For many people, hunting with a compound bow is the most exciting way to go after the game. It’s not only challenging, but it can be very rewarding as well! However, for those who are just starting out or for women/youth that might need something more manageable, there are bows for you too–and they’re all under $200. We’ve researched and found the six best compound bow under 200, so you don’t have to waste your time with a poor product!
Let’s be honest – not everyone has $2000 lying around to buy their first bow. If you’re one of those people who can’t afford such an expensive purchase, we’ve got your back!
A Quick Comparison Of Our Top Picks
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Please note that Prices and Availability Are Subject To Change /Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Sanlida Archery Dragon X8 RTH Compound Bow Package offers a good balance of speed, adjustability, and overall weight. With a speed of 310 FPS, it provides a decent arrow velocity. The wide draw weight range from 0-70 lbs and the adjustable draw length from 18”-31” makes it suitable for a wide range of users with varying preferences and skill levels. Additionally, its axle-to-axle measurement of 30″ and an overall weight of 4.3 lbs contribute to a stable and comfortable shooting experience. Considering its competitive price point, it offers excellent value for money.
The PANDARUS Compound Bow stands out for its impressive speed of 320 FPS, making it one of the fastest options among the listed bows. The wide draw weight range and adjustable draw length accommodate different user preferences. Moreover, the bow’s relatively lightweight design at 3 lbs contributes to ease of handling and portability. It offers good value for its price.
The TIDEWE Compound Bow offers a respectable speed of 315 FPS, providing a good combination of power and accuracy. It shares similarities with the Sanlida Archery Dragon X8 in terms of adjustable draw weight and draw length, making it suitable for a wide range of users. Its overall weight of 4 lbs and competitive price make it a viable option for archers seeking a reliable compound bow.
While the other listed bows have their own unique features and specifications, the Sanlida Archery Dragon X8 RTH Compound Bow Package, PANDARUS Compound Bow, and TIDEWE Compound Bow stand out as the top contenders based on their overall performance, adjustability, and value for money.
How We Picked These 6 Compound Bows Out Of Many?
There are many compound bows under $200, so how did we pick the six that made our list? We consider many factors to make our list of the best compound bow under $200. Let’s take a look at what they are:
Price
Price is incredibly important when buying a compound bow. Especially for those who are just starting out and don’t have the money to spend on a higher-end compound bow for $500. However, we didn’t want to list something that totally broke the bank either. That’s why we filtered out prices above $200. As a result, the bows found on our list cost less than $200.
Draw Weight and Length
To make things easier for you, we decided to only include adjustments for draw weight (how much force you need to pull off shooting it) and draw length (how far you need to pull the bow to shoot it). When buying a bow, you need to make sure it can be adjusted for how tall or short you are. Therefore, we only included bows that had these adjustments so everyone would be able to use them.
Size and Weight
The size and weight also play an important role in choosing the best compound bow under $200. We wanted to make sure it wasn’t too heavy or bulky to carry around your shoulder when hiking into the woods (or wherever you hunt). We also wanted to make sure it wasn’t too big so a smaller person could handle it as well. The bows on our list are small and lightweight yet durable enough for hunting.
Why Should You Trust Our Review?
We put in the legwork to find the best compound bow under $200 for you. First, we looked at what people were saying and then aggregated the results to create our top 10 picks. Since we wanted to find bows suitable for beginners, women/youth, and hunting, it took much research. We read countless reviews and looked at many websites to come up with the information and then did the field tests of each bow to see how it performed. In the end, we narrowed it down to our top six picks.
Review Of The Best Compound Bow Under 200 and 250 Dollars
Review Of TOPOINT Archery M2 Junior Compound Bow
The TOPOINT ARCHERY M2 Junior Compound Bow is a great starter bow for beginners, youth, women, and children. It has a wide variety of accessories that you can use to start shooting. If you are a beginner in archery or have a kid in your family who is learning the sport, then we must say that this bow will be a great investment.
This ready-to-hunt compound bow is extremely lightweight, which is important for youngsters. It only weighs 2.54 pounds! So if you are looking to start your kid on archery or are already quite experienced, this bow will make them feel like the pro hunter they always dreamed of being one day.
