For hunters and archers alike, the right compound bow can make a huge difference. If you are not informed, you can become overwhelmed with choices. There are a plethora of quality options on the market, so finding the right one can become a huge ordeal.
This is where we come in. We’ve compiled a list to help you find the best compound bow that suits your needs. There is something for everyone, with products at different price points for various uses.
Whether you’re an experienced archer or a complete newbie, read on to find the perfect compound bow for you.
Reviews Of the Best Compound Bows
1. Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro
Overall winner
A plethora of nice accessories
Highly customizable
Extremely versatile
Peep sight not pre-installed
Needs tuning before usage
The first thing that needs to be said about the Diamond Archery Infinite Edge is that it’s extremely versatile. It excels at most areas and is an excellent choice for novice hunters as well as seasoned veterans. This is a bow that has everything they need, which is why it sits at the top of our list.
This bow comes with all the necessary accessories, which should make all the young archers happy. The fact that you won’t need to spend anything extra makes this an excellent bow for the money. All of the accessories are designed for this bow specifically, so there is no need to expect any glitches or malfunctions.
You will get a quiver, an arrow rest, a stabilizer and a peep sight, which is already more than enough. Bows far more expensive than this one do not come with this many accessories. This is a great bow that can be used for hunting and archery. The quality of the build is high, and the price is accessible.
The draw length of the Infinite Edge varies from 13 inches to 31 inches, and the draw weight can be adjusted anywhere between 5lbs and 70lbs. Now you can see why we say that this bow is versatile. It can be adjusted to suit the needs of almost anyone. It is also not that big, so you can bring it hunting in narrow spaces.
If we need to choose a downside to this compound bow it is the fact that the peep sight does not come pre-installed. Beginner archers might consider this a big deal so we had to mention it. Other than that, we must say that this is definitely our overall pick for the best compound bow on the market.
2. Bear Archery Cruzer G2
Runner-up
Durable and silent
Nice accessories
Highly versatile
Requires tuning, which is hard to do
Adjusting the draw weight can be tricky
The Bear Archery Cruzer G2 is another compound bow that tries to satisfy a wide range of different archers, and it succeeds. Don’t let the fact that it placed second fool you, it is a high quality product that some might even prefer to our winner. They do share the same main selling points, they are versatile and customizable.
Bear Archery is one of the top bow brands at the moment, so you know you will receive a high-quality product if you decide to get the Cruzer G2. It is really easy to adjust to whatever requirements you need, but it offers high efficiency no matter how you intend to use it.
It is sturdy, has nice accessories and performs well. It is a compound bow for beginners, as well as experienced hunters. It has EnduraFiber limbs which are highly durable, while also being flexible. You can adjust the draw weight between 5lbs and 70lbs, while the draw length can be adjusted between 12 and 30 inches.
This is a lightweight bow, weighing in at just 3lbs, and can shoot at a speed of 315 fps. With it you will get a stabilizer, an arrow rest, a peep sight, a four-pin sight, a stabilizer and a quiver. All of these accessories are of good quality and are a welcome addition to this package. This is a bow that can be safely used for hunting, it is precise and easy to use.
The Cruzer G2 also makes very little noise, which is a good thing when hunting. This compound bow will surely last you for a long time. There are some negatives though. This bow is hard to tune, which could be a turn-off for inexperienced archers. It is also hard to adjust the draw weight because the limbs occasionally pop out.
3. Southland Archery Supply SAS Outrage
Best value
Affordable price
Easy to use
Adjustable draw weight
A bit noisy
Might be heavy for some
The first thing most will notice when looking at the SAS Outrage is its price. It is extremely affordable for such a high quality compound bow. It features a nice design, while also being sturdy. Some might think it is too heavy for them, so it is best to try it out before buying it.
This compound bow has a dual eccentric cam system with durable aluminum cams. The limbs are made from fiberglass, so it is not the highest quality product around, but for this price, you will have a hard time finding anything this good. There are far more expensive bows than this one that provide an inferior experience.
This bow is primarily designed for inexperienced archers. Still, its performance should make most users happy. It shoots at a speed of 270 fps, and has an adjustable draw weight from 55lbs to 70lbs. While it is definitely not the best bow for deer hunting, you can safely use it to hunt, especially when you are just starting out.
