Best Compound Bow – Reviews, Comparison and Advice

Getting into archery is at first a simple thing, and in my opinion, it can a hobby for anyone – it helps with concentration and patience, it keeps you fit, and overall, it’s an amazing free time activity. But I’m not here as an infomercial about archery, I’m here to help you choose the best type of bow for you, which is the Compound one.

Down below, I will show you not only why exactly you need a compound weapon but also some of the best models out there. So buckle up and enjoy.

1. XGEEK Compound

Here we have XGeeks answer to all modern compound bows. And to be honest, it is one of the best models on the market right now, so if you are searching for something that is of really high quality while also being at a fairly reasonable price for the features it has to offer.

Here the compound bow’s defining characteristics shine brightly with a draw length ranging from 19 to 30 inches and a draw weight from nineteen to a whopping seventy pounds.

To body is nothing to scoff at either, with a sturdy aluminum design that is carefully anodized to protect the bow from the elements. Also, if you want to, you can make the finish camo style, so there is some customization, too.

You also shouldn’t forget that you don’t get just a bow here. Not only are there twenty-four high-quality lightweight carbon arrows included, but also an aluminum riser and stabilizer, a carry case, a quiver, target paper, and even an Allen key. So any adjustments and repairs can be made by you at any time, any place.

So, if you are planning to buy something of high quality that comes with all the accessories you may need, this bow from XGeek is the perfect choice for you, trust me.

2. Leader Accessories

Above, we’ve looked at a case where you can have your cake and eat it, too. Still, the price wasn’t something that an everyday man could handle with ease, so here we will be looking at just a bow, now additional accessories, but it is quite the bow, let me tell you – the Leader Accessories Compound Bow.

Though here we don’t have the most extensive range possible, the variable draw weight and length are impressive with a fifty to seventy pound and twenty-five to thirty-one ranges, respectively.

A little bummer to the design is the fact that it’s strictly right-hand orientated, so Lefty is a little bit left out there if you know what I’m saying ( terrible pun). In my opinion, though, the high-end aluminum body and riser make up for it triple with a sturdy but lightweight design, clocking at only for point four pounds total, so you aren’t looking at something that is going to break your back.

The bow’s astonishing speed of 310 FPS can shoot your aluminum or carbon arrow as fast as you want through any target, with the help of the characteristic for all compound bows – adjustable draw weight and length just with a simple Allen key that you get right out of the box.

So, if you’ve already got all the necessary stuff for accurately shooting some targets and you are interested in just a bow, you should consider this quality product from the people at Leader Accessories. This compact tool is a great addition to both sports and hunting bows alike, with a high rating across the board and so much incredible technology put into it, you are sure to have an amazing experience shooting with that baby.

3. Archery Trigon

This bow is a lot more than most ordinary hunting bows, and it ships from a local dealer in the USA, directly from the manufacturer’s warehouse, with no middleman. But again, we also have a whole package on our hands, with everything you need, whether you are just starting or you have been shooting for years now.

It is quite the powerhouse with a dual-cam set-up resulting in the whopping 320 FPS, so you are looking at one strong bow able to pierce through any target.

That’s not the end, though, because the bow also has top-of-the-range adjustability, withdraw weights, and lengths able to be set to anyone’s liking.

It is one of the lightest bows on the market, with a fantastic weight of only three-point nine-five pounds, so it won’t present you any problem while carrying it.

And the cherry on top is that, along with the premium anodized aluminum camo finish. You get a carrying case, a quiver able to hold five arrows, and speaking about arrows. You also get twenty-four of them, all 30 inches long and of the highest quality.

So whether you are a hunter looking for a thrilling hunt or just want to experience a quiet afternoon shooting some targets in the backyard, you should thoroughly consider choosing this bow.

4. RAPTOR Compound Hunting

The bow we will be looking at is more than just a toy you take out to practice on the shooting range, it is more of a sophisticated hunting tool, something you can use not only for small game but for big game and bow fishing, too. But with a name like Raptor, you probably figured it out already, so let’s look at some technicalities, shall we?

