Bear Archery has built quite a reputation for offering user-friendly and versatile bows. With the company’s release of its Cruzer G2 compound bow, Bear has once again found itself catering to the needs of archers worldwide. This bow’s versatility is hard to match.
The Cruzer G2 features incredible adjustability in both draw length and draw weight, beating most other production bows. The G2 also comes in a Bear Cruzer G2 RTH (Ready to Hunt) package. It features a fully-loaded Cruzer G2, decked out with every accessory that you need to get to start shooting. This combination makes the Cruzer G2 an ideal general-use bow.
The History of Bear Archery
Since 1938, Bear has been a tenet of the archery industry, producing some of the world’s most popular bows. From efficient and straightforward recurves to cutting-edge compounds, the company is consistently a leader in the industry.
Originally, legendary archer Fred Bear’s company started as a print and advertising company. In 1938, Bear hired a bowyer named Nels Grumley, and the company changed gears, focusing its efforts on archery. This partnership between Nels Grumley and Fred Bear proved to be a recipe for success.
After releasing several iconic recurve bows (such as the Grizzly and Kodiak), Bear Archery began releasing some of the first versions of the compound bow. These early models included bows in the Whitetail Hunter line.
Bear continues to produce some of the best compound bows on the market today.
Bear Cruzer G2 Specs
- Brace Height: 6.5 inches
- Let-Off: 70%
- Axel-to-Axel: 30 inches
- Draw Length: 12-30 inches
- Speed: 315 FPS
- Weight: 4.6 Lbs.
Bear Cruzer G2 Pros
- Superb adjustability in both draw length and draw weight
- On-the-fly adjustability without a bow press
- The RTH (Ready To Hunt) package comes fully outfitted with an array of accessories
- Features an extremely smooth overall draw cycle
- Excellent bow for hunting due to its compact and rugged design
- Comes with lifetime-warranty
Bear Cruzer G2 Cons
- Not the fastest bow on the market
- Included tube-style peep sight is prone to breaking
Things To Know About the Bear Cruzer G2
There are several critical factors about the Cruzer G2 you should be aware of. The most significant factors are the bow’s extensive draw length range and near-infinitely adjustable draw weight. The Cruzer G2’s draw length adjusts between 12 and 30 inches, while you can adjust its draw weight between 5 and 70 pounds.
These two factors alone make the Cruzer G2 the perfect bow for archers of any age. If you’re a young archer, you could use this bow throughout your childhood years and into adulthood. You’ll have the ability to increase the draw length as you grow and become stronger.
It is also worth mentioning that any of these adjustments are quick and easy to make, using nothing more than an Allen wrench. It’s an incredible advantage over other bows, as no bow press is required when making adjustments on the fly.
The Cruzer G2’s draw length adjustment is a simple process. Just remove the two screws, rotate the cam, and retighten the cam module in place. Since the Cruzer is a dual-cam bow, you will need to complete this procedure for each of the bow’s two cams.
As far as speed goes, the Cruzer G2 won’t set any records. However, at a rated IBO speed of 315 feet per second, the Cruzer is plenty fast enough to conquer any task you put it up to— more than enough for target archery and hunting.
This bow is also extremely lightweight, weighing in with all accessories at only 4.6 pounds. Its low weight minimizes fatigue while you’re holding the bow at full draw. It also allows the Cruzer to pack well when traveling to your stand or when spot-and-stalk hunting. Thanks to its 30-inch axle-to-axle measurement, it’s also easy to maneuver in the brush or blind.
Another high point of the Cruzer G2’s design is its proprietary EnduraFiber Limbs. These specialty quad limbs are light yet robust, storing energy efficiently during the draw cycle. Couple these limbs with the G2’s machined aluminum riser, and you’ll have no worries about durability (the limited lifetime warranty doesn’t hurt either).
The Cruzer G2 also features an advanced grip design that minimizes hand torque. This feature alone can aid in the Cruzer G2’s consistency and overall accuracy.
Bear Cruzer G2 Hands-On Testing
I recently had a chance to shoot the Bear Cruzer G2 at my local Cabelas in Bowling Green, Kentucky. I wanted to get a feel for it and the value it offers. Here’s what stood out to me while putting the Bear Cruzer G2 through its paces.
Fit and Finish
Upon handling the Cruzer G2, I was impressed by its overall design. The bow’s uniquely machined aluminum riser and EnduraFiber Limbs provide the Cruzer with a one-of-a-kind look. It’s got some wow-factor.
The second thing I immediately noticed was how lightweight it was. Even with a full set of accessories bolted to the Cruzer’s riser, it felt like it could pack easily for miles. You’ll have no problem carrying it over a backcountry trek, strapped to a pack, hung in a sling, or carried in hand.
It was also apparent that Bear Archery takes quality control seriously. The Cruzer G2 looked flawless. Its finish was immaculate, and the junction between the bow’s limbs and riser (at the limb pockets) appeared seamless.
