What is not to love about compound bows? I remember the first time I picked up one, it was love at first sight. And I bet am not the only one who feels this about compound bows. I mean truth be told, they are at times better than their recurve counterparts.
Nonetheless, not every compound bow out there is worth your hard earned cash. Meaning that finding the best compound bow for the money can be difficult. Especially since the market is flooded with all kinds of bows.
So how do you pick a bow that suits you best? Below is a comprehensive guide on what to consider when buying a compound bow. The guide comes complete with reviews of seven top rated compound bows. But first here is a comparison chart to help you understand why I have settled on the seven.
7 Best Compound Bow Comparison
Top Rated Compound Bows | Click Image for more | Weight | Draw Weight | Draw Length | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Adult Compound Bow |  | 3 lbs | 5 - 70 lbs | 12” - 30” | |
RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow Kit |  | 3.6 lbs | 30 - 70 lbs | 24.5” - 31” | |
Leader Accessories Compound Bow |  | 4.4 lbs | 55 - 70 lbs | 25” - 31” | |
Genesis Original Bow |  | 2 lbs | 10 - 20 lbs | 15” - 30” | |
Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro Bow Package |  | 3.2 lbs | 5 - 70 lbs | 13” - 31” | |
SAS Rage 70 Lbs 30'' Compound Bow |  | 4.4 lbs | 55 - 70 lbs | 25” - 31” | |
Bear Archery BR33 Ready to Hunt Compound Bow |  | 4.2 lbs | 55 - 70 lbs | 27” - 32” | |
Bear Archery BR33 Limited Edition RTH 55-70lbs Coyote Brown |  | 4.2 lbs | 55 - 70 lbs | 27” - 32” |
Best Compound Bow Buying Guide
Compound bows vary in their designs, size, and performance. As such, different bows (such as crossbow for deer hunting) are designed for different purposes. When shopping for a compound bow, therefore, here is what you need to consider.
Bow length
Depending on why you are buying a compound bow it is important to consider the length. If you are buying a bow for hunting an extremely long bow will not be ideal. Longbows are heavy and difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
Short bows, on the other hand, are lighter and easy to maneuver but are not as accurate as their longer counterparts. Also for hunting it is ideal to get a best bow stabilizer for getting accurate and noise free shot.
Best Compound Bow
Therefore, if you want a bow for hunting settle on one that is around 32 inches. For target practice only, a longer bow of about 35 to 38 inches will be more ideal.
Draw length
Bow length is not the only length you should consider when buying a compound bow. Draw length is how far the string can be pulled before it stops. If you pick a bow with a short draw length it will be uncomfortable to use.
On the other hand, a bow with an overly long draw weight will tend to be less powerful. Thus, when buying a bow test its draw length yourself to see if you are comfortable with it.
Draw weight
Draw weight is the peak amount of weight you pull when drawing a bow. Generally speaking, compound bows increase in draw weight until a maximum weight is reached. Bows with a high draw weight fire arrows at faster speeds. However, this is not to say that more is better. The draw weight of your bow should match your ability.
For teens and women, a draw weight of 45 pounds to 50 pounds is recommended. For muscular young adults and men, a draw weight of 60 to 70 pounds will do. It is important to keep in mind that different states have a minimum draw weight restriction. For most states, the minimum allowed draw weight is 45 pounds.
Weight
As stated earlier longer bows are more accurate but are heavier than shorter bows. That being said, for hunting purposes, I recommend sticking to a lighter bow. Hunting involves a lot of movements and you do not want your bow weighing you down. For target practice, on the other hand, a longer heavier bow will not interfere with your comfort.
Arrow speed
Arrow speed denotes power. Thus, faster arrow speeds translate to a powerful bow. Also, a faster arrow will be able to pierce thick skins. It is for this reason that most hunters prefer bows with speeds of above 300FPS. For target practice, the arrow speed is not as important as the goal is to hit the target.
