Best Compound Bows For Beginners - Top Picks & Buying Guide

If you’re planning to take up a new sport, let’s call Archery, then good for you! Aiming with one of the best compound bows for beginners will bring you not only success but also a passion. Once you hit your first target, you’ll surely want to do it again and fall in love with it. While Archery can be a fascinating skill to acquire, it requires technical knowledge when choosing the right bow. You need to learn about the bow types, sizes, draw length, and much more to keep things running smoothly.

But wait, don’t be discouraged! We are here to guide you towards your archery journey with this comprehensive review. You’ll find information about the ins and outs of a compound bow and other helpful stuff. So, let’s get started!

What’s the Best Beginner Compound Bow?

Here’s a list of 12 of the best beginner’s compound bows that you can choose according to your requirements:

1. Diamond Archery Pro Bow Package

Are you looking for a compound bow that is well-suited to everyone? Then you’ve got this! The Diamond Archery Pro bow is by far the best compound bow for a beginner. This bow comes with an adjustable setting, which makes it appropriate for users of all ages, from children to adults. When you own this bow, you won’t have to look for another one for your family members.

The draw weight range of 5-70 pounds allows teens or children to start with a smaller weight and grow into it. For adjusting the draw weight, you won’t even need to take your bow to the shop. Simply loosen or tighten the limb bolts to the mark until you’re satisfied. You can also adjust the draw length using the perfectly symmetrical binary cams for flawless performance.

You’ll love this compound bow package not only because of its versatility but also because of its reasonable price.

Features:

• Adjustable draw length from 13-31 inches
• Draw weight ranges between 5-70 pounds
• Axle-to-axle length is 31 inches
• Brace height is 7 inches
• Binary cam system ensures a smooth draw
• Shoots arrow up to 310 fps
• Has a let-off of 80%
• Integral stabilizer maintains balance and shot

Pros:

• Suitable for all ages
• Extremely adjustable
• Draws quietly with low recoil
• Provides greater accuracy
• Great for target practice or hunting

Cons:

• Does not include a peep sight
• The string silencers are not durable

2. Southland Archery Supply SAS Outrage 70 Lbs 30”

The SAS Outrage is another excellent hunting bow for beginners as well as professionals. If you’re into hunting, then you can use this bow because it can shoot arrows within a distance of 40 yards. The arrow launches at a speed of 270 fps, which is enough to bring down a deer.

The bow comes with an adjustable draw weight ranging between 55-70 pounds. As a beginner bow hunter, if you think that the minimum weight is too much for you, don’t worry. Once you start shooting, you’ll get the hang of it quickly. It is sturdy and lightweight, so you have the advantage of shooting for long hours. What’s more, it is a cheap compound bow that possesses the same functionality as high-end ones.

Features:

• Adjustable draw length from 25-31 inches
• Draw weight ranges between 55-70 pounds
• Axle-to-axle length is 35 inches
• Brace height is 7 inches
• Shoots arrow at a speed of 270 fps
• Has a let-off of 70%
• ABS limbs maintain balance, weight, and strength

Pros:

• Lightweight and durable
• Perfect for deer or elk hunting
• Provides greater accuracy
• The grip ensures comfort
• Allows flawless draw

Cons:

• No peep sight installed
• The screws fall off, so you need to tighten them first

3. Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Adult Compound Bow

Do you want to introduce your child to Archery? Then look no further than this Bear Archery Cruzer G2 compound bow. It is the best youth bow you can find at an affordable price. When teens or children learn Archery, they will need a lot of adjustments to suit their strength and arm length. And this compound bow offers what they need.

With draw weights ranging between 5 and 70 pounds, youth hunters can adjust the pressure according to their ability. Not only that, but the draw length offers excellent adjustability that you can utilize as your child grows. The bow weighs only 3 pounds and shoots arrows at a speed of 315 fps, which is pretty fast.

Overall, this remarkable bow simply grows with your child, so you won’t need to look for a high-end one afterward.

