There’s nothing better than a compound bow when it comes to precision and accuracy. The moment you catch glimpse of your prey and begin setting up your shot is one that is built up with tension, in more than one sense. As you line up the shot on your target, pull back on the bow and are in the hold position, a rush of energy goes through your body just as quickly as the short time it takes for the projectile to be released and travel to the target. If you want to feel the rush and speed you’ll experience from using a compound bow then you’re in the right place to find the best compound bow to suit your hunting needs.
To find the best bow, you’ll first have to have a clear idea of what you’re looking for. We’ll help you out by going into detail so that you understand what exactly defines a compound bow, which are the top 10 best compound bows on the market today followed by a buyer’s guide detailing the most important considerations you should make while looking to purchase a compound crossbow. No matter your budget, gender, skill level, or desired use we’ll touch on the best compound bows in each categories so be sure to stay tuned!
Top 10 Best Compound Bow Reviews – Core Features
| Model | Draw Length | Draw Width | Crossbow Weight | Draw Weight | FPS | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bear Archery Cruzer
|
12” 30” |
32” | 3.6 | 70 | 310 | Package includes:
String suppressor,4 pin illuminated sights, MV cam, Whisker basket arrow rest, Fiber optic sites with four needles (for shooting at different ranges),Stabilizer, Quiver, Wrist strap. |
RAPTOR CompoundHunting Bow Kit |
24.5” 31” |
30” | 3.6 | 30 70 |
315 | Package includes:
5-Pin lighted sight with level, Peep sight and reinstalled loop, Stabilizer, Biscuit rest, String stop, Included adjustment and mounting tools. |
Diamond Archery InfiniteEdge Pro – Black Ops Bow Package |
13” 30” |
31” | 3.2 | 5 70 |
310 | Package Includes:
3-Pin tundra sight, hostage XL arrow rest, Deadlock lite octane quiver, Tube peep sight, BCY string loop, Comfort wrist sling, 5″ ultra-lite octane stabilizer. |
Leader Autumn CamoFull Accessory Package |
25” 31” |
31.5” | 4.4 | 50 70 |
310 | Package Includes:
12 Carbon arrows, 12 paper target, Bow bag, Quiver, Optic sight, Drop away arrow rest, Whisker biscuit arrow rest, Bow release, Arm guard, Paracord wrist sling, Stabilizer, Arrow puller, Limb dampener, Bow stand, Pre installed trio style peep sight, Rubber tube peep sight and loop string. |
SAS ScorpioBlack Compound Bow with Pro Package *Best Compound Bow for the Money |
19” 29” |
28” | 3.3 | 30 55 |
260 | Package Includes:
Scorpii Bow, 5-pin Bow Sight, Trophy Ridge Quick Shot M Arrow Rest, Quick Detach Quiver, Tube Peep Sight, D-loop, Wrist Sling, Release Aid and 8″ 6.5oz Aluminum Stabilizer |
Bear Archery BR33Limited Edition *Best Compound Bow for Hunting |
27” 32” |
33” | 4.2 | 55 70 |
330 | Package Includes:
Trophy Ridge React 5-Pin Sight, HX Arrow Rest, 5 Spot Quiver, Static Stabilizer |
Diamond Archery 2016 Edge SB-1Compound Bow Package |
15” 36” |
31” | 3.6 | 7 70 |
318 | Package Includes:
3-Pin TRUGLO Apex Tundra sight with peep ,Containment arrow rest, 3 way whisker biscuit |
Quest RadicalCompound Bow Package |
17.5” 30” |
29.25” | 3.2 | 15 70 |
295 | Package Includes:
String suppressor, Stabilizer, Sling,G5 Meta Peep and a G5 Tool-less 4 pin sight, 6 arrow G5 Head-lock Quiver, Halo Rest, G5 Stabilizer,G5 Wrist Sling |
PSE RH Purple RainReady to Shoot Fever Compound Bow Package |
11” 29” |
32” | 3.6 | 29 60 |
296 304 |
Package Includes:
Gemini sight, Whisker biscuit rest, Shadow quiver, Peep wheel and Nock set. |
Bowtech Carbon Rose*Best Women’s Compound Bow |
22.5” 27” |
30” | 3.2 | 30 60 |
302 | Package Includes:
Sting suppressor, Bowtech binary cam system |
Compound Bows Simplified
You can think of a compound bow as simply a rifle without the gunpowder ammunition. Basically, the compound bow is a powerful and fast archery weapon that shoots a projectile towards a target. As far as construction is concerned, the main design consists of a narrow frame, pulley system and rigid stock with a mounted riser attached. The image below displays clearly all of the main design features of the compound bow.
IMAGE OF COMPOUND BOW
As you can see, the compound crossbow has its risers facing the shooter while the limbs point away. This is one of the easiest ways you can tell the difference between a compound bow and other types of bows.
When speaking of performance, a compound bow typically has a draw weight that is double that of a hand-drawn bow (traditional archery weapon) and is drawn by a mechanical system such as a hand crank or by way of an assisted cocking device.