Best Compound Bow For The Money
The bear cruzer G2 is our top picks in terms of overall best compound bow for the money. And honestly you will loved this bow. Since we categorize our compound bow selections and put it into this category we didn't put it on the best compound bow for hunting for avoiding confusion. In essence it is also a top compound bow for hunting less than a fortune too.
Bear Cruzer G2 Adult Compound Bow
- Maximum-versatility bow is engineered for all ages and skill levels
- Ready to hunt bow comes equipped with six Trophy Ridge accessories
- Adjustable from 12” to 30” draw length range and from 5 to 70 lbs. peak draw weight
- All adjustments are made using an Allen wrench with no need for a bow press
- Weighs only 3 lbs. and shoots up to 315 feet per second. The unique shape of the limb creates a reliable load distribution
Last update on 2023-05-17
It is not every day you come across a compound bow that appeals both to beginners and pro compound bow hunters. But this exactly what the Bear Archery Cruzer is. And it is no wonder some online reviewers have dubbed it the best compound bow for the money. After spending time with this piece of weaponry, here is what I think about it.
Lightweight and compact
When it comes to weight, there are few compound bows that are lighter than this one. Weighing only 3 pounds, it is lightweight and compact. In my opinion, this compound bow is easy to handle for just about anyone.
Dual cam system
The one thing that Bear Archery Cruzer bows are known for is adjustability. This is possible thanks to the dual cam system of the bows. The cams do not have an aggressive design, which makes them easy to draw.
Adjustable draw weight
One of the reasons why this bow appeals to both beginners and pros is the adjustable draw weight. The draw weight can be adjusted from 5 to 70 pounds. What is more impressive is that the adjustments can be done with a simple Allen wrench. There is no need for a bow press to adjust the draw length.
Pros
- It is the lightest Cruzer model
- Comes with a 5 arrow quiver
- Has adjustable draw weight and draw length
- Can be used both by beginners and pro shooters
- It is easy to set up and comes ready to hunt
Cons
- It is not as quiet as the other bows in the Cruzer series of bows
- The arrow speed is not as impressive compared to other bows
Verdict
A highly versatile compound bow, the Cruzer G2 has all the features of a fantastic bow. The fact that you can adjust its draw weight and length makes it a unique offering. While it can be used by pro hunters, beginners and intermediates will find it more appealing.
A Short Brief: We have categorized this best compound bow for the money review in the various segment, such as we tried to find out which compound bow is best under 300 to 1000 dollars. Also, we recommended some of the best compound bows for hunting and shooting. I hope you will get help figure out which one is best suited to you according to the price point.
Best Compound Bow Under 300
To start us off, let us look at the best compound bows under 300. I have chosen RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow Kit in this category. Without further ado, let us look at the this compound bow and find out why its best under 300.
RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow Kit
- PERFECT PLATFORM – Hunting bow, bow fishing, Farm Bow, and target shooting, this incredible unique bow offers versatility and strength for adults, youth, beginner, and Intermediate archers, Right hand and Left hand Compound bows!
- FULLY ADJUSTABLE – With an axle length of 30” and weighing in at only 3.6 lbs, the draw length ranges from 24.5”- 31” and the draw weight can be adjusted from 30 lbs - 70 lbs without needing an archery compound bow press as big bows usually requires!
- HIGH QUALITY MACHINING – Both the cams and modules are fully machined aluminum with zero plastic. Compound design allows for 75% let - off and features a split yoke tuning system providing precise adjustments for proper arrow flight.
- COMPLETE BOW - Compound bow package Includes 5 pin fiber optic sight with light and level, TRUGLO EZ brush rest, stabilizer, 4 arrow quiver, string stop, allen wrench, 2’ paper target, and pre - installed Peep sight and D - loop.
- Compact bow Available in 2 colors Black and Camouflage, includes manual with warranty Raptor Predator Archery Family owned business and years of experience adding valuable knowledge to every product as members of The Sport and Archery in general.
Last update on 2023-05-17
Sold at under $300, the Raptor compound hunting bow kit has all you need as an archer. A very well built bow, it is solidly built puts others on the same price tag to shame. Therefore, it is by far the best compound bow under 300 and here is why.
