When it comes to getting started in the world of archery, choosing the right compound bow is crucial. The Bear Cruzer G2 stands out as one of the top options for beginners, offering unmatched adjustability, affordability, and quality in one compact package. Whether you’re a youth archer learning the ropes or a new adult bowhunter preparing for whitetail season, the Bear Cruzer G2 has something to offer.
Bear Archery has long been known for its innovation and accessibility in the archery world. With their expansive lineup that spans high-end flagship bows to budget-friendly models, the company has built a reputation for making archery approachable for everyone. Among their standout offerings, the Bear Cruzer G2 RTH (Ready to Hunt) package takes center stage for its versatility and performance.
Why the Bear Cruzer G2 is Ideal for Beginners
One of the defining traits of the Bear Cruzer G2 is its extreme adjustability. This compound bow can be configured with a draw length ranging from 12 to 30 inches and a draw weight from just 5 pounds all the way up to 70 pounds. This wide range means it can easily accommodate a growing youth archer or a full-grown adult looking to ease into bowhunting.
This incredible range of adjustability is made possible through Bear’s cleverly designed modular cam system. Swapping between the included cam modules takes mere seconds and doesn’t require a bow press. Whether you’re testing draw length or setting up for different shooters, the Bear Cruzer G2 is incredibly beginner-friendly.
A Versatile Bow for All Archers
Even as a seasoned archer who has used Bear’s higher-end models like the Carnage, Anarchy, and Agenda 7, the Bear Cruzer G2 proved surprisingly capable. Though tailored to beginners, it holds its own with excellent stability and consistent performance in short to medium range shooting scenarios.
Despite its simplicity, the Bear Cruzer G2 is not a toy. It’s a legitimate hunting bow capable of ethically harvesting game like deer, turkey, and other similar-sized animals. When set at 61.78 pounds with a 29-inch draw, it sent 418-grain Easton Axis 5MM arrows at an impressive 265 feet per second, producing more than 65 foot-pounds of kinetic energy—more than enough for most North American game.
How the Bear Cruzer G2 Feels in the Hand
One of the most pleasant surprises with the Bear Cruzer G2 is how great it feels to shoot. The grip is slim, long, and flat-backed—features that encourage repeatable hand placement for consistent accuracy. The throat of the grip doesn’t dip too deeply under the arrow shelf, a subtle but crucial feature for maintaining a natural hand position.
Drawing the bow reveals a generally smooth cycle, although the 70% let-off leads into a somewhat spongy valley due to the absence of hard limb or cable stops. At higher draw weights (above 50 pounds), the bow becomes noticeably more aggressive in wanting to release the arrow. Beginners should be aware of this and practice strong back tension to maintain form.
Managing Vibration and Sound
The Bear Cruzer G2 includes a basic string stop to cut down on post-shot noise and vibration, but during testing, some noticeable vibration was still present. Particularly at draw weights above 50 pounds, it’s recommended to add aftermarket noise-dampening accessories like LimbSaver products to enhance the shooting experience.
Initial shots with the bow produced some creaking and popping noises—particularly with the limb bolts maxed out at 70 pounds. Lowering the draw weight to around 65 pounds mitigated much of the issue. Over time, as the bow breaks in, these minor quirks tend to settle.
A Compact and Lightweight Design
Weighing in at just 3.0 pounds, the Bear Cruzer G2 is an incredibly light and maneuverable bow. It’s only 30 inches axle-to-axle, making it ideal for tight spaces such as hunting blinds and treestands. The compact design doesn’t come at the cost of balance either—the bow points naturally and holds steady in the hand.
While the riser is shorter than most flagship bows, the extended split limbs help achieve its massive adjustability range. The limbs and riser blend seamlessly, showing the care Bear puts into build quality and aesthetics. The camo finish combined with black limbs gives the bow a stealthy, hunting-ready appearance.
Ready to Hunt (RTH) Package: All-in-One Convenience
One of the biggest selling points for new archers is the RTH package. With the Bear Cruzer G2, you’re not just getting a bow—you’re getting a complete setup that’s almost ready to shoot out of the box. Included are:
- Trophy Ridge 4-pin sight
- Whisker Biscuit arrow rest
- Stabilizer
- Five-arrow quiver
- Peep sight
- D-loop
- Wrist sling
All that’s left to buy is a release aid and some arrows. Bear has done an excellent job ensuring their customers can start shooting quickly and confidently.
