The challenges of bowhunting can feel intimidating for a beginner. Luckily, many bows are designed with entry-level shooters in mind. Bear Archery offers a range of American-manufactured options that combine quality design with excellent prices.
We reviewed one of their highest-rated compound models, the Species RTH, to help you decide if this is the perfect bow for your needs.
Our Bear Archery Species RTH review examines a popular single-cam compound bow. While it’s priced and designed for beginners, its accuracy and comfort are comparable to higher-end models.
At its affordable price point, customers receive all the accessories they need to start shooting when it’s out of the box (except for arrows and release).
Key Points
Bear Archery Species RTH
A single-cam compound bow designed for beginners but has accuracy and comfort comparable to higher-end models1.
Ready-to-shoot package:
The bow comes with a bow stabilizer, a 4-pin sight, a peep sight, a nock loop, a Whisker biscuit quiver, and other accessories.
Adjustable and smooth
The bow has a smooth draw cycle and is highly adjustable in draw weight, draw length, and let-off. It also has SonicStops and limb dampeners to reduce vibration and noise.
Affordable and durable
The bow has a reasonable price point and a limited lifetime warranty. It is made of cutting-edge Endurafiber material that is both flexible and rigid.
Read on to learn the pros, cons, and overall review of this bow’s performance.
First Impression
When you open the box, you’ll find the accessories that Bear Archery sends with the Species. These include a bow stabilizer, 4-pin sight, peep sight, and nock loop. You’ll also receive a Whisker biscuit quiver for your arrows.
With these items, you should have close to everything you need to start testing your new bow.
Many experienced bowhunters could make further adjustments at home, but taking it to a bow shop is always an option, especially when unsure about your draw length.
The Species is super-customizable, and if you are not a complete beginner, you’ll easily make your way to the settings that suit your needs best.
up to 320 fps – brace height 6,75″ – ATA 31″ – draw length 23″ – 30″
This bow has an exceptional value for the price range, even though you still need to pick up a set of arrows.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight: the Species is only 4.3 lbs.
- Single-cam system: Shooting is fast, accurate, and stable.
- Compact Bow
- Highly adjustable: Adjust the draw weight and length to your preference.
- Limited Lifetime Warranty: Bear Archery covers limbs, risers, and cams for five years.
Cons:
- 45 lbs draw weight may be too much for smaller framed archers
Bear Archery Species Specifications
Published Specs
| Let-Off: 75 percent |
| Weight: 4.3 pounds |
| Brace Height: 6.75 inches |
| Axle-to-Axle Length: 31 inches |
| Speed: 320 fps |
| Draw Weights: 55-70 or 45-60 pounds |
| Draw Lengths: 23 to 30 inches |
| Finishes: TrueTimber Kanati, TrueTimber Strata |
| Suggested Retail: check price |
(Stats according to bearchery.com)
Design and Features
The Species RTH includes several nifty features. Bear Archery installs SonicStops on their bows to eliminate string vibration, essential for silence and stability.
They also have a limb dampener device to prevent shock from traveling through the bow.
The limbs are crafted from cutting-edge Endurafiber, both flexible and rigid. The material allows shooters to fine-tune the weight adjustment on their bow.
Even the shape of the limb is uniquely designed to provide optimal weight distribution (read.. Bear Divergent Hands-on Review).
The single-cam model of this bow is both a blessing and a curse. While a single-cam system could shoot faster and more accurately than multi-cam, it’s also heavier, which can be challenging for new bowhunters.
The Ready To Hunt Package includes:
- Trophy Ridge 4-pin sight
- Whisker Biscuit arrow rest
- Trophy Ridge 5-arrow quiver
- Peep sight
- Nock loop
However, you can hold onto this bow as your strength and skills advance. Even highly experienced hunters give a glowing Bear Archery Species RTH review (read.. Paradox Hands-On Test).
The sights are surprisingly good for a package. They are fiber-optic and illuminate nicely in natural sunlight. The light for low-light conditions is also doing its job beautifully.
The lightweight design of this model is another major plus. Weighing in at just 4 lbs will cause less fatigue, no matter the distance it’s carried.
For new bowhunters building strength, this is a perfect companion on an extended hunting trip or excessive training sessions.
Performance
It’s a single-cam bow. And the Species bow has a remarkably smooth draw cycle. Loyal customers enjoy the crisp feeling of pulling back an arrow then letting it off with no shock or vibration through the Endura Fiber material.
The shot is quiet and smooth, which is critical for hunting. Because of its SonicStops and limb dampener, even beginner bowhunters can expect to hit the mark consistently..
While this bow’s draw weight makes it excellent for big game hunting, bowhunters who are hoping to chase squirrels and rabbits could find it too high for their needs.
Although the single-cam system will initially present challenges, it’s the optimal design for taking down prey with speed and precision.
Summary
We’re satisfied with the findings of our Bear Archery Species RTH Review. Its American manufacturers have delivered a quality bow that can be compared to much more expensive models at a fraction of the price.
Excellent materials, cutting-edge technology, and unique features make for a smooth and comfortable shooting experience.
lightweight – comfortable – quality – performance
Beginners should expect to adjust the bow when it comes out of the box. The draw weight should be manageable for your arm while tough enough to let off an arrow with speed and precision.
A bow shop should fine-tune your new Species RTH, or you can consult Bear Archery’s comprehensive manual for advice on proper care and adjustment.
Whether you’re new to bowhunting or an advanced user looking for a lightweight, comfortable option, we hope our Bear Archery Species Review helps you decide to add this bow to your arsenal.
No doubt, a serious bowhunter would probably go higher end, but for a beginner or casual shooter, this bow is perfect!