Aluminum limbs
Raptor is a company known for producing bows of high quality, and it does not disappoint with this one. The limbs are made of aluminum, which is both lightweight and tough. In this regard, you get a bow that is both light and tough enough to survive the outdoors.
Adjustable draw length
A bow press is necessary when adjusting the draw length of most bows. This is not the case with this raptor bow kit, as you can adjust the draw length without a bow press. As such, the bow is highly versatile and appeals to more people.
String stabilizer and suppression
Stealth is important to bow hunters, and Raptor knows this. It is for this reason that this bow comes with a string stabilizer and suppression. With it, you can hunt in silence and not spook your targets when firing.
5 pin bow sight
Most budget bows come with mediocre bow sights installed. Surprisingly, however, the Raptor Compound bow has a decent 5 pin sight pre-installed. This bow sight comes with 5 illuminated pins that are adjustable.
To know about reflex sight check the link about best reflex sight.
Pros
- It is lightweight making it easy for people of different ages to carry
- Has no plastic parts in the cams
- It is easy to adjust both the draw length and draw weight
- It is very well constructed
Cons
- Does not come with arrows included
- The arrow rest of the kit is of less quality compared to the bow
Verdict
With an affordable price tag and an easy to adjust draw length and weight, this bow is ideal for beginners, and intermediate archers. Nevertheless, given its can fire arrows at 315 FPS, it can also be used for bow hunting. In essence, this is a highly versatile compound bow fit for all. And it is for this reason that it is by far the best compound bow under 300.
Best Compound Bow For Hunting
Sure the two compound bows reviewed above can be used for hunting, but they have some shortcoming. If you want the best compound bow for hunting, the three I recommend are the following;
Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro Bow Package
- Wide draw length range between 13 and 31 inches
- Accelerates arrows to up to 310 ft/sec
- Redesigned cam system for a flawlessly smooth draw
- Integral stabilizer creates a perfect balance and a steadier shot
- Draw weight adjustable from 5 to 70 lbs of force
Last update on 2023-05-16
I read somewhere that the Diamond Archery Infinite Edge pro bow package can be used both by an 8-year-old and a 40-year-old seasoned archer. This made me want to check this top-rated compound bow for myself. I bought this bow almost two years ago and this is my honest opinion of it.
Made in the USA
Firstly, is that the patriot in me loves bows made in the USA. So I was happy with the fact that it is made in the country. In my opinion, this gives it an edge over other bows manufactured in China and other such countries.
Adjustable draw length
Adjusting the draw length and weight of this compound bow is easy. This is thanks to the rotating modules with three range settings. The three range settings are ABC, each of which has a varying draw length. Using a 9/64 inch hex wrench you can adjust the draw length from 13 inches all the way to 31 inches.
Powerful
While it can be used by an 8-year old, it is still a powerful bow. With a maximum draw weight 70 pounds, it can fire arrows at 310 FPS. Using 400-grain arrows you can achieve 65 pounds of kinetic energy. This energy is enough to take down the most big game in Northern America.
Octane ultra-lite stabilizer
The stabilizer included in this scope helps reduce string vibration. This goes a long way in achieving stealthy shooting. For hunting purposes, this is very important.
Pros
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- It can be used both by beginners and seasoned archers
- It is easy to adjust the draw length
- The bow is made 100% in the US
Cons
- Does not have the best quality accessories
- Might not be suitable for extreme hunting
Verdict
In conclusion, the Infinite Pro bow package ticks all the right boxes. It is a lightweight and compact bow that does not compromise on power. Additionally, it is easy to adjust making it ideal for different situations. You can use it for target practice as well as for hunting.