Though, to be honest, the bow does look exceptional, it is not only good looks without substance behind it.

It features a five-pin optic that is accompanied by an LED target sight, so even if you haven’t got your eye trained enough, the bow will help you get your target just right. And we shouldn’t forget the amazing whisker biscuit arrow rest that really helps with the speed of your arrow.

Though it isn’t as adjustable as some bows out there, with a more straightforward system than most of them, you can adjust it on the field at any time, meaning you can always give it to your son to try shooting or set the draw weight higher for a more powerful shot.

Now you may think, how can a big bow shot not scare away your target? Well, the bow has your back covered with state-of-the-art limb and string silencers, so hunting like a silent apex predator will be as easy as pie. It is also compact, and any hunter can benefit from carrying less.

So, if you want a tool that can accompany you on any hunt, this bow will be the perfect one for the job, with special hunting features that aren’t found on every compound. Don’t hesitate, just choose something that will give you not only speed but stability, too, all in one compact package perfect for both a casual archer and a hunter alike.

5. DA`s Infinite Edge Pro

After Diamond’s best-selling model Infinite Edge started to fall a little bit behind the competition, they surprised us again with a newer Pro model. This model is capable of so much more, speaking to an even broader demographic while also adding some professional features like its namesake.

The draw lengths have been increased by a whole inch, so now even taller people can use this excellent tool. Draw weights, on the other hand, are unique, like always, with an astonishing range of as low as five to as high as seventy pounds, so even your little kid can get into archery if you let them use your primary bow, of course.

The cam system has been redesigned, too, so the draw circle, believe it or not, is even smoother than before, giving you a lot of speed in the shooting department. The solid back wall combined with the new stabilizer and arrow rest all allows you to get even more stable shots than before because no matter how steady your hand is, a little bit more stability is always welcomed.

Though its FPS is a little lower than some of its competition, it greatly makes up for it by giving you a whole new aluminum composite body that weighs just three-point two pounds, which is exceptionally light.

And with a quality polymer carrying case, the Infinite Edge Pro, for its price, is one of the best hunting bows or just plain shooting for fun models out there.

6. Bear Archery Cruzer G2

Continuing with the hunting theme, with a company name like Bear Archery, you know this is some specialized equipment for real hunting enthusiasts. So, let’s look at what makes this hunting bow have such a high rating.

The maximum versatility of this weapon is engineered for all ages and skill levels. Bear Archery is adjustable from 12″ to 30″ in the draw length range and 5 to 70 lbs. Peak draw weight. All adjustments can be made using an Allen wrench, and there is no need for a press. It comes ready to hunt equipped with six Trophy Ridge accessories – a four-pin sight, a Whisker Biscuit, a 5-arrow quiver, a stabilizer and sling, a peep sight, and a nock loop.

The weapon only weighs under three pounds, and with a shooting speed of three hundred and fifteen FPS, this is one light and swift tool for hunting everything from something like a rabbit to bigger animals such as a boar.

The string offers the most silent shot possible with innovative technology, and the reinforced limbs, combined with a 70% let-off The “Cruzer G2,” presents to you one heck of a smooth but powerful draw cycle.

So, with a comfortable grip, a sight, and a quiver, this beauty offers versatility like almost no other, and if you are going out in the wild hunting, it will be an excellent companion.

7. Genesis – Six Arrows Set

Up to now, we’ve talked about some serious weapons, some for hunting, some for professional archery, but all of them have been very high-end and expensive toys. So, now let’s look at something more tailor-made for a younger demographic, something for training. The Genesis Bows’ Youth Bow is a perfect model for any kid wanting to take up archery or for a fit for your one if you want to get it fired up into archery.

There are standard colors like black and camo, but of course, for something more targeted to kids, there are also options for purple or red. Though at first, it may seem like a bad thing that Genesis hasn’t got a determined draw length, it means that the kid can’t outgrow it, so it is perfect for anyone, from kindergarten to middle school.

