The Compound Bow Arsenal: Unlocking The Secrets Of The Guys' Gear

When it comes to buying a compound bow, there are a lot of factors to consider. Compound bows can be expensive, with flagship models from major manufacturers costing upwards of $1000. However, there are also many excellent options available for under $1000, and even some great budget-friendly choices that won't break the bank.

One important consideration when choosing a compound bow is your height. Most compound bows are designed for people of average height, but if you're on the taller side, you'll need to look for a bow with a longer draw length. For someone who is 6 feet tall, for example, a compound bow with a draw length of 31 inches would be ideal.

Another key factor to think about is the type of cam system the bow uses. There are several types of cam systems available, including twin/double cam, hybrid cam, and binary cam. Binary cam systems tend to be a good choice for taller individuals as they are lightweight, simple to use, and require minimal configurations.

In addition to the cam system, you'll also want to consider the bow's draw weight, axle-to-axle length, and riser material. Draw weight can vary depending on the hunter's comfort and strength, but most male hunters can handle a compound bow with a draw weight of around 50 to 70 pounds. A longer axle-to-axle length provides a more extended and stable shooting platform, so taller individuals may prefer bows with an axle-to-axle length of at least 30 inches. When it comes to the riser, carbon risers tend to be lighter and more durable than aluminum, but aluminum risers are more common.

When shopping for a compound bow, it's important to prioritize your needs and preferences. Do you value speed and performance above all else, or are you looking for a more comfortable and stable shooting experience? By considering your priorities and doing your research, you can find the perfect compound bow that fits your budget, skill level, and hunting style.

Bows for beginners

If you're looking to get into archery, you'll need to get your hands on a bow that's suitable for beginners. Luckily, there are plenty of options out there.

What to Look For

When choosing your first compound bow, there are a few key things to consider:

• Handedness and Eye Dominance: Determine whether you need a right-handed or left-handed bow by testing your eye dominance.
• Draw Length: Measure your ideal draw length by measuring your wingspan and dividing it by 2.5.
• Draw Weight: Choose a draw weight that you can comfortably pull back. As a starting point, children will be suited to 10-20 pounds, women 30-50 pounds, and men 50-70 pounds.
• Brace Height: A longer brace height (distance from the grip to the bowstring) will be more forgiving for beginners.
• Budget: Compound bows can be expensive, so set a budget and look for the highest quality bow you can afford within that range.

Recommended Bows for Beginners

• Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro: This bow has a wide range of adjustability and can be fitted to anyone. It's perfect for both target shooting and hunting.
• Bear Archery Cruzer G2: This bow is highly adjustable and can be used by adults, youth, and women. It's lightweight and has a smooth draw cycle, making it a great entry-level option.
• Diamond Edge 320: With its wide range of adjustability, this bow is perfect for novice and expert hunters alike. It's durable and comes with all the necessary accessories.
• Bear Archery Royale Youth: Designed specifically for smaller hunters, this bow is ideal for youth and women archers. It's compact, smooth, and forgiving, making it a great option for kids to build their confidence.
• PSE Uprising: This bow is highly adjustable and perfect for women. It's smooth and quiet, with a compact size that's ideal for hunting.
• Sanlida Archery Dragon X8: This bow offers a complete package that's ready to shoot out of the box, including arrows, a quiver, and a release aid. It's a high-quality, budget-friendly option.
• Raptor Compound Bow Package: This bow has a fully transferable lifetime warranty and comes with a pre-installed peep sight. It's smooth and easy to shoot, making it a great value option for hunting.
• Genesis Original Compound Bow: As the official bow of the National Archery in Schools Program, this bow is perfect for beginner archers of all ages. It comes with everything you need to get started, except an archery target.

Bows for adult beginners

When it comes to bows for adult beginners, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to determine eye dominance to establish whether a right-hand or left-handed bow is needed. Secondly, the draw length, weight, and brace height should be considered to ensure the bow is comfortable and easy to use.

For adult beginners, the PSE Stinger Max is a great option. With a draw length of 21 1/2-30" and a draw weight of 28-70 lbs, it is adaptable as skills improve. It works well for both hunting and target practice and is great value for the price.

Another option is the Diamond Edge 320, which has incredible adjustability, a speed of up to 320 feet per second, and 85% let-off, making it ideal for target shooting and hunting.

The Bear Archery Cruzer G2 is also a popular choice for beginners as it has a wide range of adjustability and can be used for both target practice and deer hunting.

