BY BRIAN BERRY
There is something primitive about hunting with a bow. Even with all the modern updates with the compound bows, the experience is still very similar to how it was when bows were first invented. The change is the speed in which you can deliver the arrow, the ability of the arrow to penetrate and the extreme accuracy provided by modern bows. Anyone who hunts with a bow will lament about the satisfaction you get from hitting your target with a bow. I resisted getting a bow for years and about 6 to 7 years ago a buddy finally talked me into it—I’ve been hooked ever since.
If you already have a bow, or are thinking about getting one, there is a wide variety of high quality bows to be had. They come in all colors, weights and can fit just about any archer. The modern upgrades in cams, strings and materials make the archery experience all the better. This year there have been a host of new technologies introduced to make sure that your hunt is memorable. I am lucky enough to have a great archery store near me that provides full service when it comes to everything archery. The great staff at Godwin’s Archery in Raeford, North Carolina, were extremely helpful as I was putting this guide together.
1 BEAR KUMA
»OVERVIEW
The Bear Kuma is a hybrid cam bow that can send arrows at 345 feet per second. The bow provides a smooth draw and a high-level of forgiveness. Featuring the Bear Cage machining technique, the rigid 1-inch thick forged riser has been strategically “hollowed out” to lighten the load and prevent sideto- side flex, increasing accuracy. Some of the Kuma’s features are the sleeker, smaller, and lighter Sonic- Stops and dual string suppressors that eliminate both noise and vibration
»SPECS
MODEL: Bear Kuma
WEIGHT: 4.3 lbs.
DRAW WEIGHT: 55-70 lbs., 45-60 lbs.
SPEED: 345 fps
DRAW LENGTH: 25.5-30”
EFFECTIVE LET OFF: 75%
BRACE HEIGHT: 6”
AXEL TO AXEL: 33”
URL:
beararchery.com
MSRP: $899.99
2 HOYT REDWRX CARBON RX-1
»OVERVIEW
Many of the squared edges common to most compound bows are gone in the innovative design of the Hoyt RX-1. The tubular design is sleek and comfortable. The X-Grip may have you rethinking how you feel about bow grips. It allows consistent hand placement that is imperative for precision. The Limb Shox design ensures whisper-quiet, shock-free performance. For 2018, Hoyt lowered the grip position for more optimized tuning and arrow delivery.