Best Compound Bow For Hunting in 2020: Our Top 7 Picks
There are so many great compound bow manufacturers in the market today. Choosing the best compound bow from is no easy task. However, if you are not an avid bow hunter, then trying to choose the single best model for you from among the seemingly endless number of choices can be a somewhat daunting task.
Furthemore, narrowing down your selection doesn’t have to be a discouraging task. Archery is our passion. We have gladly done the research and work for you. In this article, you will find a list of what we feel are the top compound hunting bows.
Our Top Three Picks



In the table above, you will find the best Compound Bow picks in the following categories:
1. Best Compound Bow Overall: Our favorite bow that blends quality with a budget.
2. Best Compound Bow Runner-Up: Not quite as good as our favorite, but close – and usually more budget friendly.
3. Best Comound Bow Budget Pick: Our favorite bow for people on a budget.
Still unsure of the best compound bow to pick after looking at our comparison guide? No problem! Take a look at our quick menu below. Each model is broken down into more detail to provide you with the information you need to make an educated buying decision.
Contents
Best Compound Bow Buyer’s Guide

There are five primary considerations you should make when buying the best compound bow.
All bows use leverage as a mechanical advantage to store energy in flexed limbs as you draw them. This is how archers shoot an arrow faster than you could throw one.
Before going out and knowing what to consider when buying your bow, you have to see the difference between the types of bows namely traditional bows and the best compound bow.
Traditional bows — The longbow, recurve bow and other bows without cams store this energy directly. The further you draw, the harder they get to pull, and the more energy is transferred into the arrow when released and shooting a target. The more effort and power it takes to draw a traditional bow, the faster it will shoot an arrow.
When you draw a traditional bow, let’s say, a traditional wooden recurve bow all the way to your ear, you’re holding the entire draw weight. So if your bow draws 65lbs, you’re carrying 65lbs between your hands.
This can be very hard because your hands are controlling all the tension and energy in this traditional bow. This is useful for bow hunting when the archer needs to take time in aiming and shooting its target. For more on recurve bows and the best that you can buy right now check out our previous post on choosing the best recurve bow.
Compound bows – The best compound bow is identified by the multiple strings and the system of pulleys at either end of the bow. The pulley system allows the archer to holds less draw weight with a fast arrow release.
Compound bows are known for their extensive use in the field and 3D archery, bowhunting, and target archery. Many archers also agree that compound bows are the fastest, most powerful, most accurate bows ever made.
When selecting a compound hunting bow, there are important factors that every hunter should consider. The bow must be fast to have the flattest possible trajectory. The bow also needs to be consistently accurate.
Furthemore, many bowhunters want a bow that draws and shoots smoothly, and quiet enough to not spook or scare the game. Also, most archery hunters want a bow with a high degree of let-off. The least amount of draw weight means less stress on the hands and arms but higher shooting power.
Beyond that, it is imperative that you choose both the correct draw weight and the right draw length because heavier draw weights will produce faster arrow speeds. But one that is too heavy will be challenging to draw and, a draw length that is either too short or too long will make the bow challenging to shoot.
Fortunately, most modern compound bows have a considerable range of adjustment. Use this feature to draw weight and length and then you can customize the bow to suit you. All in all the compound bow is a both practical and genius invention. Learn more about the man behind this popular bow in Who Invented the Compound Bow.
Let’s look at the most critical aspects of the best compound bow for comparison.
1. Choosing a Draw Weight Range
When choosing the best compound bow for hunting especially if you’re a beginner, choosing a draw weight range is a significant concern because, the heavier a compound bow’s draw weight is, the faster it will launch an arrow and the more inertia it imparts to the projectile.
As a result, most beginner compound archers and experienced bowhunters prefer to shoot a bow that has as much draw weight as they are capable of drawing and holding because the faster an arrow of a given weight leaves the bow’s riser, the flatter its trajectory will be.
Compound bows with heavier draw weights impart more inertia to the arrow. The flatter an arrow’s trajectory is, the better it will compensate for minor misjudgments in distance.
Most states have a minimum draw weight restriction which is commonly 45 pounds for compound bows. It’s important to take this into account when choosing a compound bow for hunting.You will need to pick one that meets the minimum draw weight restriction for your state.