Features:

• Adjustable draw length from 12-30 inches
• Draw weight ranges between 5-70 pounds
• Axle-to-axle length is 32 inches
• Shoots arrow up to 315 fps
• Brace height is 6.5 inches
• EnduraFiber limbs for a smooth draw
• Advanced grip design eliminates hand torque
• Comes with a sight, whisker biscuit, quiver, stabilizer, peep sight, and nock loop

Pros:

• Lightweight and durable
• Suitable for all skill levels
• Provides enhanced accuracy
• String silencer eliminates noise and vibration
• Can be adjusted with Allen wrench

Cons:

• The included sight is of low quality
• The sight pins need to be adjusted often

4. Leader Accessories Compound Bow

Typically, beginners may find it baffling when choosing the right equipment for a compound bow. Rather than looking for separate items, you can go for this exceptional Archery set for beginners. The Leader Accessories compound bow set features hunting essentials, including a peep sight and arrows, to make shooting more fun.

The bow itself has a draw weight, which you can adjust from a minimum of 50 pounds to 70 pounds. Also, you can adjust the draw length to your requirements. What’s exciting about this bow is that you can make the adjustments yourself, with the included Allen wrench. Unlike most compound bows, this one is pretty durable as it can fire arrows over a thousand times without damage.

This is a low-budget and one of the best compound bows for beginners available in the market.

Features:

• Adjustable draw length from 25-31 inches
• Draw weight ranges between 50-70 pounds
• Axle-to-axle length is 31.5 inches
• Brace height is 7.5 inches
• Fires arrows at a speed of 310 fps
• Let-off ranges between 75%-80%
• Includes fiber-optic sight, arrow rest, release aid, D string loop, peep sight, wax, and two 30-inch aluminum arrows

Pros:

• Extremely durable
• Shoots arrow smoothly and accurately
• Can be adjusted at home with the included Allen wrench

Cons:

• The string suppressor falls off

5. AW Pro Compound Right Hand Bow Kit

The AW Pro compound bow kit is another one that contains essential compound bow accessories. The sleek, adjustable bow is a perfect choice for children and young adults learning Archery. With the included items, your child will be able to learn how to assemble the parts by themselves.

The bow itself features a smooth adjustable draw weight and length to suit your child’s comfort. It can fire arrows to a speed of 320 fps, making it one of the fastest compound bows. Plus, the included carbon arrows and paper target help your child pick up target shooting skills.

As your child gets ready to hunt, you can upgrade the arrows and other parts for an outstanding experience. Overall, this is a good bow for beginner hunting or target practice at an affordable price.

Features:

• Adjustable draw length from 17-29 inches
• Draw weight ranges between 20-70 pounds
• Axle-to-axle length is 30 inches
• Brace height is 8 inches
• Shoots arrow at a speed of 320 fps
• Has a let-off ranging between 75% and 80%
• High-intensity aluminum alloy riser for a comfortable grip
• Stainless-steel cable guard holds cables into place

Pros:

• Great for starters
• Shoots smoothly and accurately
• Extremely adjustable
• Lightweight and durable
• Fires arrow at a fast speed

Cons:

• The included arrows are not suitable for hunting
• The release aid is of subpar quality

6. 2020 Compound Bow and Arrow for Adults and Teens

Unlike most archery sets, the GlassHarrier compound bow and arrow set boasts of durability and power. It features premium quality, well-built accessories that are helpful for a novice or an expert shooter. There’s no doubt that you’ll get what you’d typically expect inexpensive brands.

The bow itself is lightweight and has a much lesser recoil compared to other lightweight bows. The limbs are rock hard because they are made of Gordon Glass, a composite technology popular among many top brands. Not only that, but the bow provides excellent draw weight and draws length adjustability for improved performance. What more you’ll love about this bow is its fantastic speed, which is enough to reach long distances.

With such high-end features, this beginner’s bow and arrow set surprisingly come at a lower price.

Features:

• Adjustable draw length from 23.5-30.5 inches
• Draw weight ranges between 30-70 pounds
• Axle-to-axle length is 30 inches
• Brace height is 7.4 inches
• Has a 75% let-off
• Shoots arrow at a maximum speed of 320 fps
• Gordon Glass limbs enhance durability
• Includes three carbon arrows, 5-pin sight, string stopper, wax, quiver, release aid, rubber stabilizer, paper targets, and a user manual

Pros:

• Lightweight and extremely durable
• Fires arrow fast and accurately
• Does not contain plastic material
• Highly adjustable
• Suitable for all skill levels

Cons:

None

7. Southland Archery Supply SAS Scorpii 55 Lb 29”

If you’d like to take Archery with you anywhere in the world, then this is an ideal option. The SAS Scorpii is one of the best beginner’s compound bow set that includes everything you need. It contains carbon arrows, arrow release, broadheads, 5-pin bow sight, quiver, and much more. You won’t be spending time looking for accessories but hit targets with confidence.