The Top 10 Best Compound Bow Reviews 2018
To save you the hassle of hours on end researching and reading reviews to find exactly what you’re looking for, we’ve done the work for you and compiled a list of the top 10 best compound bows on the market today, based on compound bow reviews.
For starters, take a look at 4 of the top models in the most searched categories!
Best Compound Bow for the Money
At a price of under $200, the SAS Scorpii by Southland Archery Supply is a bow that continues to exceed customer expectations thanks to its excellent craftsmanship, smooth, powerful and accuracy in functionality. Great for the avid hunter or the beginner simply starting out; the bow is extremely versatile and can be adjusted to suit any user. The fact that this bow is set at such a low price point, yet still offers a plethora of features, makes it an ideal bow for the money.
- Easily adjustable.
- Affordable for all.
- Not the quietest.
- No set up instructions included.
Best Compound Bow for Hunting
This limited edition, coyote brown Bear Archery BR33 compound bow, is the best compound bow forhunting, having been praised by various hunting enthusiasts for its comfort, speed, smooth draw and much more! The Bear Archery BR33 is a solid all around great bow that is able to zone in tight to the target. Equipped with a wide assortment of Trophy Ridge accessories, this bow really is the total package when it comes to everything you’d need in a compound bow for hunting.
Available in four colors; sand, olive, shadow black, and real tree camo. Some of the most favored features are its EAZ Hybid cam system which allows for a smooth draw combined with incredible power, the Max Pre Load Quad Limbs, dual adjustable string suppressor and HingeGuard cable containment system. Finally, the Bear Archery BR33 has been solidly constructed with a riser that is broad on both ends which adds to the stability, strength and overall durability of the construction.
- VersaGrip: Providing warmth and comfort for use in cold weather.
- 80% let off.
- High quality limb construction (Gordon glass).
- SonicStop string suppression system.
- Expensive investment.
Best Women’s Compound Bow
Check Price!
Many women, commenting on compound bow reviews, have expressed frustration with trying to find a bow specific for women that still offered the power and accuracy of a standard bow. They are often forced to buy children’s bows as these are the closest models that suit their needs however, with the release of bows like the Bowtech Carbon Rose, the search is over. Flexible, strong, accurate, and consistent are only a few of the ways we’d describe this powerhouse. Not only is it perfectly designed with a women’s build in mind, it is also the lightest and best maneuverable women’s compound bow on the market.
- Smooth and comfortable draw.
- Great speed.
- Rotating modules: Allows for changing draw weight without needing new cams.
- Lightweight Carbon Knight Riser.
- Lacks color options.
Best Compound Bow for Beginners
Without a doubt, the Bear Archery Cruzer is the best bow for beginners. Its incredible length and weight adjustment mean that as your strength and experience grow, the bow too can be adjusted to accommodate accordingly. Starting at 5 lbs and going up to 70lbs, the adjustable range is perfect for those who plan to invest ina bow they can have for years to come. This is definitely the best compound bow for beginners for the fact that you can grow into it. Along with the advanced grip design, max preloaded compound quad limbs, this bow comes completely rigged and ready to meet the needs of any bowhunter from young to old.
Solidly built, the Bear Archery Cruzer, is a bow you can count on that will also provide you with a great bang for your buck.
- Made in the USA.
- Simple set up.
- Easy pull back.
- Great weight adjustment.
- Arrows not included.
The remaining 6 that make up the Top 10 are all versatile compound bows with a solid construction in design and exceptional consistency in performance.
The Crossbows featured in the list below do not appear in any given order; each make and model offers its own unique features. The superior one will be the best compound bow for your specific needs, your build, budget, and skill level.
Raptor Hunting Bow
Made in the USA, this compound bow from Predator Archery, comes well equipped with additional extras and features which make it a great value hunting bow. Exceptionally fast, versatile and what many rave about as having one of the smoothest pulls of all top compound bows, the Raptor can be easily adjusted to any size without the use of a bow press.
Designed with fiber glass limbs and riser, and fully machined aluminum clams, the Raptor bow is build to last. As a display of its strength, the design allows you to pull 70lbs while only needing to hold 17.5 lbs.
- 100% warranty on their 30 day guarantee.
- Split yoke tuning system: Aids in precise adjustments.
- Quality of a more expensive bow.
- Arrows not included.
Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro
This is the ideal multi-shooter bow great for hunting and target shooting. Available in black ops, mossy oak country or pink blaze, you have the option to order this bow in a right or left handed design. With an extended draw length for longer draw archery, the Diamond Infinite Edge is an easy to use bow no matter what your skill level is.
- Easy to maintain and adjust
- The included site is not high quality.
- Poor quality string silencer.
Leader Autumn Camo
If you’re looking for a standard, good all around compound bow for hunting or target practice, this Autumn Camo bow by Leader Accessories is going to be a great option for you. It is smooth, quiet and incredibly easy to maintain the draw. In addition, for everything that is included in the package, the value on this bow is outstanding. Also available in Black or Green Camo.
