11 Best Compound Bows For Hunting And Target Shooting In 2024
Specialty: Physical EducationExperience: 27 yearsJustin Cahill has been a physical education teacher for over 27 years and currently works at Trinity School, Atlanta. He is also the founder of keepingkidsinmotion.com, a website full of videos, ideas, lessons, and thoughts on how to keep kids active in a device-driven world.
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wedetso chirhah poulami nag pratibha bagdy Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University and has qualified UGC-NET. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.
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In This Article
Purchasing a compound bow is a personal choice, and the option you choose should meet your specific requirements. Here’s our list of the best compound bows to help you choose the right bow and prepare for your next hunt or target shooting. A bow with excess draw weight or one that doesn’t fit correctly might not offer stability while shooting. Moreover, a bulky bow may not be easy to carry if you plan on covering long distances. Made of high-quality materials, these bows are long-lasting, durable, and offer stability, balance, and precision. Available in a wide range of designs, choosing the right bow can be challenging. So, explore our list to make an informed decision.
Top Picks
11 Best Compound Bows
1. Best Weather-Proof: CenterPoint ABY1721 Elkhorn Youth Compound Bow
Considered a top compound bow, the Elkhorn Youth Compound Bow features heavy weight and durable composite limbs and an integrated center-shot riser. The peak draw weight is 15 pounds with a draw length of 26 inches which enables you to use the same bow set for years to come. It measures 33 inches from end to end with a brace height of 8 inches, and a velocity of 70 fps. The axle-to-axle length is 33 inches and the draw can be adjusted between 17 to 21 pounds. It offers ideal hand placement which guarantees a better shot, thanks to its integrated design. It also includes 2 composite arrows measuring 26 inches, a finger tab, a quiver, arrow rest, arm guard, and an adjustable pin sight.
Pros
- Durable string and cam
- Heavy-duty strings
- Innovative design
- Weather-proof strings
- Ideal for beginners
- Perfect for right handed shooters
Cons
- Can only be used with the arrows provided
"This bow's beginner-friendly design has been perfect for my son's first practice sessions. It wasn't easy for me to assemble, but I'm happy it serves its purpose. It has also been durable enough to withstand rough use."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 1,446 reviews claiming its efficacy.
Trivia2. Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Adult Compound Bow – Moonshine Wildfire
Bring out your adventurous side with this versatile bow that caters to all skill levels and ages. This bow for left-handed adventure seekers comes ready to hunt and features 6 trophy ridge accessories— a whisker biscuit, a 4-pin sight, a 5-arrow quiver, a sling and stabilizer, a nock loop, and a peep sight. It has an adjustable draw length from 12 inches to 30 inches and a peak draw weight of 70 pounds. The adjustments do not require a bow press and are made with an allen wrench. This lightweight compound bow weighs just 3 pounds and has a velocity of 315 fps. It also features an extremely smooth draw cycle, controlled power, minimal vibration and noise, and can be used by the whole family. You can also check out this YouTuber’s detailed review to learn more about the product.
Pros
- 70% let off
- Advanced grip design
- Provides high and consistent accuracy
- 30-inch axle-to-axle length
- EnduraFiber limbs
- Offers a quiet shooting experience
- RockStops offset string suppressor
Cons
- Some feel the string could be more durable.
"My daughter just began her archery lessons and is pretty happy with this bow set. Setting it was also pretty straightforward, but aligning it to her requirements was time-consuming. Still, it has been performing remarkably well since then."
3. Best Lightweight: Pandarus Compound Bow – Right Handed
This entry-level compound bow is ideal for beginners and made of durable engineering plastic PA66. It features an adjustable draw weight of 15 to 29 pounds and an adjustable draw length of 19 to 28 inches, with no bow press needed. With a right-handed orientation, it has a let-off of 65%, a brace height of 6.75 inches, adjustable twin cams, and a net weight of 2.5 pounds. Considered one of the best compound bows, it also includes 5 branches, an arrow rest, a bow sight mount, an arrow quiver, an arm guard, 12 hunting arrows, and a target paper, and is also available in red, green, blue, and pink besides this black compound bow. Have a look at this product testing video by a reviewer to learn more about the bow.
Pros
- Lightweight
- IBO speed of 260 fps
- Axle-to-axle length of 27.75 inches
- String stopping function
Cons
- More suitable for beginners
"This archery set has been excellent for our casual target practice. It is highly user-friendly, from its setup to the adjustments. Also, it requires less force to draw back the string, a helpful feature for my kids."