Another great thing about this model is that it comes with only six arrows. At first, my statement may sound stupid, but that is very useful because it will teach your kid that every shot counts. If they misfire, not only will they need to go fetch the arrow back, but they also have a higher chance of losing them, so it will teach them how to be careful with what they have.

But don’t mistake The Genesis or something of low quality just because it’s for kids, it has a premium aluminum milled raiser. It has an exceptionally strong bowstring and some limbs made from a quite sturdy composite material.

This here is also the official bow of the National Archery in the Schools Program, so you know that it is the best option for your kid. Along with its single-cam technology, you get much less recoil and noise. Oh, and it also removes any additional tuning.

Suffice it to say, if you find yourself searching for a present for your kid, and you think that archery will be a good activity for them, if you choose this item, you will teach them all the basics quickly, without worrying that they will harm themselves.

8. Bear Archery Pledge

Bear Archery Pledge is another excellent outing from Bear Archery, that is, shall we say, like a little brother to the one we’ve looked at above. And yes, while it doesn’t have as big numbers on its characteristics spreadsheet as the Cruzer G2, it proves yet again that an essential thing in a tool is its craftsmanship.

While it isn’t the lightest out there, it means that it feels much meatier and sturdy in your hand while also not being that much of a burden with its four-point twenty-five pounds.

It has a draw length and weight ranges of twenty-one to thirty-one inches and forty to seventy pounds, so it’s fully capable of both archery and hunting.

Bear Archery Pledge also comes with all the bells and whistles out there, including a Trophy Ridge Mist 3 Pin Sight, a Whisker Biscuit arrow rest, a Peep Sight, and a Nock Loop to ensure you get the best archery experience possible.

Now, that may not sound like the best thing, but the only color available is camo, but painting it over with anodized aluminum paint won’t be that hard if you don’t like it that much.

At the end of the day, if you are looking for something that isn’t so expensive but that will still give you excellent performance, this middle-of-the-range weapon is the one for you.

9. Barnett Tomcat

Well, we are almost at the end of the list, and if you are still here, you’ve probably found the above picks a little bit too heavy for your pockets. Don’t worry, though, I’ve got your back covered because that next is the most bang for your buck model you can find on the market right now.

Barnett Tomcat is more centered towards youths from eight to twelve, but it isn’t cutting any corners in being a full-fleshed compound bow, with its dedicated range of draw length and weight, that is tailor-made for the age the bow is designed for.

This weapon also meets all the standards you need to worry about. It is even pretty light, weighing in at only three-point sixty-five pounds, so your kid won’t be having much of a problem carrying it around while playing.

It also has two fantastic color combinations, so your kid will surely love it. To wrap it up – this is a fantastic choice if you are on a budget but still, you want to make your kid happy while making it play outside more.

10. Diamond Archery Edge 320

At the last place in our list, we have something a bit on the higher-end side, but one that also offers a fantastic level of performance that most of its competitors can’t even get close to offering. The Diamond Archery Edge 320 is something special, something that every professional archer can benefit from.

Its namesake, the 320, isn’t just a significant number of ruling in people who don’t know any better, it’s FPS, and let me tell you, in the realm of compound bows, as you may be seen by now, is a lot.

Its 85% let-off, combined with the hugely adjustable draw length, makes the draw cycle a simple action that can be a powerful shot, too, with a maximum draw weight of seventy pounds.

The synchronized binary cams really do make a difference when you shoot, making the arrow fly as fast as possible.

So for a premium archery performance that doesn’t pierce your wallet as hard as it does the targets, Diamond Archery Edge 320 will make both an excellent sports and hunting item, too.

How to Choose Your Compound Bow?

When it comes to picking the best bow out there, compound or recurve, for sport or hunting, there are many different things to look at. You can count so many different ways that you will look at each of these options, but I will make sure to explain how each one’s characteristics affect its performance.

Of course, the market is full of compound weapons from different manufacturers, and each gives diverse specifications. So, down below, I’ve listed all of the relevant factors, how they are going to affect your performance, and what models you will need to be looking to purchase based on your activity. What are you waiting for, let’s get right into it.

