Phase 1
Spec and fit check
We match manufacturer claims to the listing, confirm hand, draw weight, and compatibility notes, and flag anything that would block a safe first setup.
✓ Listing specs checked
✓ Owner themes reviewed
✓ Fit guidance by use case
Bear Species XT RTH Review: Field Tested Standard Ready to Hunt
Buyer-fit guidance (no numeric score) · how we research
Quick verdict: The Bear Species XT Ready to Hunt compound bow fits hunters who already own a quality release and a dozen matched arrows. You just want the MV1 single-cam platform rigged, without paying for gear you'd duplicate.
✓ Best for
Same MV1 single cam and EnduraFiber limb platform as the Extra, so…
✕ Not for
No release, arrows, or broadheads in the box, so "ready to hunt"…
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The 10-Second Answer
Should you buy the Bear Species XT RTH Review: Field Tested Standard Ready to Hunt?
The Bear Species XT Ready to Hunt compound bow fits hunters who already own a quality release and a dozen matched arrows
✓ Buy it if…
- Same MV1 single cam and EnduraFiber limb platform as the Extra, so you're not buying a lesser bow to save money.
- Sub-$500 ready-to-hunt price when you already own a release and arrows.
- Forgiving single-cam draw: easy to tune, and many hunters shoot it more accurately than a snappy dual cam.
- 320 fps class speed with 80% let-off for holding at full draw on a stand.
- Wide 23.5-30.5 inch draw window and 55-70 lb range grow with the shooter.
- IMS machined rest mount and Picatinny sight locations for clean, repeatable accessory fit.
✕ Skip it if…
- No release, arrows, or broadheads in the box, so "ready to hunt" isn't "ready to walk into the woods."
- Price-class kit: Whisker Biscuit rest and 4-pin sight are functional, not flagship.
- Single cam trades a few fps to a comparable dual cam like the Alaskan XT.
- Still needs tuning: peep rotation, rest timing, and sight setup before season, even though it ships rigged.
- No case included, so factor storage and transport separately.
Buyer fit
Best for: Same MV1 single cam and EnduraFiber limb platform as the Extra, so…
Skip if: No release, arrows, or broadheads in the box, so "ready to hunt"…
No numeric research score — inputs are not documented for this review. How we research
Editor's Verdict
Our verdict
Want a true buy-once box with release, arrows, and broadheads? Step up to the Species XT RTH Extra. Chasing speed? Compare dual-cam rigs in our best compound bows guide.
I shot this in a cold stand, not on a sunny range Saturday. Same MV1 platform as the Extra, forgiving draw, real sub-$500 value if you don't need duplicate gear.
Two honest flags before you order. "Ready to hunt" doesn't mean walk into the woods tomorrow, and the bundled rest and sight are price-class, not flagship. Both get sorted below.
[Check the Price on Amazon!](Check the Price on Amazon!)
Pros
- Same MV1 single cam and EnduraFiber limb platform as the Extra, so you're not buying a lesser bow to save money.
- Sub-$500 ready-to-hunt price when you already own a release and arrows.
- Forgiving single-cam draw: easy to tune, and many hunters shoot it more accurately than a snappy dual cam.
- 320 fps class speed with 80% let-off for holding at full draw on a stand.
- Wide 23.5-30.5 inch draw window and 55-70 lb range grow with the shooter.
Cons
- No release, arrows, or broadheads in the box, so "ready to hunt" isn't "ready to walk into the woods."
- Price-class kit: Whisker Biscuit rest and 4-pin sight are functional, not flagship.
- Single cam trades a few fps to a comparable dual cam like the Alaskan XT.
- Still needs tuning: peep rotation, rest timing, and sight setup before season, even though it ships rigged.
- No case included, so factor storage and transport separately.
— jakemorrisonI'd run this at 65 lbs for most grown hunters, not peak 70, especially cold and seated. The MV1 draw stays smooth when your fingers are numb.
That matters more than a sticker speed number when you're waiting on a buck in a frozen stand.
Out of the box it ran quieter than I expected for a price-class RTH. The draw felt seated and predictable.
It held well at full draw when a buck hung up behind brush, which is where single-cam forgiveness actually pays off.
The standard RTH is my pick only if your existing arrows are spined right and your release is one you trust. If you're starting from scratch, the Extra saves you the runaround.
Overview
Bear Species XT RTH Review: Field Tested Standard Ready to Hunt at a glance
Already have a release and arrows and just want the bow rigged? See current pricing below.
