From: Candyman
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Date: 23-Sep-14 |
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Thinking about getting a super Kodiak. Which would you be looking for, a 60's or 70's model or a new grayling green (used)? Or do you think that there is really no difference?
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From: reddogge
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Date: 23-Sep-14 |
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If you are looking for a '65 it will be a Kodiak which the Grayling Green is modeled after. 70s it will be a Super Kodiak. I hear good things on the new bows but they lack the cool nostalgic factor of the old ones. I like the '62, '63,'64 myself for shooting wise.
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From: Blackhawk
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Date: 23-Sep-14 |
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I'd have to say you probably cannot go wrong with either, but I just like the looks of the '67-'69 models.
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From: Acadien
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Date: 23-Sep-14 |
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I've shot both. The difference between them is vast. The Vintage were completely hand crafted. The new ones are not and in my opinion, Bear has done a valiant effort in preserving that integrity but the realities of today's labor costs are a REALITY. the Vintage shoot much better in my opinion. again I own one of each and nothing stands up to my Vintage SD. it shoots every bit as good as my $2000 BLACKTAIL.
MARTIN on the other hand bought DAMON Howatt back in the early 70s and kept Larry Hatfoeld on board. They WERE excellent Today, they are a shadow of the past. the only Similarity is they have kept the BRnd name. Otherwise no comparison. IN my humble opinion. Larry WOULD probably disagree. I also own a Vintage HOWATT. Super Diablo and a HUNTER and both were crafted by Mr Hatfield. Best bows I've ever shot including the Super Kodiak.
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From: biggame
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Date: 23-Sep-14 |
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The newer builds are better bows. I have had old bear bows and the new one's and the limbs now have a much smoother draw and seem to have more snap to them. They are set up for modern string material. The draw to me is the big thing though. They are just much smoother to draw.
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From: goldentrout_one
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Date: 23-Sep-14 |
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To answer your question directly, I'd be looking for a 70s version, simply because you can get a nice one for about $250-$350 (depending on condition), you get the Grayling mojo, better resale, and they're actually very nice bows (I have a 1969, 1970, and two 70s blue-stripes).
I can't comment too much on the new Gainsville super kodiaks since I've never shot one, but I've read that they build them on the exact same forms that they brought with them from Grayling, and the limb formulas are no doubt the same, so I would expect them to shoot the same more or less, but I'll defer to the opinion of those you have them both. The Gainsville 'Grayling Green' super kodiaks I've handled at Cabelas seem well made, but I'm not that into the bubinga-on-bubinga (similar to the 1966 or 65 Kodiak, as alluded to in a previous response).
However, if I was looking for a 64" bow, I might just go for the Gainsville version, as I suspect finding a 64" 70s bow might be difficult (but not impossible), it might be easier to just flip the coin at that point and order one from 3 Rivers and wait for it to be built.
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From: George D. Stout
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Date: 23-Sep-14 |
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I would say the hand work is about the same as it always has been. Back in Grayling they had about 40 bowyers working in the factory on daily basis. They don't have that many now for sure so I expect the hands-on is not a lot different. All bows are hand finished as far as tillering and final sanding.
I have shot all of them over the years, and I like the new ones just as well as the old. The only difference would be the late 60's Super Kodiaks that had micarta in the risers. Performance wise you will find the new ones very competitive, as can be seen in Blacky Swartz's tests.
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From: stagetek
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Date: 24-Sep-14 |
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George is right. You won't find a big difference. You can use fast flight strings on the newer ones. I personally will not use f.f. on the older ones. That's probably the biggest difference you'll notice.
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From: Little Delta
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Date: 24-Sep-14 |
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I have a 65 Kodiak and the new Grayling Green which is modeled after it. I'd give the edge of shooting quality to the new one using a fastflight string,and a clear win to the 65 in terms of workmanship and character. With both set up with a dacron string, shooting qualities are a push.