Best Woman Compound Bow Under 1000: Diamond Archery Carbon Knockout Archery Bows
- INSPIRED BY WOMEN FOR WOMEN - The Carbon Knockout is the key to instant success; It is for the beginner to avid woman archer requiring the cutting-edge technology, easy tuning, performance, and looks that are essential for the ultimate archery experience
- EXTREMELY ADJUSTABLE - No new cam or module required - With Carbon Knockout bow you simply remove the module screws, adjust to your draw length, re-tighten and you are set; With a simple turn of a bolt, adjust the draw weight 10lbs or anywhere in between
- SYNCHRONIZED BINARY CAMS - Our patented Binary Cam system is engineered with two perfectly symmetrical cams working together for flat-line nock travel and maximum accuracy; Designed for an ultra-smooth draw cycle and simple tuning you can set and forget
- SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION - The carbon riser ensures maximum maneuverability, carbon string stop absorbs and virtually eliminates all excessive string vibration and noise; The premium strings and cables provide you with confidence in accuracy and rock-solid durability
- FULLY ACCESSORIZED - This Bow is fully outfitted with accessories: Bantam 5-Arrow Quiver, Stryker 5 Pin Sight, Boost 5 Inch Stabilizer, Octagon Rest, Diamond Wrist Strap, Carbon Peep; NOTE: bowstring has string separator for peep sight installation
Last update on 2023-05-17
The Diamond Archery Carbon Knockout Archery Bows is one of those bows that comes with huge number of features. However, keep in mind this compound bow is made for woman, and it can costs more than $600. On trade-off, this is a bow capable of firing arrows at speeds of 302 FPS with bulls eye accuracy.
Adjustable draw length
You get an adjustable draw length of between 22.5 and 27 inches. This would be a quite manageable draw length for woman like you. The adjustable draw length suits people of different frames.
Carbon Riser and Binary Cam
The carbon riser made this bow one of the lightest compound bow for woman. Diamond archery designed this archery bow in a way that you don't feel any tired or exhausted holding this bow for a long time. Also this bow uses the binary cam technology for smooth tune and bulls eye accuracy.
Design
Wish this stunning look can kill! You will be amazed and feel premium once you hold the bow and trust me, it's finishing and color combination is just premium.
Draw weight and Mass Weight
You can choose the draw weight from 40 to 60 pounds at the time of your purchase. Also the big point is the mass weight of this unit is just 3.2lbs which makes it one of the lightweight compound bow for women in the money category.
Pros
- It is a powerful bow
- Has an easy smooth draw cycle
- Used Binary Cam technolgy
- Lightweight
Cons
- It is pricier than other hunting bows
Verdict
While it comes with carbon riser and binary cam for being one of the smooth operating and lightest compound bow it is best suited for woman. Also, it is the Best compound bow under 1000 for woman in regards to ease of use.
Best Compound bow Under 1000 : Bear Archery BR33 Ready to Hunt
- Ready to hunt compound bow comes equipped with Trophy Ridge accessories
- Hybrid Cam System offers a super smooth draw cycle while keeping speed and efficiency
- 27" to 32" draw length range with a peak draw weight of 55-70 lbs.
- Shoots at a deadly-fast 330 feet per second
- Weighs 4.2 lbs. with a 7" brace height offering a high level of forgiveness
Last update on 2023-05-17
Launched in 2016, the BR33 Ready to Hunt Compound Bow is a unique offering from Bear Archery. Capable of firing arrows at 330 FPS it is suitable for any hunting application. More importantly, it is more accurate than most of its competitors.
Adjustable draw length
Unlike other similarly priced bows, this one does not require a bow press to adjust the draw length. It features a unique Draw-Dial system that comes with rotating modules. To adjust the length all you need to do is rotate the modules to a specific draw length and lock it down. The draw length can be adjusted from 27 to 32 inches.
Pre-loaded quad limbs
Made of Gordon glass, the pre-loaded quad limbs have a machined belly profile for distributing stress across the entire limb. The result of this is more stored energy, which results in more power. The quad limbs offer two separate draw weight configurations a 45-60 pound and 55 to 70-pound configuration.
Sonic stop string suppression
The inclusion of a sonic stop string suppression was done to dampen string vibration when the bow is fired. This means you get a bow that is both quiet and powerful.
Camo finish
This compound bow comes in different colors, with the most popular being the Realtree Xtra Green camo finish. However, if camo is not your thing you can choose either olive, sand or shadow finishes.
