Bear Redeem vs Elite Varos
Quick take: The Bear Redeem is rated 2 fps faster (340 fps ATA); the Elite Varos is the lighter carry (4.75 lb bare).
| Spec | Bear Redeem | Elite Varos |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,299 | $1,299 |
| Rating | — | 5★ (18) |
| Type | Flagship Compound | Flagship Compound |
| ATA/IBO Speed | 340 fps | 338 fps |
| Length | 30" | 32" |
| Brace Height | 6.25" | 6.625" |
| Draw Weights | 45–60 or 55–70 lb (adjustable ranges) | 40, 50, 60, 65, 70, 75 lb |
| Draw Length | 25–30" | 25.5–31" |
| Let-Off | 85% | 90% |
| Mass Weight | 4.9 lb | 4.75 lb |
| Construction | Compound | Compound |
| Setup | Dealer-exclusive as part of Bear's premium Legend Series. Wide-range 45–60 / 55–70 lb limbs adjust at the limb bolts; draw length and 80/85% let-off change on the EKO2 cam without a press. QPC pocket rockers give four micro tuning adjustments, and the riser has integrated rest and rope-attachment points. Plan on a stabilizer and string silencers to quiet the reported grip buzz and string twang. | Sold through Elite dealers, but it's the most home-tunable bow of the group: Micro Splitters handle cam timing and S.E.T. handles cam lean, both without a press, and VX mods set draw length in quarter-inch steps from 25.5–31". Letoff and holding-weight feel are customizable via the SP2 cam system. Registering the bow activates Elite's Hunt Guarantee support program. |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime (original owner) | Limited lifetime (original owner) + Elite Hunt Guarantee program |
Pros & cons
Bear Redeem
- ✓Notably stable hold for a 30" ATA bow — reviewers singled it out in windy conditions
- ✓Pivoting roller cable guard delivers a smooth, low-friction draw cycle
- ✓QPC quad-pocket rockers add real limb-pocket tuning adjustability
- ✓Adjustable 45–60 / 55–70 lb ranges suit shooters who change draw weight over time
- ✓Integrated rest mount and rope-attachment point keep the rig clean
- ✓USA-made with one of the best factory grips per ArcheryTalk regulars
- ✓$100–$300 cheaper than comparable Mathews and Hoyt flagships
- ✗4.89 lb measured bare weight — heaviest bow in the flagship class
- ✗Out-of-box grip buzz and string twang noted by reviewers; no factory silencers
- ✗ArcheryTalk sentiment says it's overpriced for the Bear badge at $1,299
- ✗No 80 lb or discrete high-poundage limb option
- ✗Dropped the second grip option the Persist 33 included
Elite Varos
- ✓Most accurate bow in Outdoor Life's 2026 test, and the shoot-off winner
- ✓Perfect 5/5 post-shot score — extremely quiet with no hand shock
- ✓Micro Splitters + S.E.T. = the most complete press-free tuning toolkit of 2026
- ✓Up to 90% letoff with a stable 7.8-lb holding weight
- ✓Huge 25.5–31" draw range in quarter-inch increments
- ✓$1,299 — cheapest flagship here by $170+
- ✓18/18 five-star owner reviews on Elite's site
- ✓6.625" brace height is the most forgiving in this group
- ✗Heaviest bow in the group at 4.75 lb bare
- ✗Abrupt transition into the valley — draw cycle scored just 3/5
- ✗Slippery stock grip; OL testers resorted to grip tape
- ✗285.8 fps measured — the slow end of the 2026 flagship field
- ✗Rating source is the manufacturer's own site, so take the 5.0 with salt