What Is The Purpose Of Your Bow?

There are a few significant reasons to get a bow. You could get one to go hunting, for example. If that’s what you’re looking for, then you’ll want a set-up that will get the most power out of your weapon, just like when you’re picking your sports car’s most powerful engine. This means you want a higher speed for the arrows.

Also, you could want a higher let-off. Let off is where the archer holds less weight at the draw. This means you can have your bow ready, but you won’t have to fight the weight of the draw. You’ll also want a higher draw weight, so it’s a must to find one that combines a high percentage of letting-off with a lightweight body.

However, if you want to use it for target shooting, then you need not necessarily have one with high draw weight. You should be looking for an item that can shoot with precision, nothing more, nothing less. A lower draw weight, a lower let-off, and maybe a more massive one are what you need. The heavier weight (or even a lengthier bow) will help you get a better shot. The high let-off and the use of a tree stand will allow you to concentrate on getting it just right.

Whichever of the two activities you will be undertaking, another exceedingly important factor to your accuracy is the scope of the target reticle, but we won’t be focusing on that here because, at the end of the day, it is a very subjective topic. Some people just don’t laser sights, while others do, so we are leaving the final decision on this important choice of what is best for you.

What Bow Length Should I Choose?

When it comes to the length, you often want something that works with your body. Your draw length will often determine the size of the weapon itself, but sometimes you might need to work with a bit of a range of sizes. You might want something a bit bigger, depending on what you are doing.

If you’re hunting, you’re going to want a shorter size. That’ll make carriage and fire easier. A giant weapon will facilitate getting a good shot for target shooting. The average length you need for compound bows is around thirty to thirty-two inches. The length that works for you may be a bit different, though.

Make sure you choose something which works for you. Whatever suits other people, it doesn’t matter.

What Draw Length Should I Choose?

The draw Lenght is an essential factor for a compound bow in your choice, so be careful when reading. The draw length is how far the string goes before it stops. If you get one with a draw length that is too long for you, you’ll miss out on your apex power.

On the other hand, if the length of the draw is too short, then you will feel uncomfortable as you shoot. It could even make you less precise. Whether it is too long or too short, it will be highly unproductive in both ways.

Before you go to pick a weapon, be sure to have your draw length measured if you don’t already know it. If you’re new to the world of compound archery in general, then you may want to go to a store and have someone help you figure out the length of the draw. Any place they sell these products should have someone to help.

What Is The Right Bow Weight?

The bow’s weight can impact how you shoot. Most weapons are fairly light, clocking in at around three or four pounds, with the lighter ones being the hunting ones. The lighter it is, the longer you can carry it with you, and the more comfortable it will make you feel.

If you’re doing target shooting, a more massive weapon might be easier to aim with. You’ll have to figure out a median for hunting, where you won’t miss it that often when you’re firing, but you’ll also be able to carry it with you for long periods of time. Dealing with it is a very personal thing, so make sure you find something that’s right for you.

What Is The Perfect Let-Off and Draw Weight?

I’ve put these two topics together because they’re so connected. If you don’t already know how to shoot your bow, draw weight will affect you. The higher the weight of the draw, the more difficult it is for some to shoot, but the more power and speed behind the shot. A higher draw weight will be ideal for hunters, but people who just want to shoot targets don’t always need it.

Higher draw weights, however, can mean some people can’t reach their ideal draw length. This can cause a lot of problems for the archer, as we have already discussed. The way we deal with this is by letting go.

Due to the compound design, you can wind up dealing with less draw weight. Because of the movement of the cams at the bottom of the limbs and any weights attached, you may not have to handle all that weight.

There are some products where you will deal with a draw weight of ten to fifteen pounds when the bow weighs 70. That means you will deal with about 20 percent of the actual draw weight. That would be let off by 80 percent. The higher the let-off, the smaller the weight you have to handle. This can mean you can aim more without holding the entire draw weight.

