BEAR ARCHERY

Bear bows have made my “A” list for several years running now. The Agenda series bows were – and still are – hot bows. This year’s flagship Arena 30 might be even better. The Arena 30 is built around much of the technology that has made Bear a major player, including the signature Max Pre-Load Quad Limbs, lightweight riser, trademark grip and Zero-Tolerance Limb Pockets, as well as the newer torque-reducing Hinge Guard cable guard and noise-reducing rubber inserts in the riser. For the Arena 30 (and its longer axle-to-axle sister, the Arena 34) Bear designers developed the all-new H15 Hybrid Cams that make for a smooth draw and offer a blazing speed of 345 fps.  Bearing a mass weight of 3.8 pounds, it’s a light bow that will be perfect for treestands, ground blinds and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Brace height is a reasonable 6.5 inches with a 75-percent letoff and a true axle-to-axle length of 30.5 inches. Peak draw weights are 50, 60, and 70 pounds, with draw lengths ranging from 25.5 to 30 inches. Available in finishes of Realtree Xtra Green, Shadow, Olive, Sand, and AP Snow, the Arena 30 sells for $900.

The Arena 34 mirrors the Arena 30 in terms of new-for-2015 technology, and its brace height, letoff, price and peak draw weighs also match up. The major difference is the added 4 inches to the axle-to-axle length, which should catch the eye of target shooters as well as those who put their accuracy trust in longer axle-to-axle models. This bow holds like a rock, and the added 4 inches ensure added forgiveness and a sense of balance that is sure to be appreciated. The 34 is a bit heavier, tipping the scales at 4 pounds, but the added weight difference is barely noticeable, and the only chance you have of detecting its 5-fps-slower speed rating (340) is with a chronograph. Both the Arena 30 and the 34 come with optional cable stops or even more rock-solid limb stops for those shooters who prefer a concrete back wall. Bear has no doubt hit the mark again in 2015 with its Arena series.

For more information, visit www.beararchery.com or call (800) 694-9494.