When Fred Bear launched Bear Archery in 1940, he could have hardly imagined what his company would become. As the years passed, Bear Archery soldiered on, first crafting traditional bows and later joining the quickly growing compound bow market.
Though Fred Bear passed away in 1988, his company, Bear Archery, continues today, offering a comprehensive line of innovative traditional and compound bows.
This level of innovation has spawned many noteworthy compound bows in recent years, perhaps the most highly regarded being the Cruzer G2.
⭐️ Verdict: Bear Cruzer G2
I tested the bow in real life. I went and sent some arrows downrange. The following is a comprehensive look at what I found true of the Bear Archery Cruzer G2 in features and functionality.
The Cruzer G2 shines when one realizes just how smooth its draw cycle is. There are few bows that I have ever shot that can rival how smooth the Cruzer G2’s draw cycle is.
Additionally, this bow’s vibration and noise-dampening technology are top-notch. Shooting the Cruzer is a whisper-quiet proposition, and hand shock is effectively zero.
Overall, the Bear Cruzer G2 is a highly versatile, easy-to-shoot bow that is ready for anything you can throw at it, right out of the box.
The Cruzer is remarkably lightweight. Weighing in at only 3.0 pounds, this bow can be packed for miles through the woods without any notable fatigue.
Perhaps the most glaringly obvious of these reasons is the bow’s level of adaptability and versatility regarding draw length and draw weight.
Pros
whisper quiet
no hand-shock
smooth draw cycle
highly adjustable
Cons
Let-off only 70%
lack of solid back-wall
315 FPS
Initial Thoughts – Bear Archery Cruzer
We carefully studied the Cruzer and spent some time with it on the range to adequately gauge its characteristics.
During this process, we recorded our findings, allowing us to present to you this Hands-On Review.
The Bear Cruzer has received much initial praise due to its range of adjustability and rugged construction.
Like many of the industry’s newest offerings, the Cruzer G2 takes a one-size-fits-all approach to bow fitment and selection.
However, this bow stands out within Bear’s lineup as being their most versatile selection.
Additionally, much of the buzz surrounding the Cruzer relates to its reputation as being built uncompromisingly.
Many consumers have noted that this bow’s construction is on par with most any bow found at the premium price point.
First Impression Cruzer G2
Cruzer G2
Upon first glance, I quickly noted that the Cruzer was quite pleasing to the eye.
The bow’s intricately woven riser cutouts offer a unique level of visual appeal, which creates a seamless look when combined with the unit’s split-limb layout.
The Cruzer G2 that I shot and all others on location showcased a level of fit and finish that was as good as any bow I have seen.
Another fact that became immediately obvious was just how lightweight the Cruzer is.
Although this bow is advertised at a weight of only 3.0 pounds.
It is difficult to wrap your head around how this translates into the overall feel of a bow until it is held in hand.
Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Specifications
Published Specs
| Let-Off: 70 percent |
| Brace Height: 6.5 inches |
| Weight: 3.0 pounds |
| Axle-to-Axle Length: 30 inches |
| Speed: 315 fps |
| Draw Weights: 5 to 70 pounds |
| Draw Lengths: 12 to 30 inches |
| Finishes: Realtree Edge, TrueTimber Kanati, Moonshine Muddy Girl, Toxic, Undertow, Wildfire |
| Suggested Retail: Check price |
Kinetic Energy
- 70 lbs. / 30″ / 350-grain arrows: 74.7 ft-lbs KE
- 70 lbs. / 30″ / 425-grain arrows: 90.7 ft-lbs KE
Technical Features Bear´s Cruzer G2
The Cruzer G2 is notable on a technical level for more reasons than one.
Perhaps the most glaringly obvious of these reasons is the bow’s level of adaptability and versatility regarding draw length and draw weight.
Bear Archery Cruzer G2 – Cam Closeup
Though several bows are now offered with wide draw weight and draw length ranges, few can boast of having a more significant range than the Bear Cruzer (read.. Bear Species Compound Bow Review).
With a level of draw length adjustability that ranges from 12”-30” and a draw weight that ranges from 5-70 pounds.
The Cruzer G2 is truly a bow for every archer.
Children are also allowed to use the same bow from their younger years onward into adulthood.
The beauty of this design is that no bow press or specialty equipment is needed to make any necessary adjustments to change the draw weight or draw length of the Cruzer G2.
On the contrary, a simple set of Allen wrenches is all that is needed to set your bow as specified, based upon your own personal needs.
As mentioned above, the Cruzer is remarkably lightweight. Weighing in at only 3.0 pounds, this bow can be packed for miles through the woods without any notable fatigue (read.. Bear Paradox Review).
Much of the bow’s weight-reductive properties can be directly attributed to its one-of-a-kind, all-aluminum riser.
