Do Bear Rth Bows Come Sighted In

For archers and bowhunters, the equipment you choose is the foundation of your success, accuracy, and enjoyment in the field or on the range. Among top archery brands, Bear Archery stands as a legend, with a heritage reaching back to 1933 and a reputation for reliable, well-crafted bows. Whether you’re a newcomer evaluating your first compound bow, or a seasoned hunter upgrading your gear, you’ll inevitably wonder: do Bear RTH bows come sighted in? Understanding what “Ready to Hunt” (RTH) packages offer, and what they do not, can mean the difference between a smooth, confident setup and frustration at the range.

Many buyers expect “RTH” to mean a bow is immediately shootable and fully zeroed, but the reality can be more nuanced. Sights, tuning, and adjustments vary not just between brands, but between individual bow models. This article dives deep into the specifics of Bear RTH bows, focusing on their sights, out-of-box setup, and what steps you’ll need to take before you’re hitting bullseyes.

You’ll find actionable insights, data-backed comparisons, and real-world tips to help you make the most informed choice for your archery journey.

Key Takeaways

• Bear RTH bows include a sight, but are not factory-sighted for individual shooters.
• “Ready to Hunt” means the bow is equipped with essential accessories, not fully tuned or sighted in.
• Personal sighting and tuning are necessary for optimal accuracy and safety.
• Comparison tables and case studies in this article detail differences between Bear and competitors.
• Expert tips and setup instructions help both beginners and experienced archers get the most from their Bear RTH bows.

Understanding Bear Rth Bows

What Does “rth” Mean?

The RTH in Bear RTH bows stands for “Ready to Hunt.” This designation signals that the bow package comes pre-installed with a set of essential accessories, eliminating the need for buyers to purchase each component separately. Typical Bear RTH packages include:

• Multi-pin sight
• Arrow rest
• Quiver
• Stabilizer
• Peep sight
• D-loop

For newcomers, these bundled accessories offer convenience and value. However, “Ready to Hunt” does not mean the bow is fully tuned or sighted in for your specific needs. Each archer’s draw length, anchor point, and shooting style differ, which means factory-set sight pins may not provide true accuracy out of the box.

Bear Rth Bows: Models And Features

Bear offers a range of RTH models targeting different skill levels and budgets, such as the Bear Cruzer G2 RTH, Bear Divergent EKO RTH, and Bear Paradox RTH. Key features across these bows include adjustable draw weights, versatile draw lengths, and user-friendly cam systems. These models are designed to accommodate a wide array of shooters, from growing youth to seasoned adults.

Bear’s focus on affordability and quality makes their RTH bows a go-to choice for beginners and value-minded hunters. However, it’s crucial to understand what is, and isn’t, done to these bows before they leave the factory.

Factory Setup Vs. Personalized Tuning

Bear RTH bows are assembled with accessories installed, but they are not tuned or sighted in for you. The included sight is typically installed at the factory, but the pins are not adjusted for your unique shooting form, draw weight, or arrow choice. This is industry-standard practice, not a shortcoming of Bear specifically.

Example: When I tested a Bear Cruzer G2 RTH, the bow arrived with the sight and rest mounted, but the sight pins were set at generic positions. After a quick setup, I needed to adjust the pins for my arrow speed and shooting distance.

Why Aren’t Rth Bows Sighted In?

• Individual differences: Each shooter’s draw length, anchor point, and arrow selection affect arrow trajectory.
• Shipping and handling: Bows can shift slightly during transit, making factory sighting unreliable.
• Safety: Final tuning and sighting should be performed by the user or a qualified pro shop to ensure safe operation.

What Comes In A Bear Rth Package?

Standard Accessories Included

Bear’s RTH packages are known for their comprehensive accessory sets. Here’s a typical list of what you’ll find in the box:

• Sight: Usually a 3- to 5-pin fiber optic sight, pre-mounted.
• Arrow Rest: Often a Whisker Biscuit or similar containment rest.
• Quiver: Detachable, holds 4, 5 arrows.
• Stabilizer & Sling: Basic stabilizer and wrist sling for balance and comfort.
• Peep Sight & D-loop: Pre-installed, allowing for immediate nocking and aiming.

Comparison Table: Bear Rth Vs. Competitors

To help you evaluate the value of Bear’s RTH packages, here is a side-by-side comparison with popular competitors:

Sight Type And Installation

Bear typically includes a multi-pin sight (usually 3-pin or 5-pin, fiber optic) with their RTH bows. These are entry- to mid-level sights, sufficient for most hunting and target needs. The sight comes pre-mounted at the factory, but the pins are not set for your shooting distance or arrow speed.

What’s Not Included

It’s important to note that some advanced accessories, such as drop-away rests, rangefinder sights, or higher-end stabilizers, are not standard in Bear RTH kits. You may wish to upgrade certain components as your skills progress.