- One year warranty.
- Solid construction (ex. Made with aluminum risers).
- Included sight and arrows are not the best quality.
- Sting dampener comes loose easily.
Diamond Archery 2016 Edge SB-1
As you can image by the name, the Diamond Archery 2016 Edge SB-1 utilizes cutting edge innovation to become a product that leads in versatility, adjustability and ease of use. No matter whether you’re a seasoned archer or just starting out, this compound bow with help you hit the bullseye every time with precision. Many reviewers prefer the Diamond Edge SB-1 to other models such as the Diamond Infinite Edge Pro, however keep in mind, each has their pros and cons.
One of the top included features is a three-pin Truglo Apex Tundra sight that has 3 glow in the dark colors, aiding you for those times you need to shoot at different ranges.
- Highly adjustable: Thanks to the EZ Adjust pocket system and rotating modules.
- Certified Bowtech Synchronized Binary Cam System: Ensuring accuracy and fast arrow speeds.
- Very easy to use.
- Right & Left hand models.
- Slightly louder than other bows.
Quest Radical
This compound bow is one that will satisfy the average archer. Not too expensive yet not the cheapest of the bunch, the Quest Radical AP Purple is a great bow for smaller archers, considering the width is quite a bit smaller than most. The dual cam, split limb design is lightweight while still offering a sturdy and durable construction.
- Easily adjustable cam system (no bow press required).
- Smooth draw.
- Quiet to shoot.
- Only available in a right handed model.
PSE Ready to Shoot Fever
Coming in a purple rain color, the PSE scores high in compound bow reviews for its easy to handle design, quiet function, and quick shots. Ideal for archers with shorter arm lengths such as women and children. Highly adjustable with an impressive performance and accuracy for the price, this model is sure to please.
- Easy to draw.
- Quiet performance.
- Doesn’t not come with many extras.
Buying Considerations
For a list of the most important considerations to make when buying your new compound bow, take a look below for a simplified guide to get you thinking about the essentials.
Draw Length
The best draw length for you will be determined by a quick calculation using your arm span. You will take the length of your arm span and divide by 2.5 to get the draw length that is best suited to you.
Draw Weight
Simply defined as the full weight the bow can handle. The higher the draw weight, the more power the arrow will have as it flies towards the target and the greater likelihood that you can reach a target farther away. The more arm strength you have, the greater the weight you will be able to draw. Draw weight is especially important to keep in mind when you are shopping for children; you should look for a bow with a lower draw weight. Also, if you plan on taking down larger game, you will most definitely require a compound bow with a higher draw weight.
Bow Weight
If you are of a smaller build and stature, it will be more comfortable and easier to handle a small, lightweight bow rather than something that weighs a lot.
Arrow Speed
Measured in feet per second (FPS). The higher the fps, the greater likelihood you’ll have of reaching your target. Accuracy and precision is greatly dependent on the feet per second which the arrow travels.
Sights
You’ll often have to purchase these separately as the ones that come with the bows are typically standard sites with few functions. A sight will help improve your aim and allow you to fire your projectile at a set distance with accuracy; for this reason it is exactly why investing in a more useful scope is vitally important.
FAQ
1. What is Let Off ?
The let off is the % of maximum draw weight that you can use to effectively fire the arrow while still maintaining accuracy. At 70- 80% let off, you’ll be able to hold the bow steadier for a greater length of time while lining up your shot.
2. Why is a stabilizer important to have?
A stabilizer essentially acts to steady the balance on your compound bow. The more stable the bow the less of a chance it will tip forward, thus a stabilizer aids in eliminating vibration when the string is pulled. Bow stabilizers also act to dampen noise by absorbing vibrations from the strings.
3. What exactly are cams?
Taking a step back, all compound bows consist of riser, string, the cable system and the cams. The cam systems on compound crossbows function to add more arrow velocity to your shot. Essentially, the cams manipulate the draw weight as you’re drawing the arrow and releasing it. Depending on the shape of the cam, it may be easier or more difficult to draw the bow Also, the type of cam often will affect the amount of energy the compound bow can store.
In Conclusion
The compound bow is an incredibly fast, accurate, and powerful archery weapon that is easily maneuverable, quiet and simple to use. When tuned right, the accuracy and performance of your bow will be improved and you will be increasing the life of your compound crossbow. Always remember that no matter which compound bow your buy, there may be some initial set up that is required before you are able to take your first shot. Setting the draw length, alignment of the site, arrow length, and pull weight may all need to be adjusted before hand. Whether you decide to go with the best compound bow for the money, the SAS Scorpii or the best compound bow for hunting, the Bear Archery Cruzer, in the end the best compound bow for you will be the one that is perfectly suited to your needs. Make sure you take a look through compound bow reviews if you’re still struggling to make a decision between a few and lastly, be sure that you’ve gone through the consideration to make before buying to ensure that your bow has the adequate features you require. Follow our guide on compound bows and we guarantee that the final purchase you make will be one that will more than satisfy.