The bow is short in length and powerful enough to make it suitable for hunting. Plus, you can adjust the draw length and weight to your requirement without needing a bow press. The limbs are durable, too, for they are made of ABS material. You’ll find the bow and all its essentials neatly packed in a sturdy SAS flight-approved case.

Although this package may be a little bit expensive, you’ll not regret buying it.

Features:

• Adjustable draw length from 19-29 inches
• Draw weight ranges between 30-55 pounds
• Axle-to-axle length is 28 inches
• Brace height is 7.5 inches
• Shoots arrow up to 260 fps
• Comes in a sturdy travel case

Pros:

• Lightweight and durable
• Shoots smoothly and accurately
• Minimum vibrations

Cons:

• The sight may come loose

8. Bear Archery Brave Bow Set

Despite being the cheapest in this list, the Bear Archery Brave bow set doesn’t lack functionality. It is a fantastic bow set you can give to your kids who are willing to learn Archery. It is specially designed for children ages eight and older, so you don’t have to worry about safety.

This set comes with two Safetyglass arrows, which are durable and will not splinter. The bow’s draw weight ranges between 15 and 25 pounds, which is ideal for a child to pull the string. Plus, the whisker biscuit arrow rest allows extremely accurate shots while ensuring safety. This set is perfect for shooting targets in the backyard.

If you’re looking for something limited to a specific age range, then go for this beginner archery bow set.

Features:

• Non-adjustable draw length from 13.5-19.5 inches
• Draw weight ranges between 15-25 pounds
• Axle-to-axle length is 26 inches
• Brace height is 5.5 inches
• Has a let-off of 65%
• Includes two Safetyglass arrows, whisker biscuit arrow rest, 1-pin sight, quiver, and armguard.

Pros:

• Safe for kids
• Lightweight and durable
• Shoots accurately on target
• The arrows can go long distances
• Perfect gift for birthday, Christmas or any other occasion

Cons:

• The included armguard is of cheap quality
• Draw length is short

9. PREDATOR ARCHERY Raptor Compound Hunting Bow Kit

The Raptor hunting bow kit by Predator Archery provides versatility for shooters of all skill levels. Just like most sets, it features a peep sight, quiver, stabilizer, and much more. It is a cheap compound bow kit you’d want to spend on if you’re looking for an excellent introductory set.

The bow itself offers a full range of adjustments without the need for a bow press. You can precisely adjust the draw weight and length with the help of the split yoke tuning system. Plus, the cams and modules are made of high-quality materials, so there’s no need to worry about durability. Regardless of your height, this bow gives you the utmost comfort while shooting.

One great benefit you’ll get from this set is that you’ll receive a lifetime warranty that covers manufacturer defects upon registering.

Features:

• Adjustable draw length from 24.5-31 inches
• Draw weight ranges between 30-70 pounds
• Axle-to-axle length is 30 inches
• Brace height is 7 inches
• Speeds up to 320 fps
• Has a let-off of 75%
• Includes 5-pin sight with light and level, brush rest, stabilizer, quivers, string stopper, Allen wrench, paper target, peep sight, and D-loop.

Pros:

• Extremely adjustable
• Does not contain plastic material
• Shoots smoothly and accurately
• Does not vibrate while firing
• Can shoot arrows at long distances

Cons:

• The cable guard may slide off
• Does not include arrows

10. Genesis Original Kit

Unlike most bows that are suited only to right-handed users, the Genesis Original Kit offers the option of choosing both right and left-handed compound bows. Shooting with this bow doesn’t require specific height or athletic abilities, so it’s perfect for all archers. Due to its versatility, this bow is used in many archery classes, making it the official bow of NASP.

The bow is capable of drawing weights from 10-20 pounds, which is enough for a child’s ability to shoot arrows. Not only that, but the bow can bury an arrow at 10 or 15 yards with minimal effort. The single-cam technology prevents tuning issues and provides accurate shooting with minimal recoil. Plus, the bowstrings are of high-strength, so your child won’t be disappointed with the quality.