You’ll still need to pull the draw weight to get to the let-off point, though. For some people, that can always be a challenge. Even if you’re looking to hunt with your compound bow and the best broadheads in the world, you’ll want to make sure you’re able to cope with your weapon’s draw weight.

What Is Arrow Speed?

Arrow speed is another measure that could help you decide what kind of weapon you want. The arrow’s speed is an indicator of the force behind your bow. Of course, the weight of the arrow and the weapon affects the speed, but it is still relevant to the instrument itself.

The higher the velocity, the more powerful the weapon is. If you just want to shoot targets, you might not need one with a high arrow speed, but it’s a must for hunting.

What Is Brace Height?

Brace Height refers to the space between the grip and the bowstring when it is yet to be pulled. If you want a faster travel speed, consider a lower brace height.

On the other hand, a lower brace height may result in a lower speed for the arrow, but it will be easier to shoot. The best thing to do in this situation is to try out some different brace heights to find out which one is the best for you.

What Are The Main Technical Aspects?

You need to consider quite many technical aspects before going for the compound bow at all because while they may seem like just a bunch of numbers, they are highly crucial to the performance in your specific category.

• Axle length: long axle length is ideal for beginners as it is easier to shoot, while shorter ones are made to be used more for hunting.
• Draw lengths: This measurement should be just right. Otherwise, it reduces the speed and precision of the arrow.
• Brace height: Weapons with low brace height shoot faster, but they require more effort, while shorter ones are easier to shoot, but they aren’t that swift.
• Draw weight: For fast shots, you need to invest in the bow, which you can easily pull backward, while still having enough weight for the arrow to jet out as fast as possible, something in the line of seventy pounds or so.

Is Adjustability So Important?

Adjustability is yet another thing to consider if you are looking for a good compound bow. If you are a grown-up archer, you probably don’t need much adjustability. However, if you’re still developing, you can go for one with adjustable draw length and weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Compound Bows?

In general, it is an instrument made of wood or other flexible material used for hunting, for sport, or just for fun. Usually, the curved ends and the limbs are connected with string, which connects to the arrow’s block. However, a compound bow is a more specific case because it operates on the principle of a lever with strings that can be replaced using cables and pulleys to make the limbs flexible.

To control the limbs, the premium compound weapon uses a network of metallic cords and pulleys. You won’t be required to put so much force to shoot correctly using this mechanism.

Also, they launch arrows quicker than conventional ones. This is because the arrow passes through a flatter arc, increasing the shot’s precision. But that’s not all of it, as the arrow also travels with much more power, making killing your prey or piercing the target easier for you.

What Are The Benefits of Using A Compound Bow?

This weapon is made to boost the archer’s efficiency. It has a cam system that saves energy through the draw cycle and offers a release after the cycle with significantly less effort.

A conventional recurve bow comes with a very linear draw weight arch – implying that when it is pulled back, the effort applied increases with each bit of drawing, thus making the string most tense when fully drawn.

However, compound one works on a different weight system, maxing out its weight by just a few bits of the first draw. It leaves room for more smooth and more constant pull until the cycle stops when the cam releases and offers a lower holding weight. This design of the peak weight, all through the draw, provides more considerable energy and launches more swiftly than similar long or recurve weapons.

Bows can come in a wide spectrum, from soft to hard, with cams designed differently. There are pulley systems at the base of the weapon, which make use of a single can and a circular idler wheel at the head instead of two similar cams. The cams are structured directly to regulate the arrow movement. What is known as a “soft cam” drives the arrow more slowly than a hard cam? Most users new to the whole archery concept may prefer a softer cam, but people who are more into it will prefer a hard one that will launch the arrow more quickly and accurately.

This structure removes the need for a different control cord and makes use of one long string that starts at the cam at the base, journeys over the wheel at the head, and back to the cam base. A different buss cord then links the base cam with the top limb.

Every time the string is pulled, using the cord, the limbs are drawn near to themselves. In a longbow or recurve one, the extremities are stretched to the string pattern. This variation implies that the compound ones come closer to the horizontal tangle with limbs.

