Diamond Edge XT vs Bear Cruzer G3
Quick take: The Diamond Edge XT costs $30 less; the Bear Cruzer G3 is rated 15 fps faster (315 fps ATA); the Bear Cruzer G3 is the lighter carry (3 lb bare).
| Spec | Diamond Edge XT | Bear Cruzer G3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $419 | $449 |
| Rating | 4.7★ (3) | 5★ (3) |
| Type | Budget & Beginner Compound | Budget & Beginner Compound |
| ATA/IBO Speed | 300 fps | 315 fps |
| Length | 31" | 30" |
| Brace Height | 6.75" | 6.5" |
| Draw Weights | 20-70 lb | 10-70 lb |
| Draw Length | 19-31 in | 14-30 in |
| Let-Off | 80% | 75% |
| Mass Weight | 3.7 lb | 3 lb |
| Construction | Compound | Compound |
| Setup | Draw length changes by removing two module screws and rotating the module - no press, no shop visit - and limb bolts handle the 50 lb weight range. The included Octane sight, brush rest, and quiver are good enough to hunt with the first season, though the stabilizer is mostly cosmetic. It grows with a young shooter from about 20 lb up, but smaller kids should look at the Prism or Infinite with lower floors. | Every adjustment - draw length, draw weight, let-off position - is done with an Allen wrench, no press. The Trophy Ridge sight, Whisker Biscuit V, and quiver are genuinely worth keeping, which is not true of most budget bundles; the peep and D-loop come pre-installed and only need position tweaks. With a 10 lb floor it works for kids around 8-10 and grows to full adult hunting weight. |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty to the original owner (Diamond/Bowtech) | Bear Archery limited lifetime warranty to the original owner |
Pros & cons
Diamond Edge XT
- ✓Bowtech-built riser and limb quality that stands out in the under-$450 class
- ✓Full 19-31 in draw length range covers youth-to-tall-adult on one cam set
- ✓Smooth, unaggressive draw cycle that new archers can handle at higher weights
- ✓All adjustments with an Allen wrench - no bow press ever needed
- ✓6.75 in brace and wide quad limbs make it forgiving while learning
- ✓Limited lifetime warranty and a large dealer network for service
- ✓Frequently discounted to ~$340, undercutting the Cruzer G3 package
- ✗300 fps ATA is the slow end of this class - real-world speeds at 26-28 in draws are pedestrian
- ✗20 lb minimum draw weight is too high for small children
- ✗Spongy back wall compared to bows with cable stops
- ✗Included Octane sight and stabilizer are the first things owners replace
- ✗No arrows or release in the package - budget another $80-120
Bear Cruzer G3
- ✓315 fps makes it the quickest bow in the budget-adjustable class
- ✓Trophy Ridge RTH accessories are the best bundled kit at this price
- ✓10-70 lb / 14-30 in range fits nearly every family member
- ✓3 lb bare weight is easy for youth to carry and hold up
- ✓Peep and D-loop factory installed - closest to shoot-out-of-the-box here
- ✓75% let-off is comfortable to hold at full draw for hunting
- ✓Bear's limited lifetime warranty and wide big-box availability
- ✗Dual cam runs louder with more hand buzz than single-cam budget rivals
- ✗Back wall is slightly mushy - reviewers consistently note it
- ✗Superseded by the 2025 Cruzer G4; expect shrinking color/hand options
- ✗Verified retailer review counts are tiny (Walmart 5.0 from 3 ratings); Bass Pro's larger review pool could not be accessed
- ✗Camo finishes carry a $50-100 premium over the black package