Draw weights of 45 lbs. to 50 lbs. are good choices for beginner skill levels, youth and female hunters whereas, most male hunters tend to prefer to draw weights of 60 lbs. to 70 lbs.
2. Choosing a Cam Design
The best compound bow incorporates wheels on the tips of their limbs. The wheels make the bow easier to draw by leveraging the mechanical advantage of pulleys. Pulleys provide a significant mechanical advantage. But they do not lessen the draw weight of a bow when the string is drawn to its maximum draw length.
Bow designers incorporate eccentric cams which are pulleys that are ovoid in shape and which are mounted off-center in order. These eccentric cams cause the bow’s force-draw curve to rise rapidly to the bow’s peak draw weight at some point in the draw length prior to reaching full draw.
Furthermore, are designed to fall rapidly as the maximum draw length is reached.This results in a certain amount of draw weight reduction at full draw which is known as “let-off.”Compound bows are commonly available with one of three different types of cam designs consisting of soft cams, medium cams and, hard cams which is a reference to the speed at which the draw weight rises to its peak before the cam “turns over.” This is the point the draw weight starts to decrease to its minimum.
Soft cams provide the smoothest draw cycle and are the easiest to draw at any given draw weight. However, they also offer the least arrow velocity. Medium cams offer the archer with a compromise between soft and hard cams. Hard cams are the most difficult to draw at any given draw weight but also impart the most magnificent velocity bow shoots to an arrow.
3. Dual, Solo, Hybrid & Binary Cams

Picking the right cam system for your bow is important.
Compound bow manufacturers also incorporate different cam systems consisting of Dual Cams, Solo Cams, Hybrid Cams and, Binary Cams.
Dual Cams: A compound bow with dual cams is one which has a cam located on each limb. This provides both advantages and disadvantages. For instance, compound bows with dual cams are generally significantly faster than their cousins.
The dual cam design imparts the maximum amount of stored energy from each of the bow’s limbs to the arrow. To work correctly, both of the cams must be in perfect synchronization (called “timing”) with each other. When the cams turn over, they do so at precisely the same moment.
Otherwise, they will cause the arrow’s nock to travel forward in an erratic pattern which can adversely affect the arrow’s accuracy. This means that timing of dual cam bows must be checked periodically and corrected if needed by adjusting the tiller or the length of the control cables.
But, even so, many archers prefer compound bows with dual cam systems because they generally produce the highest arrow speeds and quickest bow shoots. Solo cams: With this design, only one of the bow’s limbs incorporates a cam while the other limb includes a round wheel.
When the bow is drawn, the single cam acts to control the timing of the limbs to keep the limb tips in perfect synchronization with each other. Because this type of cam design is not adversely affected by string stretch or tiller adjustments, the arrow’s nock always travels in a straight line.
Hybrid Cams: A hybrid cam system consists of two, asymmetrically elliptical cams in which the top cam serves as the control cam and the bottom cam serves as the power cam.
The purpose of a hybrid cam system is to provide the archer with the benefits of a straight and level nock travel just like a Solo Cam bow but, without the timing and synchronization issues often associated with Dual Cams. Even so, Hybrid Cam systems still need to be initially timed correctly for best overall efficiency and performance.
Once they are correctly timed, hybrid cam systems are generally significantly faster than Solo Cam bows but are usually not quite as fast a Dual Cam system.
Binary cams are a modified version of a three-groove dualcam system that slaves the top and bottom cams to each other rather than to the bow’s limbs.
Unlike single and hybrid cam systems, binary cam systems dispense with the original split-harness control cables and instead employ two cam-to-cam cables. Rather than having each cam pull the opposing limb, they instead pull only on the opposite cam.
This creates a “free-floating” system that enables the cams to automatically equalize any differences in timing caused by tiller adjustments or string and control cable stretch.
This means the binary cam system is intended to be a self-correcting cam system. Therefore, this type of cam system as fast as a dual cam system but, is virtually maintenance free like a solo cam system thus making it the best compound bow in the market today.