This bow can propel arrows up to 290 fps making it an excellent choice for hunting targets out of tree stands. The bow also has an adjustable draw weight. You can choose the maximum pull strength by drawing your finger downward on the bottom lip, causing tension, so your arrow will fly forward. It also has an adjustable draw length of 17″-27″ which is helpful to adjust the length according to the height of your sons/daughters.
The draw weight of this compound bow is 10 – 40 lbs, which makes it very beginner-friendly. In addition, there are included arrows that can be used with the compound bow, so you won’t have to purchase additional ones later.
One of the good things we found in this bow is the aluminum riser, which is lightweight and robust. It’s also durable because it comes with the most advanced technology to maximize shots potential, so you or your kid can kill the target effortlessly with fewer misses.
With this compound bow package, you will get a 3-pin bow sight, 6 pieces of 28″ carbon mix arrow, arrow stabilizer, quiver, wax for the bowstring, Allen key, and others.
Review Of Ghost Hand Youth Compound Bow
At first impression, we’re not too sure how good this product would be. However, after a few days of using it for hunting and shooting purposes, we’re glad that our first impression was wrong. We’ve researched and read reviews on the internet about similar products with better ratings. Still, they were also much more expensive than what Ghost Hand Youth Compound Bow offered us.
The speed of this compound bow is fast enough for hunting small to medium game, yet not too much that it would be difficult to control. With an IBO rating of 320fps, it is faster than most bows in this price range, and we’ve found that the accuracy of this bow was spot on. The ergonomics of this bow was also impressive; it can be used by all types of hunters and is well-suited for small to medium games.
The draw weight is adjustable with a range of 15-45lbs which is perfect for the youth and beginners. Also, the draw length is adjustable from 18″ -29″, making it customizable for all body shape users. The axle-to-axle length was also impressive at only 25,” and it is quite easy to hold and handle.
This bow is quite lightweight, only weighing about three pounds, and it can be carried for hours without causing any fatigue. We also like that it has a 75% let-off, making it easy to hold and aim at a target.
The riser of this bow is also made from an alloy material which gives it a very light yet durable feel. The limb of this bow is made from fiberglass board, and the finish was quite smooth, unlike other lower-end compound bows. The grip of this bow was also comfortable and easy to hold, even for long hours in the field.
The only difference we found compared to the other two products that we reviewed earlier was that the limb was made of Gordon. Where this one is made with black fiberglass board.
Putting the bow together was a breeze, and we had it ready to use in about 20 minutes. The accessories included with this package also did not disappoint us. You will get a sight, arrow rest, quiver, wrench set, and instruction manual.
In summary, this is a good compound bow for those on a budget and want to give archery hunting or shooting a go.
Bear Archery Limitless Compound Bow
Design and Build Quality: A Lightweight and Sturdy Companion
The Bear Archery Limitless boasts a sleek design with a God’s Country Camouflage finish, making it not only a reliable hunting tool but also an aesthetically pleasing one. Crafted from durable aluminum, this compound bow weighs a mere 4.14 pounds, allowing for easy maneuverability during those long hunting sessions. The material’s sturdiness ensures that the bow can withstand the rigors of the field, giving me confidence in its durability.
Performance and Adjustability: Power and Precision in Your Hands
Equipped with a dual cam system, the Bear Archery Limitless packs a powerful punch, propelling arrows with a velocity of 265 feet per second. During our field tests, we were impressed by its smooth draw and consistent performance. With an adjustable draw length ranging from 19″ to 29″ and a draw weight of 25-50 lbs., this bow provides versatility to cater to different shooting styles and user preferences.
Whether we practicing in our backyard or venturing into the back 40, the Bear Archery Limitless delivered consistent accuracy and control. The highly adjustable nature of this bow allows archers of varying skill levels to comfortably handle it, making it an ideal choice for both youth and experienced hunters alike.
Ready-to-Hunt Package: Convenience at Your Fingertips
One aspect that truly sets the Bear Archery Limitless apart is its comprehensive ready-to-hunt package. It comes equipped with a Trophy Ridge sight, ensuring precise aiming and target acquisition. The Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit provides reliable arrow support, eliminating concerns about arrow displacement during critical moments. The inclusion of the Bear 3 Arrow Quiver, peep sight, and nock loop further enhances the convenience of this package, making it easy to get started right away.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Finding the Perfect Balance
The Bear Archery Limitless has undoubtedly impressed me with its performance and affordability. However, it’s essential to consider its strengths and weaknesses to make an informed decision.
