2013 Bear Encounter 60# Model Tech at Academy told me you could actually let off on this bow more than 10 pounds and it get to about 45#'s draw weight. Bear customer service says 10 pounds max. Bear says 3 turns down from maximum...have read a post where a guy says he has gone 5 turns down with no issues. Bought this for my son and a little bit concerned hoping it will actually get under 50#'s a lil. Christmas present so cant really bring him in and let him draw it as I want it to be a surprise. I have an old 15yo Hoyt Raptor at the house ive let down to 55#'s max i can go...and he can do everything BUT just get it broke over. The difference in drawing the old Hoyt back at 60 for me was night and day compared to drawing back the new Bear at 60. I would have guessed the Bear was at 40 pounds but it was at 60. Anyone have experience with ease of drawing back older bows vs newer ones....or specifically letting off on a Encounter less than 50#'s????
Run it out the maximum recommended amount from Bear and let your son give it a shot. If the difference between the old Hoyt and new Bear was night and day, and the only thing he can'd do is break it over, he might be able to get it at 50#.
I ended up bringing the 60# Encounter back and trading it for the Outbreak for him. I really wanted to start him at about 40# and let him learn properly without any weight issues. I 'm guessing he can draw back the 50#'s but man I was just scared Christmas morning he opens it up and struggled with it....so went with the Outbreak. Ended up with Diamond Infinite Edge for my 10yo, Bear Outbreak for the 16yo and Encounter for my 18yo. Gonna be some arrows slinging Christmas day... I'm willing to bet 1000 bucks i'll be back the day after Christmas having to buy my daughter one after she see's them. LOL Wish me luck...
Merry Christmas. It is great having the family together and archery is a great way to do that. I think you made the right decision to go with a lighter draw weight. Proper form is so important, and 40# is plenty for white tails if that is what you want to do with it.