Shootability
After setting the Cruzer G2 up with its included nock loop and peep sight, it was time to send some arrows downrange. Upon readying for the shot, I immediately noticed the smooth draw cycle. I have to admit; it left a lasting impression. I would have to say that the Cruzer G2’s draw cycle is as smooth as that of many bows that you’ll pay quite a bit more for.
As I reached full draw, the Cruzer settled effortlessly into the valley, offering no harsh lope from the bow’s dual cams as they flipped over. The back wall at full draw was noticeable but not rock-solid, as is the case with some bows. But, every archer has their preference in this regard, so this can either serve as a pro or con.
While at full draw, the bow felt nicely balanced in hand. The Bear distributes its weight evenly. Maintaining a sure yet relaxed grip is a breeze, thanks to the Cruzer G2’s advanced grip design.
The real beauty of the Cruzer G2 revealed itself as I released the first arrow. The release was crisp and whisper-quiet. Additionally, there was no hand shock to speak of—the RockStops string suppressor makes sure of it.
Bear Cruzer G2 Bow Package Contents
The Cruzer G2 comes in Bear’s RTH (Ready to Hunt) package. This package includes a full line of pre-mounted Trophy Ridge accessories. This is an enormous benefit, as you can spend more time shooting your bow and building skill than figuring out how best to outfit your newly purchased bow.
The quality of accessories found on the Cruzer G2 is much better than the accessories on most other package bows. Trophy Ridge makes quality archery accessories, with a long-lived reputation of top-notch products. Those found on the Cruzer are no exception.
In this package, you’ll get a four-pin sight, Whisker Biscuit arrow rest, 5-arrow quiver, stabilizer, sling, peep sight, and nock loop. This list of accessories fits well with the G2, especially for those new to the sport of archery.
The Cruzer G2’s 4-pin sight is perfect for both hunting and target archery. You can stagger the sight’s pins to represent four set distances, and their fiber optic tips make remaining on target a breeze, even in low-light conditions
There is also much to be said for the Cruzer’s Whisker Biscuit arrow rest. This is a captive style rest, and it holds a nocked arrow in place until an archer triggers its release. This is a big plus in a hunting scenario, where you can easily knock an arrow loose from its nocking point.
Regardless of your skill level, you’ll appreciate the other accessories included in the RTH bow package. The Cruzer G2’s stabilizer, while basic, provides a comfortable level of overall balance when shooting. However, the included peep sight is a tube-style model. It relies on rubber tubing to align the peep at full draw. This design has grown somewhat obsolete, as this rubber alignment tubing is prone to failure, especially in cold temperatures.
Alternative Setups
While the Bear Cruzer G2 will undoubtedly make an excellent bow, a few tweaks to its accessory package will take its performance to the next level. The following accessory packages will assist you in unlocking the Cruzer G2’s full potential.
Expert Bowhunting Package:
- Trophy Ridge Fix 7 Seven-Pin Bow Sight
- Ripcord Code Red Fall-Away Arrow Rest
- G5 Outdoors Meta Pro Peep Sight
This accessory package will allow you to make the most out of your time spent in the stand. The Trophy Ridge Fix 7 bow sight will maximize the G2’s range versatility, with its built-in rheostat light for low light conditions. You’ll love the addition of the G5 Meta Pro Peep Sight, which enhances light transmission and improves an archer’s overall field of view. The Ripcord Code Red Fall-Away Arrow Rest minimizes arrow to rest contact, maximizing accuracy along the way.
You’ll appreciate these upgrades when you’re in the stand and the big one walks into range.
Expert Target Archery Setup
- IQ Bowsights Micro 5-Pin Bow Sight
- Quad Ultra-Rest HDX Arrow Rest
- Bee Stinger 10″ Pro Hunter Maxx Stabilizer
Whether you shoot in indoor leagues or 3D competitions, this setup will turn your Cruzer G2 into a bonafide target bow. The IQ Bowsights Micro 5-Pin Bow Sight features micro-diameter sight pins, and Retina Lock Technology, which will promote tack-driving accuracy. The addition of a QAD Ultra-Rest HDX Arrow rest virtually eliminates all accuracy-robbing arrow-to-rest contact.
Top this setup off with a 10-inch Bee Stinger Pro Hunter Maxx Stabilizer, and your G2 will be a force on the range.
Final Thoughts on the Bear Cruzer G2
After shooting and studying the Cruzer G2, this Bear bow offers plenty of versatility. The Cruzer G2 works well for youth or adult archers, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a new bow.
Another advantage of the Bear Cruzer G2 is the full line of RTH accessories that it comes with. The RTH package is convenient, and it saves on future expenses. These accessories offer any archer an excellent starting point from which they can upgrade at a later date.
If you are considering jumping into the compound archery world, don’t make a decision without first checking out the Bear Cruzer G2.