Bear Archery Legit Maxx RTH Compound Bow Review

Most compound bows fit one archer. The Bear Legit Maxx RTH is designed to fit several versions of the same archer over the years. With a 14" to 30" draw length range and a 10 to 70 lb draw weight range, the Bear Legit Maxx RTH can start as a light practice bow for a young shooter and end up as a legitimate adult hunting bow, all without buying a new frame.

That makes it one of the most popular answers to the question “what is a good youth compound bow that grows?” This review covers the verified Legit Maxx specs, what ships in the RTH package, and, most importantly, how to step up draw weight safely so a new archer builds good form instead of bad habits.

Bear Legit Maxx RTH Specs

These figures come from Lancaster Archery, ALS and other retailer listings that agree with one another. Where they disagree, we say so.

The 315 fps IBO rating applies at the top of the range: a 30" draw and 70 lb. A youth archer shooting 25 lb at a 24" draw will see far lower arrow speeds, which is exactly what you want while they learn.

Who Should Buy the Bear Legit Maxx?

The Bear Legit Maxx makes the most sense for shooters whose draw length or strength is still changing:

• Kids and teens who will grow several inches over the next few seasons.
• Adult beginners who want to start light and build strength without buying a second bow.
• Families who want one bow that can be re-set for different shooters (with a pro shop’s help).
• Hunters returning after an injury who need to rebuild draw weight gradually.

If you are an adult with a settled draw length and you already pull 60 lb or more comfortably, a dedicated adult hunting bow will usually give you more speed and refinement for the money.

What’s in the Legit Maxx RTH Package

Lancaster Archery, ALS and other retailers list a similar Ready To Hunt kit:

Lancaster’s listing also mentions a D-loop. Arrows, a release and a target are not included. Arrows are especially important on a grow-with-you bow, because spine and length must match the current draw weight and draw length, not where the archer will be in three years.

Safe Draw-Weight Progression on the Legit Maxx

The 10–70 lb range is the Legit Maxx’s biggest selling point, and also the easiest thing to misuse. Too much weight too soon is the fastest way to build bad form: hunched shoulders, sky-drawing, punching the release and, in younger shooters, real risk of shoulder strain.

Here is a sample progression that Better Outdoors suggests as a starting framework. These are general guidelines, not rules from Bear; individual strength varies, and a coach or pro shop should make the final call.

Increase weight in small steps, a few pounds at a time, and give the archer a few weeks at each setting. Every time you change draw weight, check that the arrows are still correctly spined. Many states set minimum draw weights or energy requirements for big game, so look up your local regulations before the first hunt. Our kinetic energy guidance and calculators can help confirm a youth setup is ready.

Adjusting Bear Legit Maxx Draw Length as an Archer Grows

Draw length is the other half of the fit. Retailer copy for the Legit family says adjustments are made with an Allen wrench and do not require a bow press. That is convenient, but it is not the same as “set it and forget it.”

1. Measure first. Use the wingspan method (arm span in inches divided by 2.5) as a starting point, then confirm at full draw.
2. Re-check every few months for growing kids, and at the start of each season.
3. Move the peep after any draw length change so it lines up naturally at anchor.
4. Re-check arrow length and spine. A longer draw may need longer, stiffer arrows.
5. Re-sight the pins after any change.

Get a quick starting number for any archer with our calculator:

Try the free Draw Length CalculatorEstimate your draw length from wingspan or height.

For a step-by-step walkthrough of modules and draw stops, read our guide on how to adjust draw length on a compound bow. If you are not comfortable making the change, a pro shop can do it in minutes.

Bear Legit Maxx vs Whitetail Maxx and Species XT

Bear’s similarly named bows confuse a lot of shoppers. Our Bear Whitetail Maxx RTH review covers that bow in depth; here is the short version alongside the Bear Species XT RTH.

The key difference is range. The Whitetail Maxx and Species XT each give you about 15 lb of draw weight adjustment; the Legit Maxx gives you 60 lb. If the archer is still growing or still building strength, the Legit Maxx is the safer buy.

Legit Maxx vs the Newer Legit Maxx+

Bear’s own site now features the Legit Maxx+ RTH, described as the next generation of the line. It shares the headline numbers listed by Bear and retailers: 315 fps IBO, a 30" axle-to-axle length, 14"–30" draw length, 10–70 lb draw weight and 75% let-off. Many stores still sell the original Legit Maxx RTH, often at a discount. If you find a good deal on the original, it remains a sound choice; just confirm the model name and package contents on the listing.

Bear Legit Maxx RTH Review: Pros and Cons

Two more additions help new archers progress faster: an arm guard to prevent string slap while form develops, and a youth-sized release sized for smaller hands.

Our Verdict on the Bear Legit Maxx RTH

Final Thoughts on the Bear Archery Legit Maxx RTH

The Bear Archery Legit Maxx RTH compound bow solves a real problem: kids and new archers outgrow bows quickly, and buying a new one every season gets expensive. Used wisely, with light starting weights, gradual increases and regular draw length checks, it can carry a shooter all the way to their first deer. At Better Outdoors we recommend pairing it with a pro-shop setup at each major adjustment, so the bow keeps fitting as the archer grows.

Frequently Asked Questions