The 10 Best Compound Bow for Beginners Reviews & Buying Guide
Exposure to a vast number of compound bows in an archery shop can present a severe challenge if you are new to bowhunting. The sticker shock that will hit you may leave you even more confused than ever before.
Since money is hard to get by these days, it is crucial to choose not to lose out. The most affordable yet good-quality compound bows cost about a thousand dollars. You do not want to gamble with such kind of money.
Therefore, you need to buy the best compound bow for beginners once and for all without guesswork. And this is where we come in. We are going to take the bull by the horns. We shall begin by reviewing ten of the best beginner compound bows, along with the pros and cons.
We’ve spoken to professional and experienced hunters and archers around the globe. Using personal experience too, we have compared notes with other users in different online forums to develop the most informative and most helpful customer reviews.
Best Compound Bows For Beginners
Since their invention, archery equipment such as compound bows, crossbows, recurves, and longbows has become better and more affordable.
Even more exciting and encouraging is that the most famous and reputable brands offer incredibly high-quality yet affordable entry-level compound bows. These will form the basis of our list. Stay with us as we delve deeper.
1. Bear Archery Brave Bow Set
Bear Archery has been in the business of archery and has built a healthy reputation for the past eight decades. Brave is one of their best entry-point compound bow sets ever produced. Many people find it a great set to introduce children to bow hunting.
The axle-to-axle measurement stands at 26 inches and features a draw weight that ranges from 15 to 25 pounds. Such dimensions and weight capacity are ideal for children and newbies. However, the bow set is suitable for children eight years or older.
Other specifications include a draw length range of 13.5 inches and a brace height of 5.5 inches. Bear Archery has set the let-off at 65 percent. Normal children eight years or older can effortlessly practice with this compound bow until they attain the expertise to use a more complex bow set.
The Brave youth bow set comes armed and ready to shoot with double safeguard arrows, and whisker biscuit arrow rest. These features mean this entry-level bow set is one of the safest in the archery industry. Besides the safety, other performance-oriented features include an arrow quiver, 1-pin sight, and an arm guard.
If you are left-handed this, then Brave is not for you. Bear Archery designed it specifically for right-handed users. Nevertheless, the company is working to develop a similar model suited for left-handed entry-level shooters.
Pros
- It comes ready to shoot with two safety-guard arrows
- A safe entry-level compound bow
- Affordable and gives value for money
- Sturdy and well-made bow set
- A perfect choice of a gift
Cons
- Limited versatility as only right-handed people can use it
2. Sanlida Archery Dragon X8 Hunting Compound Bow for Adults
Sanlida Archery Dragon X8 Hunting Compound Bow is well-built and comes with a few crucial features that make it suitable for young shooters or even adults new to archery. It features a 5-pin sight, arrow rest and stabilizer, a quiver, twelve extra pieces of carbon arrows, an arrow puller, a release, a bow stand as well as a case.
Dragon x8 hunting compound bow features a wide range of adjustable draw lengths of 18-30 inches and a draw weight of 0-70 pounds without requiring a bow press. This makes it suitable for anyone who is shooting for the first time.
Sanlida Archery offers a limited lifetime warranty on the main parts of the compound bow after you register within 30 days of ordering. The bow set features 100 percent CNC cams and modules with 6061 T6 (aircraft grade) aluminum. The riser is also made of the same material.
The brand makes many other related accessories easy for you to set up and use the compound bow out of the box. If any of the accessories it comes with seem not to work appropriately, Sanlida allows you to seek clarification and replacement at the lowest cost possible.
Because of the low quote on parts and accessories, Sanlida Archery says they do not offer promotions or discounts on such parts. Nonetheless, Dragon X8 is one of the best entry-point hunting compound bows in the market for both adults and older children.
Pros
- The best budget compound bow
- Suitable bow for both adults and children
- Limited warranty on main parts after registration
- Has the speed of a high-end compound bow
- Strong but lightweight aluminum construction
Cons
- The rest and sling look and feel cheap
3. Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Adult Compound Bow
Bear Archery Cruzer G2 is what you need if you are an adult learning to use a compound bow for the first time. Better still, it is a maximum-versatility bow perfectly engineered for shooters of all ages and skill levels.