The parallel arrangement of the limbs reduces the potential for recoil and shock on the archer whenever the arrow is launched, as the force travels upward at the tip of the limb and downward at the base and nullifies one another.

Another advantage is that it features a pulley mechanism that typically comes with individual rubber-laced blocks serving as drawstops. The draw-stops for your power can be easily adjusted to the perfect draw weight. This weight gives you a steady anchor point as well as a steady arrow input, which gives you a precise and powerful shot every time you release the string.

What Are The Types of Compound Bows?

While we can go on and on for hours, grouping them into different categories, each overlapping with the previous one to a considerable extent. The best way to do this is to divide them by their various types of cans. They are the monocam, twin-cam, binary-cam, and hybrid-cam.

What Is Single-Cam?

The Single-cam comes with a camera with a single power cam to bend the limb and retain the energy. The power cam is often installed on the lower limb, while an idler wheel is carried on the upper limb. It is simply built, so it’s fairly easy to use.

There are single-cam bows that are enhanced to get a smooth shot, while some other types are more rigged and engineered for a swift shot. Again, some single-shot items come with nock travel problems while others do not, but they are all pretty precise up to a point.

The key challenge with single cams is nock travel, which is mostly avoided with the twin cam bow we’ll just discuss this in a bit.

What Is Twin-Cam?

If you’re looking for an archery weapon cam-type that matches a comfortable climbing tree stand for a long wait while hunting, the twin-cam is your safest bet. A dual cam is also called a twin-cam. It consists of two cams that work synchronously to offer increased draw force, launching the arrow with immense force. The two cams may be round or elliptical, but in order to work as efficiently as possible, they must be of the same type.

If we juxtapose this with the single-cam, the twin-cams come with more power and are faster, but they usually have problems with synchronization. It’s generally due to their more complex structure, so the two cams sometimes act independently.

So, because of the string drag, you face that one cam turns slightly before the other. This implies that the strength of the upper and lower limbs is not balanced, producing a challenge for nock travel.

More recent twin-cams usually feature more efficient strings that have no problems with synchronization. However, you will need to have the weapon checked once in a while by a specialist to make sure anything goes as smoothly as possible. Besides these synchronization challenges, the twin-cams are much easier to launch than their single cam brethren while also being more powerful and accurate.

What Is Binary-Cams Compound Bow?

This bow type has two major cams, similar to the dual-cam ones, while also having some characteristics borrowed from the hybrid set-up. The cords rise from the two cams, and each is linked to the opposite one. Such a setting ensures that the two cams are connected directly to each other’s rotation, thus preventing them from working independently, eliminating any problems a dual cam bow may present while simultaneously giving you more power.

Suffice it to say, the advantages of binary-cam types are high power, incredible speed, and high precision, and the unique settings of binary cams account for their self-balancing and reduce nock travel problems.

What Is Hybrid-Cams Bow?

Hybrid-cams are sort of an upgrade over the dual cam, made to get rid of any of the synchronization problems. They have two asymmetrical ellipse-shaped cams, with the control cam placed above the power cam.

The whole design is made of a split harness, a control cord, and a drawcord. Hybrid cams give you a straight line nock travel without any of the disadvantages of a dual – cam bow.

However, hybrid-cams are independent, too, so they also need to be recalibrated from time-to-time to work at their peak. Numerous hybrid-cams weapons are incredibly powerful and silent, perfect for hunting, so it is worth the effort to get one working.

Final Words

So, as to be touched upon above, a compound bow is a much more complicated piece of tech than a normal flexible stick with a string connecting both ends. Its many parts do complicate the process of firing an arrow. They improve the accuracy and strength of the shot to an immense level.

And while yes, I do think that the weapons mentioned above are the best products in this field for sale right now, it’s always up to you to make the final choice. At the end of the day, you just want something that can pierce your target, be it a boar or a piece of paper in your backyard, fast, efficiently, and accurately, nothing more, nothing less.