Bear Cruzer G3 Review: The Grow-With-You Compound Bow Explained

The Bear Cruzer line exists to answer one problem: a compound bow has to be set to the archer's draw length and weight, and both change as a young archer grows or a new archer gets stronger. The Cruzer G3, introduced for 2023 as the replacement for the Cruzer G2, is built to cover almost the entire range of draw lengths and weights an archer will ever need, so one bow can last from a first season to a hunting setup.

The short version

The Cruzer G3 adjusts from a 14-inch to a 30-inch draw length and up to 70 lb of draw weight, with 75 percent let-off and a rated speed of up to 315 fps. It weighs 3.1 lb bare and is usually sold as a "ready to hunt" (RTH) package with sight, rest, quiver and stabiliser fitted. Its appeal is range, not refinement: no flagship hunting bow adjusts this far.

What the specifications mean

Draw length 14 to 30 inches

This is the headline number. A 14-inch draw suits a small child; a 30-inch draw suits a tall adult. Most hunting compounds cover a range of five to seven inches; the Cruzer G3 covers sixteen. If you do not know your draw length yet, measure it first using our draw length guide, then set the bow to match.

Draw weight up to 70 lb

Bear's own material lists a 5 to 70 lb range; several retailers list 10 to 70 lb for the same model, which may reflect the practical minimum at a given draw length. Either way, the bottom of the range is light enough for a beginner to learn form, and the top meets the minimum draw weight set by hunting regulations in most places.

75 percent let-off and 315 fps

Let-off is the proportion of peak weight you no longer hold at full draw. At 75 percent, a 50 lb setting leaves about 12.5 lb in hand at anchor. The 315 fps rating is measured at the top of the range under standard conditions and will be lower at the lighter settings most beginners use.

30-inch axle-to-axle, 6.5-inch brace height

A 30-inch bow is compact and manoeuvrable, which suits tree stands and ground blinds. The 6.5-inch brace height is on the shorter side for a beginner bow; shorter brace heights are generally considered less forgiving of release errors than longer ones.

Who the Cruzer G3 suits

• Families where more than one person will shoot the bow, or a young archer will grow into it.
• First-time compound buyers who want to start light and increase weight without replacing the bow.
• New bowhunters on a budget who want a complete, pre-accessorised package.

Who should look elsewhere

• Archers who already know their draw length and weight and want the smoothest, quietest bow at that setting. A dedicated bow in a narrower range will usually feel better than a bow built to cover everything.
• Target archers wanting a long, stable axle-to-axle and a long brace height.

How it compares with the Diamond Infinite 305

The Cruzer G3 goes further at the short end of draw length, which matters for children. The Infinite 305 is longer and has a more forgiving brace height, which matters for adults learning to shoot. Read our Infinite 305 review for the other side of the comparison.

You can see current Bear Cruzer G3 listings on Amazon. Check the hand and whether the listing is the RTH package or the bare bow.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a bow press to adjust the Cruzer G3?

The Cruzer series is designed to be adjusted for draw length and draw weight with hand tools. Follow Bear's owner's manual for the limb bolt limits and module settings for your specific bow.

Is the Cruzer G3 good for hunting?

At its upper settings it reaches draw weights accepted for big game in most jurisdictions, and it is sold with hunting accessories. Check your local minimum draw weight regulations before you hunt.

What replaced the Cruzer G2?

Bear introduced the Cruzer G3 in its 2023 line-up as the successor to the Cruzer G2, with a revised cam system and the same wide adjustment philosophy.