Strengths:
- Versatile and adjustable design suitable for various shooting styles and user preferences.
- Lightweight construction and God’s Country Camouflage finish making it an excellent companion for extended hunting sessions.
- An impressive arrow velocity of 265 feet per second ensures powerful and accurate shots.
- Ready-to-hunt package includes essential accessories, saving time and effort in setting up.
Weaknesses:
- While the bow’s adjustability is commendable, some users may find the range of draw lengths and draw weights limiting for their specific needs.
- The God’s Country Camouflage finish, although visually appealing, might not be suitable for archers preferring a more understated appearance.
Verdict About Bear Archery Limitless
In conclusion, the Bear Archery Limitless compound bow has truly exceeded our expectations as one of the best compound bows available for the price range. Its lightweight design, impressive performance, and versatile adjustability make it an excellent choice for both youth and seasoned hunters. The comprehensive ready-to-hunt package ensures that beginners can get started with ease. Although it has a few minor limitations, the Bear Archery Limitless provides outstanding value for its price point. So, unleash your inner archer and embark on a memorable hunting
Review Of PANDARUS Compound Bow Archery for Youth and Beginners
A PANDARUS compound bow is a great piece of equipment for those just getting into archery. The bow is designed with beginners in mind, as it offers an easy-to-use design and performance that will not overwhelm you. In addition, its lightweight and forgiving nature makes it more suitable for both left and right-handed shooters.
When we took out this compound bow for the field test, we were surprised at how lightweight it actually is. The net weight of this compound bow is just 2.5 lbs. which is considerably lighter than most compound bows. What we liked the most about this bow were its adjustability and flexibility. It is an ambidextrous bow meaning you can use it both right or left hand. Also, the adjustable draw weight of 15 – 29 lbs. and draw length is 19” -28” makes it even more versatile.
At the shooting range, we were able to get this bow’s arrows to travel about 240 FPS with a 29lbs draw. Though according to the manufacturer, you can achieve up to 260fps IBO Speed. We also found this bow to be very forgiving and easy on the fingers when shooting into 3D targets. Finally, the stability provided by its offset design makes it more comfortable for beginners. These good things will help them train their muscles to develop good archery form and comfort.
With this bow, you will receive a bow sight, 5 braces, and instructional materials about how to assemble and shoot with it. Also, you will get a protection guard and arrow rest for easier aiming in addition to 12 arrows and a quiver. For initial practice, you will get a target paper too to start practicing on.
Talking about the downside, we felt that the sight comes with the bow on the lower end. But you can solve it quite easily by purchasing a bow sight from other companies on your own if you want to improve on this particular product. Also, the instruction manual is not too clear and very tiny. We get really exhausted trying to read the tiny writing.
So if you want a compound bow for your kid or start learning archery, this is a great choice. The lightweight design and complete package make the learning process easier for beginners
Review Of ROCHAN Aluminum Alloy Compound Bow
With various features and specifications, the ROCHAN Aluminum Alloy Compound Bow is an excellent choice for those looking to get into archery without spending arms and legs.
When we unboxed the bow, we were surprised at how well the assembly was already done. We didn’t have to do much work when setting up our bow; all we had to do was attach the arrow rest and sight.
However, one thing that could have been better is the instructions for this bow. Unfortunately, the instructions that came with the bow were not very clear. It took a little bit of trial and error to figure out how everything worked. And this could be a problem for the noob.
The aluminum alloy riser makes the bow one of the lightweight compound bows that we have tested. It comes with a dual cam system, which can produce enough kinetic energy to take down almost any animal that you may come across.
At the testing time, we were impressed with the amount of power that this bow can generate. The arrow speed is very impressive and can help get you on target quickly. In addition, the bow can propel arrows at speeds up to 310 feet per second which is a lot of power for a bow at this price range.
With an arrow speed of 310 fps and a draw weight range from 30-55lbs, the ROCHAN Aluminum Alloy Compound Bow is a great choice for those just getting into archery and those looking for a lightweight compound bow.
You will also get the arrows, noise dampener, wrist release, fiber optic sights, and a case with the package. These are almost all the accessories you need to start practicing and shooting.