The cam system makes sure that your draw is smooth, which guarantees shots that are more accurate. Since the draw weight can go as high as 70lbs, that means that this compound bow can generate plentiful power, which should be enough for your hunting trips.
One of the biggest downsides of this bow is the noise it makes. It is not excessively loud, but it is noticeably louder than some other models on our list. You can solve this issue by purchasing a dampening kit.
One other thing we didn’t like is the fact that this bow weighs 4.4lbs, which could be too heavy for inexperienced archers. They will notice this weight when doing consecutive shots, so it is something to be wary of.
4. Sanlida Archery Dragon X8 RTH
Best Kit
Extensive range of adjustable draw lengths
Good shooting stability
Affordable price
Draws weights without needing a bow press
Extra careful on the trigger
The Sanlida Dragon X8 has a short axle-to-axle measurement of 30 inches, making it convenient to use. It also produces fast arrow speeds with incredible power and has a comfortable shooting feel.
This set includes a 5-pin sight, stabilizer, wrist sling, peep sight, stabilizer, release assist, 12 arrows, quiver, arrow puller, bow stand, and compound bow case.
Before we continue, it is essential to note that Salindra Archery is a Chinese firm and that the bows are produced there, but the bowstring and limbs are American-made and shipped to China.
However, because the bow is built in China, some people may be immediately put off. Still, if you get excited at high-end features like the bow IBO of 310 fps for such a low price, Dragon X8 is definitely for you.
The Dragon X8 is a highly adjustable compound bow for beginners of all ages with adjustable draw weight and draw length of 0–70 lbs and 18–31 inches, respectively. And with a 70%–80% let-off, it features a small design.
To top it all, Sanlida Archery offers a lifetime limited warranty for this bow.
5. Topoint Archery Package M1
Best for beginners
Has all the accessories you need
Makes almost no noise
Great cam system
Some users report alignment issues
Release trigger is not adjustable
While falling a bit short off some other products placed higher on our list, the Topoint Archery M1 Package offers a great product at a good price. It is basically a complete package, so you can expect to get everything you need to start shooting with this kit.
It will satisfy complete newbies as well as seasoned archers, which is something not many products can achieve. It is customizable, offering a draw length that can be adjusted between 19 to 30 inches. The draw weight on the other hand can be set anywhere from 19lbs to 70lbs.
The length of this compound bow is 28 inches, and it can achieve a speed of 320 fps. This makes it suitable for archery and hunting. It is a product that will definitely make any list of good hunting bows. However, if you are looking for more speed, this article can help you choose some of the fastest compound bows on the market.
It is not a large bow, so you can transfer it easily, and its grip is soft and comfortable. It uses an adjustable dual cam system that makes it highly accurate. This cam system is also designed to stay silent, so this bow won’t make much noise. This is another reason why this compound bow is great for hunting.
This kit contains 18 arrows, so you won’t need to worry about getting new ones for a while. Still, if you decide to buy new arrows for this bow, your best choice would be those with a spine of 500 grains.
Not everything is perfect about this product though. When using it, you might experience some issues with the alignment. This might turn away some younger archers. Also, the release trigger can’t be adjusted, which is another serious downside.
6. Bear Divergent Compound Bow
Best for specified purpose
Affordable price
Minimal vibrations and noise
High shooting speed
Limited versatility
The Bear Divergent Compound Bow is a great option when you need just the perfect amount of speed and precision. With a 28-inch axle-to-axle length and a Bearcage-designed aluminum riser, it is majorly for deer bowhunters’ use which lessens riser flex while maintaining the riser’s strength.
It might not be the lightest bow in this category, at 3.9 lbs. But it’s not very hefty. Its draw length and draw weight adjustments range from 25.5 to 30 inches and 55 to 70 lbs, respectively.
Beyond that, the Divergent has a hybrid camera system and a shooting speed that is rather fast at 338 fps. For proper weight distribution, accuracy, and durability, Bear designed the limbs and high-quality limb pockets well.
We particularly liked the Shockwaves limb dampening technology in Divergent. It reduces noise and string vibration when shooting, which is an excellent feature.
Additionally, the Divergent has a sturdy rear wall, which contributes to a smooth shooting experience that you will value. Overall, the Divergent is a well-made bow at a reasonable cost.