The BlackOut Intrigue XS Compound Bow is a great option for female beginners as it is highly adjustable, lightweight, and has an 80% let-off.

Finally, the Elite Ember is a well-built bow with a smooth shooting experience and a generous brace height, making it easy to shoot well.

Bows for kids

When it comes to buying a compound bow, it's important to get one that's just right for you. While flagship bows from major manufacturers can cost upwards of $1,000, there are plenty of excellent options available for under that price. In fact, you can find well-built, high-performance bows for less than half the cost of a flagship model.

If you're looking for a compound bow for kids, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to choose a bow that is specifically designed for youth or intermediate shooters. This ensures that the bow is the appropriate size and weight for their age and skill level.

There are a few brands that offer compound bows for kids. Bear Archery, for example, has been America's #1 brand in youth archery for 90 years. They design equipment specifically for young shooters, helping to foster the next generation of archers. Another option is the PSE Archery Store, which offers a Guide Youth Compound Bow Set with a draw weight of 8-26 lbs, suitable for young archers who are just starting out.

When choosing a compound bow for kids, it's important to prioritize safety and proper form. Make sure to find a bow that is adjustable, so it can be customized to the child's size and strength. Additionally, consider seeking advice from experts or archery shops to ensure the bow is set up correctly and safely for the child.

While buying a compound bow for kids can be a fun and exciting experience, it's important to prioritize their safety and comfort above all else. With the right equipment and guidance, they can develop their archery skills and build a lifelong passion for the sport.

Bows for hunting

When choosing a compound bow for hunting, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to determine your budget, skill level, and preferred hunting style. While flagship compound bows from major manufacturers can cost upwards of $1000, there are also excellent options available for under $1000 that offer high performance and quality.

When shopping for a compound bow, it is recommended to test as many different brands and models as possible to find the one that suits your needs and preferences. Some key factors to consider when testing bows include:

• Limb pockets: Look for aluminium limb pockets, which are of better quality than plastic ones.
• Riser: A cast riser is acceptable, but an extruded, forged, or machined riser from a single billet is superior.
• Cutouts: Ensure the cutouts are clean and smooth.
• Finish: Look for a uniform and durable finish.
• Draw: The motion should feel even and smooth, with minimal grittiness or bumps.
• Back wall: Most shooters prefer a hard and solid back wall.
• Valley: A wider valley allows more room for relaxation at full draw.
• Shock and vibration: Choose a bow with minimal shock and vibration, as this will improve your shooting experience.
• Noise: Quieter bows are generally preferred for hunting.
• Balance, handling, and grip: Ensure the bow feels good in your hand and is easy to get on target.
• Speed: Consider the bow's IBO rating, which indicates how fast it shoots.
• Accuracy and forgiveness: While inherent accuracy is more associated with rifles, a bow that is easy to shoot well ("forgiving") can improve your overall accuracy.

When deciding between a compound bow package or a bare compound bow, consider whether you want a "Ready to Hunt" setup that includes essential accessories, or if you prefer to choose your own accessories to pair with a bare bow.

Additionally, when purchasing a compound bow, it is recommended to support your local pro shop, as they can provide valuable expertise, services, and guidance in selecting and setting up your bow.

Bows for target practice

When it comes to bows for target practice, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to distinguish between target bows and hunting bows. Target bows are designed with accuracy in mind, while hunting bows prioritise manoeuvrability, weight reduction, and arrow speed. Target bows generally have a longer axle-to-axle length, smoother draw cycles, and softer recoil.

When choosing a target compound bow, it is important to consider any competition restrictions. For example, tournaments sanctioned by USA Archery and World Archery limit compound bow draw weight to 60 pounds. Additionally, the draw weight and length of the bow should be adjustable to ensure a comfortable shooting experience. The Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro, for instance, offers a wide range of adjustability and is a good option for those new to target shooting.

Other factors to consider include arrow speed, let-off, and bow length. Arrow speed is crucial in long-distance competitions or when judging distances. A lower let-off increases the holding weight at full draw, allowing for a steadier aim. Taller archers may prefer longer bows that balance better and have a less severe string angle at full draw.

It is also important to ensure that the grip of the bow feels comfortable and can be replaced if needed. Tuning the bow is critical for target practice, as it improves accuracy. Finally, consider the type of archery target you will be using, as compound bows tend to be more powerful and require sturdier targets.

Frequently asked questions