We had an issue with the draw length, which measured 34 inches. This could be a problem for women as well as shorter men. Also, we did not find a forearm guard in the box at the time of our testing, which can also be an issue for some archers.
Despite these few problems, the ROCHAN Aluminum Alloy Compound Bow is a great entry-level compound bow. It can do everything you would expect from an entry-level bow, and it is also priced right.
Review Of Bear Archery Limitless Dual Cam Compound Bow
The Bear Archery Limitless Dual Cam Compound Bow is an excellent bow for all-around hunting and recreational shooting. It’s one of the most powerful bows on this list at a reasonable price tag which comes with everything you need to start shooting. This bow is definitely a great option for those looking to get into archery.
With the help of the dual-cam system, this bow can generate speeds up to 265 fps which is more than enough to penetrate through targets without too many issues. The bow can also give you an average draw weight of 25-50 lbs for easy adjustment. Also, you can adjust the draw length from 19 “-29″ so that whether you are a tall or short archer, you can still use this bow. The axle-to-axle length is 28”, which is great for easy maneuverability.
In addition to the amazing accuracy and weight, this bow also comes with multiple accessories such as trophy ridge 3 pin sight, which will let you shoot accurately and efficiently. Also, you will get a trophy ridge whisker biscuit and Bear 3 Arrow Quiver along with a nock loop and peep sight. The bow has a sleek God’s Country Camouflage Finish, which is nice and appealing. This camouflage finish will help you to stay hidden from your prey if you happen to hunt outdoors.
When we took the bow out to the shooting range, we were most impressed with its incredible power. The bow can penetrate through targets without much issue, which is really surprising at this price point. We tried to measure how much speed it can generate using a chronograph, and we found that it can generate 250 feet per second with a draw weight of 50 lbs. The aiming group was about 0.724,” which is really impressive.
Review Of Sanlida Archery 2021 Dragon X8 Hunting Compound Bow
When researching, we came across this Sanlida Archery 2021 Dragon X8 Hunting bow. At first impression, we were really impressed with the spec that it came with at this price range. That’s why we ordered this bow to check whether it is as good as what we saw on the website and youtube.
And guess what? It didn’t disappoint at all. After using it for a few months, we’re really pleased with how well this bow shoots. This bow is incredible at this price point and even compared to higher-end bows. We were impressed by the accuracy right out of the box, and it was able to hit the bullseye from 20 yards.
The draw weight was accurate, and the pull is smooth. This bow has an aluminum riser with CNC-machined cams, and many people have been impressed by this feature. For reducing weight, it features die-casting aluminum riser where the limbs are made of Gordon Limbs. As a result, the bow weighs only 3.8 pounds which is rather light for this type of weapon – perfect when you’re packing up to go hiking or backpacking in the woods!
One of the key features that the bow stands out is the yoke cam system. This helps to prevent cam lean and increase accuracy, strength, and consistency. It has a good string length of 58 inches which is great for hunting because you need to shoot the arrow fast. The draw length is 18″ – 31″, making it versatile for different body types, so if you’re tall or short, this bow will work well for you.
Another feature that we liked is the draw weight can be adjusted from 0 to 70 lbs. This allows you to adjust the draw weight for your different needs. The bow is quite accurate, with an IBO rating speed of 310 fps, making it great for hunting.
The axle-to-axle distance is 30 inches which is perfect for hunting. The brace height is also good at only six and a half inches. Another great thing about this bow that we found is that it comes with a five-pin sight, arrow rest, and stabilizer.
The only problem with this bow is that it doesn’t have any vibration dampening on the limbs and the string. When we tested the noise level, we got 117 dB from ten feet away from the target. In comparison, other high-end bows have a lower noise level of around 100-110 dB when they are fired at the same distance. After installing a noise dampener, we were able to reduce the noise level by five decibels.
Apart from this small issue with the noise level of the bow firing, we are very pleased with this bow. It does everything it claims to do and is perfect for someone who wants lightweight hunting equipment without spending a lot.
What To Check Before Buying The Best Compound Bow Under $200 and $250 For Beginners Youth or Women
When you’re searching for the best compound bow for under 200 dollars, there are many things to consider. In this post, we will break down the different features you should pay attention to when making a purchase.