Overall, this is a great kit you can buy at a very reasonable price.

Features:

• Non-adjustable draw length from 15-30 inches
• Draw weight ranges between 10-20 pounds
• Axle-to-axle length is 35.5 inches
• Brace height is 7.6 inches
• Has zero let-off
• Includes belt tube quiver, armguard, five aluminum arrows, a hex wrench and user’s manual

Pros:

• Comfortable and durable
• Shoots arrow accurately
• Suitable for target practice
• Does not need any measurements
• Great for young shooters

Cons:

• The arrow tips may fall easily
• The armguard is of low quality

11. Compound Bow Topoint Archery Package M1

The Topoint Archery package is one of the best compound bows for beginners and experts alike. This set contains plenty of accessories that otherwise you’d have to buy yourself. It consists of 18 carbon mix arrows, stabilizer, peep sight, and other essential items for optimal shooting performance.

The bow itself gives a lot of adjustability without the need for a bow press. The limbs are durable, too, for they are made of Gordon Glass technology. One thing you’ll like about this set is that all the arrows come with strong field points. They are heavy enough to stand up to a target or a game.

If you’re looking for complete Archery set at an affordable price, then this is the one.

Features:

• Adjustable draw length from 19-30 inches
• Draw weight ranges between 19-70 pounds
• Axle-to-axle length is 28 inches
• Brace height is 7 inches
• Has a let-off of 80%
• Shoots arrow up to 320 fps
• Includes 18 carbon arrows, 5-pin sight, braided bow sling, arrow rest, stabilizer, bow release, D-loop, peep sight, limb dampers, Allen keys, string wax, bow stand, quiver, and arrow puller

Pros:

• Comes with more items than you need
• Extremely adjustable
• Shoots smoothly and accurately

Cons:

• The instructions are vague

12. SereneLife Compound Bow & Arrow Accessory Kit

The SereneLife compound bow and arrow set is another excellent package for kids, teens, and adults. It contains all the equipment, including a peep sight and arrow rest for a great hunting experience. It’s a pretty well-built and affordable bow that you can use if you’re a first-time shooter.

Unlike most bows that comprise plastic, this one is engineered with fully machined aluminum for more exceptional durability. The draw weight and length are adjustable as well for your comfort. Also, the bow can reach a speed of up to 320 fps, which is very fast. You can simply take down an adult deer with this incredible bow! No doubt, you can call this one of the best compound bows for hunting.

Features:

• Adjustable draw length from 23.5-30.5 inches
• Draw weight ranges between 30-70 pounds
• Axle-to-axle length is 30 inches
• Brace height is 7.4 inches
• Shoots arrow at a speed of 320 fps
• Has a let-off of 70-75%
• CNC cams are made of fully machined aluminum
• Includes 12 carbon arrows, string silencers, 5-pin optical sight, arrow rest, rubber damper, stabilizer, quiver, peep sight, D-loop, wrist rope, string wax, paper target, release aid, spare string, and user manual

Pros:

• Lightweight and durable
• Does not contain plastic material
• Extremely adjustable

Cons:

• The included arrows may break easily

Buyer’s Guide

In the past, when online shopping was not a thing, people used to go to sports shops. They would select a bow without knowing all the details and test out if it works for them. If it does, then they would go for it. If not, then they would test other bows until they find the right one, which can be exhausting. Plus, there were limited options, and often the best ones were not available on hand. But today, due to the emergence of e-commerce, people have unlimited options when it comes to buying a product. There is more information available about a particular product, which allows consumers to purchase selectively from anywhere.

Whether you purchase online or offline, it will be a huge mistake if you don’t read the specs of a compound bow. As the features are going to help you perform well, you should have a good grasp on the mechanics. If you know exactly what you need in a compound bow, you won’t even have to test out different bows.

Below are the crucial aspects you should learn first before pulling out your wallet:

Draw length

Before purchasing a compound bow, it is vital to take note of the draw length. Draw length refers to how far you can stretch a bowstring towards you before releasing it. It is measured in inches, and it depends on the length of your arm span. To find your draw length, stretch your arms horizontally, and measure from the tip of the middle finger of one hand to the other. Then when you divide the measurement by 2.5, you’ll get the draw length.

