Bear Archery Cruzer G3 Review: The Best First Hunting Bow?

9.0/10AGJ Score

Pros

  • Huge draw-length and weight range
  • Ready-to-hunt package out of the box
  • Forgiving 6.5" brace height for new shooters
  • Excellent resale value

Cons

  • Stock rest and sight are worth upgrading
  • Grip is chunky for small hands

Field Test Results

Scored against our published methodology

Accuracy9.2
Build Quality8.9
Noise & Vibration8.6
Usability9.1
Value9.3

Key Specs

Axle-to-axle32"
Draw weight10–70 lbs
Draw length12–30"
Speedup to 300 fps
Let-off80%
Mass weight4.2 lbs
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Quick answer

The Cruzer G3's massive 12–30" / 10–70 lb adjustment range makes it the lowest-risk first hunting bow on the market — it simply refuses to be outgrown.

Every year thousands of new bowhunters ask the same question: which bow can I buy once and not regret? After two months and 600+ arrows with the Cruzer G3, our answer hasn’t changed.

Performance Testing

At 60 lbs and a 28″ draw we chronographed 281 fps with a 380-grain arrow — honest mid-pack speed delivered with very little hand shock for a bow this light. Groups at 30 yards stayed inside a paper plate from day one, which is exactly what a forgiving brace height is supposed to buy you.

Real-World Use

We set the G3 up for three different shooters — a 13-year-old, a first-season adult and an experienced hunter — in under 20 minutes each, with nothing but Allen keys. No bow press, no pro shop visit. That is the entire value proposition, and it delivers.

Alternatives Worth Considering

  • Diamond Infinite 305 — faster, similar adjustability, slightly more money
  • Bear Royale — same idea scaled for youth shooters
  • Hoyt Torrex — less adjustable, noticeably nicer build for committed adults

Final Verdict

If you know your exact specs and will never change them, dedicated bows shoot slightly better. For everyone else — especially families and first-season hunters — the Cruzer G3 is the smartest $399 in archery.

How the Bear Archery Cruzer G3 compares

ProductRatingKey specPriceBuy
Bear Archery Cruzer G3 Reviewed here9.0/10300 fps$399Check Price
Mathews Lift 29.59.7/10348 fps$1,299Check Price
Hoyt Torrex9.3/10327 fps$849Check Price
Bear Archery Royale Youth Bow8.9/105–50 lbs$299Check Price
Diamond Infinite 3058.8/10305 fps$449Check Price

Bear Archery Cruzer G3

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bear Cruzer G3 good for hunting?

Yes — at upper draw weights it delivers more than enough kinetic energy for whitetail and hogs, and the ready-to-hunt package includes everything but arrows and a release.

Can adults use the Cruzer G3?

Absolutely. The 12–30 inch draw range and 70 lb peak weight cover the vast majority of adult shooters.

Does the Cruzer G3 need a bow press to adjust?

No — all draw weight and length adjustments are done with Allen keys, no press required.