Did you know? CenterPoint ABY1721 Elkhorn Youth Compound Bow | Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Adult Compound Bow - Moonshine Wildfire | Pandarus Compound Bow - Right Handed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions LxWxH | 35 x 13 x 3 inches | 34 x 11.5 x 4 inches | - |
| Weight | 1 Pounds | 3 Pounds | 2.5 Pounds |
| Material | Composite | Aluminum | PA66 |
| Color | Multi | Wildfire | Black Right-Handed |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,446 | 1,109 | 1,011 |
| Price | $64.01 | $376.44 | $89.99 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best IBO Speed: Topoint Archery Trigon Compound Bow
Trigon Compound Bow is designed for right-handed archers and is perfect for both archery and hunting purposes. The CNC-machined bow riser is made of lightweight 6061-T6 aluminum and has a durable anodized surface. With upgraded dual cams, this compound bow ensures comfortable and smooth drawing. It has a proper draw length of 19 to 30 inches and a draw weight of 19 to 70 pounds, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced archers. The bow comes with multiple additional accessories such as a five-pin bow sight, an aluminum stabilizer, a braided bow sling, and a peep sight assembly.
Pros
- IBO speed of 320 FPS
- Let off at 80%
- Comfortable design
- Weighs 3.95 pounds
- Brace height of seven inches
- Axle-to-axle length of 31 inches
- Portable bow bag
- Available in various colors
Cons
- Arrows may be a bit flimsy
- Instructions in the handbook may not be easy to follow
"This bow has been pretty accurate, regardless of whether I have used it for hunting or target practice. Its well-crafted build also assures me of its durability. Also, the pre-assembled design eliminated the hassle of setting it up."
5. Best Vibration Damping System: Barnett Archery Vortex Lite Youth Compound Bow
This lightweight compound bow is equipped to adjust with the developing skills of archers who are new to the game. It features a peak draw weight of 29 pounds with a let-off of 60 to 70% and 22 to 25 inches of draw length. It comes with a 3-pin fiber optic sight with a bright glow feature which gives visibility in low light. The draw length of this right-handed bow can be increased in 1-inch increments, and also features an adjustable arrow rest.
Pros
- Versatile compound bow
- Well equipped
- Innovative design
- Adjustable draw length
- Constructed to ATA and AMO standards
Cons
- May be heavier than expected
"In addition to being easy to set up, this bow has adapted well to my family’s different skill levels. While mostly durable, I would have liked its rest to be designed better. Nevertheless, its real strings have made it easy for me to practice different shooting styles."
6. Best For Beginners: Aimdor A9 Compound Bow And Arrow Set
This comprehensive compound bow and arrow set has all the bow accessories required to hone a beginner’s archery skills. It is easy to maneuver and handle without the requirement of any bow press. Each part is made of aluminum and has zero plastic, ensuring its longevity. This right-handed compound bow has an axle length of 35.5 inches, a draw length of 20 to 27 inches, and an adjustable draw weight of zero to 40 pounds, making it a convenient and trusted choice of both teens and adults. The bow riser comes in multiple color options to choose from.
Pros
- String length of 57 inches
- IBO rating of 290 FPS
- Weighs 3.5 pounds
- Let off of 70%
- Split yoke tuning system
- Rotating modules and cams
- Rubber shock absorber
- Suitable for gifting
Cons
- Some may find it hard to assemble
"This bow has been an excellent starter set for a beginner like me. I am also amazed at how easy it is to adjust it according to weight and draw length. Also, its row is sturdy, making each of my shots powerful even when I don't put too much pressure."
7. Best Durable: Diamond Infinite Edge Pro Compound Bow
If you’re searching for a high-quality, versatile bow with all the necessary features and accessories, then this is the bow for you. It has a draw weight of 5 to 70 pounds and the draw length can be extended from 13 to 31 inches, which means it can be used by shooters with longer draws. The cam system is also redesigned, creating a smooth and proper draw cycle. It also has an added solid back wall to give this bow more leverage over other bows. Its 5-inch ultra-lite octane stabilizer ensures perfect balance to make your shooting perfect. This top-rated compound bow also includes 6 carbon arrows, a 3-pin tundra sight mount, tube peep sight, hostage XL arrow rest, BCY string loop, deadlock lite octane quiver, a soft bow case, and a comfort wrist sling.
Pros
- Weighs 3.2 pounds
- Right-handed bow
- Let-off of 80%
- Bow speed of 310 fps
- Axle-to-axle length of 31 inches
- Brace height of 7 inches
Cons
- Some may not find the peep sight satisfactory.
