Bear Archery’s new Whitetail INT RTH puts on a show with fast arrow speeds, high dynamic efficiency marks and a positive shooting experience, all in a lightweight bow.
February 11, 2025
By Jon E. Silks
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A new Bear Whitetail! What? That’s the bow I started with nearly 45 years ago! I took my very first deer with the Whitetail Hunter (Oh, the memories). And while the base name and quality remain the same, the performance of the Whitetail INT is on a whole other level than that bow.
Outfitted with Bear’s adjustable EKO Cam and Muscle Split Limbs, the new Whitetail INT sends arrows downrange at an advertised 339 fps. A reflex riser with flared structure and bridging is built to provide a stiff shooting platform while also serving as the base for the built-in grip, expanded accessory-mounting options and cable roller slide. Plus, this is a Ready-To-Hunt (RTH) package, which would have been nice back in the day, since I taped a barn burner matchstick to my riser for an aiming point. Let’s take a closer look at this impressive setup.
Performance & Adjustability Along with available letoff settings of 75, 80, 85 and 90 percent (an arrow on the oblong draw stop can be rotated to reach the desired letoff), the EKO dual cam uses rotating modules to span the 26-30-inch draw-length range, in half-inch increments. No bow press is needed for either draw length or letoff adjustments, and changes will not impact peak draw weight or cam timing, which is set at the factory. The three-track cam system is machined from aluminum and employs Headhunter 452X string and cables. A chart in the manual will guide you to the correct draw stop and module settings that are clearly engraved on the base cam and module so you find the fit customized for you.
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Hub With Flare Bear outfits the Whitetail INT with a reflex riser that employs detailed bridging and flared sections both top and bottom that are designed to strategically add strength and increase rigidity throughout the platform. This, in turn, results in a base that promotes consistency and downrange accuracy. In addition to the standard mounting holes for an arrow rest and sight, you will find Bear’s Picatinny mount that can be placed on the sight window’s front surface for inline sights and a dovetail mount on the riser’s rear facing surface, just above the shelf, to accommodate arrow rests compatible with the Integrate Mounting System (IMS). The RTH package includes a 5-arrow quiver, stabilizer, peep sight, wrist sling, In-Line IMS V-Biscuit rest and Fatal 4-Pin Sight.
The Whitetail INT’s riser handle is contoured and sized to create the bow’s grip that, along with the attached rubber side plates, provides comfort and results in a neutral wrist position. Bear’s cable-containment system uses a carbon rod with a quad roller slide — one for each cable and two that contact the rod to minimize friction and increase efficiency. Finally, a riser-mounted, rubber-tipped string stop quickly stops string oscillation for less vibration and noise.
Muscle Up Bear’s Ready-To-Hunt (RTH) package from Trophy Ridge includes a generous complement of bow accessories designed to help you hit the ground running. The 11.5-inch Muscle limbs are split and made with Bear’s proprietary, compression-molding process. These limbs are built with fiberglass that’s wrapped in resin and matched into sets based on deflection values. Limbs are available in 45-60-pound or 55-70-pound draw weights and the following colors/camo patterns: Olive, Stone, Mossy Oak Bottomland, Veil Whitetail or Fred Bear. Limbs are aligned to the riser with an independent, cast aluminum pocket complete with Bear’s pinch rocker system.
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At The Range The Whitetail INT performed at a high level considering the price. While drawing, the bow reaches peak relatively quickly and holds there to build energy before dropping into a very solid back wall. Arrow speeds were quick, shock and vibration were average and made much better with a quality stabilizer. Shot noise — other than an easily managed string vibration — was stealth-like. The riser/grip is notably narrow; however, there is a small, flat section on the back that aids in consistency. A steady hold on target and slow follow-through promote accuracy. The RTH package is sure to be a hit, as it puts a bowhunter in the game right out of the gate thanks to a full complement of accessories.
The Specs Manufacturer: Bear Archery, 800-694-9494; beararchery.com Model: Whitetail INT RTHRiser: Reflex, aluminum, advanced accessory mountingGrip: Contoured riser handle, rubber side insertsLimbs: Bear Muscle, split, resin-wrapped fiberglassDraw Weights: 45–60 pounds or 55–70 poundsDraw Lengths: 26–30 inches, in half-inch increments; rotating moduleCam System: EKO, DualLetoff: 75, 80, 85 and 90 percent, adjustable; 86.48 percent as testedString: Head Hunter, X99, 59.5625 inchesCables (x2): Head Hunter, X99, 35.125 inchesBrace Height: 6.5 inchesAxle-to-Axle Length: 31 inchesWeight: 4 pounds (advertised and as tested)Finish: Olive, Stone, Black riser w/Veil Whitetail or Mossy Oak Bottomland limbs, Olive riser w/Fred Bear Camo limbsAdvertised ATA Speed: 339 fpsMSRP: $729.99Comments: High performance and shooting experience marks, especially considering the price tag!EDITOR’S NOTE: All of our Bow Tests are conducted using the same standardized procedures and professionally calibrated testing equipment. Bows are tested with a draw length of 29 inches and a draw weight of 65 pounds, unless otherwise noted. Speed & Energy Arrow Speed: 305.3 fps (375-grain arrow), 288.3 fps (425-grain arrow)Kinetic Energy: 77.6 ft./lbs. (375-grain arrow), 78.5 ft./lbs. (425-grain arrow)Dynamic Efficiency: 85.3% (375-grain arrow), 86.2% (425-grain arrow)Average Noise Level: 91.5 dBA (375-grain arrow), 90.8 dBA (425-grain arrow)