Real-world Example: Unboxing A Bear Rth Bow

Example: When opening a Bear Paradox RTH, the sight was attached and the rest aligned, but the sight pins were not zeroed for any specific distance. The peep sight was installed but required minor adjustment to match my anchor point. The bow was safe to shoot but not yet accurate for hunting or competition.

Are Bear Rth Bows Sighted In From The Factory?

The Factory Setup Process

Bear Archery assembles RTH bows with all accessories attached, but factory technicians do not sight in the bows for individual shooters. Instead, they perform a basic assembly and safety check. The included sight is installed in a neutral position, with pins set at generic locations.

Why Sighting Must Be Customized

Every archer’s setup is unique due to:

• Draw length: Affects arrow speed and impact point.
• Draw weight: Alters arrow trajectory.
• Arrow type/weight: Different arrows fly differently.
• Anchor point: Changes line of sight and alignment.

Because of these variables, factory sighting would be inaccurate and potentially unsafe. Proper sighting must occur once the bow is in your hands and set to your specifications.

Industry Standard Practice

This approach is not unique to Bear. No major bow manufacturer ships RTH bows fully sighted for the end user. This is echoed by archery retailers and pro shop technicians worldwide. As noted by Archery Trade Association, bows must be fitted and sighted for each shooter to ensure safety and accuracy (Archery Trade Association).

Example: Factory Sight Pin Settings

A sight may arrive with pins set at 20, 30, and 40 yards, but these are only approximations. After setting up the bow for your draw length and arrow choice, you’ll likely find all three pins need to be individually adjusted for precise accuracy.

Pro Tip:

Always perform a full bow setup, including sighting and tuning, before hunting or shooting at distance. Even high-end RTH bows require this step for best results.

How To Sight In A Bear Rth Bow

Step-by-step Sighting Process

Sighting in your Bear RTH bow is essential for accuracy and ethical shooting. Here’s a practical guide:

• Set up your target at a known distance, starting with 10 or 20 yards.
• Align your peep sight with your dominant eye and anchor point.
• Shoot a group of arrows at the target, noting point of impact.
• Adjust the sight housing (windage/elevation) to center your group.
• Fine-tune individual pins for each distance (e.g., 20, 30, 40 yards).
• Repeat shooting and adjusting until arrows consistently hit the bullseye.
• Move back to longer distances and adjust the corresponding pins.

Tools And Tips For Effective Sighting

• Use a bow square to check nocking point alignment.
• Keep a notebook to record sight settings for different arrow types or conditions.
• Shoot in consistent lighting and weather for reliable results.

Example: Sighting In The Bear Cruzer G2 Rth

Example: After adjusting the draw weight and length on a Bear Cruzer G2 RTH, I shot three arrows at 20 yards. The group landed two inches low and left. By raising the sight and moving it right, the next group was centered. The process took about 20 minutes and ensured the bow was ready for the season.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Skipping sight pin adjustments and relying on factory settings.
• Failing to adjust for your specific arrow weight or draw length.
• Not using a consistent anchor point.
• Forgetting to check peep sight alignment.

Safety Considerations

Always check that all accessories are securely fastened before shooting. Improperly installed sights or rests can lead to erratic arrow flight or equipment failure.

Tuning And Fine-tuning Your Bear Rth Bow

What Is Bow Tuning?

Tuning refers to adjusting your bow and its accessories to achieve the most accurate, consistent arrow flight possible. While sighting in aligns your arrows with your target, tuning ensures your arrows fly straight and true.

Key Tuning Steps

• Paper tuning: Shoot arrows through paper to check for “bullet holes” (clean tears).
• Nock point adjustment: Ensures arrow leaves the string at the right angle.
• Rest alignment: Confirms arrow is centered with the bow’s riser and sight.
• Cam timing (for compounds): Synchronizes cam rotation for smooth draw and release.

Table: Tuning Steps And Their Impact

When To Seek Professional Help

If you’re new to archery or unsure about tuning steps, visit a qualified pro shop. Professional technicians can:

• Adjust your bow’s draw weight and length.
• Fine-tune the rest, cams, and peep sight.
• Help you select arrows matched to your setup.

Pro Tip: Even experienced archers benefit from annual pro shop checkups to maintain peak performance and safety.

Example: Tuning Success Story

Example: After a full tune-up at my local pro shop, my Bear Paradox RTH shot tighter groups at 30 yards, with arrows consistently hitting within a 2-inch circle, a dramatic improvement over the initial factory setup.

Real-world Experiences With Bear Rth Bows

Case Study 1: First-time Bowhunter

Sarah, a new hunter, purchased a Bear Cruzer G2 RTH for her first deer season. She appreciated the included accessories, but learned after her first range session that the sight pins needed significant adjustment. After a lesson at her pro shop, Sarah was able to dial in her sight for consistent 20 and 30-yard shots, boosting her confidence in the field.