"The requirement for the occasional tuning aside, this bow has been performing well despite being bought months ago. Its customizable design is also a plus, and the washable trainer makes it easy to keep it clean. Moreover, its quality has been remarkable at this price."
Quick fact8. Best For Right-Handers: Southland Archery Supply SAS Feud Compound Bow
The Southland Archery Supply SAS Feud Compound Bow generates a maximum speed of 300 frames per second and comes complete with a quick detach quiver, tube peep sight, premium neoprene string, and an adjustable bow sight. Its axle-to-axle length is 30in, whereas its let-off percentage ranges between 70 and 80 percent. The compound bow is designed to suit right-handers.
Pros
- Easy draw length adjustment
- Easy to draw
- Quality neoprene string
- Suitable for longer targets
Cons
- May be slightly heavy
"I bought this compound bow after watching my friend practicing with it. Its adjustable nature is a solid plus, as it enables smooth and reliable shooting based on my skill level, and the ease of setup is much appreciated."
9. Best For Children: PSE Archery Guide Junior Compound Bow Set
The right-handed compound bow set by PSE Archery ensures ease of use and is recommended for children above the age of ten. This archery kit is extremely lightweight at only 2.3 pounds. The bow comes with pre-installed finger guards on the bowstring, and the ergonomic design offers a good grip for smaller hands. This compound bow comes with everything required in a starter kit–a hunting quiver to carry arrows, an arm guard to ensure safety during shooting practice, two fiberglass arrows, a finger tab, a pin sight, and an arrow rest.
Pros
- Simple design for learning technicalities
- Axle-to-axle length of 23.25 inches
- Brace height of seven inches
- Adjustable draw weight of 8 to 26 pounds
- Offers draw length adjustment of 16.5 to 26 inches
Cons
- Arrow rest might be a bit flimsy
"The highlight of this set is its adjustability, which has kept it in use as my skills evolve. It's also proven versatile enough to work with the add-ons I have. And while slightly flimsy, the included arrows are very thoughtful."
10. Best Powder Coated Finish: ASDW Archery Kids Compound Bow Set
One of the best compound bows, this one is perfect for both left and right handed shooters. Ideal for children between the age of 6 to 12 years, the lightweight design of this enhanced fiberglass bow has a double arrow rest for ambidextrous shooters and is easy to grip. It features a brace height of 9 inches, a draw weight of 10 pounds, and a let-off of 50%. The riser comprises high-quality compound material, while the bow string is made of durable nylon. The set includes six fiberglass arrows with bright color vanes, an arm guard, four paper targets, and soft rubber finger guards to protect children while practicing.
Pros
- 3 mm reinforced bowstring
- Curved edge design
- Weighs 2.2 pounds
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Improves hand-eye coordination
- Enhances focus, concentration, and patience
Cons
- The arrow has a metal tip.
"Both my children have been able to use this bow due to its ambidextrous design. Its lightweight build also allows them to practice for hours without experiencing fatigue. I found some arrows blunter than expected, but they still perform well."
11. Best Noiseless Design: AMEYXGS Archery Compound Bow Kit
The AMEYXGS advanced compound bow kit is made of high-strength metal alloy and features a double eccentric wheel system that delivers excellent performance. The bow limb stabilizer provides a quiet shooting experience, which is a bonus when hunting. It has an adjustable draw weight of 30 to 55 pounds and an adjustable range of draw length from 24 to 29.5 inches, eliminating the need for a bow press. The kit includes several accessories required for seamless performance, such as a bow sight, a bow release, string wax, and a bow stand.
Pros
- Laminated bow limbs
- Quality peep sight
- Sophisticated unisex look
- Let off of 70%
- Axle-to-axle length of 34 inches
- High-speed IBO at 310FPS
Cons
- May not be suitable for beginners
"I have wanted to pursue archery for a long time, and this set has been the ideal starting point. It's pretty user-friendly, and the construction resembles high-end brands. I wish it came with a wrist sling, but the included accessories have made it a breeze to start my lessons."
How To Choose The Right Compound Bow?
Consider the following factors when choosing a compound bow.
- Handedness: Compound bows are designed in a way that they can be used either by a right or left handed person. The handedness of the bow is determined by the hand that is used to draw the bow string. For example, a left-handed bow would be held in the right hand and the bowstring would be drawn by your left hand, and vice versa for a right handed bow.
