting preferences to find a suitable option. Whether you need a lighter draw weight for target practice or a heavier one for hunting, the Bear Montana has an option that will fit your needs.
Can the Bear Montana Longbow be used for hunting?
Yes, the Bear Montana Longbow can be used for hunting, especially with the higher draw weights available (up to 60 pounds). Its smooth draw and minimal hand shock make it suitable for long hunting sessions, and its quiet shooting ensures that it won’t spook game in the field. Archers have successfully used this bow for hunting a variety of game, including deer.
Does the Bear Montana Longbow require special maintenance?
The Bear Montana Longbow is relatively low maintenance, but like all traditional bows, it does require some care. Regularly waxing the string and checking for wear on the arrow rest and handle wrap will help keep the bow in good condition. Some users also recommend upgrading the string for improved performance, especially if you plan to use the bow frequently.
Is the handle grip comfortable on the Bear Montana Longbow?
The handle grip on the Bear Montana Longbow has received mixed reviews. While it is functional, some users find the thin foam wrap to be less comfortable for extended shooting sessions. Many archers choose to modify the handle with a leather wrap or other materials for added comfort and a more secure grip.
How long is the Bear Montana Longbow?
The Bear Montana Longbow is 64 inches in length, which is a standard size for longbows. This length provides a full, smooth draw and contributes to the bow’s forgiving nature, making it easier to shoot accurately. The long length also helps with balance and stability during shooting.
Can the Bear Montana Longbow use modern strings?
Yes, the Bear Montana Longbow is compatible with modern fast-flight strings, thanks to its reinforced tips. Upgrading to a higher-performance string can improve the bow’s speed and overall performance. However, the factory string included with the bow is functional and sufficient for most archers.
Is the Bear Montana Longbow good for target shooting?
The Bear Montana Longbow is well-suited for target shooting. Its smooth draw and minimal hand shock make it comfortable to shoot for long practice sessions. The bow’s forgiving design also helps improve accuracy, even if your form isn’t perfect, making it an excellent choice for both casual and competitive target archery.
Bear Montana Longbow Review – Conclusion
The Bear Montana Longbow is a high-quality traditional bow with excellent craftsmanship and smooth shooting performance. While the handle wrap and string could be improved, the bow’s durability, aesthetics, and overall experience make it a fantastic investment for archers of all skill levels.