4. Parallel vs. Pre-Loaded Limb Design
Limb Design is an important. Both limb designs operate on the same principle.
To create a compound bow that is free of recoil, the energy stored in the limbs when the bow is drawn must be released at an opposite angle. This causes the two opposing forces to cancel each other.
If the energy stored in the limbs is not released at opposite angles, then it will generate forward momentum. This in turn, translates to felt recoil in the riser.
Even though both pre-loaded and parallel limb designs agree in principle, they vary widely in design.
Parallel Limbs
Parallel limbs are oriented horizontally rather than vertically when the bow’s string is drawn. The limbs flex in the shape of an arc which causes bow’s limb tips to move virtually straight up and down.
When the bow’s string is released, the energy stored in the bow’s upper and lower limbs is also released in direct opposition which causes the two forces to cancel each other, and thus, parallel limbs drastically reduce felt recoil in the riser.
Pre-Loaded Limbs
These types of limbs are oriented far more vertically than parallel limbs. They require more vertically oriented limb pockets on the riser. This in turn, allows for the employment of a less radically reflexed riser design to accommodate them.
When the bow’s string is released, the energy stored in the bow’s upper and lower limbs is also released in direct opposition. Again, this causes the two forces to cancel each other.The main difference between parallel and pre-loaded limb designs is that parallel limb designs require a radically reflexed riser design whereas, pre-loaded limb designs do not.
The primary thing to remember here is the more highly reflexed a bow’s riser is, the less forgiving it is to shoot (you’ll feel it more).
5. Axle-to-Axle Length
Last, when choosing a compound bow for hunting, it is essential to consider the bow’s axle-to-axle length. As the name implies, a compound bow’s axle-to-axle length is the distance between the cam axles on either limb measured in inches.
An extremely short compound bow would have an axle-to-axle length that measures 30 inches whereas an extremely long compound bow would have an axle-to-axle length that measures 38 inches.
The reason that this aspect of a compound bow is essential is that shorter compound bows are lighter and are significantly easier to maneuver in tight quarters such as when hunting in thick cover or an enclosed ground blind.
They are also more convenient when hunting from a tree stand especially when a stabilizer and compound bow target sights are installed.But, at the same time, shorter compound bows are less forgiving to shoot than longer compound bows, making them more challenging to shoot with pinpoint accuracy.
Long compound bows are heavier and more difficult to maneuver when hunting in tight quarters but, at the same time, they are more forgiving, making them easier to shoot accurately.
What Most Avid Bow Hunters Prefer to Use. As a result, most avid bow hunters tend to prefer compound bows with a medium axle-to-axle length. Today’s archery is much more sophisticated than before. Many options are offered to the overwhelmed beginner looking to get into the sport without choosing the wrong equipment or going broke.
To pick the right pieces of equipment to start shooting your first arrow, a little bit of research is required so you can determine the proper match according to your interests and needs.
This article is all about giving the complete information you need to wrap your mind around it and fast forward your introduction to archery without falling into common traps, unlike some other beginners.
One of the first assessments that need to be done would be about some physical characteristics of yours. Why? Because you want to pick the right bow length according to the type of archery game you want to practice. You also want a proper measure of an arrow.
This starts with manageable draw weight and shoots from the right draw hand, ideally determined by your eye dominance.
Types of Archery
First, let’s dig into the type of archery games you may encounter to give you a strong knowledge of what is available to you as an archer which will also influence the equipment you might need.
Field Archery
Have you ever tried field archery? This sport is set on a sprawling course outdoors, typically in the woods. In this section, competitors attempt to strike well-placed paper targets ranging from twenty to eighty yards away. If you’re a nature lover, this is the type of archery for you. But prepare to do some hiking. Downhill angles are very common.
Target Archery
Target archery is one of the most popular types of archery game and the one featured in the Olympics. It consists of shooting at the multicolored 10-ring target as close to the center as possible, the bullseye.
Target archers shoot up to 90 meters, depending on the archer’s age, the equipment style, and if it is indoors or outdoors. Target archery features two bow styles: the recurve bow and the compound bow, though only the recurve bow is part of the Olympic Games. Still, the compound target archery is featured at the World Games. Both styles are part of the Paralympics.