Pros
- It is extremely quiet
- It is a well-balanced compound bow
- Comes with a smooth draw cycle
- Easy to adjust the draw length without the need for a bow press
- Comes in a variety of colors to choose from
Cons
- The strings tend to twist
- It is not as powerful as other similarly priced bows.
Verdict
This compound bow is a solid bow for hunting. It has all the features that a bow hunter would need. Its comfortable VersaGrip will appeal to hunters who hunt in cold weather. In essence, this is a compound bow designed with a hunter in mind. Also if you are looking for the BEST compound bow under 1000 dollar then surely go for this.
The Best Compound Bow For Target Shooting
While some compound bows are best suited for hunting others are best suited for target practice. Below are two of the best compound bow for target shooting.
Genesis Original Bow
- UNIVERSAL DRAW LENGTH: Versatile compound bow design with a draw length range of 15-30 inches and adjustable draw weight of 10-20 pounds
- BUILT FOR ALL AGES: With universal draw length and adjustable weight, this is the first compound bow developed to fit everyone, making it a great starter bow for all ages, athletic abilities and the official bow of the National Archery in the Schools Program NASP)
- EASY TO USE: The single cam design means no tuning problems, less recoil, greater accuracy, and less noise so you can discover the simple joy of archery
- BOW CONSTRUCTION: Preassembled and ready to use right out of the box. This bow consists of a machined 6061-T6 aluminum riser, aluminum cam and idler wheel, sturdy composite limbs, and high-strength bowstrings
- MADE IN USA: The Genesis Original Bow was made in the USA with durable light weight components
Last update on 2023-05-17
The Genesis Original Bow is the official bow of the National Archery in the Schools Program, which says a lot about its quality. A lightweight bow with a simplistic design, it is best suited for target practice.
Minimal accessories
The first thing you notice about the bow is how minimalistic it looks. It lacks all the additional accessories you get with other bows. However, this is actually a good thing as most of the times the additional accessories are usually of low quality. With this bow, you get a simple looking bow that does what it is built to do.
Adjustable draw weight
The adjustable draw weight on this bow will not appeal to seasoned archers but it is perfect for what the bow is built for. Using an Allen wrench you can adjust the draw weight from 10 to 20 pounds easily.
Lightweight and tough
Given it is designed for beginners, children, and youth, this bow needs to be lightweight. And that is exactly what it is. Weighing only 2 pounds, it is one of the lightest bows around. Nevertheless, this is not to say it is not tough. Important parts of the bow such as the riser are built from Machined aluminum, which is both tough and light.
Accessory ready
As I mentioned before, this bow does not come with any additional accessories. However, it is designed to accommodate these accessories. Towards this end, the riser is built to accommodate a number of accessories.
Pros
- It is an affordable compound bow
- It is an excellent bow for beginners and young people
- It is easy to shoot
- Has a minimalistic design, which allows for freedom when choosing accessories
- Can be used by different age groups
Cons
- It is not suitable for seasoned archers
- Has a low draw weight
Verdict
It is important to remember that the Genesis Original is built for beginners and youth. Thus if you are a seasoned archer you are better off with another bow. Nevertheless, if you want a bow to introduce your kids to archery, this is the bow for you. It is light and can be used by children and teens of different age groups.
SAS Rage 70 Lbs 30'' Compound Bow
- ✅Do you want to give your shooters the best chance to develop their talents in archery? Then choose SAS Outrage Compound Bow and give shooters the right gear of high quality and durability.
- ✅ SPECIFICS: Speed: IBO 275fps; Axle-to-Axle: 31"; Draw length: 25”-31” (adjustable without bow press); Brace height: 7.5”; Let-off: 75-80%;Draw Weight: 30 - 70 lbs
- ✅MATERIAL: Aluminum Riser; CNC Machined Cams; Fiberglass Limb
- ✅SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: Best US Based Warranty in the Industry. We offer 3-Year Warranty vs 1-Year Average or no warranty from Oversea sellers (restrictions apply)
- ✅OPTIONAL PACKAGES: Bow Only, Starter Package, Pro Package and Travel Package
Last update on 2023-05-17
Another bow that I consider to be the best compound bow for target shooting is the SAS Rage. Costing less than $300 this bow has a lot to offer. Something that surprised me when I first bought it. In fact, I was a bit skeptical at its price tag.
