10 Best Compound Bow Models for Hunting

One can say that hunting with a bow is much more challenging than hunting with a rifle. With a bow, a hunter has to be extra accurate, take multiple things into account like distance, trajectory, and the strength of the bow, and of course, make every arrow shot count. If you yourself are an aspiring hunter, or have made the change from rifle to bow, you want to know what is the current best compound bow on the market.

In this product review article, we will talk about some of the best compound bows currently available to hunters. It’s worth noting that, despite being some of the best compound bows, these tools also have their own strengths and weaknesses, meaning that they are ideal for some hunters while not the best choice for other hunters.

Product FAQ

1. What Is a Compound Bow?

You may have noticed that compound bows are different from typical bows. That’s because compound bows use a lever system and cables to bend the limbs (parts of the bow that connect the string from one end to the other end). Ideally, such bows are used during practice or during hunting.

2. What Does a Compound Bow Do?

Just as you would expect, a compound bow performs the exact same duties as any other bow. You pull on the string, release an arrow, and hope that the arrow hits the target.

3. How Does a Compound Bow Work?

With a traditional bow, whenever you ready an arrow and pull on the string, the energy is stored in the limbs. The further you pull the string, the more energy is stored, thus making the arrow fly faster and with more force. As such, when you pull the string all the way to the maximum, all the energy is stored and you’re left holding the entirety of its draw weight. For example, if a bow draws 65 pounds, then you have to hold 65 pounds between your hands; which isn’t exactly easy to do, especially for a long period of time.

With compound bows, there are these two small wheels which are called cams. The cams are designed to create a let off at the end of a draw, which essentially means that you can hold the bow for a much longer period of time, thus being able to more accurately place your shot. Think of the cams as a way to help you shoot more comfortably.

4. Where Can You Buy a Compound Bow?

For the most part, you can buy compound bows online on sites like Amazon, or directly from the companies behind the bows.

5. Is There Anything Else I Should Know about Compound Bows?

Generally speaking, if you never used a bow before, it’s best to practice or take a few lessons to learn the basics. On top of that, it would also be helpful if you familiarized yourself with the terminology and the anatomy of the compound bow.

How We Reviewed

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To find some of the best compound bows out there, we looked at their overall design, how easy they are to use, how accurate they are, and if they are reliable in general. We want you to choose the bow that best fits your style and your needs so that you can get the most out of it. As such, some bows may seem like the perfect choice, while others may seem okay.

Of course, there are multiple things to consider, like the sight, arrow rest, accessories, and so on. For instance, those who care about the arrow rest may find a compound bow with an arrow rest the best option, while those who don’t really care about the arrow rest may not be interested.

Overall Price Range of the Best Compound Bows

The overall price range is between $100 to $1,450. Cheaper bows are mainly meant for beginners and don’t have extra features and accessories like the more expensive bows. As for the expensive bows, you get what you pay for, meaning that some come with extra accessories while others are incredibly accurate, light, and durable.

What We Reviewed

• HOYT Carbon Defiant 70/27 Lh
• Southland Archery Supply SAS Rage 70 Lbs 30” Compound Bow
• Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro Bow Package
• PSE Archery, Full Throttle Compound Bow
• Bear Archery Cruzer RTH AP Blue RH 15-70lb A5CZ21027R
• Quest Forge Package Bow, Realtree Xtra, Right Hand
• Mandarin Duck Nighthawk 50# Triangle Compound Bo
• iGlow 30-55 lbs Black/Green/Camouflage Camo Archery Hunting Compound Bow
• Diamond Archery 2016 Edge Sb-1 Bow
• Gen-X Bow – RH/LH

1. HOYT Carbon Defiant 70/27 Lh

Hoyt Carbon Defiant 70/27 Rh

• This is hand-laid, thermoset carbon; a painstaking cross between meticulous engineering and devoted craftsmanship. Mastered only by Hoyt, carbon’s strength, weight and thermal characteristics make it the ideal material for premier bow construc­tion.

Features

Quite possibly one of the best compound bows out there, the HOYT Carbon Defiant 70/27 Lh will give you a bang for your buck. Engineered to have vibration reduction and pinpoint accuracy, and designed in such a way to increase its accuracy even further, this compound bow will take your hunting and outdoor experiences to whole new levels.