Traditional Archery
The term traditional archery has varying meanings. It could mean using either a longbow or a recurve bow, old-fashioned tools, stabilizers, modern accessories, etc. Many traditional archers choose to shoot carbon fiber or aluminum arrows and use a string made from durable synthetic materials.
Others feel that to shoot traditionally, you must shoot bows and arrows only made from natural materials such as wood, horn, and bird feathers. This is often separated in another category called primitive archery, where the archer would exclusively use one-piece bows, no take-downs. There are plenty of different activities you can participate with a trad bow: target shooting, stump shooting, 3d archery, and bowhunting are some of the popular ones.
3D Archery
3D archery is not a video game or a movie of some sort. It refers to shooting at three-dimensional life-like animals, from small to big ones, made out of self-healing foam in situations that would mimic real-life hunting experiences.
These courses can be set in a variety of places: in the woods, in the fields and even indoors. There are two types of events, with marked yardage or not. When there is no marked yardage, the archer must guess the distance he is from the target and makes the best shot possible to achieve the highest score.
Bowhunting & Bowfishing
Connecting with the outdoors and bringing back home, a gift of nature. Some do it for sustainability and tranquility; others do it for the thrill, and more.
It also applies to bowfishing which is growing in popularity and which can be done with pretty much any bow or crossbow equipped with the proper accessories.
With the right amount of power, trad bows, compound bows, and crossbows are all excellent means to hunt small to big games. (Here’s a quick guide to buying the best crossbow for your needs.)
Determine Your Eye Dominance
Just like most people have a dominant writing hand or foot while playing in sport (e.g., soccer), most people have a visual eye preference without realizing it. This phenomenon is called eye dominance.
The eye dominance will usually dictate your draw hand side, primarily if you shoot with both eyes open. This gives a much brighter and more realistic field of view that you can’t get with only one eye open.
If you prefer to position yourself as per your hand dominance while having the opposite eye dominance, then closing an eye would become necessary for your shooting precision. Position yourself according to your dominant eye; it might take some getting used to but will benefit you in the long run.
Determine Your Draw Length
The draw length is the distance between the bowstring and the grip when you hold a bow at full draw. Having the proper draw length value is essential when it comes to choosing the right equipment.
The most popular method for determining your draw length is the arm-span method, with three simple steps:
- Hold your arms out away from your body to form the letter, T.
- Use a measuring tape to find the distance from the longest fingertip on the right hand to the most extended finger on the left side. Ask someone to help you measure this distance.
- Next, take your measurement and divide the value by 2.5. This will give you an excellent estimation of your draw length. You can also check on the following chart.
Make sure that both arms remain parallel to the floor, and without pulling your shoulder blades together. This will give you the most accurate arm-span measurement. Now that you have your value, you may wonder what you can do with it.
Primarily, this will affect the length of arrows you must be chosen. Once you get your draw length, add 1 to 2 inches to that value, and you get your arrow length.
So, if you have 28″ of draw length, you should pick arrows with a range between 29″ and 30″. This will not apply if you use a crossbow, arrows, also known as bolts, come in standard sizes depending on the model. The other effect would mostly be seen on recurve bows used for target archery.
The length of the bend in that discipline is significant and is based on the draw length of the archer.
Determine Your Draw Weight
Probably the most critical aspect for a new archer is to ensure a pleasant experience from the first shot. Draw weight will most likely define your first experience and influence, whether it becomes a hobby or a passion.
First of all, everyone has different abilities and capabilities. So many factors should be taken into consideration when you want to determine a beginner archer’s draw weight. But quickly, let see the following draw weight suggestion charts below to get the big picture of what it should be like.
As you will notice, compound and recurve bows have their suggested draw weights based on different ages and levels.
Don’t Start Over Bowed
First of all, it’s essential to understand why starting over bowed can ruin your progress and furthermore, your love for the sport! You do not need to stick with the same bow or limbs for several years; you can choose to upgrade when you feel an improvement in your steadiness and strength.
Recurve Bow
If you are into recurve bows, it might be a good idea to start with a take-down, so you can only change the limbs and keep the same riser.