7. Bear Archery Species RTH
Best for hunting
Adjustable Bow kit length and draw weight
Made of stainless steel and tough, long-lasting aluminum
Low possibility of damage or hand shock
Accuracy thanks to the string silencer and peephole
Might have to buy additional accessories
Recommended for right hand users only
The AW Compound Bow Kit 70 Lbs is a portable and durable bow for right-handed users. It has a draw length range of 17 to 28 inches and a draw weight range of around 20 to 70 lbs. However, It’s vital to note that this archery bow has wrenches included that you can use to change the draw length.
The AW Compound Bow is the perfect hunting weapon for individuals of all ages due to the simplicity with which the draw length may be adjusted. You simply need to make adjustments to the arrow rest, sight, and quiver on this compound archery bow, as it is already assembled.
Due to the stainless steel cable guard, string silencer, and peek hole on this compound bow, the AW Compound Bow is completely silent, and thanks to its draw cycle, you can capture prey within 15 to 30 yards.
The bow’s construction, packing, and assembly are all relatively straightforward. Because of this, novice hunters can use this compound bow easily. Or, to put it another way, this compound bow is useful for teaching you the first lesson of hunting.
8. Genesis Gen-X Bow
Best entry-level bow for archery
Great price for good quality
Extremely light
Excellent beginner bow
No arrow rest or nock in the package
More suited for archery than hunting
The Genesis Gen-X is a bow whose main features are versatility and the fact that it is easy to use. It can be used for target practice as well as hunting. Still, if you take it hunting, you should only use it for smaller game. This is a great entry level product that can be a great first bow for people that are just starting to get into shooting.
Of course, it has a nice price, so it won’t hurt your budget as some other bows on the list. This is why it is great for beginners. You can always replace it afterward. While it is not as high-quality as some other products, it is still capable of holding its own. This bow has everything you need to start shooting, and for this price there is nothing more you can ask for.
The Gen-X is surprisingly sturdy and it will last you for quite some time. Do not be afraid that this bow will break because of its price. The manufacturer used some nice techniques to make this bow sturdy, but light at the same time.
It is crafted mostly using aluminum, which keeps its weight low, but the limbs are composite which gives them the necessary power. The total weight of this bow is just 3.4lbs, which is another reason it is great for complete beginners and young archers. The bowstrings used on the Gen-X are designed for high power. No need to worry about that, even if it is a light bow.
The draw weight of this bow goes up to 40lbs, so if you keep on hunting, you probably will replace it after several years. There are some small downsides, primarily the fact that there is no arrow rest included in the package.
9. iGlow 30-55 lbs Compound Bow
Best for those on a budget
Great price
Extremely light
Good quality build
Lack of accessories
Low quality sight and rest
The iGlow compound bow is another product that is only available for right handed archers. If you do not mind that, you can expect an excellent product especially for those on a budget. It is extremely light, weighing in at just 3.3 lbs. This makes it great for younger and female archers.
The draw length of this compound bow can be adjusted from 19 to 29 inches, and the draw weight from 30lbs to 55lbs. While not as powerful as some other good hunting bows on our list, it is still capable of reaching speeds up to 300 fps. This makes it a nice budget option for young hunters.
The bow comes packaged with a simple, cheap pin sight that you will want to replace as soon as possible. For this price we did not expect Trophy Ridge accessories, so there is no surprise there. You can always upgrade to a better bow later on. The arrow rest that comes with it is cheap as well, so you will want to replace it eventually.
The package also includes 2 Allen keys that you will use to adjust the draw weight and length. You can get this bow in four different finishes, which is a nice touch. The looks of a bow are important to some, so it is a good option to have. Overall it is a decent product that does not excel at anything but the price.
Since this is the last bow on our list, not everything about it is good, right? Well, apart from the low quality accessories mentioned, you won’t get much else. There are no arrows included, and no quiver either. There is also no peep sight or stabilizer. You can see now why this is a budget option, albeit a good one.
How To Choose The Best Compound Bow
When choosing the right compound bow many things come into play. It can be tricky to pick the right product, especially if you are a beginner who is just starting to develop passion for archery. This might even cloud your judgment, so you will need to pick carefully. This is why our guide exists, to help you with your choice.
Of course, it would be the easiest to pick our winner, the Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro and call it a day. That might be a great solution for many, but maybe it isn’t the right bow for you. There are hundreds of excellent models and variations of compound bows which excel at different things.