PROS

• Speed of 331 FPS
• Incredibly accurate
• Built to reduce vibration

CONS

• Very expensive

2. Southland Archery Supply SAS Rage 70 Lbs 30” Compound Bow

Southland Archery Supply SAS Rage 70 Lbs 30” Compound Bow

• The bow features a 35” axle to axle, 30” draw length, 270 FPS.
• This compressed ABS limb spans balance, weight and strength to continue the life of the bow.
• This compound has a strong piece layered limb used to draw weights up to 70 lbs.

Features

Those who may not be able to afford a top of the line bow will be pleased to find a less pricey alternative. Although this compound bow is cheap, it still gets the job done when you need it to. Perfect for beginners, this compound bow is sturdy, is made from high quality materials, and once again, comes at a low price.

PROS

• The perfect bow for beginners
• Good quality materials
• Perfect for those who are on a budget

CONS

• Not the best sight
• Its weight (4.4 pounds) can be seen as a problem for some
• The bow isn’t quiet, so consider a silencer for it

3. Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro Bow Package

Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro Bow Package

• Extended draw length for longer draw archers
• Solid back wall
• Package includes: Infinite Edge Pro Bow, 3-Pin tundra sight, hostage XL arrow rest, DeadLock lite octane quiver, tube peep sight, BCY string loop, comfort wrist sling, and 5″ ultra-lite octane stabilizer
• Infinite draw setting
• Multi shooter bow

Features

If you prefer American-made compound bow and those that can hone your archery skills, a great choice to consider would be the Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro. This versatile bow is sold with a good amount of helpful accessories like a stabilizer and an arrow rest, meaning that this bow is ideal for those who want to start hunting. Although it’s great for beginners, pros will be pleased to know that this bow is very flexible to use for hunting as well.

PROS

• Offered with a lot of helpful and useful accessories
• Accessories are specifically designed for this bow
• Very versatile

CONS

• Does not come with an installed peep sight

4. PSE Archery, Full Throttle Compound Bow

PSE Archery, Full Throttle Compound Bow, Black, Right Hand, 29″ Draw, 70#

• Extended draw length for longer draw archers
• Solid back wall
• Package includes: Infinite Edge Pro Bow, 3-Pin tundra sight, hostage XL arrow rest, DeadLock lite octane quiver, tube peep sight, BCY string loop, comfort wrist sling, and 5″ ultra-lite octane stabilizer
• Infinite draw setting
• Multi shooter bow

Features

Like to live life on the fast lane? If so, then you will be happy to know that the PSE Archery Full Throttle compound bow has an incredibly fast speed–370 FPS to be exact–which means that it outclasses the impressive HOYT Carbon Defiant 70/27 Lh. We do not kid around when we say that this bow is the fastest bow in the world! And remember that just because this bow is super fast doesn’t mean that it’s not accurate. On the contrary, the PSE Archery Full Throttle offers exceptional accuracy.

PROS

• Fastest bow in the world
• Great for veterans and pros

CONS

• Not ideal for beginners at all
• Pricey

5. Bear Archery Cruzer RTH AP Blue RH 15-70lb A5CZ21027R

Bear Archery Cruzer RTH AP Blue RH 15-70lb A5CZ21027R

• MV cam system is the most versatile cam system on the market allowing for draw length adjustments from 12″ – 30″.
• Advanced grip design eliminates hand torque for enhanced accuracy.
• Zero tolerance limb pocket for high-precision, locked-in fit.
• Max-preload quad limbs for proven power.
• Trophy Ridge 4 Pin Sight, Trophy Ridge Stabilizer & Sling, Trophy Ridge Quiver, Peep Sight, Nock Loop

Features

Believe it or not, this compound bow is perfect for children! Young and aspiring hunters, as young as four years old, can start learning and using this bow. However, this is not to say that the bow is designed just for them. Adult hunters can use this bow as well, meaning that it’s perfect for any and all ages! Plus, this bow can be used as a learning tool to teach children about patience, confidence, endurance, love for the outdoors, and a lot more.

PROS

• Great way to teach kids about hunting
• Draw length can be adjusted for kids

CONS

• Adult hunters may prefer other bow alternatives

6. Quest Forge Package Bow, Realtree Xtra, Right Hand

Quest Forge Package Bow, Realtree Xtra, Right Hand

• Single cam which produces great speed and accuracy throughout the entire shot

Features

When this bow was built, one important thing that was taken into consideration was the fact that aspiring hunters may want to continue pursuing their hobby. As such, the Quest Forge Package Bow was designed to come with all necessities. For example, out of the box you get a rubber stabilizer, an arrow rest, a quiver, and many more useful items.