You won’t need to buy a whole new bow when ready to move up in poundage. Limb prices may vary, but you may be able to spend less than $70 to get higher draw weights instead of going over $100 to get a brand new bow.
Compound Bow
If your interest leans towards compound bows, consider choosing a versatile bow with a wide range of draw weight adjustments so you can grow with your bow. The Diamond Edge SB-1 is an excellent example of versatility, allowing the archer to adjust the settings to his needs.
Longbow
Longbows work a bit differently because the minimum starting draw weight is usually higher than other bows (recurves bows or compound bows). It is often seen as a challenge for archers when they start with longbows. You might have to consider starting with an entry-level recurve bow to get an easier route to obtain a good archery form and then move up to a longbow eventually.
Crossbow
You don’t have to hold the string with your force before shooting. Crossbows have huge draw weight to pull to put them in cocking position, especially if you go for a recurve crossbow. If you are on a budget, you can opt for a rope cocking device. Some are even optionally integrated to the stock of the crossbow at additional cost. If you have more money to invest and that you want the cocking to be an easy go for a crank cocking mechanism.
Bottom Line and Recommendations
By selecting a higher draw weight than what you can handle, it would be hard to correct your misalignment and defects, and you won’t be able to sustain proper training periods, leading to great discomforts.
Learn the sport one step at a time, and your experience will be enjoyable, and your progress will come along. Respect the learning curve!
As you become more proficient, you can slowly increase the draw weight. Depending on each archer, you may go up 2 to 5 pounds regarding recurve bows, and this amount of weight can go significantly higher with compound bows depending on the let-off. Gradually raise the poundage until you reach the desired draw weight.
With the let-off, you won’t be carrying as much weight when reaching full draw so you can hold still before releasing your arrow for a longer period of time.
Choosing the proper draw weight for all kinds of archers is a topic that can be touchy. Determine what is right for you. Consider your level, strength, condition, and stamina as well as what you want to achieve in archery and the type of bow to use.
The more you shoot, the better you’ll become!
Time to Choose Your Bow
Now that we’ve walked you through some of the basic info you needed to know prior to choosing your first bow, it is time for you to dig into the type you want. To do so, we highly recommend that you read one of the following posts:
- How to Shoot a Compound Bow: 5 Tips
- A Beginner’s Guide and Tips for New Archers
- Suggested Compound Bow Draw Weights
Top Compound Hunting Bows in 2020
Below, you will find a list of what we feel are the top five compound hunting bows. We rank them based upon their features and technology that they incorporate. It’s always a good idea to pair your bow with a properly equipped arrow set.
We’ve done our best to break down the most critical aspects of each bow, and have included the bow specifications of each product so you can get the best compound bow your money can buy.
Diamond Infinite Edge Pro Black Ops
DETAILS
- Wide draw length range between…
- Accelerates arrows to up to…
- Redesigned cam system for a…
- Integral stabilizer creates a…
- Draw weight adjustable from 5…
The first on the list, the Diamond Infinite Edge Black Ops is an excellent choice for those hunters on a budget because it features a reflexed, machined, aluminum riser with a comfortable grip.
It also has solid limbs and adjustment ability that allows for a wide range of draw lengths and draw weights to create a bow that can adapt right along with an archer’s growing skills.
Also, with an IBO speed of 310 fps., the Provider is plenty fast for hunting, and with an axle-to-axle length of just 31 inches, it is a very compact bow that is easily maneuvered in a tree stand or ground blind.
The incredible range of draw lengths and draw weights makes it one of the most adjustable bows on the market and thus, it is the perfect bow for beginners because it enables them to experiment with different draw lengths and draw weights as their skills improve.
Plus it comes with a stabilizer and bow sight right out of the box.
Details: | Specs: |
---|---|
Speed: | 310 fps. |
Axle to Axle Length: | 31 in. |
Mass Weight: | 3.3 lbs. |
Brace Height: | 7.5 in. |
Let Off: | 80% |
Draw Weight: | 20-70 lbs. |
Draw Length: | 25.5-31 in. |
SAS Outrage Compound Bow
DETAILS
- Outstanding Autumn Camouflage…
- Compressed ABS Limbs for long…
- Draw Length: 26″ – 30″
- Draw Weight: 55 – 70 lbs.