One of the most important factors is your budget. Bow prices can range from $200-$2000+, but don’t let that scare you away! We’ll talk about how to find a quality bow without breaking your bank in just a moment…
Price:
A bow that costs under $200 is generally not the best quality for the pro shooter, but you can still find a decent option if this is all you have in your budget. On the other hand, if you’re just starting out or don’t have much budget, this is your best option.
Here in our top compound bow under $200, we put some of the great bows on the market that will fit your budget and has all the features you’re looking for in under the $200 price range.
Should you get a right-hand or left-hand compound bow?
If you are new to archery, you must know whether your dominant hand is on your body’s right or left side before making this decision. For right-handed archers, the bow is held on the left side of their body, and they draw it back with their right hand.
For left-handers, this will be reversed, and you should choose a left-handed compound bow if you are new to shooting bows. More precisely, choose your bow by the hand that pulls back the string. The hand you use to pull back the string is the one that controls aiming. This means it should be your dominant hand and not your other hand.
Bow length:
When choosing your bow length, make sure the bow can be drawn comfortably, and you have enough room to maneuver.
The draw length of a bow is how far it can be pulled back. To find the measurement, hold your arms straight out from your body at shoulder height. Then, measure the distance from fingertip to fingertip and divide by 2.5.
The most popular lengths are 26-30 inches, and all bows come in this size range. However, if your body type is small and shorter, choose a shorter bow length because this will be easier to handle.
If you are taller, then choose a bow with a longer bow length.
Draw Weight:
The draw weight is the amount of force needed to pull back an arrow, and it’s measured in pounds. It should also be matched with your strength so that you can shoot accurately and without fatigue.
What let-off setting do you need:
When a bow is set to full draw, the weight on your hand remains constant as you prepare for the shot. Setting up your let-off or release point will determine how much pressure is applied at full draw which can be between 80%-100%.
If you set your bow at 70% let-off, it will go faster than if you set it to 80%. If the bow has resistance when it is fully drawn, you can maintain your alignment.
Peep Sight:
The peep sight is a hole in the string that will help you see the arrow as it’s being drawn back. When trying to line up your shot, this is a must-have!
Weight:
The weight of a bow is important to consider because it will affect your ability to hold and shoot.
A lightweight bow will be easier for beginners. Still, if you are experienced, you may want the extra power that comes with heavier bows.
If you plan on hunting or shooting all day long from various angles in different terrains, choose a bow with a lighter weight.
The important thing is to find the right balance of power and comfort that will work best for your shooting style.
Think about how heavy the bow is before you buy it.
The weight of a compound bow can vary between five and six pounds, so find out which weight would be best for your strength level.
FPS Speed Considerations:
The FPS speed of your bow is the amount an arrow will fly per second, and it’s measured in feet per second. This is important because it will affect your accuracy and how far the arrow flies.
The higher your FPS speed, the farther and faster you can shoot an arrow.
Brace Height:
The brace height is the distance from the string to the bottom of the grip. A shorter brace height is more powerful and faster for most people, but it can be hard for beginners to use. On the other hand, if you are shooting arrows that go further away or if there are many things around you, then you should have a longer brace height.
Axle-Axle length:
The axle-to-axle length is the distance from one end of your bow to the other.
Keep in mind that longer bows will have a higher draw weight, so you may want to consider it when determining which size you need for yourself.
A person with an average height will usually require about 27 inches of axel-to-axel length.
A person with a taller height will usually require about 30 inches of axel-to-axel length.
On the other hand, someone who is shorter may only need between 22 and 25 inches of the axle-to-axle length, depending on their size.
If you are looking for something in the middle, 24 to 27 inches will be perfect.
Optic Sight:
An optic sight will help you aim better because it’s easier to acquire and maintain your target when looking through an optical scope than with just open sights.
Conclusion
While many people think “cheap” when they hear anything about a compound bow, this doesn’t have to be the case! There are plenty of bows out there designed for beginners that are both affordable and effective. With any of these six, you’ll be hunting in no time!
About The Author:
Lake Streeter, A Gun enthusiast, and loves to hunt in the middle of the wood. Always check the latest hunting gears out in the market and try to share his honest opinion with the audience in Hunting Nook.