If you have longer arms, then you’ll need a bow accommodating longer draw length. If you have shorter arms, then you’ll need a shorter draw length. Shooting with improper draw length may result in a degraded accuracy as well as discomfort. As different bows come in different draw lengths, you need to select the appropriate one.

Draw weight

Draw weight refers to the amount of force you need to exert to pull back a bowstring. It is measured in pounds. When adjusting the draw weight of a bow, you need to match it with your strength. For example, if the draw weight is 20 pounds, it is lightweight, and you will require less force to hold back. If it is 70 pounds, then it is cumbersome, and you will need more strength to pull the string.

If you’re a beginner, it is recommended that you start with less force and then slowly increase as you build muscles. With the appropriate draw weight-adjusted, you can shoot comfortably and precisely.

Axle-to-axle length

Axle-to-axle length or ATA is the distance between the axles of the top cam and the bottom cam. The ATA length varies from bows to bows. Longer bows are heavy, and they allow smooth draw, which is why they are popular among target shooters. On the other hand, shorter bows are lightweight and portable, so they’re an excellent option for hunters.

Brace height

Brace height refers to the distance between the bow grip or pivot point and the string in an unstretched position. A bow’s brace height affects the performance of your shot. The lower the brace height, the faster the arrow will travel because it spends more time in contact with the string. The higher the brace height, the arrow will lose connection with the string earlier, which results in slower speed. Bows having lower brace heights are ideal for use in tree stands, while higher ones for target shooting.

FPS

FPS or feet per second refers to the speed at which an arrow flies after leaving the bow. The higher the fps, the faster the speed and vice versa. While buying a bow, you’ll find that many companies use the term “IBO rating,” which is essentially the same.

Let-off

When you pull the string of a compound bow all the way back, the cams will hold some of the draw weight. This reduced weight is known as a let-off. Let-off is calculated as the percentage of a bow’s total draw weight. The higher the let-off, the better the accuracy.

Riser

The riser is the backbone of a compound bow that contains the grip. The cut-out design throughout the body of the riser is used to hold accessories, including bow sight and stabilizer. Risers are typically made of aluminum, magnesium alloy, or carbon fiber. The speed and accuracy of a bow depending on the material of the riser. A riser that is lightweight and sturdy can withstand pressure during a full draw and provide more excellent maneuverability.

Limbs

Limbs are the two flexible planks that complete both sides of a riser. These are just as important as a riser because they hold the bowstring and store all the energy. Usually, they are made of fiberglass-based composites because of its high tensile strength.

Compound bow limbs feature parallel design instead of the traditional “D” shape. Parallel limbs have the top and bottom limbs parallel to each other, and this style is used in modern bows. These limbs come in either solid or split designs. Parallel limbs are widespread among bowhunters because they have the advantage of reducing noise and recoil while shooting.

Cams

Cams are circular or elongated disks attached to the end of the limbs. These are mainly responsible for the advanced mechanism of a compound bow. Traditional bows usually require a lot of force to pull the string back, which can be challenging to achieve. Compound bows, on the other hand, use cams to let-off some of the force required to pull the string at full draw. This allows shooters to aim the target accurately.

Cams comes in four different styles:

• Single cams- This cam system features an idler wheel on the upper limb and an elliptical cam on the lower limb. Single cams are quieter, easier to install, and require less maintenance compared to other options. Due to their simplicity, they are an ideal choice for beginners.
• Dual cams- Dual cams or twin cams are symmetrical-shaped cams placed on the top and bottom limbs. This cam system delivers more speed and accuracy when they are tuned to perfection. However, they produce noise and require more maintenance, unlike single cam systems. Also, the cams need to be constantly synchronized to keep up the optimal performance.
• Hybrid cams- Hybrid cams feature two asymmetrically-shaped elliptical cams on both sides of the limbs. The top cam is known as a “control” cam while the bottom cam is called a “power” cam. The purpose of the “control” cam is to control the draw weight while the “power” cam provides faster speed. Hybrid cams are usually an upgraded version of dual cams where they eliminate synchronization issues. However, they require proper maintenance for the best performance.
• Binary cams- Binary cams are different from other cams. This cam system features two active cams where the cable is attached cam-to-cam instead of limbs. Due to such an arrangement, binary cams generate more power and accurate shots. They also eliminate cam synchronization and cable stretch issues.