This ready-to-hunt bow comes equipped with six trophy ridge accessories to make your shooting as hassle-free as possible, even if you have never held a compound bow before. Examples of those accessories include sight, whisker biscuit, stabilizer, quiver, nock loop, and peep sight. All these accessories make the unit a great performer, allowing those who wish to practice to hone their skills quickly.
The draw length range is adjustable from 12 inches to 30 inches with a draw weight from 5 to 70 pounds. This makes it ideal for shooters of different physics and strength levels. Furthermore, all the adjustments can be made using an Allen Wrench with no requirement for a bow press.
Overall, the unit weighs a paltry 3lbs and is capable of shooting at 315 feet per second. As you can appreciate, such speeds can maim or even kill an animal. So, the unit features several security features, including a dual arrow guard and whisker biscuit arrow rest.
Rugged construction with solid cams and the riser makes the Cruzer G2 incredibly strong and durable. In addition, an advanced grip design eliminates hand torque to enhance accuracy.
Pros
- Maximum versatility with 315 feet per second arrow speed
- It comes with all accessories ready to hunt
- Advanced grip design enhances accuracy
- Adjustable for users of all ages and skill levels
Cons
- Some listed accessories were missing in the shipped package.
4. PANDARUS Compound Bow Archery for Youth and Beginner
PANDARUS Compound Bow offers you a high-quality model that is suitable both for beginners and youths. It is an entry-level compound bow for right-handed individuals. However, versions are also made specifically for left-handed people as it is currently impossible to design an ambidextrous compound bow.
The bow can shoot at a maximum speed of 260 feet per second, making it ideal for hunting small games or junior archery competitions. The axle-to-axle measurement is 27-3/4 inches with a draw weight range of 15 to 29 pounds. Such a range is suitable for beginners of all ages.
Other measurements include an adjustable draw length of 19 to 28 inches, a brace height of 6-3/4 inches, and a let-off of 65 percent. On the other hand, the net weight is 2.5lbs which makes it one of the lightest models. As a result, it will not weigh your newbie down even on an extended hunting or shooting session.
A package includes a PANDARUS Compound bow, an arrow rest, an arrow quiver, an instruction manual, and three arrows. This means you will be able to make your first shot with the bow right out of the box. You can even adjust both the draw length and weight without a bow press. It comes in three different colors, including red, blue, and green.
Pros
- Lightweight and well-built
- Highly accurate with decent arrow speed
- Affordable yet gives value for money
- Sturdy, durable plastic design
- Pretty good for beginners and even moderately experienced
Cons
- Plastic construction is a concern of many people
5. Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro Bow Package
Bowtech offers you the ideal compound bow for beginners. The Diamond Archery Infinite Edge ProBow features some incredible technology that catapults it to the top of its tiers. Some of the features worth mentioning include a synchronized binary cam system, EZ adjust pocket, and exceptional adjustability, just to mention a few.
Considering the cam system, Diamond Archery has one of the best cam systems in the market. Unfortunately, it is designed binary because it comprises two perfectly symmetrical cams slaved to one another. This design forces the cams to turn inaccurate synchronization.
Such design offers flawless nock travel as well as tuning that you can set and then forget. This optimizes accuracy and consistency.
Talking about EZ adjust pocket, the technology allows you to change from a maximum to minimum poundage or something in between with a simple turn of a limb bolt. In addition, the pouch features a calibration that will enable you to read the draw weight adjustments easily.
Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro Bow package is highly adjustable. You can adjust the draw weight from 5lbs to 70lbs. This explains why the unit is ideal for bowhunters or shooters of any skill level. Because of the adjustability, the bows are incredibly forgiving and easy to use. You will have years of use due to the durable construction of the bow.
Pros
- State-of-the-art design technology
- The innovative synchronized binary cam system
- Exceptional adjustability of draw weight and length
- Durable and lightweight construction
Cons
- Lack of a warranty for those who purchase through Amazon is a concern
6. Leader Accessories Compound Bow
Leader Accessories Compound bow is well designed and equipped with many features making it a prime choice for target practice by beginners. In addition, it features a small profile measuring 29 inches tip to tip, making it ideal for juniors dreaming of becoming professional archers.