- Max Speed: 270 FPS
The SAS Rage has become a favorite of many over the last couple years. Many people appreciate the cost to bow ratio. It’s a budget bow that gets the job done.It features a lightweight riser that features cutouts, along with a comfortable grip and compressed ABS limbs for a longer lifespan.
The SAS Rage is both quiet and accurate, and while some would think this is an entry level bow based on the price, it is anything but that.
With an axle-to-axle length of 35 inches, it sits right in the middle of the pack on length.If you are okay to deal without the bells and whistles of the Infinite Edge Black Ops at a fraction of the cost, this is a solid pickup.
If you are okay to deal without the bells and whistles of the Infinite Edge Black Ops at a fraction of the cost, this is a solid pickup.
Details: | Specs: |
---|---|
Speed: | 270 fps. |
Axle to Axle Length: | 35 in. |
Net Weight: | 4.4 lbs. |
Brace Height: | Unknown |
Let Off: | 70% |
Draw Weight: | 55-70 lbs. |
Draw Length: | 26-30 in. |
Divergent by Bear Archery
DETAILS
- Speeds up to 338 fps
- Hybrid cam system for super-smooth draw
- Ideal for the treestand or blind
- Zero vibration and sound
This compact, lightweight, and versatile compound bow by Bear has pleasantly surprised us. The Divergent is lightweight (3.9 pounds), has a highly adjustable draw length without the need of changing the cams – which can bring a nice bonus in the speed department without the need of shelling out more cash, and is outstandingly accurate.
Plus, it is very fast (up to 338 fps) and insanely fairly priced for what it has to offer, being jam-packed with Bear Archery’s proprietary technologies that have made the delight of so many generations of bowhunters.
On specialty websites like Cabela’s, you can purchase the Divergent bundled in a bowhunting package that has everything you’ll ever need (and some extras) for an unforgettable whitetailed deer hunting season. The package contains:
- Bear® Archery Divergent RTH Compound Bow
- Trophy Ridge® Blitz Sidebar stabilizer
- Trophy Ridge React H4 sight
- Trophy Ridge Five-Spot Quiver
- Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit® Rest
Details: | Specs: |
---|---|
Speed: | 338 fps. |
Axle to Axle Length: | 28 in. |
Mass Weight: | 3.9 lbs. |
Brace Height: | 6 1/2 in. |
Let Off: | 75 % |
Draw Weight: | 45 – 60 lbs. |
Draw Length: | 25.5 – 30 in. |
Diamond by Bowtech Core
DETAILS
- Standard straight fit
- 17″ leg opening
- 2×2 wide rib-knit waistband
- Tonal, heather, stretch,…
- Triple needle stitching for…
The Diamond by Bowtech Core features a lightweight, reflexed, machined aluminum, riser along with Bowtech’s Hardcore limbs and their Center Pivot Extreme technology is one of the best in our bow reviews.
This technology uses the extended riser combined with a minimal limb pocket to place the pivot point of the limb near its center while allowing it to flex on either side of the pivot to produce the most precise limb alignment and the fastest response time in the industry for superior accuracy and efficiency.
It’s built with some of the leading compound bow technology on the market today and is an excellent choice for anyone with a slightly higher budget.
Consequently, the Bowtech Core is both quiet and accurate but, with a weight of 4.5 lbs. and an axle-to-axle length of 31 inches, it is rather compact.
Details: | Specs: |
---|---|
Speed: | 336 fps. (w/75% Let Off) |
Axle to Axle Length: | 31 in. |
Mass Weight: | 3.2 lbs. |
Brace Height: | 7.25 in. |
Let Off: | 80% |
Draw Weight: | 50, 60, & 70 lbs. |
Draw Length: | 32-30 in. |
Bear Archery Cruzer
DETAILS
- Zips arrows at speeds up to 315 fps
- Easily adjustable draw length from 12″ to 30″
- Draw wt. ranges from 5 lbs. to 70 lbs.
