Whether you’re a seasoned archer or new to the thrilling activity, you’ll agree that finding the best compound bow brands is nothing short of an uphill task. For starters, the numerous types and varieties of compound bows are simply shocking. If you go for any bow, you might end up regretting it.
So, how can you choose the right compound bow to match your needs? Is there really one compound bow brand that stands out above the rest? Well, honestly, it would be easier to just say yes, name a top brand, and leave it at that. However, that would probably leave you more confused and frustrated.
So, instead, let’s take a deep dive into the world of archery and see if we can find the right compound bow brand for you. Admittedly, there are countless manufacturers who claim themselves as the best compound bow brands. So to make things a little easier, let’s focus on standout brands that can benefit every archer.
What makes an archery brand exceptional?
The truth is, there are way more than these few brands listed below. However, these to bow producers have made it far above the rest. But, what exactly makes an archery brand good? There’s no simple way to answer this, as greatness is the blend of various factors and elements.
Some of these factors and elements are unique, while others are common among different brands. Here are the most common contributing factors that make these archery brands stand out;
- They think about the end-user – It’s easier and cheaper to mass-produce a product. However, this will likely lead to numerous complications. It is evident these brands think about the archer and their experience when using the bow. This helps them continuously curate the perfect bow.
- They always think about improving – You can easily argue that these brands are just trying to increase product flow in the market. However, that is not always the primary focus. For example, the Edge Pro bow from Diamond Archery was made to fix the kinks of its predecessor.
- They take time to research and test – If you want to make anything last long, you’ve got to make it the right way. This applies to everything, including archery bows. These brands take time to meticulously research and test the bows to make sure they give you the best possible option.
Ultimately, finding the best compound bow brands in a saturated archery market is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Fortunately, these tips will help you ask the right questions and subsequently choose a brand that fits your preferences and augments your skills.
What are the best compound bow brands?
Finally, the part you’ve been waiting for. It is noteworthy to mention that these brands are top of the tier, and most come highly recommended by professional archers. As such, the compound bows are listed in random order.
1. Elite Archery
While Elite Archery is a relatively new player in the industry, they seem to know what they are doing. This new kid on the block has made a name in the world of archery as a trusted brand. The team was originally based in Walla Walla, Washington, though they relocated to Rochester, New York, to keep up with the rising demand for their archery products.
The Elite Archery team takes great pride in sourcing and manufacturing all their products from within the United States of America. This has helped the brand grow quickly as their equipment is tried and tested.
So, what makes Elite Archery bows stand out? Well, there are quite a number of factors, but among the top are reduced post-shock vibration and hand shock. According to the team, they boast the least amount of these factors.
Moreover, Elite Archery bow cams are tailored to have gentle releases. According to the brand, a typical bow will deliver speeds of 335 feet per second, an excellent balance between comfort and performance. When you get a compound bow from here, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $400 to $1200, depending on your preferences. The company also offers a lifetime warranty on all their compound bows.
2. Bowtech Archery
Unlike the previous brand, Bowtech Archery has been in operation for more than two decades. The company was started in 2000by John Strasheim and Kevin Strother. Throughout its existence, Bowtech Archery has made an irrefutable mark in the world of archery.
A most notable contribution from the brand is the Binary Cam System for compound bows. They developed this feature to improve smoother draws without compromising on speed or comfort. Like Elite Archery, the team makes all their products in the USA.
The RealmSR6 is arguably one of the best bows to come from Bowtech Archery. In fact, many professional and world-class archers use the RealmSR6 for significant competitions, including events like the Olympics.
If you want to join the greats and use the RealmSR6 from Bowtchech Archers, you’ll have to part with about $1700. Fortunately, they have other more affordable compound bows that are just as good -especially in the right hand.
3. PSE Archery
Continuing with the trend of outlasting the previous entrant is PSE Archery. The brand was founded by Pete Shepley in 1970. Over the years, the company has solidified its place as one of the best bow manufacturers of all time.
PSE Archery is a widely known brand around the globe. Wherever you go, you won’t lack an archer or archery enthusiast praising their high-quality products. This reputation has been built over decades, and there are no signs of the brand stopping anytime soon.
According to the company, their founder, Pete, was at the forefront of innovators who perfected the compound bow. Today, the brand is almost synonymous with compound bow products.
One of PSE Archery’s greatest successes is the easy-to-recognize PSE Throttle. Currently, this is the fastest compound bow with a boast-worthy recorded top speed of 370 feet per second.
The PSE Stringer Max RTS is another great bow. This one comes highly recommended for beginners. The bow is light, has an easy draw feature, and still records impressive speeds. The latter compound bow also contains adjustable cams and vibration dampening features that improve its comfort and ease of use.
4. Mathews Archery
Operating out of Sparta, Wisconsin, Mathews Archery started out as a small enterprise but has grown to become one of the leading lights in the industry in terms of technological prowess and innovation. Mathew McPherson, the brain behind the organization, is credited with the development of SingleCam technology, which significantly lessened the recoil and noise of compound bows.
Despite their success, Mathews Archery still holds a ‘people-first, business-second kind of mentality, which is why they have a stellar reputation for customer care. One of their latest bows is called The Vertix and features Switch Weight technology, which allows users to switch weights by simply screwing and unscrewing them rather than fumbling with the limbs manually.