Case Study 2: Youth Shooter Upgrade

Marcus, a competitive youth archer, outgrew his starter bow and upgraded to a Bear Legit RTH. The included sight and rest made setup easy, but Marcus and his coach spent time fine-tuning the pins and rest alignment for tournament precision. The result was a seamless transition and improved scores.

Case Study 3: Veteran Hunter’s Perspective

John, with 20 years of bowhunting experience, chose a Bear Divergent EKO RTH as a lightweight backup bow. He noted that while the included sight was basic, it served well after custom tuning. John swapped in a higher-end sight for longer-range hunting but was impressed by the value and shootability of the Bear RTH setup.

Lessons From Real Users

• Expect to adjust: All users, from beginners to veterans, needed to sight in their Bear RTH bows.
• Accessory quality is solid: The included sights and rests are reliable for most uses, but competitive shooters may wish to upgrade over time.
• Support is available: Bear’s customer service and local pro shops provide valuable assistance for setup and tuning.

Comparing Bear Rth Bows To Competitor Packages

Value And Accessory Quality

Bear’s RTH bows stand out for their affordability and breadth of included accessories. Compared to similar packages from Diamond, PSE, and Bowtech, Bear often delivers equal or better value at a lower price point.

Table: Feature Comparison, Bear Rth Vs. Diamond Rak

User Experience: What Sets Bear Apart

• Ease of Adjustment: Bear bows are known for simple cam and draw length changes.
• Comprehensive Accessories: Most RTH kits include everything needed to get started.
• Community Support: Large user base, active online forums, and responsive customer service.

Upgrade Path And Modularity

Bear RTH bows are compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories. As skills progress, users can upgrade sights, rests, stabilizers, and more without compatibility concerns. This modularity is a selling point for budget-minded archers.

Example: Bear Vs. Bowtech

Example: When comparing the Bear Cruzer G2 RTH and Bowtech Amplify RAK side by side, both offered similar accessories and required sighting in after purchase. The Bear was praised for its lighter weight and lower price, while Bowtech’s finish and grip ergonomics stood out. Both required the same amount of post-purchase adjustment.

Tips For Getting The Most From Your Bear Rth Bow

Pre-shooting Checklist

Before your first range session, follow this checklist:

• Inspect all accessories for secure installation.
• Verify draw length and weight are set to your specifications.
• Confirm arrows are correctly matched to your bow.
• Align the peep sight with your anchor point.

Sighting And Tuning Routine

• Start sighting at short distances (10, 20 yards).
• Adjust sight pins after every group of arrows.
• Move to longer distances and fine-tune as necessary.
• Record your settings for future reference.

Maintenance And Upgrades

• Keep strings waxed and inspect for wear every 100 shots.
• Upgrade accessories (sight, rest, stabilizer) as skills progress.
• Store the bow in a cool, dry place to prevent limb warping or string degradation.

Utilizing Pro Shop Services

Don’t hesitate to seek out professional help for setup and tuning. Most shops offer:

• Draw length and weight adjustments
• Rest and sight alignment
• Arrow selection advice
• Shooting form coaching

Pro Tip: Investing in a one-time pro shop setup can save hours of frustration and improve your shooting results immediately.

Maximizing Accessory Potential

While Bear’s included accessories are sufficient for most, upgrading to a micro-adjustable sight or drop-away rest can provide a noticeable boost in accuracy for competitive or long-range shooting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Bear Rth Bows Include Arrows In The Package?

Bear RTH bows generally do not include arrows in the box. While the package provides a quiver and essential accessories, arrows must be purchased separately to ensure they match your draw length, weight, and intended use. Most pro shops can assist you in selecting the right arrows for your Bear RTH bow.

Can I Use The Bear Rth Sight For Target Archery?

The included multi-pin sight is designed primarily for hunting distances (20, 40 yards). For dedicated target archery, especially at longer ranges, you may benefit from upgrading to a single-pin or adjustable target sight for finer adjustment and increased visibility.

How Often Should I Re-sight My Bear Rth Bow?

It’s best to check your sight alignment at the start of each season, after any change in arrows or draw weight, or if the bow has taken a significant impact. Frequent shooters may wish to verify sighting every 100, 200 shots for optimal accuracy.

Is The Bear Rth Package Suitable For Left-handed Shooters?

Bear offers many RTH models in both right- and left-handed configurations. Be sure to specify your handedness when ordering. All included accessories, including the sight and rest, are installed according to the selected orientation.

Where Can I Find Professional Help For Setting Up My Bear Rth Bow?

Most archery pro shops and large sporting goods retailers offer bow setup and tuning services. Additionally, Bear Archery’s official website provides a dealer locator and instructional resources (Bear Archery). Seeking professional setup is highly recommended for beginners.

Selecting and setting up a Bear RTH bow offers a convenient, cost-effective entry into archery, but the final step, sighting in, rests with the shooter. By understanding what “Ready to Hunt” truly means, following proper sighting and tuning steps, and leveraging professional resources, you can ensure your Bear RTH bow delivers both accuracy and enjoyment for years to come.