- Super-smooth draw with 70% let-off
- Vibration- and noise-fighting offset string suppressor
If you are a hunter on a budget and need an upgrade that won’t require from you to take on a second mortgage or if you’re just getting into archery and need a compound bow that will grow with you, the Bear Archery Cruzer covers all bases. This bow is compact, lightweight, insanely easy to adjust, and overall very user friendly. But don’t underestimate it! When out in the wild, it can take drop deer and other medium-seized game dead like there’s no tomorrow.
The Cruzer shines bright thanks to Bear’s proprietary DrawDial™ rotating module which allows individual adjustments without the need of a bow press and SonicStops™ offset string suppressor, which keep string vibration and noise to a minimum (an invaluable feature for a bowhunter).
Details: | Specs: |
---|---|
Speed: | 315 fps. |
Axle to Axle Length: | 30 in. |
Mass Weight: | 4.0 lbs. |
Brace Height: | 6.5″ |
Let Off: | 70% |
Draw Weight: | 5 – 70 lbs. |
Draw Length: | 12″ – 30″ |
RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow Kit
DETAILS
- Draw length adjustable 24.5-31″
- Cams are fully machined aluminum
- Axle to axle length of 30″…
- Limbs made in the USA…
- Compound design allows for 75%…
Predator Archery hit the market with a solid compound bow. It comes equipped with fully machined cams, an achievement in the mid-tier bows. Many manufacturers these days are using plastic. Also, it features a reflexed, forged, aluminum riser with pre-loaded quad limbs and dual cams that deliver a blazing 315 fps with 75% let-off.
Plus, it also features an adjustable bowstring dampener in addition to other vibration dampeners located at strategic points on the bow for less post-shot vibration and increased accuracy.
With an axle-to-axle length of 30 inches, it is quite maneuverable. And with a mass weight of just 3.6 lbs., it’s a nice addition to the low-tier price range for any beginner archer.
It also comes equipped with a pre-installed peep sight. If you’re looking for an affordable compound bow for hunting, you can never go wrong with the Raptor.
Details: | Specs: |
---|---|
Speed: | 324 fps. |
Axle to Axle Length: | 34.25 in. |
Mass Weight: | 4.1 lbs. |
Brace Height: | 6 in. |
Let Off: | 80% |
Draw Weight: | 50- 60, & 60-70 lbs. |
Draw Length: | 34.5-30.5 in. |
Apollo Tactical from Expedition Research LLC
DETAILS
- 2016/17 SHADOW BLACK CAMO…
- Installed Accessories -…
- Draw Length 19″ – 30″, Draw…
- Included Accessories -…
- Spare Parts: Strings/Cables…
At 320 fps., the Apollo Tactical Compound bow is lightning fast. With it’s fully assembled package, it comes easily to use right out of the box.It features a CNC proprietary milled aluminum alloy riser with a built-in weighted dampening system.
It includes a total of 4 dampening units for the limbs (2 large, 2 small).The Apollo’s warranty is one of the best in the business with a full lifetime warranty on the main riser and replaced consumable parts at cost right from their factory.
A great feature about the Apollo is the adjustable draw weight from 25-70 pound without the need to employ a bow press to make the changes.
As a result, the Apollo Tactical is an excellent choice for both hunters and 3D competition shooters.
Details: | Specs: |
---|---|
Speed: | 320 fps. (w/75% Let Off) |
Axle to Axle Length: | Unknown |
Mass Weight: | 4 lbs. |
Brace Height: | 7 in. |
Let Off: | 80% |
Draw Weight: | 25 – 70 lbs. |
Draw Length: | 19-30 in. |
Best Compound Bow Accessories
Best Compound Target Sights
Target sights allow you to have a good bullseye on your target. These are precision masters. Depending on whether you need fast, smooth, or direct, having a target sight will help with this. Many are created out of carbon fiber, which is lightweight.
For a fun little twist, the best compound target sights come in a ton of colors! You can buy one in a classic colors like silver, or in a fun color like orange.
An awesome target sight to consider is the Compound 3D version. These allow you to pick your distance, click, and stick (on the target!). With this target sight type, you will be able to set your sight from an entire arm’s length away. Typically, these allow you to choose your tension levels.
