Which of these two great recurves do you prefer and why? I know "try before you buy" but I would just like some opinions. You can also throw in a Bear Kodiak into the mix. I'm not sure what year it was but I had one that was all bubinga with an accent stripe. It looked very similar to the super Kodiak. I'm not sure of the year though, maybe 1966. I should not have sold that one.

I love Bears. I have owned/own dozens of them, and have owned 3 super Kodiaks. However, I would go with a Hunter. In my humble opinion they are faster, quieter, and a joy to shoot at 62"

Yep, I anticipate being a minority on this thread. I have just never been able to get used to the Super Kodiaks.

I had 2 SK's, and I didn't like the grip. The Martin Hunter shot faster, but had scads of high early draw weight. Your experience may vary.

Hunter, going tonight to the indoor with mine.

I like my 64" sk

I've owned three DH Hunters (still have one) and currently own three super kodiaks. I prefer the super kodiak simply because I like the smaller, more narrow grip, and higher mass weight, it suits me better. The Hunter is a good bow though, I don't think one is better than the other, just a matter of personal preference and what works better with your shooting style.

Last few years I've really gravitated to recurves that are 64" to 66", the longer length just seems to work better with my longer draw. Today, I'd like to revisit a DH Hunter and re-evaluate, I might change my opinion. Now, I find the 60" super k loads up toward the end of my draw cycle, I never noticed it before until I started shooting my 64" Wes Wallace. But the only DH Hunter I have left is 58", just too short for my 30" draw, but I keep it for sentimental reasons (owned it since 1980).

Hmmm. That's a really tough one. I have one of each and can't say I prefer one over the other, or shoot one any better.

Well, I guess that's absolutely no help at all. Maybe change the thread title to "Martin Hunter AND Bear Super Kodiak!"

No contest...owned a 50# 1969 Super Kodiak...smooth and predictable...but no speed demon. They're very nice to look at and the looks are part of the mystique. Shot my first deer with it.

Have owned a number of Howatt Hunters from 1959 to 1992...presently have four.

They are much faster and more efficient than a Super K and also very steady.

Sold the Super K eventually.

The Hunter as long as I can find an older one in good shape. No contest for me.

I define myself as a "serial collector" in that I simply can't keep a "thing" unless it gets used. Probably had 1/2 dozen Super-Ks, mostly Beauties, none made it to the "keeper" rack.

Maybe 4 Hunters, all gone as well, same with the Hi-Speeds, Grizzlys etc. etc.

After going through perhaps 200 bows, either owned or hands on rehabilitating them for others, only one Howatt stuck (Super Diablo). No Bears.

In my earlier quest for speed, I leaned toward the Howatts, and both my Super- D and a Hunter are on the cover of my third book on vintage bows.

But then, with more and more experience, speed became a non-issue and my go-to 3D bow is now a 1960 Kodiak Special-Deluxe 64".

That result surprised me. Bear advertised the Super-K as "unlimited" draw length. Hunters (depending a bit on vintage) begin to tighten up past 28-29".

To some this is a plus for the Bear and a minus for the Hunter. Not me. I WANT a bow that gives me some tactile feedback as I reach full draw. Big plus for the Howatt. This is probably the only significant performance difference affecting a choice. (Archer preferences as to cosmetics, and "feel" are separate from arrow speed.)

That meant that in the end, I found no Bears until this K-Special that rose to the top of the pile. So....if you have a longer draw and want it to be more stack free, then the Super K. If you find that draw profile to be "mushy" as I do and want some full draw feedback and maybe a very few added fps, then the Hunter.

R.

I have had both of these bows in about the same weight. The Hunter was definitely faster. But I was more accurate with the SK. I could pick up the Bear and group consistently without much thought. I have a 29 1/2" draw and feel the 62" Hunter and the 60" SK were definitely stacking at full draw. The 64" SK is smooth all the way to anchor. Both are great bows.

They have quite different feels when you hold and shoot them. The draw dynamics are different, as is the pivot area and riser/limb lengths...and overall bow length. Both are top of the line bows, and make no mistake about that. As for performance, that should easily go to the Hunter due to design. For overall performance, including that mysterious shootability and comfort, I'll take a Super Kodiak. Bottom line is I would likely have several of each in my collection since they are uniquely different, and both quite accurate in the right hands.

Both are mighty fine bows!!!! It boils down to personal preference!!!!!!!!

I have the Hunter.I'm probably the only guy here that's never shot a Bear.I held/drew one once in a store but never shot one.

Personal preference is why I shoot Bears, the hunter is IMO faster but everyone I've shot leaves my shaking, that is the limbs vibrate after the shot and I don't like that. I just like the thump and you're done.

Martin hunter.

I own both, 62"DH 64"SK I found the SK more forgiving although a little slower. My preference is with Bear.

WOW, 2 popular bows have people that like one better than the other...... hmmmm, seems that personal preference might play a large role in which bow is "better" and the OP should try both. That is the real and logical answer, but the "true" answer is: Hunter rules and Kodiak drools:-)

Good luck in finding the bow YOU like.

Later '

Thanks for all the opinions and comments, that is exactly what I was looking for. I have actually owned both at one time or another but not both at the same time so that I could make a comparison. Denton Hill is coming up soon so I should be able to find two to try out and I will probably go home with one of them.

I've owned a few of both. Both really nice bows .I still have the Hunters. I like the grip better on the Hunters,one of the hunters is by far the fastest bow I've ever shot. Not that thats a big deal ,but just putting it out there. I'm talking about the older Hunters,by the way.

Of course i will say The Super Kodiak as best All around one piece bow !!!

Yes that would have been a 1966 Kodiak you sold...I just bought a nice one for 225 bucks...there are good deals on Kodiaks right now

DDave

Martain Hunter

If you have already registered, please

sign in now

For new registrations

Click Here