Bear Refine EKO: the 2023 mid-tier flagship that punched above its price
Bear's 2023 mid-tier hunting compound — 30" ATA, 6" brace, ~338 FPS IBO. Sub-$900 at launch. The case study in what a mid-tier hunting flagship can be when the manufacturer doesn't cut corners.
The Refine EKO launched in 2023 as Bear Archery's mid-tier hunting compound — slotted between the high-end Persist (Bear's flagship) and the entry-level Adapt+. Specs at launch: 30 inches axle-to-axle, 6-inch brace height, approximately 338 FPS IBO, 25.5-30" draw length range, 45-75 lb draw weight. MSRP at launch was around $899.
That price point is where the Refine EKO matters historically. Sub-$900 hunting compounds in 2023 mostly compromised on cam quality, riser stiffness, or grip ergonomics. The Refine EKO didn't.
The EKO cam — Bear's quiet engineering
EKO (Easy to Know how to Operate) is Bear's hybrid cam family — easier to adjust draw length than traditional dual-cam systems while maintaining the tuning advantages of dual-cam geometry. Module-swappable, 75% let-off standard.
The honest assessment from 2023 launch coverage: the EKO cam draws and shoots like a much more expensive bow. The draw cycle is smooth, the back wall is firm, and the cam timing holds well across temperature swings.
Why the Refine EKO mattered
The Refine EKO was the bow Bear pointed to when the conversation turned to "what do you get at this price." For roughly $900, you got:
- Cam performance competitive with $1,300-$1,400 flagships
- Riser machining quality competitive with the same price tier
- Grip ergonomics matching higher-end offerings
- Bear's lifetime warranty (one of the better-supported in the industry)
What you didn't get: the latest in cable systems, the most premium finish options, the longest axle length. The Refine EKO was 30" ATA — fine for treestand and most Western hunting but short for long-shot target work.
Refine EKO in 2026
Bear discontinued the Refine EKO in early 2025 as the lineup shifted toward the Legit MAXX (entry RTH) and Resilient (current mid-tier). Used Refine EKO: $500-$650 in clean condition.
The Refine EKO is one of the better used-bow buys in the sub-$700 category — a 2023 mid-tier flagship at half its original MSRP. Inspect cables, check the EKO module setting, and verify the limb pocket bolts for corrosion before purchase.
FAQ
Refine EKO vs current Bear Legit MAXX RTH? Different categories. Refine EKO was a mid-tier flagship (better cam, no included accessories). Legit MAXX RTH is an entry ready-to-hunt package (included accessories, broader draw range). Refine EKO was the better shooter; Legit MAXX is the better complete starter package.
Can I shoot the Refine EKO at 45 lbs? Yes. The bottom of the draw weight range was 45 lbs, which is legal for deer hunting in all US states.
Bear warranty on a Refine EKO purchased used? Original owner only. Used buyers don't inherit the warranty.
Specs from Bear's 2023 product page (archived) and contemporaneous launch coverage.
Watch the launch coverage
NEW 2022 Bear Compound Hunting Bows (Refine EKO, Resurgence, Species) — Lancaster Archery Supply's first-look. Worth watching alongside this write-up for the spec walk-through and draw-cycle commentary.