When searching for an HD Target Sight, look for some with an extension bar that dampens vibration qualities. This will give you the best and most comfortable shooting ability. Another great compound target sight to look into purchasing is the target competition sight types. These have micro-clip makers that allow for perfectly precise alignment.
Best Compound Hunting Rests
Compound hunting rests are fast loading and lock your bowhunting arrows in place for you. There are a few different kinds of these rests for hunters.
The Ultra-Rest types are easy to tune. They ensure full capture of the arrow as it goes through the entire shot cycle. These work on most bows as well, which is a big plus! Be on the lookout to purchase those that ensure quiet operation throughout.
Micro Arrow Rests are another great type out of the compound hunting rests options. This arrow rest was created with the bowhunter longing for ultimate accuracy in mind. If you are a serious hunter and want full arrow containment with no issues, this option is for you.
These come with a ball bearing drive system with is the thing that gives accuracy and operation. The brake systems attached wot these are made to give no bounce, which also helps with the ultimate accuracy. Because of how lightweight these are, being made out of aluminum, those who purchase these are promised lifetime use.
Best Compound Target Rests
Compound rests are made to be adjustable, feel good in hand, and fine-tuned accuracy wise. You will want a micro-center shooter for accuracy.
Another thing you’ll need is a very lightweight arrow rest. On average, these weigh about 3 pounds. If you are looking for a more professional color such as black or blue, these are available. But if you are looking for a fun tool, colors like green, red, and orange are available!
You may want to look into the Rhythm Arrow Rest which has a beautiful appearance and is extremely lightweight. This type is made out of aluminum and carbon, making them not only lightweight but also rigid.
Another great Compound Target Rest is the Launcher Arrow Rest. This type is three things: solid, strong, and reliable. These are fully adjustable and contain completely solid lock down and no movement once the target rest is set.
These have aluminum bodies and stainless steel arms, making them firm but also lightweight. Compound Target Rests really only need to be a few things: firm, solid, and no-gimmicks. These are important tools for shooting in a way that shows your skill off.
Best Hard and Soft Compound Cases
Compound cases can be so many things. Convenience and protection are the two main goals of cases, no matter what type. There is a fun component here. Many cases, especially hard ones, come in colors like black, grey, or silver. But the soft ones are all types of fun.
Colors like olive, bright neon colors, and camouflage/tree designs can be found on most of the soft options.
Hard cases are weather resistant and will not be fazed by water. They are durable and have plenty of hooks, loops, and straps that will secure your bow inside and outside. A great feature on the hard cases that cannot be put on the soft cases are wheels.
Soft cases are great with pocket spaces. There are plenty on the outside that zip, clip, and lock. These come with padded shoulder straps, which means it is more comfortable to carry. Soft compound cases come with lined internal cavities that keep your case in place.
Purchasing a quality compound case is one of the most important factors. Protect your bow from being bent or broken. Choose wisely!
Final Thoughts on the Best Compound Bow
So, what is the best compound bow for hunting? When choosing a compound hunting bow, you should first look for a model that is within your skill level, price range and then choose one that is fast, compact, and lightweight.
Also, you should choose a model that is both smooth to draw and smooth to shoot as well as one that is highly accurate. Then, you will need to determine the maximum draw weight that you can comfortably draw as well as your preferred draw length and then choose your bow accordingly.
But, most important of all, it is imperative that you shoot all of the bows you are considering because there is often a significant difference between the feel of one bow and another regardless of its price or technology. We hope this compound bow reviews will help in your decision in selecting the best compound bow.
And once you have purchased your bow, you can have it customized by installing a bow sight, custom compound bow string and the best bow stabilizer you can afford.

Daniel C. Warren gradually morphed from a weekend warrior into a full-time outdoorsman and outdoor blogger. From picking up trash in the woods or sleeping under an open sky to hiking until his plantar fasciitis says no more or having a field day fishing with like minded fellow countrymen, there’s little he doesn’t wholeheartedly enjoy while out in the wild. While some might call him a true-born nature freak, he likes to see himself as a “born-again” outdoor enthusiast. Daniel just can’t get enough of nature, and we’re grateful whenever he decides to share his latest experiences with us.