To say it directly, the Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow is an excellent bow that can help address all sorts of hunting scenarios. The wide variety of draw length and draw weight open up all sorts of shooting needs that hunters of different skill levels can benefit from. The chance to aim and shoot with minimal draw tension is an excellent benefit to have when out in the wild.
Of course, another reason why the Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow is a good pick is because of the high level of quality and durability it has. From the superb and powerful limbs to the strong riser material, this is a compound bow that can withstand all sorts of outdoor elements. Also, the same level of quality craftsmanship can be found in the accessories that come packed with the Species LD.
Most importantly, the Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow gives tall hunters a bow setup that will finally cater to their needs. There aren’t that many LD compound bow types in the market. So it’s definitely a good choice to finally give tall hunters equipment that will directly address their build.
The minor issues mentioned earlier can be easily addressed - but of course, it would be better to know them beforehand to avoid any inconvenience. In a nutshell, though, the Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow is a reliable bow that will allow tall shooters a chance to shine their talents in a more rewarding manner.
- No arrows
- Solid accessories
- Sound dampening tech
- Durable limbs
- Built for tall hunters with long draw length
- No arrows
- Solid accessories
- Sound dampening tech
- Durable limbs
- Built for tall hunters with long draw length
Bear Archery Species LD Review
A burden that tall archers have to bear with is that even with hunting gear that has highly-recommended stats, is that these shooters can’t make the most out of the equipment because of their height. This can be a hurdle for hunters who actually have the skills to make a difference during hunts, but just do not have the gear to bring out their potential. This is why LD (long draw) bows were created, to give tall hunters compatible archery gear to work with.
The specs:
- Brace Height: 7"
- Let Off: 70%
- Axle-to-Axle: 31"
- Draw Length: 25" – 32"
- Draw Weight: 55 – 70 lbs.
- Velocity: 310 ft/second
- Weight: 4.3 lbs.
- Hand Orientation: available for both left hand and right orientations
Bear Archery Species LD Details
Let us find out how the Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow performs in detail:
Ease of Assembly
As it is with other models, setting up a compound bow is easy, if you know the basic components to install. Aside from having pro shops assist in the installation process, knowing the basics will help you in the long run of making the most out of this compound bow. Here are some of the most important points to consider during assembly:
Arrow Rest
Proper arrow rest alignment should be followed. The vertical height of the arrow rest should be the first adjustment made, with this part aligned to both the centerline of the arrow and the central portion of the arrow rest towards the riser. Once that’s done, you now need to adjust the proper spacing of arrows.
Nocking Point
Once the arrow rest has been installed, you will now need to install and adjust the nocking point. A properly installed nocking point should create a 90 degree angle once an arrow has been nocked.
Miscellaneous Installations
Other accessories can now be installed once the arrow rest and nocking point parts have been placed. Some of the parts that can be installed during this assembly step are quivers, sights, and stabilizers. After that, sighting the bow can also be done.
Checking the Bow Technology
Let us now find out the archery tech found in the ear Archery Species LD:
Riser and Grip Details
The riser of this compound bow needs to build tough, considering it's longer draw length. The Species LD’s riser is made out of machined aluminum, allowing for a strong yet lightweight feel. Additionally, the tough construction offers better stability, allowing for more consistent and accurate shots.
The Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow’s grip is also excellent. The soft yet firm sensation it has on a shooter’s hand does help take out instances of pesky hand torque.
Limbs and Cams Details
The Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow’s limbs are what makes this bow a standout even among non-LD types. Made out of EnduraFiber, this compound bow’s limbs allow for better max weight adjustments, without losing out on stability. Also, the Species LD goes with a split limbs, which helps in faster and accurate shooting motions. The setup, even with the longer length, is balanced with proper load distribution observed. For even more additional stability, the Species LD also comes with an innovative Lock Down Pocket system. This enhancement helps align the riser and the limbs in a smoother manner.
A single cam setup is integrated in the Bear Archery Species LD bow. This does help hunters easily make adjustments, since a single cam system will not require a bow press or making any changes on separate or individual bow parts. However, when compared to a dual cam setup, a single cam may suffer from inaccurate nock travel.
Draw Weight Adjustment
This is where the Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow shines the best. With a draw weight adjustment of 55 to 70 lbs., expect a convenient shooting stroke with this bow. Let-off is at 80% as well, which significantly lessens any tension when drawing the bow.
Tall archers stand to gain much with this setup, considering that the Species LD will adjust to the shooter’s needs (and not the other way around). The wider span of draw weight adjustment will also help in aiming - hunters get a better way to aim without straining their fingers.
The actual process of adjusting the Bear Archery Species LD’s draw weight is simple and easy. All you need is a hex wrench to get your preferred setting: clockwise for increased peak weight; counter-clockwise to reduce. Please make sure to equally make any draw weight adjustment on a limb bolt on the opposite end as well.