Design
I was not all that impressed with the design of the bow. However, given its price tag, it is something I could live with. The limbs are crafted from an inexpensive yet durable fiberglass material. The riser, on the other hand, is built from machined aluminum, which is impressive when I considered the price.
Adjustable draw weight
I really loved the adjustable draw weight and the dual eccentric cam system. The latter system lets you adjust the draw weight by 5 pounds. The max draw weight is 70 pounds, which will appeal to most seasoned archers. Actually, I found that this bow can be used on small game.
52-inch string
The string on this bow is not at all bad for the price I paid for it. Thus, although it does not have a nock D-loop installed, it is still a good string. Needless, to say you should not forget to wax your bow’s string
Pros
- It is an inexpensive option for target practice
- It is very easy to aim and draw
- Can be used for target practice as well as on small game
- It can be used by first-time archers as well as seasoned archers
Cons
- Does not come with a compound bow case
- It relatively heavier than other similarly priced bows
Verdict
Is the SAS Rage a bow worth your money? Definitely yes. This Is one of the best bow for the money. This bow is built for beginners and can withstand multiple misfires. Also, its draw weight is easy to adjust for people of varying archery experience. In essence, this is an inexpensive option for first-time archers that can be used by pro archers as well.
The Best Compound Bow For Beginners
Now to our last category, best compound bow for beginners. These are bows designed specifically for newbie archers. And the title for the best compound bow for beginners goes to;
Leader Accessories Compound Bow
- Hand Orientation: Right. Draw Weight: 50 - 70 lbs. Draw Length: 25" - 31".
- Max Speed: 310 FPS. Let Off: 75% - 80%. Axle to Axle: 31.5". Brace Height: 7.5". Weight: 4.4 lbs.
- Adjust the draw weight and draw length with enclosed Allen Wrench. No bow press is needed.
- The compound bow is with fiber optic sight, drop away arrow rest, release aid, D string loop, peep sight, wax, and 2pcs of 30" aluminum arrow.
- Aluminum Riser. 1-year warranty on the bow excluding string & cables.
Last update on 2023-05-17
The Leader Accessories Compound bow is an ideal bow for hunting as well as target practice. It is by far the best affordable compound bow. Constructed from high-quality aluminum this bow is suitable for hunting small game.
Adjustable draw weight and length
Like all other bows on this list, this one comes with an adjustable draw weight and length. And the good thing is that you do not need a bow press to adjust the two. All that is needed is an Allen wrench, which makes the whole process easier.
31-inch string
The 31-inch string on this bow is suited for beginners. When pulled the string can produce up to 7 pounds of energy. Additionally, it is non-stretchable. What this means is that it provides a good amount of resistance to provide arrows with sufficient energy. The bow can fire arrows at speeds of up to 310FPS.
Durable construction
All the essential parts of the bow such as the riser and the limbs are made from aluminum. This makes it a lightweight yet tough bow. It can, therefore, survive harsh weather conditions.
Pros
- It is a very affordable hunting compound bow
- It is very well constructed
- It is easy to shoot
- Can be used for both target practice and hunting
- Comes with a wrist sling
Cons
- Does not have compound bow arrows included
- It is relatively heavier than other bows
Verdict
For hunting small game, this is a great product. Built for beginners it has a lot of features that newbie bow hunters will find useful. Also, due to its non-stretchable string, it produces a lot of energy without requiring a lot of draw weight. This is one of the reasons why it appeals to newbie hunters.
Conclusion
There are literally hundreds of compound bow models out there. However, not all are worth their asking price. When shopping for the best compound bow, do some homework before jumping into the market. There are many quality bows from the best compound bow brands that will not cost you much. It is my hope that this article has been of great help to you.
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 OUTDOOR EVER.
