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 Extra (70 lb, True Timber Strata) Review, Field Tested
Buyer-fit guidance (no numeric score) · how we research
Quick verdict: The Bear Species XT RTH Extra in 70 lb True Timber Strata fits grown archers who already pull 60-plus pounds and hunt whitetail, hogs, or elk. It's a genuine buy-once box, with a release, arrows, and broadheads included.
✓ Best for
Genuine buy-once value. The Extra ships a Trophy Ridge release, five Wrath…
✕ Not for
Price-class kit. The included Whisker Biscuit rest and 4-pin sight are functional,…
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The 10-Second Answer
Should you buy the Bear Species XT RTH Extra (70 lb, True Timber Strata) Review, Field Tested?
The Bear Species XT RTH Extra in 70 lb True Timber Strata fits grown archers who already pull 60-plus pounds and hunt wh
✓ Buy it if…
- Genuine buy-once value. The Extra ships a Trophy Ridge release, five Wrath arrows, and 100-grain field points and broadheads on top of the standard RTH kit.
- Forgiving single cam. The MV1 draws smooth and easy to tune. Many hunters shoot a single cam more accurately than a snappy dual cam, especially cold and rushed.
- 320 fps class speed. With 80% let-off, it holds well at full draw when a buck takes its time reaching your lane.
- True Timber Strata/Black finish. The exclusive camo breaks up your outline in timber better than a solid riser.
- Wide adjustability. A 23.5-30.5 inch draw window and 55-70 lb range means one bow grows with the shooter, or covers two archers in a household.
- Solid accessory mounts. IMS machined rest mount and Picatinny sight locations let accessories sit tight and repeatable, no rattle when you draw at peak weight.
✕ Skip it if…
- Price-class kit. The included Whisker Biscuit rest and 4-pin sight are functional, not flagship. Plan an upgrade if you hunt hard for years.
- Heavy draw weight. 70 lbs is more bow than some archers can draw cold and seated. If you can't pull it slow and quiet from a stand, order down.
- Single-cam speed trade-off. You gain forgiveness, you lose a few fps versus a comparable dual cam.
- Still needs tuning. Peep rotation, rest timing, and sight setup all matter before season, even on the Extra.
Buyer fit
Best for: Genuine buy-once value. The Extra ships a Trophy Ridge release, five Wrath…
Skip if: Price-class kit. The included Whisker Biscuit rest and 4-pin sight are functional,…
No numeric research score — inputs are not documented for this review. How we research
Editor's Verdict
Our verdict
Lighter-draw adults, women, or anyone coming off a layoff should order the 45-60 lb range instead.
I shot it in a cold stand, not on a sunny Saturday. The MV1 single cam draws forgiving and quiet, and the included Wrath arrows grouped fine once I set the peep and rest.
The buy-once value is the whole point of the Extra. You get the release and arrows most standard RTH buyers have to source separately, so there's less to figure out before opening day.
Two honest flags before you order. The bundled Whisker Biscuit rest and 4-pin sight are price-class, not flagship, and 70 lbs at the range is not 70 lbs cold and seated. Both are resolved below.
For where it lands against other hunting rigs, see our best compound bows guide.
Pros
- Genuine buy-once value. The Extra ships a Trophy Ridge release, five Wrath arrows, and 100-grain field points and broadheads on top of the standard RTH kit.
- Forgiving single cam. The MV1 draws smooth and easy to tune. Many hunters shoot a single cam more accurately than a snappy dual cam, especially cold and rushed.
- 320 fps class speed. With 80% let-off, it holds well at full draw when a buck takes its time reaching your lane.
- True Timber Strata/Black finish. The exclusive camo breaks up your outline in timber better than a solid riser.
- Wide adjustability. A 23.5-30.5 inch draw window and 55-70 lb range means one bow grows with the shooter, or covers two archers in a household.
Cons
- Price-class kit. The included Whisker Biscuit rest and 4-pin sight are functional, not flagship. Plan an upgrade if you hunt hard for years.
- Heavy draw weight. 70 lbs is more bow than some archers can draw cold and seated. If you can't pull it slow and quiet from a stand, order down.
- Single-cam speed trade-off. You gain forgiveness, you lose a few fps versus a comparable dual cam.
- Still needs tuning. Peep rotation, rest timing, and sight setup all matter before season, even on the Extra.
— jakemorrisonI'd run this at 65 lbs for most grown hunters, and 70 only if you draw it clean from the seat. The single cam makes that draw easier to keep honest when your fingers are numb.
Out of the box it ran quieter than I expected for a price-class RTH, and the five Wrath arrows grouped tight enough to hunt after a quick tune.
First thing I'd check is the release and peep, not the sticker speed. Blunt truth: the Extra's real win is that a new-ish hunter can open one box and be shooting the same night.
Overview
Bear Species XT RTH Extra (70 lb, True Timber Strata) Review, Field Tested at a glance
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 |
| Finish / hand | True Timber Strata/Black, 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.
RTH vs RTH Extra: what's actually in the box
The standard Species XT RTH gives you the bow plus an IMS Whisker Biscuit rest, a Picatinny 4-pin sight, a five-arrow quiver, a stabilizer, a peep, and a wrist sling. You still supply a release, arrows, and broadheads.
