Does a Mathews shoot faster? Probably. Will it outlast a Bear? Not likely. Will the Mathews be smoother? Probably. Will the Mathews retain its value better? BIG TIME !! Shoot them both and decide for yourself if its worth the extra money. Don't buy one because its a more popular brand. They will both kill deer as well as you can shoot, no better no worse. Bear gets excellent reviews and is considered a bargain. Mathews can put out just about anything and people will line up to buy them.