Before buying a compound bow, you need to determine your dominant eye, and then whether you are left or right handed. You must ensure that the bow you buy is specifically made for your handedness. Bow models are specially designed for left or right handers and some companies only make models for a specific hand. That’s why it’s important to be double sure. - Eccentric systems (Cams): The design of the compound bow is based on a mechanical system called the Eccentric System, which comprises harnesses, 1 or 2 cables, and a string. There are several styles of cams and they determine the feel of the draw, the let-off of the bow, and the speed of the arrow. Compound bows come with binary cams and single cams, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. By linking cams together, you can derive the benefits of both. It can store a massive amount of energy and the bow automatically adjusts to changes in the bowstring length.
- Percentage of let off: This refers to the percentage of the mechanical relaxation of your bow when fully drawn. This is usually the same as that of your bow’s highest draw weight. If your bow is set to 70%, it means that as you draw the bow back it is 70 pounds, but as you get close to the full draw, the weight reduces. This allows you to pull a bow back and hold it at full draw. This gives the shooter time to aim without trouble with increased accuracy than if they had to hold the full 70 pounds. If you are out bowhunting, the reason for using a compound bow is to be able to hold your bow at full draw till you are ready to shoot.
- IBO speed: A standard measurement called IBO speed is used when comparing bows. A bow with an IBO speed of at least 300 feet per second is suggested for hunting. Anything above 320 feet per second is considered to be a fast bow.
- Axle to axle length: This is the distance between axles when the bow is at rest. It’s believed that a longer axle-to-axle length is more accurate than a shorter one, which means the bow would be heavier. Unless you are going for a very precision sport, the difference in accuracy is barely noticeable.
- Brace height: This is the distance between the back of the handle and the bowstring. The arrow will move faster if the brace height is less. A 7-inch brace height is usually considered ideal.
- Min/Max draw lengths: It’s important to know your preferred draw length, but the good thing is that compound bows can work with different draw lengths as long as they are adjusted, and your preferred range of draw length falls within the range of the bow. The IBO speed of a compound bow is measured with a draw length of 30 inches. If your draw length is more you can expect your actual arrow speed to be more. If you draw length is lower than that, your actual arrow speed will be less.
- Min/Max draw weights: Just as you can adjust the draw length of a compound bow, you can also adjust the draw weight. If the draw weight is too much, you might find it difficult to hold it steady while shooting and you may not be able to draw the bow stealthily and smoothly. Compound draw weights usually range between 10 pounds for children to 70 pounds for adults. A hunting bow should be at least 40 pounds for hunting big game.
- Riser styles: The riser refers to the middle part of the compound bow on which the handle is mounted. They are usually made of aluminum to prevent rust and keep the bow on the lighter side. Modern bows use carbon fiber or fiberglass to make risers which are even lighter. Most of the accessories of the compound bow like quivers, arrow rest, sights, and stabilizers are attached to the riser.
- Limb styles: These refer to the arms that are usually made of fiberglass and are attached to the riser through limb pockets. Some limbs have a split design while others are solid. Solid limbs are more prone to breaking while the split limb design can cause imbalances that might affect the arrow flight. Many modern compound bows feature parallel limbs which are less noisy as there is lower vibration because the limbs move in opposite directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How fast do compound bows shoot?
The bow and arrow’s length, size, and weight can affect its shooting speed. However, an experienced compound bow user may be able to shoot an arrow at almost 400 feet per second.
2. What is the easiest bow to shoot?
A compound bow or recurve bow might be the easiest bow for beginners. The recurve bow is curved away from the user and can shoot without complications, while compound bows have a wheel that may reduce pressure on the user’s shoulders.
3. Do compound bows lose power over time?
The strings in your compound bow can lose their elasticity if used continuously or left unattended for a long time. For an enhanced shooting experience, you can replace the strings or twist them to create tension.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our experienced writers and reviewers have leveraged their creative expertise in reviewing outdoor adventure products to compile this list of the best compound bows in various designs and styles to meet your hunting, fishing, or target shooting needs. We have made this selection of a wide range of field-tested bowhunting equipment after comparing and evaluating products on various trusted websites. Moreover, we list the pros and cons of each product and provide you with a handy buying guide to help you define your requirements before making a purchase.
Compound bows exist in various shapes and sizes, but choosing one can be a challenging task as you have to identify one that suits you best. Make sure to pick one based on certain factors like handedness, IBO speed, axle to axle length, and limb styles for optimal performance. A compound bow becomes your identity, so you need to choose one that reflects your personality. Having the right bow will ensure your hunting is a success.
Infographic: What Are The Advantages Of Practicing Archery?
Archery is a precision sport that involves shooting arrows at a target using a bow, and it also serves as a great physical activity when practiced regularly. If you are curious to learn how indulging in archery can benefit your body and mind, check out the infographic below.
Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team
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