Draw Length Adjustment
The 25” to 32” draw length gives more than enough leeway for tall hunters to comfortably shoot this bow. The single cam orientation does make adjustment easy, eliminating the need to use any bow press. However, as compared to other Bear Archery compound models that integrate a dual cam system or a hybrid cam setup, the Species LD does lose out when it comes to simplicity in draw length adjustments.
Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow Kinetic Energy Details
The Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow has a recorded IBO speed of 320 fps. Of course, various factors such as the actual weight value of the bow, the draw length setting, and the type of arrows used will all directly affect the actual kinetic energy output of the bow.
Nevertheless, the 320 fps is actually a standard value among most compound bows. This does place the Species LD in a good spot - this IBO speed rating is safe, variable, and offers much when it comes to much-needed kinetic energy generation.
Considering that the Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow is packaged for tall shooters, the additional possible impact that the kinetic energy this bow can generate is welcome during hunts!
Construction and Durability
As mentioned above, the Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow’s limbs are what makes this option a great choice when it comes to reliable and durable archery gear. The EnduraFiber is what makes this bow’s limbs a definite standout, which does improve both stability and performance.
The riser is excellent as well, with the machined construction offering enhanced stability. Additionally, the overall design and build of the Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow focuses on ease of use, perfect not only for tall hunters, but even beginners as well.
Accuracy and Shooting Speed Checks
The Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow also gives emphasis on promoting good marksmanship. The mentioned machined riser doesn’t only offer durability - the additional layer of stability also helps in creating consistent and accurate shots.
Given as well with the excellent combination of both draw weight and draw length options for this compound bow, aiming is much easier among tall hunters and shooters that take their time drawing their shots. The reduced peak draw weight will help shooters aim carefully, increasing chances of getting more accurate shots.
Speed checks, as mentioned, are awesome as well. The IBO speed of 320 fps assures hunters that the Species LD can both deliver and manage arrows of almost all types.
Noise Level Information
Another good reason to get this compound bow is the focus on dampening noise and vibration. Hunters need all the right set of advantages when out in the field - and the Species LD is more than equipped when it comes to being a silent shot. This compound bow’s limbs aren’t only built tough, but further enhanced as well with an innovative ShockWaves tech to take out issues of shock and vibration.
Additionally, the Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow also comes with a nice Rockstops enhancement. This offset string suppressor efficiently reduces vibration on the bow string, resulting in silent and even accurate shots.
Practical Hunting Usage
On its own, the Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow is a good choice for hunts mainly because of its wide draw length and draw weight variables. The chance to shoot in a more comfortable manner (by elimination tension) works best among hunters with careful shot selections. Also, the many archery tech enhancements on this compound bow will help make the most out of each hunt. Of course, the full potential of the Species LD is best felt among tall hunters.
Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow Accessory Check
Here are the accessories that come packed with this compound bow:
- Peep Sight
- Quiver
- D-loop
- Bow Sight
- Stabilizer
- Arrow Rest (Whisker Biscuit)
Miscellaneous Information on the Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow
Learn more about this compound bow for tall shooters.
Choose Your Color
The Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow does come in different color variants. Choose among Realtree Edge, Veil Alpine, and Veil Stoke designs.
Arrow Equipment
The Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow is compatible with several arrow types in the market (please do check with a pro shop if you do have the right type though). However, this compound bow does not come with arrows - a minor issue, yet a lot of hunters would have appreciated having some spare arrows whenever they do get a new bow.
Why the Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow is Recommended
Check out some excellent reasons to get this compound bow:
Local Power
The Species LD is designed and manufactured locally, proving that this is a brand that knows exactly what hunters need (and provides relevant archery solutions as well).
What Tall Hunters Need
It needs to be said again - but tall hunters do deserve to have a compound bow that will adjust to their needs.
Good Accessories
In line with the brand knowing what local hunters need, the accessories that come packed with the Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow are high and reliable quality.
Issues that May Need to be Addressed in the Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow
Here are some potential problems that you may want to have in mind when deciding to go for this compound bow option:
No Arrows
Again, it’s a minor issue, but no arrows come with this compound bow. Still, it would have been really nice if there are a few arrows that hunters can quickly pick and shoot with when getting the Species LD.
Nock Travel Issue
It may be a subjective issue, but the Bear Archery Species LD Compound Bow’s single cam setup may result in inefficient nock travel.
Read More
These are some interesting links to check out:
- The Bear Archery product manual will help you in the technical aspect of the Species LD.
- The importance of choosing the right draw weight is discussed in this article.
- Here is Bear Archery’s product video on the Species compound bow.
- For the non-LD version check this review.
- For other Bear bows, check our Cruzer and Cruzer Lite review, and our Kuma and Moment comparison.