Bear Archery Resurgence (2022): what to know

The 2022 Bear Resurgence is a mid-tier hunting compound that threads a needle most archers care about: quiet draw cycle, a back wall you can actually hold on, and a street price under $600. It's not trying to win a speed chronograph test. It's trying to get out of your way at 20 yards in November when a deer is standing 15 feet from your tree.

What's notable

The Resurgence runs Bear's EKO cam system, the same binary-style dual-cam setup found across Bear's 2022 hunting lineup. The cams deliver a measured, ramp-style draw rather than an aggressive hard-stop pull, which means the peak weight comes on gradually. That draw character translates into a quieter shot and less torque during the push-pull phase — important if you're bowhunting in cold weather when muscle control degrades. The ATA measures 31 inches, which is long enough to damp vibration naturally without the mass-weight overhead of a 33- or 34-inch platform. Brace height sits at 6 inches, which is workable but requires reasonably clean form; it's not a forgiveness-first brace height like the 7-inch platforms you'll find on some competitor models.

At an IBO rating around 340 fps, the Resurgence doesn't set any records, but it's fast enough to shoot a 400-grain arrow at hunting distances with a flat enough trajectory that most bowhunters won't notice the difference. The machined aluminum riser is the same CNC-cut unit Bear uses across several models in this year's lineup, which keeps manufacturing costs — and therefore retail cost — down without a meaningful penalty in rigidity or weight. Total bow weight comes in around 4.3 lbs, which is appropriate for a hunting compound in this class.

Flex-able limbs with Bear's split-limb design round out the platform. The limb pockets are deep and consistent, and the limb stops at full draw give a firm but not abrupt back wall — a distinction that matters if you're holding through an adrenaline spike waiting for a shot window. Draw length adjusts via modules across a range that covers most adult shooters; the exact no-press adjustment window varies, so confirm with a dealer if pressing the bow isn't an option. The 2022 Bear compounds were generally well-regarded for out-of-box tuning consistency, meaning a properly set-up Resurgence should shoot bare-shaft groups within a reasonable margin before advanced paper tuning.

One practical note on the EKO cam: the dual-cam binary design keeps both cams synchronized without a yoke cable system, which simplifies timing checks and reduces the number of points that require periodic inspection. For a hunter who doesn't visit a bow shop between seasons, that simplified maintenance overhead is a genuine advantage.

Who it's for

The Resurgence fits a bowhunter who wants a reliable, functional compound without spending flagship money. The sweet spot is a hunter who sets up in a ground blind or tree stand, shoots at distances under 40 yards, and doesn't need carbon construction or a sub-4-lb weight. Someone who already owns a bow from five years ago and wants a meaningful upgrade in cam technology and draw quality without a $900–$1,100 investment will find the Resurgence does exactly what it promises.

It's also a sensible option for a new-to-bowhunting adult who wants to start with a complete hunting setup. Bear packages the Resurgence in a ready-to-hunt (RTH) configuration that includes a sight, arrow rest, quiver, wrist sling, and peep — all functional components, nothing premium, but enough to get into the field quickly. Hunters who buy the base bow and add aftermarket components will find the Resurgence's accessory mounting holes and Picatinny-style rail accommodate standard sight and rest mounting without complications.

The first-look video

The LAS crew covered the Resurgence alongside the Refine EKO and Species in a single first-look video. Expect the reviewer to walk through the EKO cam geometry on each model, compare draw cycles side by side, and give a hand-feel impression of the riser. The video covers how the three bows differentiate within Bear's 2022 hunting catalog — different ATA lengths, different target audiences, same cam family. Watching all three comparisons together is the most efficient way to decide which 2022 Bear hunting compound is the right fit.

Where it sits in the lineup

Within Bear's 2022 catalog, the Resurgence occupies the middle slot between the entry-level Species (longer, slower, more affordable) and the premium Refine EKO (shorter, faster, more refined cam). It's the compromise platform — more bow than the Species, less exotic than the Refine EKO. At its price point, the primary competition comes from PSE's Stinger Max and the Mathews Prima, both of which offer comparable draw quality but slightly different cam architectures. The Resurgence's 31-inch ATA lands it squarely in the mid-length hunting compound category, which remains the most popular segment by unit volume.

Buyers who narrowed their search to Bear and are deciding between the Resurgence and the Refine EKO should think honestly about how much the firmer draw cycle of the EKO benefits their specific shooting situation. If the answer involves close-range stand hunting with shot opportunities under pressure, the Resurgence's more forgiving EKO cam tuning is the better starting point. If the answer involves longer shots and a defined back wall for extended holds, spend the extra $150 and get the Refine EKO.

Source

• Manufacturer details: search for Resurgence on the Bear Archery website.
• LAS first-look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXfaSRuJyaw

Tagged: Compound Bows · Bear Archery · 2022