PSE Stinger ATK vs Bear Alaskan XT
Quick take: The PSE Stinger ATK costs $100 less; the Bear Alaskan XT is rated 23 fps faster (335 fps ATA); the Bear Alaskan XT is the lighter carry (3.5 lb bare).
| Spec | PSE Stinger ATK | Bear Alaskan XT |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500 | $600 |
| Rating | — | 5★ (10) |
| Type | Mid-Range Compound | Mid-Range Compound |
| ATA/IBO Speed | 312 fps | 335 fps |
| Length | 32" | 33" |
| Brace Height | 6.625" | 6.25" |
| Draw Weights | 50, 60, or 70 lb peak limbs (roughly 41-70 lb adjustment) | 45-60 lb or 55-70 lb (two limb options) |
| Draw Length | 21.5-30 in (SS Cam, no press required) | 25-30 in (module adjustable) |
| Let-Off | 80% | 80% |
| Mass Weight | 4 lb | 3.5 lb |
| Construction | Compound | Compound |
| Setup | Sold bare or as the RTS package priced here. The SS Cam adjusts the full 21.5-30 inch draw range with a hex key - no press - and limb bolts give roughly 10 lb of weight adjustment per limb option. Owners report it papers easily and stays in tune; budget for a better rest and sight eventually. | Sold bare (~$500) or as the Trophy Ridge-equipped RTH package priced here. Draw length adjusts via the DHC-XR cam without a press; draw weight is set by choosing a 45-60 or 55-70 lb limb option and backing out limb bolts. Plan a paper-tune session, and consider speed nocks/string silencers - owners report they tame most of the residual buzz. |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime (original owner) | Limited lifetime (original owner) |
Pros & cons
PSE Stinger ATK
- ✓Repeatedly called the best bow in its price range on ArcheryTalk
- ✓Forgiving 32-in ATA / 6-5/8-in brace geometry for new shooters
- ✓SS Cam covers 21.5-30 in of draw without a press - true grow-with-you bow
- ✓Quiet and low-vibration for a budget rig, per owner reports
- ✓Rigid ATK riser and stainless cable rod upgrade over older Stingers
- ✓Frequently discounted - packages seen under $400
- ✓Simple, durable platform that is cheap to maintain and easy to tune
- ✗312 fps rating trails the 335 fps bows in this class by a wide margin
- ✗Heavy 4.0 lb bare mass for a budget aluminum bow
- ✗RTS package accessories (Sierra Lite sight, TruGlo rest) are bare-bones
- ✗Grip and overall finish feel a step below Elite Ember and Hoyt Enduro
- ✗No visible-review rating at major retailers to cross-check sentiment
Bear Alaskan XT
- ✓335 fps ATA speed leads the sub-$700 field alongside the Amplify
- ✓33-in axle-to-axle holds steadier than the 30-31 in bows in this class
- ✓Integrated Picatinny mount and roller cable guard are flagship-tier features
- ✓Light 3.5 lb bare bow despite the long riser
- ✓Smooth draw for a 335 fps cam - repeatedly praised on ArcheryTalk
- ✓RTH package makes it hunt-ready for roughly $600
- ✓5.0/5 (10 reviews, Pyramyd Air) and 4.8/5 at Walmart
- ✗Noticeable post-shot vibration/buzz that dampeners only partly control
- ✗25-30 in draw range leaves out short-draw and 30.5+ in shooters
- ✗Trophy Ridge RTH accessories are entry grade; sight and rest get upgraded fast
- ✗Draw weight requires picking the right limb range at purchase - no 10-70 lb flexibility
- ✗6.25-in brace is a touch less forgiving than 7-in rivals like the Hoyt Enduro