Setting Up the Bear Cruzer G2
For those without advanced archery setup experience, the Bear Cruzer G2 is a dream come true. The modules are incredibly simple to adjust—you simply loosen two set screws, rotate to the appropriate draw length, and tighten again. Changing draw lengths or modules (for finer ½-inch adjustments or constant draw) doesn’t require a bow press or extra tools.
The included peep and rubber cord system works but does add some unwanted slap. Swapping it for a traditional 3/16-inch peep sight is a small upgrade that will improve performance and longevity.The limb bolts were a bit noisy at first and required occasional tightening. Adding blue Loctite to mod and string stop screws is advised after setup to prevent them from loosening over time.
Tuning and Performance in the Field
Tuning the Bear Cruzer G2 was straightforward. Despite the common misconception that Whisker Biscuits can’t produce consistent arrow flight, a clean paper tear was achieved in just six shots. After walk-back tuning, the bow consistently delivered arrows touching the same vertical tape line at 20, 30, and 40 yards.Over time, the Whisker Biscuit will wear, so it’s important to monitor the whiskers and replace the rest when accuracy starts to dip. Until then, it’s a reliable and forgiving tool for new archers.
Real-World Accuracy and Suitability
Accuracy with the Bear Cruzer G2 was impressive. Sub-3-inch groups were common from 15 to 40 yards. Beyond 40 yards, groups began to widen, which is expected given the bow’s design limitations. From a treestand, the bow truly shines—it’s compact, easy to maneuver, and deadly accurate within ethical hunting ranges.
The 6.5-inch brace height provides forgiveness for small form issues that new shooters may experience. However, due to the lack of hard back wall, long-range accuracy can suffer slightly—especially in windy conditions where pin float becomes more exaggerated.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the Bear Cruzer G2?
If you’re a beginner looking to enter the world of archery or bowhunting, the Bear Cruzer G2 is one of the best compound bows available. It’s lightweight, highly adjustable, affordable, and comes with a complete set of accessories. More importantly, it’s fun and rewarding to shoot.
Whether you’re buying for yourself, a youth archer, or a loved one looking to get into bowhunting, the Bear Cruzer G2 is a reliable, proven, and affordable option that you’ll appreciate for years to come.
FAQs:
Q: What draw length does the Bear Cruzer G2 support?
A: The Bear Cruzer G2 supports an adjustable draw length from 12 to 30 inches, making it suitable for nearly all body types and ages.
Q: What is the draw weight range of the Bear Cruzer G2?
A: It ranges from 5 to 70 pounds, allowing beginners to start light and gradually increase strength and skill.
Q: Is the Bear Cruzer G2 good for hunting?
A: Yes, when set up properly, the Bear Cruzer G2 is fully capable of ethically harvesting game like deer and turkey.
Q: Does the Bear Cruzer G2 come with accessories?
A: Yes, the RTH (Ready to Hunt) package includes a sight, arrow rest, stabilizer, quiver, peep sight, wrist sling, and D-loop.
Q: Is a bow press needed to adjust the Bear Cruzer G2?
A: No, adjustments can be made without a bow press. The modular cam system makes it very user-friendly.
Q: What’s the ideal arrow speed from the Bear Cruzer G2?
A: At around 62 pounds draw weight and 29-inch draw length, you can expect speeds of approximately 265 fps with standard hunting arrows.
Q: Is the Bear Cruzer G2 good for youth shooters?
A: Absolutely. Its wide adjustment range and light weight make it a perfect choice for young or growing archers.
Q: Can you replace the included arrow rest?
A: Yes, while the Whisker Biscuit works well, you can upgrade to a drop-away rest if desired.
Q: How long will the Bear Cruzer G2 last?
A: With regular maintenance and care, this bow can last for years—even through the transition from beginner to intermediate levels.
Q: Is the Bear Cruzer G2 noisy?
A: Some vibration and noise are present, especially at higher draw weights. Adding string dampeners and limb silencers can help reduce this.
In Conclusion
The Bear Cruzer G2 earns its reputation as one of the best compound bows for beginners. With its ease of setup, impressive performance, and complete package deal, this bow is ready to help any new archer hit the bullseye—literally and figuratively.
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