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From: IaHawkeye
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Date: 24-Sep-14 |
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I believe the Super was first produced in 1966 1/2 (not the 70's). Had one, wish I still had it! Matter of fact, I had a new one every year from 66 1/2 to 72' when I switched to a Wing P11 !
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From: George D. Stout
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Date: 24-Sep-14 |
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1967 1/2 catalog...all micarta riser. 68 and 69 were micarta riser with rosewood caps. 70 on were Bear Futurewood.
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From: HillbillyKing
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Date: 24-Sep-14 |
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All The S Ks pretty much the same Old and New I still prefer the 1970-71 myself Dont know why myself hahahaha !!!
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From: reddogge
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Date: 24-Sep-14 |
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The '66 was a Kodiak and it had brown glass.
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From: M60gunner
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Date: 24-Sep-14 |
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I bought my first SK in 1972. I still shoot it but a few years ago I acquired a 90's model FF capable. Not shiny, fat grip, but still shot as well as older bow. I remade the grip and cut the shelf lower on the newer bow. It has become my favorite even over my TD Bears. If you decide on an older bow I recommend you see it before you pay for it. i know guys that would leave their bows strung up and standing in the corner.
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From: GLF
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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First SK was 67 1/2 SK with an all micarta riser.
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From: camodave
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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HBK there are a lot of people out there who could learn a thing or two from that picture about solid form and coming to full draw before releasing, not just you but your buddy in the background as well...nice bows btw...looking forward to getting my first Takedown, a like-new Green Stripe, sometime in October...I am inclined to agree with the implication of a couple of posters...maybe the best of the Super Kodiak style bows are actually the 1965 and 1966 Kodiaks which are often found in great condition and reasonably priced
DDave
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From: IaHawkeye
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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Sorry, I was a year off.
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From: Candyman
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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I really like the look of the one that you are shooting HBK. I like that wood combination. I'll have to keep an eye on the classifieds. It does seem that the general opinion is that they shoot the same basically but a slight edge in speed going to the newer ones with a fast flyte string.
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From: lonfitz
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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Guys,don't know for certain,but I hear a 67 1/2 remake will be offered in 2015!
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From: Florida lime
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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I've read the same RUMOR - anything substantial out there to back up that claim ?
I've got an original 64" LH 67.5 SK, but a new one would be interesting. I'd actually rather see a 68 or 69 remake though.
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From: goldentrout_one
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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I would buy one, if the cost was reasonable (about $700 seems fair). A 64" version would be VERY desirable!
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From: goldentrout_one
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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Apparently, NOT A RUMOR!!!!
http://www.beararcheryproducts.com/bows/traditional/super-kodiak
Yay! Even at $800 I'll probably get one...
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From: goldentrout_one
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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Wow, looks like a 68 or 69 to boot... with a shiny finish!!!
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From: goldentrout_one
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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And, now the Kodiak 1959 re-issue appears to come with an option for a maple sight window - AND, the take-down appears to have lost the stupid compass. Wow...
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From: Ghostinthemachine
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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Wow, I'm blown away, theyre actually are making a new 68-69 Super Kodiak!
Looks nice!
Well done Bear.
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From: SB
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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So they are dropping the Grayling green but keeping that ugly two tone plywood model ...that dosn 't even have riser overlays ? That makes no sense! The grayling green was a nice representation of the 65 Kodiak .
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From: Florida lime
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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Is the Bear Archery page all messed up for everyone, or just me ? Makes it tough to navigate, but I managed.
I only see a 60" version for the Super Kodiak though, like they had for the '59 Kodiak model. The description says leather grip, which it DOESN'T have, so hopefully the bugs will get worked out of the updated site, but I do like the looks of the SK !
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From: George D. Stout
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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Steve, looks to me like the phenolic model will be the only Super Kodiak...not the one you speak of. Unless I'm missing something on that link.
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From: Florida lime
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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I found it much easier to go to the pdf version of the catalog - it shows part numbers for a 64" SK in the phenolic 69 style, but the features section is still from the old Kodiak page, showing a feather rest, 60" length (only), and a leather grip, which it obviously doesn't have.