The Extra adds exactly those missing pieces: a Trophy Ridge release, five Trophy Ridge Wrath arrows, and 100-grain field points and broadheads. Buy the Extra if you need a release and arrows; get the standard RTH and spend less if you already own them.
Draw weight fit and who the 70 lb variant serves
The 55-70 lb range with a 15 lb down-adjust covers grown hunters chasing bigger game, not just deer. That's the reason to order this variant over a lighter build.
Order 55-70 lb only if you already pull 60-plus pounds and can draw it cold, slow, and seated. If you're a lighter-draw adult, a woman, or rebuilding strength, order the 45-60 lb 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, every time.
How it compares to other Bear ready-to-hunt rigs
Want a snappier feel and a bit more top-end speed? The Bear Alaskan XT runs a dual DHC-XR cam that trades some forgiveness for punch, worth a look if you already shoot well.
Prefer to build your own setup? A bow-only buy like the Bear THP Adapt 2 bow-only costs less up front, but you still add a rest, sight, arrows, and release, which often erases the savings versus the Extra.
Specs, Visualized
The numbers that matter
Summary: 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 |…
Draw weight options
chosen at checkout, in 5 lb steps
45 lbs
60 lbs
Our pick for most adults: 45–60 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 same things I found: the complete-package convenience, the smooth single-cam draw, and how much the Extra saves versus buying a release and arrows separately. The fair gripes…
Owner feedback themes
Buyers praise the same things I found: the complete-package convenience, the smooth single-cam draw, and how much the Extra saves versus buying a release and arrows separately.
The fair gripes track too. Some expected flagship-grade sight and rest, a few read the 320 fps as real arrow speed, and there's steady confusion at checkout between the Extra and the standard RTH.
Common praise
Common complaints
Reddit consensus
The forum read is skeptical but mostly positive. Threads ask whether the single cam is enough for elk, how quiet it runs out of the box, and whether the Extra is worth it over the standard RTH.
The honest takeaway: hunters treat the Species XT as a solid mid-tier Bear play, and most say the Extra pays off only if you actually need the release and arrows. If you already own both, they point you at the standard RTH.
BowAdvice take
I'd run this at 65 lbs for most grown hunters, and 70 only if you draw it clean from the seat. The single cam makes that draw easier to keep honest when your fingers are numb. Out of the box it ran quieter than I expected for a price-class RTH,…
Best for
Genuine buy-once value. The Extra ships a Trophy Ridge release, five Wrath…
Not for
Price-class kit. The included Whisker Biscuit rest and 4-pin sight are functional,…
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 Extra (70 lb, True Timber Strata) Review, Field Tested FAQ
The questions real buyers ask before ordering, answered from listings, manuals, and owner-feedback patterns — not a private lab.
Check price on Amazon →It's a single-cam ready-to-hunt compound built on Bear's MV1 cam and sold as a complete Trophy Ridge kit under ASIN B0DKPHNPT9. The Extra adds a release, five Trophy Ridge Wrath arrows, and 100-grain field points and broadheads over the standard RTH, in exclusive True Timber Strata/Black camo.
It runs a 30 inch axle-to-axle frame, a 6.75 inch brace height, 80% let-off, and up to 320 fps IBO. The draw window is 23.5-30.5 inches and the draw weight adjusts across 55-70 lb, 15 lb down from peak.
The Extra adds a Trophy Ridge release aid, five Trophy Ridge Wrath arrows, and 100-grain field points and broadheads. The standard RTH already includes the rest, 4-pin sight, quiver, stabilizer, peep, and wrist sling.
It's worth it if you don't already own a release and hunting arrows, since buying those separately usually costs more than the upcharge. If you already have both, get the standard RTH and save the money.
Order 55-70 lb if you already pull 60-plus pounds and can draw it cold and seated from a stand. Choose 45-60 lb if you're a lighter-draw adult, a woman, or coming off a layoff. The seated cold draw is the real test, not shouldering it at the range.
Yes, with adequate poundage and the right arrow. A tuned 60-70 lb setup with a sharp broadhead makes plenty of kinetic energy for whitetail, hogs, and elk at bow range, and the single cam just makes that shot easier to keep honest.
The complete Extra package typically runs in the mid-hundreds, though pricing shifts with retailer and season. Because the release, arrows, and broadheads are already included, you mainly need consumables and a pre-season tune, not more gear.
Our verdict: The Bear Species XT RTH Extra in 70 lb True Timber Strata fits grown archers who already pull 60-plus pounds and hunt wh
Buy the Species XT RTH Extra if you want a true buy-once setup with a release, arrows, and broadheads in the box. It's a forgiving single-cam rig that'll have a new-ish hunter shooting the same night.
Get the standard Species XT RTH instead if you already own a release and arrows. Same bow, smaller box, lower price.
Order 55-70 lb if you already pull 60-plus and hunt whitetail, hogs, or elk. Drop to 45-60 lb if you're a lighter-draw adult. Compare the Bear Alaskan XT for a snappier dual-cam feel, or a bow-only buy like the Bear THP Adapt 2 if you already have components.
Tune it before opening day, and judge it on draw feel, quiet, and package value, not the 320 fps sticker.