- Draw Weight range of 20-50lb
- Draw Length range of 15in-27in
- Let-Off at 70%
- Weighs 2.9lbs
- Brace Height of 6in
- Axle-to-Axle is 27.5in
Additionally it comes with some extras:
- Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit
- Trophy Ridge 3-pin Fiber Optic Sight
- Bear 4 arrow quiver
The bow itself it relatively light weight when compared to other hunting compound bows. However, it needs to be noted that this bow was made to serve the capacity of new hunters/archers, young hunters/archers and female hunters/archers. This helps to explain the wide range of draw-weight while at the same time being able to achieve the 40lb that is generally needed to hunt in most US states and Canadian provinces. Additionally, the range of draw length is well suited for the range of people that are smaller in stature. Overall, it is a very well fitted bow for anyone that is 5'5" or shorter and may not have the ability or wish to pull the higher weight of other bows.
The price of the bow is very well priced and is quite competitive in pricing against similar hunting bows. I purchased the bow for roughly $300USD including tax. So after the inclusion of purchasing 6 carbon arrows and its associated field point and broad-heads, the price come to being about $400.
The Apprentice shots very well. The accuracy of the bow is comparable to that of higher end bows. Especially once the sight and peep-hole has been properly calibrated. Although, the arrows do fly slower due to the lower draw weight. There is very little vibration after each shot, so I have not found the need to purchase a stabilizer. The noise on the bow is very low which was surprising. Often times when I shot, all I hear is the impact of the arrow upon the target and nothing from the bow or string itself. The bow does come with a D-loop for a release however I have been shooting with my fingers instead and I have still been able to achieve consistent clustering of shots. This in itself speaks of the forgiveness of the bow since I'm certain my form is not perfect. The draw is a very smooth draw most likely due to the duo-cam system. There is not too much resistance in the draw thus allowing for fluid and quiet drawing in a swift motion. This coupled with the 70% let-off helps to builds up the confidence of the shooter and allow for more time to aim and correct their form. Hence helping with better shots overall.
The cosmetic of the bow is on par and comparable with other bows. The one that I purchased was APG-HD Camo pattern. It can also be found in a pink camo option.
The construction of the bow is pretty solid. This is despite the low weight of the bow itself. The adjustment of the draw length is as simple moving a screw on each of the cams appropriately. The increasing and decreasing of draw weight is easily done my tightening or loosening a bolt connecting the limbs to the riser. All these adjustments can be easier done at home without additional equipment like a bow-press, apart from the appropriate hex screw drivers.
A side note, the arrows that I purchased to shoot with this bow are Carbon Express Thunderstorm with a spine of .449" and a weight of 8.3 grains/inch. This is coupled with 100 grain points. The arrows are custom cut to 26". This gives me roughly 350 grain per arrow. It is a bit on the heavier side however since I will be hunting with this bow a heavier arrow weight is warranted even for practicing. Anyhow, I have found that this model of carbon arrow and head combination works pretty well together with the bow.
Overall, the Bear Apprentice is a very good bow. Especially for someone that is new to the sport or someone wanting a cheaper investment price without forfeiting some of the necessary tools or higher quality of a higher end hunting bow from a brand new. I would highly recommend everyone to take a look at the Bear Apprentice. It is a good entrance bow or a bow that will allow for growth while still allowing for hunting.