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From: Ghostinthemachine
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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No, the plywood model is also listed on my iPad.
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From: Harleywriter
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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There is a 72 60-inch 55-p0under on the big auction for $2360 or so right now.
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From: Florida lime
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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The pdf catalog is at:
http://www.beararcheryproducts.com/sites/all/themes/bear2014/manuals/2015/2015_Bear%20Compound%20Catalog_WEB.pdf
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From: SB
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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I didn't 't use the link posted ...can't with this phone. I went directly to Bear Archery ...traditional bows . Two options listed for Super Kodiak...but no Grayling green. And they brought back the ugly green Futurewood Kodiak Magnum.... With NO stripe! One step forward...two steps back!
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From: Florida lime
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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I have to agree with you SB on the wisdom (lack of !) of keeping the 2 tone, and dropping the Grayling Green version.
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From: George D. Stout
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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Okay, I didn't go to the PDF file...just the interactive one listed. How many Super Kodiaks do you think they should keep? Back in the day you only had one per year. I'm pretty tickled that they brought back the phenolic/rosewood. Can't you just appreciate what they are trying to do for their customers?
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From: camodave
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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Have to agree George...seems like the new Bear Archery is listening to what people want
DDave
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From: Deadringer
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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You know, I've never really thought much about Bear offering a different version every year...but they did and that was pretty neat. I would love to have one, but my 68 superK is due back from Rich Lopez very soon.
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From: SB
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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I agree George.. One Super a year like it always was...but keep the Grayling green for what it really is.. a 60's Kodiak!
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From: Florida lime
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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SB - the Kodiak Magnum is in the Grayling Green, with a green maple riser.
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From: BITTNMITTEN
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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I agree with George's last post. It is awesome that they have been bringing back the popular models of yesteryear, and tuned em up a bit for performance. This newest addition will sell well, I predict. I am close myself. Sweet looking with that phenolic/rosewood combo. Just says October when I look at her
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From: Harleywriter
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Date: 25-Sep-14 |
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My post contained an obvious typo: price on SK is $230...or was.
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From: GLF
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Date: 26-Sep-14 |
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Lol , they're not trying to do anything for their customers cept get em to spend money. Its great that people can get these bows but lets not start trying to make out like Bears doing it outa the kindness of their hearts. Its about money. yeah I liked the grayling green Kodiak too , plus it came 64". But they know bringing out a new one will make em more money, and making it only 60" saves money.
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From: stykshooter
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Date: 26-Sep-14 |
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"Its great that people can get these bows but lets not start trying to make out like Bears doing it outa the kindness of their hearts. Its about money."
I imagine that making money is the driving force behind ALL bow manufacturers. I cant recall Howard Hill or Black Widow giving away any bows out of the kindness of their heart.
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From: Acadien
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Date: 26-Sep-14 |
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O own two Models The Bear Mag. 1972 Grayling My nephew has a 2013
The 2013 is not the same bow. A mere reflection of the Vintage as far as shooting. Pretty, but not the same bow
I also have a 1970. SK my buddy as 2012 Same results but more amplified. The Super Kodiak 1970 is equal in every respect but lipstick to my new BlackTail
Does were my findings. If it were me, I would wait and pay top dollar for a MINT CONDITIN 1970s model. I also have a Kodiak but not the shooter as compared to the SK Average condition you'll pay $250. Excellent mine cost me $350 MINT will go $400. These are ballparks. I chose mine because it was the model with the rosewood / Phenolic riser, giving the bow a bit more amass weight. Results outstanding. I own 8 Keepers. 7 are modern Trads all BIG NAMES The SK is the 8th and matches their performance with the exception of my. ACADIAN WOODS BOW. TREESTICK.
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From: Acadien
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Date: 26-Sep-14 |
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I should add that does bows fit my hand the best and for me shoot the best. Every ow has potential it depends on the individual and their shooting style.
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