Bear Species XT specs at a glance
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Axle-to-axle | 30 inches |
| Brace height | 6.75 inches |
| Mass weight | ~4.4 lbs |
| Let-off | 80% |
| Draw length | 23.5-30.5 inches |
| Draw weight | 55-70 lbs (15 lb down-adjust from peak) |
| Speed | Up to 320 fps IBO (lab max) |
| Cam | MV1 single cam |
| Limbs | EnduraFiber |
| Hand | Right hand |
MV1 single cam and how it shoots
A single cam isn't a downgrade. The MV1 trades a few fps for a forgiving draw that's easier to tune and hold, which is why plenty of hunters shoot it more accurately than a snappier dual cam.
The 320 fps figure is an IBO lab max, measured at 70 lbs, a 30 inch draw, and a light arrow. A 65 lb setup at a 28 inch draw with a hunting-weight arrow and broadhead flies well under that, and that's fine for whitetail and elk.
What's actually in the standard RTH box
Standard RTH includes: bow plus IMS Whisker Biscuit rest, Picatinny 4-pin sight, five-arrow quiver, stabilizer, peep, and wrist sling.
Standard RTH does not include: release aid, arrows, broadheads, or bow case.
That's the whole gap between "ready to hunt" and "ready to walk into the woods." You'll still buy a release, arrows, broadheads, and a case.
Tally that against the roughly $340 gap to the Species XT RTH Extra review before you decide.
The Extra adds a Trophy Ridge release, five Wrath arrows, and 100-grain field points and broadheads on top of the same bow-mounted kit.
Buy the standard RTH if you already own those pieces. Buy the Extra if you want a true buy-once setup.
Draw weight fit and choosing your range
The 55-70 lb range with a 15 lb down-adjust covers grown hunters chasing whitetail, hogs, or elk. Order this weight band if you already pull 60-plus pounds and can draw it cold, slow, and seated.
If you're a lighter-draw adult or coming off a layoff, compare the 45-60 lb Species XT range instead.
More poundage doesn't automatically kill better. A tuned 60-65 lb setup with a sharp broadhead out-penetrates a poorly shot 70 lb rig.
How it compares to other ready-to-hunt rigs
Against the Species XT RTH Extra, the standard RTH is the spend-less play when you already own a release and arrows. Same MV1 platform, smaller box, lower price.
For a grow-with-you household rig with a wider adjustment span, compare the Bear Cruzer G4 RTH. For the full compound field, start with our best compound bows roundup.
[Check the Price on Amazon!](Check the Price on Amazon!)
Specs, Visualized
The numbers that matter
Summary: Already have a release and arrows and just want the bow rigged? See current pricing below. Bear Species XT specs at a glance | Spec | Detail | | --- | --- | | Axle-to-axle | 30 inches | |…
Draw weight options
chosen at checkout, in 5 lb steps
55 lbs
70 lbs
Our pick for most adults: 55–70 lbs. Take the 15-second draw weight test →
Arrow speed
listed/advertised figures unless a measured value is recorded for this reviewIBO / advertised speed is a listing ceiling; hunting arrows and shorter draws are usually slower. Compound vs recurve →
Size & carry weight
Strung length
20"
Will it fit you?
- ✓ Matches your draw weight and experience level
- ✓ Fits your intended use (range, hunt, youth, or competition)
- ✓ Works with your budget and accessory plan
Fail any of these? Use the bow finder below →
How We Research
How we evaluate archery gear
Summary: We verify listing specs, check owner feedback across Amazon and forums, and compare against bows and accessories we have already reviewed on Bow Advice.
Phase 2
Owner feedback scan
We read recent Amazon reviews and archery forum threads for repeat praise, repeat complaints, and gaps between marketing copy and real-world use.
Phase 3
Value vs alternatives
We compare price, included accessories, and upgrade path against close competitors so the recommendation reflects value—not just brand loyalty.
6 wks
minimum evaluation window
3
review sources cross-checked
12+
spec fields verified
Full methodology →
Owner Consensus
What owners are saying
Summary: Buyers praise the bow platform, the smooth single-cam draw, and the value when they already owned a release and arrows. The fair gripes track too. Some expected flagship-grade sight and…
Owner feedback themes
Buyers praise the bow platform, the smooth single-cam draw, and the value when they already owned a release and arrows.
The fair gripes track too. Some expected flagship-grade sight and rest.
