Lightning-Fast Compound Bows

The world of archery is rapidly growing, with people from various backgrounds taking up the sport. With this growth comes advancements in the industry, as bow companies are constantly redesigning their products to create a model that is light, fast, accurate, and forgiving.

The fastest compound bow on the market is a topic of much debate, with many different manufacturers claiming to have the top speed. The PSE Omen, for example, is considered the fastest IBO bow ever produced, with speeds of 366 fps. However, the Xpedition MX-15 is also a contender, with speeds ranging from 358-362 FPS.

While having a fast bow may not be necessary for hunting, it certainly has its advantages. Fast bows offer flat-flying arrows, direct and through shots, and forgiveness on distance shots.

When determining the speed of a compound bow, four main factors must be considered: draw length, draw weight, arrow weight, and the type of compound bow.

The fastest compound bow

The world of archery is growing, with more and more people taking up the sport. As a result, bow companies are constantly redesigning their products, attempting to create a model that is light, fast, accurate, and forgiving.

There are several factors that determine the speed of a compound bow, including draw length, draw weight, arrow weight, and the type of compound bow. The average speed of today's compound bows is between 300 and 340 feet per second (FPS).

• Xpedition MX-15: 358-362 FPS
• PSE Xpedite: 352-360 FPS
• PSE Bow Madness: 340 FPS
• Blackout Epic: 340 FPS
• Bear Divergent: 338 FPS
• Diamond Deploy: 330 FPS
• Elite Impulse 34: 347-350 FPS
• Bear Escape: 350 FPS
• Hoyt Carbon Defiant Turbo: 350 FPS
• Mathews Halon: 353 FPS
• PSE Full Throttle: 362-370 FPS
• Bowtech Prodigy: 343 FPS
• Mathews Monster: 350 FPS
• PSE Omen: 366 FPS
• APA King Cobra: 360 FPS
• APA X1 Black Mamba: 355 FPS
• High Country: 400 FPS
• Bowtech Black Knight: 340 FPS
• PSE Full Throttle: 370 FPS

The pros and cons of a fast bow

A fast compound bow is desirable for its ability to shoot arrows at high speeds, but there are several factors to consider when determining its pros and cons.

The speed of a compound bow is influenced by four main factors: draw length, draw weight, arrow weight, and the type of compound bow. While a higher draw weight can increase speed, it's important to have a comfortable draw weight that aligns with your strength and accuracy. Additionally, the type of compound bow, such as single cam, hybrid cam, twin-cam, or binary cam, can impact its speed.

One of the main advantages of a fast compound bow is that it reduces the effect of gravity on the arrow's trajectory over long distances. This is particularly beneficial for hunters who need to make shots at greater distances. A faster bow also provides forgiveness on distance shots, allowing for some misjudgment of distance without compromising the shot.

However, one of the main disadvantages of a higher-speed compound bow is its increased instability. Higher-speed bows can amplify any flaws in your form, resulting in inaccurate shots. They may also be more eager to fire, especially with a high draw weight, which can be challenging to control.

When considering the pros and cons of a fast compound bow, it's important to evaluate your specific needs and skills. If you require long-distance shots, the increased speed can be advantageous. However, if accuracy is a higher priority, you may want to prioritize a comfortable draw weight and a stable bow over pure speed.

Overall, while a fast compound bow offers benefits such as reduced gravity impact and forgiveness on distance shots, it also comes with the trade-off of increased instability and the need for a steadier draw. The decision to prioritize speed depends on your individual preferences, hunting strategies, and skill level.

How to measure compound bow speed

Measuring the speed of a compound bow is a complex task that requires taking into account various factors and parameters. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to measure compound bow speed:

Understand the Parameters:

The International Bowhunting Organization (IBO) has set specific parameters for measuring arrow speed. According to the IBO specification, the following parameters must be met:

• Draw length: 30 inches
• Draw weight: 70 pounds
• Arrow weight: 350 grains

Deviating from these parameters will result in a different arrow speed. Therefore, it is essential to understand these baseline specifications before proceeding with the measurements.

Identify the Variables:

Several factors can influence the speed of a compound bow and the arrow it shoots. These variables include:

• Draw length: The distance between the nocking point and the grip of the bow when the bowstring is fully drawn.
• Draw weight: The force required to draw back the bowstring to the firing position.
• Arrow weight: The weight of the arrow, typically measured in grains.
• Bowstring weight: Additional weight on the bowstring due to accessories like peep sights or string silencers.
• Type of compound bow: Different types include single cam, hybrid cam, twin-cam, and binary cam.

Use Standardised Procedures:

To ensure consistency and comparability, it is recommended to follow standardised procedures for speed testing. Two widely recognised standards are the IBO and the Archery Trade Association (ATA) guidelines:

• IBO Standards: Allow for a maximum draw weight of 80 pounds (+/- 2 lbs) and an arrow weight of 400 grains or 5 grains per pound of draw weight (GPP).
• ATA Standards: Specify a draw weight of 70 pounds (+/- 0.2 lbs), an arrow weight of 5 GPP, and a draw length of 30 inches (+/- 1/4").