This bow also employs some of the toughest limbs in the industry. These split limbs comprise EnduraFiber, offering stability, increased longevity, and substantial reflex action.
The heartiness of these limbs is just one reason that Bear offers a limited lifetime warranty with the purchase of the Cruzer G2.
Bear Cruzer Shootability
After outfitting the Cruzer G2 with a D-loop, it was ready to be put to the test.
When drawing the bow, I was immediately greeted with a notably smooth draw cycle.
In fact, the cams actuated so smoothly that it was virtually impossible to tell when I had broken over into the valley, short of the reduced holding weight that became apparent.
Upon reaching the full draw length, I noticed that the bow’s back wall was not firm, nor spongy. This left me feeling conflicted, as I am a huge advocate for a firm backwall and the benefits that this offers to one’s form.
However, this is purely a personal preference, and most archers would find no fault in this particular concern.
The Cruzer’s 70% let-off was, however, quite noticeable. In an age where 80%-85% let-off bows are the norm, the 70% let-off offered by the Cruzer left a little to be desired.
Again, this is purely a matter of personal preference, and many archers, especially those with no preconceived notion as to what modern let-off values feel like, will find no real issue in this regard.
Upon releasing an arrow, I was impressed with how quiet the Cruzer G2 is.
There was virtually no audible noise to be heard except for the arrow striking its intended target. Additionally, there was zero hand shock to be felt.
I was blown away by this fact, as I have fired some bows with a price point three times that of the Cruzer, which this did not prove true for.
PROS and CONS of Bears Cruzer´s G2
PROS:
- Whisper Quiet
- Smooth Draw Cycle
- Only 3lbs.
- Easy to adjust draw length and draw weight
- No bow press needed
- Comes With 5-Arrow Quiver, Stabilizer, Peep Sight, Arrow Rest, and a D-Loop
CONS:
- Somewhat Lacking 70% Let-Off Factor
- Lack of a rock-solid back wall
How Does The Bear Cruzer G2 Compare to the Bear Divergent EKO?
We reviewed several bows made by Bear Archery. Just recently, I had the chance to shoot the Bear Divergent EKO.
In comparison to the Divergent EKO the Cruzer G2 has some points where it loses but is winning in others:
- The Cruzer G2 offers a let-off of 70%, whereas the Bear Divergent offers up to 90% let-off.
- The Cruzer G2 is slower than the Divergent EKO. Not by far, but noticeably>15 fps less.
- The Divergent EKO weighs in at 4.1lbs. The Cruzer G2 is way lighter, with just 3 lbs.
- Draw Length 26”-30” for the Divergent but 12″-30″ for the Cruzer.
- ATA Length: for both bows, it’s 30″
- The Cruzers draw weight is adjustable from 5 to 70lbs, and the Divergent “only” from 45 to 70lbs.
Accessories included with the G2
Accessory Package: Cruzer Pin Sight
One of my favorite characteristics of the compound bow was the accessory package that it comes outfitted with.
Most bow packages feature accessories that are beginner grade at best and often get replaced in short order.
However, this is simply not the case with this bow, as it comes complete with a full range of Trophy Ridge accessories.
This compound bow package includes a four-pin sight, Whisker Biscuit arrow rest, 5-arrow quiver, stabilizer, peep sight, and a D-loop.
These accessories all fall into what many would refer to as an intermediate-range product category.
This in itself adds tremendous value to the Cruzer G2, as future replacement of these accessories would be solely out of personal preference, as opposed to necessity.
This fact can potentially save an archer an untold amount of money in the long run when the purchase price of additional accessories is factored in.
My Overall Evaluation of the Bear Cruzer
Overall Score
96% 🤩
Design & Construction
98% 🤩
Performance
93% 🙂
Let-Off
70% 😑
Adjustability
95% 🙂
Noise
95% 🙂
BEAR CRUZER G2
The Cruzer G2 shines when one realizes just how smooth its draw cycle is. There are few bows that I have ever shot that can rival how smooth the Cruzer G2’s draw cycle is.
Additionally, this bow’s vibration and noise-dampening technology are top-notch. Shooting the Cruzer is a whisper-quiet proposition, and hand shock is effectively zero.
Overall, the Bear Cruzer G2 is a highly versatile, easy-to-shoot bow that is ready for anything you can throw at it, right out of the box.
Pros
whisper quiet
no hand-shock
smooth draw-cycle
Cons
Lack of solid Backwall
Let-Off only 70%
not the fastest
Special thanks to the staff at Cabela’s of Bowling Green, Kentucky, for allowing us the use of their bows, and range, for test and review purposes. Cabela’s was acquired by Bass Pro Shop in 2016 and now operates as a branch of the company, with retail locations nationwide.