Some use different cam setups, draw lengths and draw weights, some are heavier than others and things can get extremely confusing. This is why there is no simple answer to the question of what is the best compound bow. However, we will do our best to help you. Read on to see what you should be paying attention to when buying a compound bow.
The Purpose
Well, first of all, you obviously need to pick a bow with a right- or left-handed configuration. Then, you should be aware that we are strictly talking about compound bows. Read this article if you want to know the difference between compound and recurve bows.
Now that we have gotten the simplest things out of the way, you need to decide on the purpose of your compound bow. There are two main purposes, but they can greatly influence your choice. One is target practice and the other one is hunting.
It can be trickier to buy a good hunting bow. You need to pay attention to much more details, one of the most important ones being the noise a bow makes. You really want a bow that has string dampeners and the Bear Archery Species RTH is one of the best models for this purpose. Noise won’t be a huge issue for target practice.
You also want your bow to be able to generate enough power for hunting. You should look at the draw weight and the speed of a bow for this. Some bows are only good for hunting small game, so keep that in mind. The next important thing when buying a bow is the cam system.
The Cam System
We usually classify compound bow according to the cam system they use. This is also sometimes called the bow eccentric. The cam will allow your bow to generate the power you need, so let’s take a look at some of the most common design types.
First we have the single cam design, which is easy to use, but generally harder to tune. It is characterized by being much more silent than other designs, and is generally one of the most common configurations. Hybrid cam designs are much easier to tune and do not require much maintenance at all.
They feature a control cam on the top, and a power-cam at the bottom. However, they have reduced nock travel, which some might dislike. Next we have the twin cams design that uses two cams on each side of the bow. This design is highly accurate and can create high velocity. However, it is extremely complex so it requires maintenance and tuning quite often.
Finally, the binary cams design is quite similar to twin cams, but the cams do not work with the limbs but each other. It is capable of generating extremely high velocity, but is even more complex which means a lot of maintenance. The Diamond Carbon Knockout uses this cam system and it works amazingly well.
There are other systems such as the Quad Cam, but these four are the most common. Learn the difference and pick the cam system that suits your needs and shooting style. Generally, most bows today use the dual or twin cam style
Draw Length And Draw Weight
These two specifications will show up often when talking about compound bows, which comes as no surprise as they are quite important. They impact the power and accuracy of the bow, so you need to know the right draw weight and length for you.
Of course, the overall length of the bow should not be ignored either. It can have a huge effect on your accuracy. Longer bows are generally more accurate, and are best suited for target practice. Shorter bows are better for hunting, especially since you can carry them through narrow passages.
Draw Length
The draw length determines the length that the string of the bow can be pulled back. You should always be aware of your size, because it relates to draw length. You should know what your arm span is before buying a bow, because it will help you find the correct draw length.
Once you know your arm span, divide that number by 2.5 and you will get the best possible draw length for you. Naturally, most bows have an adjustable draw length so you can set it up however you like but it is important that you remain in the range that the compound bow allows. This will affect your accuracy, so picking the right draw length is quite important.
Draw Weight
The draw weight is just the amount of weight needed to draw the bow completely to the fully drawn position. It is quite simple really. Still, you need to choose the right draw weight carefully because you might not have enough strength for some bows. While many might jump straight into the bows with a high draw weight, that is not a smart thing to do.
The higher the draw weight, the higher the power of the bow will be, but that won’t do you any good if you can’t draw it fully. Also, you will get tired if you keep on pulling a bow that is too hard to pull. Most bows come with an adjustable draw weight, so that will alleviate at least some of the issues.
Despite that, you want a bow that will not use up all of your strength so you don’t grow fatigued. You need to feel comfortable while shooting, so a bow should not expend more than 75% of your energy every time you shoot it. It is important to be able to smoothly pull back the bow before shooting.
FAQs
Conclusion
Ultimately, all of the bows on our list offer something good for different types of users. Naturally, there is a best compound bow, and in this case it is the Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro. It is just a product that offers the highest quality overall. It can be customized however you like and used for hunting or archery.
The runner-up is the Bear Archery Cruzer G2, another high-quality compound bow. We were impressed with the accessories that come with it, it has basically everything you need in one package. Of course, the bow itself is excellent as well.