Calculate the Speed:

You can calculate the potential speed of your compound bow by considering the various factors mentioned above. There are two common approaches:

• Manual Calculation: Use the formula provided in the "Archery Calculator Principles" section of relevant sources. This formula takes into account the draw length, draw weight, arrow weight, and additional weight on the bowstring.
• Online Calculators: Utilise online arrow speed calculators, such as the one provided by Omnicalculator.com, to input your bow's settings and obtain an estimated arrow speed.

Chronograph Testing:

For the most accurate measurement, consider using a chronograph. Chronographs are devices that measure the velocity of an object, in this case, the arrow. There are different types of chronographs, including optical chronographs, Doppler chronographs, and laptop-based audio applications. Shooting your arrow through a chronograph will provide you with the actual speed at which it travels.

Consider Real-World Factors:

Remember that speed ratings advertised by manufacturers may not reflect the speed you will achieve in a hunting scenario. Factors such as weather conditions (moisture and rain), shooting distance, and shooting errors can all influence the speed of your arrow. Therefore, it is essential to consider real-world hunting conditions when assessing the speed of your compound bow.

The fastest compound bows by brand

Xpedition

The Xpedition MX-15 is currently one of the fastest compound bows available, with a top-end firing speed of around 360 FPS. It is extremely forgiving to the shooter with a smooth draw and a stable, strong grip. The Xpedition Mako X, released in 2019, is another fast bow from the brand, with a speed of 343.1 FPS.

PSE

PSE has a reputation for producing extremely high-performance bows that are also affordable. The PSE Xpedite, released in 2018, is the fastest bow tested by Outdoor Life, with a speed of 354 FPS. The PSE Full Throttle, with a speed of 362-370 FPS, is another incredibly fast bow from the brand. The PSE Dream Season Decree IC, released in 2015, is also notable, with a speed of 347.11 FPS.

Hoyt

Hoyt has been pushing the pace of performance hunting bows, creating unique, light, and shootable bows. The Hoyt Helix, released in 2019, is the only Hoyt model to make Outdoor Life's list of the 10 fastest bows tested, with a speed of 340.8 FPS. The Hoyt Carbon Defiant Turbo is another fast bow from the brand, with a speed of 350 FPS. The Hoyt Twin Turbo is also blisteringly fast, with a speed of 350 FPS.

Mathews

Mathews has a reputation for building solid bows, with unique cam designs, riser, and limb structures. The Mathews Halon, released in 2017, is a big change of pace for the brand, with a speed of 338.5 FPS. The Mathews Halon with a 5" brace height is likely the brand's fastest shooting bow yet, with a speed of 353 FPS. The Mathews Monster Safari, with a speed of 350 FPS, is another fast offering from Mathews.

Bear

Bear Archery has a history of making great bows but has faced competition from younger brands. The Bear Escape, released in 2016, is one of their best compounds, with a speed of 342.7 FPS. The Bear Perception, released in 2019, is another fast bow from the brand, with a speed of 345.5 FPS. The Bear Refine EKO and the Redemption EKO are two bows from Bear that make the list for 2022, both with speeds of 342 FPS.

Bowtech

Bowtech has formed a solid reputation for itself, with the Bowtech RPM 360, released in 2014, making it to Outdoor Life's list with a speed of 347.45 FPS. The Bowtech Realm SR6, released in 2019, is another fast bow from the brand, with a speed of 349.1 FPS. The SR350 and Revolt XL are two models from Bowtech that are among the fastest for 2022, both with speeds of 350 FPS.

Elite

Elite Archery is a fairly new company that produces a limited variety of bows. The Impulse 34 delivers a speed of 347-350 FPS, which is impressive considering its simple design.

Obsession

The Obsession Archery Nitro HZ, rated at 353 FPS, is the quickest bow from Obsession Archery.

APA

The APA King Cobra has an IBO speed of around 360 FPS.

Winchester

Winchester had a compound bow that they decided not to release, which was capable of a speed of around 373 FPS.

The fastest compound bows by year

The fastest compound bows have been tested over the past decade, with only one bow topping 350 feet per second. Here is a list of the fastest compound bows by year:

2014

BowTech RPM 360: 347.45 FPS

2015

PSE Dream Season Decree IC: 347.11 FPS

2016

Bear Escape: 342.7 FPS

2017

Mathews Halon 32-5: 338.5 FPS

2018

PSE Xpedite: 354 FPS

2019

• BowTech Realm SR6: 349.1 FPS
• Bear Perception: 345.5 FPS
• Xpedition Mako X: 343.1 FPS
• Hoyt Helix: 340.8 FPS
• PSE Evolve: 339.7 FPS

2024

• PSE Mach 30 DS: 281 FPS
• Hoyt RX-8: 274 FPS
• Mathews Lift: 283 FPS
• PSE Evolve 33 DS: 274 FPS
• Hoyt Alpha X 33: 274 FPS
• Elite Kairos: 277 FPS
• Elite Ethos: 276 FPS
• Darton Sequel: 277 FPS
• Bowtech Core SR: 278 FPS

The fastest compound bow of 2024, according to another source, is the Xpedition MX-15, with a speed of 358-362 FPS.

Frequently asked questions