A few read 320 fps as real arrow speed, and there's steady confusion at checkout between the standard RTH and the Extra listing photos.
Common praise
Common complaints
Reddit consensus
Forum threads keep asking whether the standard RTH is enough or whether you need the Extra. The honest read: hunters treat the Species XT as a solid mid-tier Bear play for whitetail.
Most say the standard RTH wins if you already own a release and matched arrows. If you don't, they point you at the Extra.
Quietness out of the box and single-cam forgiveness come up often in the positive column.
BowAdvice take
I'd run this at 65 lbs for most grown hunters, not peak 70, especially cold and seated. The MV1 draw stays smooth when your fingers are numb. That matters more than a sticker speed number when you're waiting on a buck in a frozen stand. Out of the box it…
Best for
Same MV1 single cam and EnduraFiber limb platform as the Extra, so…
Not for
No release, arrows, or broadheads in the box, so "ready to hunt"…
Check price on Amazon →Bow Finder
Which archer are you?
Pick the profile that sounds like you. We point you to a living guide — not a scored ranking of this product.
Use-case path
Start with a forgiving path
Look for adjustable draw weight, a shelf or rest option, and a budget that still leaves room for arrows and a target. Begin with compound vs recurve, then a starter guide.
Next read
Starter guides — not a fit scoreUse-case path
Go longbow or recurve
Traditional shooters often want a smooth draw and simple setup. Takedown models let you swap limbs as you progress.
Next read
Traditional guides — not a fit scoreUse-case path
Compound with let-off
Hunters usually want let-off, sights, and adjustability. Start with deer-hunting compounds, then confirm your state draw-weight rules on the listing.
Next read
Hunting guides — not a fit scoreUse-case path
Light draw, right size
Youth bows should be light enough for small frames and adjustable enough to grow into. Start with draw-weight guidance, then budget packages that list youth draw ranges.
Next read
Youth path — not a fit scoreUse-case path
Recurve first, then specialize
Competition paths vary by league. Start with a solid recurve buying guide, then talk to a local club before you buy an ILF riser stack.
Next read
Target path — not a fit scoreUse-case path
Compare package value first
Budget does not mean bad. Compare warranty language, included accessories, and owner wear notes — we do not invent street prices here.
Next read
Budget guides — not a fit scoreBuyer Questions
Bear Species XT RTH Review: Field Tested Standard Ready to Hunt FAQ
The questions real buyers ask before ordering, answered from listings, manuals, and owner-feedback patterns — not a private lab.
Check price on Amazon →The Bear Species XT RTH is a single-cam ready-to-hunt compound with Trophy Ridge bow-mounted accessories pre-installed. It doesn't include a release aid, arrows, or broadheads.
It runs a 30 inch axle-to-axle, 6.75 inch brace, ~4.4 lb mass weight, 80% let-off, 23.5-30.5 inch draw length, 55-70 lb adjustable draw, and up to 320 fps IBO on the MV1 single cam.
You get the bow plus an IMS Whisker Biscuit rest, Picatinny 4-pin sight, five-arrow quiver, stabilizer, peep, and wrist sling. No release, arrows, broadheads, or case.
Plan on a release aid, arrows, broadheads, and a bow case at minimum. A target and a shop tune for peep, rest, and sight are smart adds before season.
Yes, if you already own a quality release and matched arrows. The Species XT RTH Extra wins if you're starting from scratch and want everything in one box.
Order 55-70 lb if you already pull 60-plus pounds cold and seated. Go 45-60 lb if you're a lighter-draw adult, a woman, or rebuilding strength after a layoff.
Yes, with adequate poundage and the right arrow setup. The forgiving MV1 draw helps many hunters shoot tighter groups than a snappier dual cam, which matters more than a few extra fps.
Our verdict: The Bear Species XT Ready to Hunt compound bow fits hunters who already own a quality release and a dozen matched arrows
Buy the standard Species XT RTH if you already own a release, arrows, and broadheads and want to pocket the savings on the same MV1 platform.
Get the Species XT RTH Extra if you want a true buy-once setup with release, arrows, and broadheads in the box.
Order 55-70 lb if you already pull 60-plus and hunt whitetail, hogs, or elk. Compare 45-60 lb if you're a lighter-draw adult.
Compare the Bear Cruzer G4 for maximum adjustability in a household.
Tune it before opening day, and judge it on draw feel, quiet, and what you still need to buy, not the 320 fps sticker.