5. Bear Archery
This company started as an advertising company under the leadership of Fred Bear back in 1933. The location was Detroit, and it was known as Bear Products Company. Due to the owner’s interest in archery (which he was exceptionally talented in), the company branched out into bow production, and the rest is history.
The company now has its headquarters in Gainesville, Florida, where they specialize in Longbows, recurve bows, and compound bows. They have a range of bows known as The Kuma bow family, which have long been considered their best products. They have various affordable options, with typical prices ranging from $200 on the low side to $900 on the higher side.
6. Hoyt Archery
This is one of the most prominent players in the world of archery, with a long history stretching back to its inception back in 1931. Earl Hoyt Sr. started the enterprise in St. Louis, Missouri, specializing in the production of knives. Today, the company’s compound bows are the gold standard and a favorite with archers and hunters.
The Carbon RX-3, part of their REDWRX lineup, is one of their most recent releases. It is exceptionally innovative in its design, being made from over 50 overlaid layers of carbon to offer exceptional vibration minimization while remaining lightweight.
The result is an exceptionally strong bow while affording a quiet, stealthy release. The bows from Hoyt can be a bit costly, however, with a product such as the Carbon RX-3 coming with a $1,699 price tag.
7. Prime Archery (G5 Outdoors)
G5 Outdoors got into the business of archery products in the 1980s, and they refined their manufacturing processes over time, culminating in the formation of Prime Archery in 2009. G5 Outdoors is a family-owned entity to this day, and this shines through in their dedication to family values, which is a stated priority for the company.
The Prime Logic CT3 is one of the company’s most recent lines of compound bows, and these are primarily distinguished by the use of a Parallel Cam System. This innovation provides more stability during aiming and shooting.
8. Diamond archery (Bowtech)
This is a subsidiary of Bowtech but manages to hold its own quite impressively. Diamond Archery can be described as a cheaper option to Bowtech, even though their adherence to quality products and high-performance standards remains. A potential buyer will find compound bows within the general price range of $200 to $500, which is very reasonable when considering the quality of the bows in question.
The Infinite Edge has been one of their best-selling bows in years past, but they have recently launched the Infinite Edge Pro, which has fixed the minor flaws that affected the original and improved its performance. The new version has an increased draw length, which will make it more accessible to archers and hunters.
Aside from that, the Infinite Edge Pro also features a redesigned cam system that facilitates smoother, more stable, and more comfortable shooting. Generally speaking, Diamond Archery seeks to provide as much variety for archers and hunters while maintaining high standards.
How easy is it to find the best compound bow for you?
As mentioned, there are more compound bows in the market today than you’ll get through in your lifetime. Adding to the fact that archery is a precision game, finding the right compound bow is an integral task.
Moreover, it’s right to mention that your bow selection skills will improve as you up your shooting ability. When you’re starting out, you’ll likely want to try out a few compound bows before settling on one. This is actually great as you’ll get to experience what works for you and what doesn’t.
If you’ve ever used a bow, then you know just how important accuracy is. Using the wrong bow can seriously mess with your shot, regardless of your prowess level. The bow you use will hugely influence your archery skills, making finding the right one a rite of passage.
What factors should you consider before buying a compound bow?
If you just pop into an archery store without a plan, you might leave with a bow you’ll loathe using most of the time. To avoid this, you need to think of the type of bow you want. Here are some of the factors you should consider before deciding what compound bow works best for you. Again, there are seemingly countless factors you can think about before purchasing your compound bow, so let’s look at the key non-obvious factors.
- Is the grip comfortable? An uncomfortable bow grip will ruin most of your shots. When choosing a compound bow, ensure you feel its grip and how it’s resting in your hand. If the grip doesn’t feel comfortable or is too big or small, you need to find another bow.
- Is the bow balanced? Years ago, there were very few bow variations available. Today, however, you can find almost any type of bow you can think of. For example, some bows don’t naturally balance and may feel weird in your hand. If this happens, move on to the next bow. However, if you’re stuck on this particular bow, you can use a bow stabilizer.
- The appropriate string angle – If you’re a relatively tall archer, you likely know the pain of having an acute angle in the bowstring when at full draw. When considering the right bow brand for you, you should also think about your height. If you’re unsure of what works best for you, please feel free to ask a professional.
- How smooth I the draw cycle? When you’re drawing your bow from an awkward hunting position, have an effortless draw cycle and let-off, valley, and back wall for preferences that will improve your shots.
Ultimately, once you’re comfortable with your choices, you can now start looking for the best compound bow brands.
The Best Compound Bows I’ve Reviewed
Genesis Genx
A great budget option for beginner archers, who are looking for a great first bow at a reasonable price. This bow is perfect as an entry bow you can progress with, since you can adjust the draw weight between 25 lbs and 40 lbs, and the draw length between 21″ and 30″.
Like most other things, you can find it in Amazon.
Diamond Infinite Edge Pro
This is my absolute favorite recommendation to beginners, who are looking for a bow to start and progress with. This highly adjustable compound bow comes with an insane draw weight range of 5 pounds to 70 pounds, and draw length of 13″ to 31″.
You can also read more in the full compound bow buyer’s guide.