How to Choose the Right Compound Bow

Now that you’ve learned about archery terminology, it’s time to choose the right compound bow. Before you do, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Don’t rush!

You’re going to buy your first bow, so don’t let disappointment hunt you! We advise you to take your time, do some research, and interact with expert shooters. Not only will you gain more knowledge about Archery but also will know which bow suits you best. All you’d want is to own a compound bow that feels good to you.

Believe in your strength

There’s no way you’re going to get a bow that tests your upper limits. Besides looking for a higher fps, you should know if you’re able to pull the string to achieve that speed. Also, you have to make sure you’re able to see through the peep sight clearly while stretching. To achieve the best performance, it’s recommended that you choose a bow you can comfortably rely on without getting tired.

Determine your dominant eye

All of us are either right-handed or left-handed. Similarly, we are also either right-eyed or left-eyed. The eye with which we can focus more strongly is our dominant eye. When choosing a compound bow, it’s essential to know about your dominant eye.

If you don’t know which is your dominant eye, then here’s the trick: Stretch your arms and form a triangle with your index fingers and thumbs. Focus on an object while keeping both eyes open. Now, close the left eye. If the object stays centered, then your right eye is the dominant eye. Now close only the right eye. If the object stays centered, then your left eye is the dominant eye.

Now that you know your dominant eye, it’s time to choose either a left-handed or a right-handed bow. If you’re left-eye dominant, then go for a left-handed bow. If right-eye dominant, then a right-handed bow. In case if your eye and hand dominances don’t match, then you can try relying on your handedness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What’s the Difference Between a Men’s & Women’s Compound Bow?

There’s not much difference between a men’s and women’s compound bow except for draw length. Typically, an average man is taller than an average woman, so they have different draw lengths. A longer draw length is suitable for men, while a shorter draw length is ideal for women.

2. Can I go hunting with a compound bow?

Yes, you can! Unlike traditional bows, most bowhunters prefer to use compound bows for hunting due to their versatility and effectiveness. You can easily adjust the bow to your comfort and bring down a whitetail deer or other game.

3. Is it Safe for My Kids to Shoot Archery?

Archery is safe for kids- only when they are trained well enough to know what might cause injury. There are children all over the world doing Archery for decades, so proper instruction and supervision is required.

4. What’s the Difference Between Compound & Recurve Bows?

There are many differences you can spot in a compound and a recurve bow. Unlike a recurve bow, a compound bow uses advanced technology. There are cams on both sides, a long string, a bow sight, and other accessories for greater accuracy. Most importantly, you have the option to customize the bow for its purpose.

On the other hand, recurve bows have a simple design and a shorter string. Unlike compound bows, they are lighter and easier to maintain. However, large recurve bows can be hard to pull back because you need to give a lot of strength.

5. What is the best compound bow for 2020?

Based on the number of positive reviews by Amazon customers, the Diamond Archery Pro bow is the best compound bow for 2020. It has great precision, faster speed, and a wide range of adjustability, making it suitable for all ages.

6. How far can a compound bow shoot?

A typical compound bow can shoot an arrow over 1000 feet. However, the farthest shot ever recorded is 930.04 feet. To reach such long distances, you need to consider several factors- draw weight, draw length, cams, arrow setup, etc.

7. What lb bow should I use?

The draw weight of a bow entirely depends on your physical capabilities. Different people have different strengths, so the draw weight varies accordingly. As you will be using the bow in the long run, you need to select the draw weight that you’re comfortable with.

One thing you can do is test your strength with a bow of certain draw weight, say 40 pounds. Simply pull the string at full draw while remaining still for 30 seconds and see if you’re able to hold it like that. If you’re okay with it, you can start practicing, and if not, then you can try testing with lower weights.

Final Verdict

Now that you have seen some of the best compound bows for beginners and have an idea about the factors to consider, it’s time to get your first bow. You may look for a bow that gives plenty of adjustabilities, or a bow that comes with a complete package- everything depends on your personal preference. In this article, we just selected the ones that should give you what you want.

We hope you have a great experience in finding the perfect bow!