PROS

• Designed for beginners
• Comes with a lot of useful upgrades and accessories

CONS

• Not the best bow for pros or those looking for advanced bows

7. Mandarin Duck Nighthawk 50# Triangle Compound Bow

Mandarin Duck Nighthawk 50# Triangle Compound Bow – Right & Left Hand Hunting

• IBO Speed: 270 FPS
• Let-off: 75%
• Draw Length: 27 in
• Draw Weight: 50 lbs
• Right & Left Hand

Features

Do not let this bow’s strange look and size fool you! It may not look like your traditional compound bow, but it does offer respectable accuracy and also packs quite a punch. Ideally, this bow is for hunters who prefer something small and easy to carry, especially if they will be out in the wilderness for a long time.

PROS

• Supports left-handed and right-handed users
• Easy to strap on and carry
• The pistol-like grip makes drawing the bow easy
• For its look and size, it’s accurate

CONS

• May seem off-putting for pros due to its strange size and look

8. iGlow 30-55 lbs Black/Green/Camouflage Camo Archery Hunting Compound Bow

iGlow Archery Hunting Compound Bow 175 150 70 55 40 30 lb Crossbow

• 30 – 55 lbs Draw Weight (Adjustable) with Arrow Speed at 296+ FPS. Hit your Target with Precision Accuracy
• Draw Length: 19″ – 29″. Axle to Axle: 28″. Let off: 70%. Weight: 3.3 lbs.
• Aluminum Riser. Compression Molded Fiberglass Limb.
• The Bow is very Nicely Polished and offer Excellent Performance
• 30″ Aluminum / Carbon Arrows are recommended

Features

Another best compound bow for beginners is the iGlow. Being designed specifically for beginners, this bow is as basic as it gets. It may not have a bunch of bells and whistles, but that’s mainly because its taking advantage of its basic features to teach newcomers how to use a compound bow.

PROS

• Ideal for newcomers

CONS

• Doesn’t include fancy accessories and features
• Pros should look elsewhere

9. Diamond Archery 2016 Edge Sb-1 Bow

Diamond Archery 2016 Edge Sb-1 Bow Pkg Breakup Country Rh

• Extreme versatility and adjustability
• Diamond edge sb-1 bow package
• 0
• Binary cam system
• Includes rest, quiver, sight, stabilizer, sling, peep, and d-loop

Features

This compound bow was particularly manufactured for left-handed users. Sure, most bows are made for people who are right-handed, but this one allows for left-handed users to have the same experience when it comes to hunting. Plus, the bow comes with everything you’ll need (aside from the arrows).

PROS

• Perfect for left-handed users
• Comes with all necessary accessories

CONS

• Not meant for right-handed users unless they’re ambidextrous

10. Gen-X Bow – RH/LH

Gen-X Bow – RH/LH

• Ready for field and range.
• Provides shooters with an easier, smoother draw cycle that delivers speed without sacrificing forgiveness or comfort.
• Compact and lightweight, this bow won’t hinder a trip to the tree stand or a day out in the field or on the range.
• The 35 ½” axle-to-axle enhances stability and precision for long-distance shooting and is legal for whitetail deer hunting in most states.
• Includes a machined 6061-T6 aluminum riser, aluminum cam and idler wheel, sturdy composite limbs and high-strength bowstrings – all made in the USA.

Features

Finishing our list of the 10 best compound bows is the Gen-X Bow. Although this bow may look like a lightweight, you can adjust the draw weight for certain scenarios and circumstances. Another good thing about this bow is that all accessories for it are made in America and have high durability.

PROS

• Easy to adjust the draw weight
• Has high durability and is made from high quality materials

CONS

• Does not come with an arrow rest

The Verdict

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After looking at some of the best compound bows, the best compound bow would have to be the HOYT Carbon Defiant 70/27 Lh. If you’re going to pay over $1,000 for a bow, you can bet it’s going to perform on a top level and do what you expect it to do.

However, if you are on a budget or are a beginner, two great bows to look at are the Southland Archery Supply SAS Rage compound bow, and the iGlow compound bow. They are basic enough for newcomers to get used to and will teach them how to use a bow properly and correctly.