See the Code at: Fred Bear Outdoors
Growing in up in a
hunting family gave me a head start over many of my friends.Bowhunting was not very popular when my older
brother and cousins introduced me to a slightly used Bear Recurve.Like the gentleman whose name was printed on
that bow I developed a passion that first year, even though my initial arrow
sailed harmlessly over a mature doe’s back.That bow became part of me for the next two seasons before I finally
saved enough money to buy my own bow, a new Bear Whitetail.
Many seasons have passed since that first
arrow, and my passion for the sport has never wavered.However those memories were relived as I
opened a box containing a newly released Fred Bear bow for the 2006
season.
Initial Thoughts
The Code is one of three new bows for 2006.It is a medium axle-to-axle bow by today’s
standards carrying a length of just over 34 inches.The perimeter weighted single cam bow takes
on a new look for Fred Bear with a more sweptback and parallel limb
design.The appearance is also enhanced
by a flawless camo dipped surface in Realtree Hardwoods HD.
The beauty of the bow is enhanced further as the limb
pockets, cam and idler wheel of the eccentrics take on a rich green hue.Topping it off two Fred Bear nameplates can
found just below and to the sides of the grip.Overall this bow accentuates the new look of Bear with a premium bow for
a reasonable price.
Riser
The Riser as stated earlier is camoed in Realtree
Hardwoods HD through a film dipping process.This procedure requires a piece of film with the camo pattern printed on
it to be placed on the water surface of a tank.The film base dissolves on the surface and adheres to the riser as it is
dipped and lowered into the tank until completely coated. The riser is then
removed from the tank, rinsed and dried.When completely dry a hardened protective coat is added.
The approximate 4.5” reflex design carries a 7.38”
brace height and is capable of sending a 350 grain arrow 310 fps.The close to 7-inch sight window should allow
the archer to attach any of their preferred sites.The Code’s wide shelf will handle a wide
variety of rests.The upward angle on
the outside edge aids in keeping the arrow on the shelf with today’s
ever-popular drop away rests.
The CNC machined 6061-T6
aluminum riser is sculpted with 11 triangular cutouts that lends to an
impressive overall look while keeping the weight just over 4 pounds.AMO customary fittings are standard for the
rest, sight as well as stabilizer.On
both ends are additional fittings for attaching a bolt on quiver.
The two-piece wood grip is separated by a piece of
leather, which aids in handling as well as comfort.A single threaded screw through the middle
attaches it.Above the grip and located
midway through the sight window is a straight carbon rod.A Teflon slide aids in a smooth draw and
eliminates hang-ups during the draw cycle.
The string and cable are manufactured from Tech
Twist Green And Brown BCY 8125 material.Bear incorporates Sims String Leeches within the string to aid in
vibration dampening.
Limbs/Limb Pockets
The Code is of a split limb design, meaning rather
then two individual limbs, the set is comprised of “Compression Molded
Quad Limbs”.These camoed beauties
feature Sims Vibration Dampeners and are secured in place via a combination
machined 6061-T6 limb pockets and polycarbonate spacers.The spacer surrounds the limbs within the
Limb Pocket to insure tight tolerances as well as dampen vibration.Cranking the Limb Pockets all the way down
and backing off a quarter turn set the poundage right at 70.The quad limbs are manufactured in house with
Bear’s unique compression molded process.This process utilizes carbon fibers and which are strictly used to
further enhance strength and durability.
Eccentrics
The Code comes with Fred Bear’s new perimeter
weighted cam design for 2006. This new
design is forged from Bear’s innovative single cam patent. The 70-pound model I received is capable of
draw lengths of 28-30 inches.This is
accomplished through individual modules that incorporate a draw stop to
reassure a solid back wall during the draw.Every Bear Code is shipped with three modules that are easily changed
out by two set screws.The Perimeter
Weighted Cam is elliptical shaped and makes
for a smooth 75% transitional letoff.Opposite the cam is a large 4” diameter idler wheel.The internal ball bearing design guarantees a
smooth consistent draw.The idler wheel
is accented by an eye appealing six-spoke design adding to the overall beauty
of the bow.
Testing
The Bear Code I received was marked on the
package as a 70 pound, 29” model and that is exactly what it measured.Now I don’t claim to be the most accurate
archer on the planet but this bow in the hands of a competent archer will not
disappoint.My comfortable range on
Midwestern Whitetail falls in the 40-45 yard range and this bow is no
exception.I would also feel comfortable
with this bow as that range increases 10 yards on Elk.
Chronoing the Code was done with the bow set
at 70 pounds, 29” draw with 28.25”ACC
360’ weighing in at approximately 410 grains.The average for the shot cycle came in at 265 fps.The bow was set up with a TM style Golden Key
rest and on the string was the two factory supplied Sims Leeches as well as a
string loop that I added.
The draw cycle came to poundage quickly and
stayed through most of the cycle.The
75% letoff came on close to the back wall, which by the way was very
solid.The draw cycle was very smooth,
thanks to the perimeter weighted single cam.The oblong shape made sure there was no abrupt rollover.The grip was a little larger than I liked but
the cutout made for a consistent grip shot after shot.
Upon release the bow felt very good with
noticeable vibration and slight hand shock.The addition of a stabilizer should tame these without a problem.Overall I believe the long riser combined
with the short and parallel limb design makes the Code an exceptional shooter
at a reasonable price.
Results
Design 8.5 of 10
The new design of the Code brings Bear Archery to the
forefront of the archery world.The
parallel limb design puts an emphasis on Bear’s commitment to technology.The fit and finish show a design of tight
tolerances.
Price 9.5 of 10
The Bear Code gives you a great deal of performance at a
very affordable price.An archer can
expect to pay 150-200 more for other bows on the market offering similar
features.Also the bow comes with three draw
length modules enabling the archer to customize their draw.The 60-70 pound model ships with 28, 29 and
30 inch draw modules while the 50-60 pound ships with 27, 28 and 29 inch
modules.
Shootability 8.5 of 10
The parallel limb design is a big
plus in the Code.It combines a draw
cycle that comes to weight quickly, rolls over with a 75% letoff and a solid
back wall which transcends into a bow that insures consistent feel. Minimal
shock and vibration can be diminished/eliminated with a stabilizer.The 34” axle to axle length makes this bow
very maneuverable whether on the ground or in a treestand.
Conclusion
Something of importance to note is that all
of Bear’s manufacturing is done in house at their Gainesville, Florida
facility.They are the holder of the
single cam patent, which may be a little confusing base on other manufacturers
claim.The only royalty that is paid is
to the camouflage company whose design they are using for a particular line of
bow.
Finally I would like to commend Bear Archery
on the very informative owner’s manual that is shipped with every bow.Many of today’s bow companies take for
granted the knowledge of tuning a bow or setup their customers encompass.This manual will aid anyone especially those
just getting the first couple seasons under their belt.It has some very informative tips on bow
setup, tuning and safety.
Specifications:
AMO Draw Length - 26 to 31 inches
Axle to Axle - 34”
Draw Weight - 50-60#, 60-70#
String/Cables - Tech Twist Green and Brown BCY 812
material
Limbs - Compression
Molded Quad Limbs
Riser - Machined
Aluminum
Cable Guard - Straight Carbon Rod
with Teflon Slide