It is a 30-55inch bow with a draw length of 19-30 inches and a brace height of 7 inches. Such measurements mean an average male weighing about 55 pounds can use it by scaling the draw weight down to a suitable range.
Although designed for newbies, the Leader Accessories Compound Bow does not feel like a toy, and it isn’t one. So you must take all the precautionary measures to ensure you stay safe. Nevertheless, it is equipped with several features to make it even safer for older children and adults.
Setting up the bow is no no-brainer, even if you are a beginner in the field of archery. Mounting the sight and the arrow rest is effortless. Adjusting the draw weight is equally effortless. You do not need a bow press as you can do that with a household wrench.
You can improve the quality and performance of this best compound bow for beginners by installing limb silencers and stabilizers. Such additional work will make it perform smoothly and quietly.
The bow can achieve arrow speeds of 296 feet per second, which is decent for a beginner weapon. It also boosts accuracy. The arrow tip weight is 100 grains, while the arrow spine deflection is 0.405 inches.
Pros
- A prime choice for target practice
- Adjustable draw weight makes it versatile
- Decent arrow speed with good accuracy
- Effortless to set up and use
- Durable construction with an aluminum riser
Cons
- Taller archery enthusiasts may not find it ideal
- You will outgrow it pretty quickly
7. Southland Archery Supply SAS Outrage ATA Compound Bow
The SAS Rage is an excellent compound bow for beginners. It has many great features that make it stand out among its competitors. First, the riser is machined out of a sturdy piece of aluminum.
Aluminum is famous for its strength and lightweight. It gives the bow a high strength-to-weight ratio. For archers and hunters, this is suitable because it makes the bow withstand the heavy pressures exerted on it while remaining incredibly light.
The bow comes with accessories that include stabilizers, sights, and quivers. Stabilizers offer an excellent way to increase your accuracy and silence your bow. In addition, the SAS Outrage bow is drilled and tapped to be compatible with the wide variety of sights and quivers available.
A single aspect of the bow that inexperienced archers will love shooters in the 35″ axle to axle measurement. The longer axle-to-axle bows tend to be more forgiving of the string torque. This makes the bow ideal for beginners.
The grip on the SAS Outrage is molded plastic and not as large as expected. The molded handle wraps clear around the bow’s riser. This feature is a bonus when shooting in conditions of cold weather.
This bow uses a double eccentric cam system machined to match dimensions. This means when the string is released, the cams turn precisely at the same rate. This results in little nock travel and more precise shooting.
Something that SAS has consistently maintained is to create highly durable bows. They design rugged and long-lasting bows. Of course, you cannot expect to get a high-quality bow for the prevailing price; however, you can expect to get a bow that will serve you for years.
Pros
- Machined out of sturdy aluminum
- Perfectly adjustable for beginners’ gradual experience
- Fairly accurate compound bow
- It comes in a variety of colors to meet your expectations
Cons
- Beginners need more support to figure out how to use the bow
8. AW Pro Compound Right Hand Bow Kit
The AW Pro Compound Right Hand Bow Kit comprises a 20 to 70-pound right-hand compound bow, release aid, target paper, and twelve carbon arrows. It is the perfect gift choice for archery beginners or even masters
The bow features a compact design to help you quickly adapt to outdoor hunting, target bow fishing, archery, and other applications. In addition, its aluminum alloy riser offers a high tensile capability of withstanding high-stress flexing and loading. This ensures long-term arrow shooting.
Furthermore, fiber bowstrings are sturdy enough to withstand a maximum draw length of 29 inches. The bow limbs are made of fiberglass, which is tough and not easy to deform to make it better.
The AW Pro bow boasts higher aiming accuracy. Such performance is the function of a 4-pin sight and peep installed for accurate aiming. This will help you react rapidly to a moving target. Additionally, a rheostat light serves to maintain visibility in low and changing light conditions.
Another feature worth mentioning is the brush capture arrow rest that offers you a crystal clear view of the entire arrow, including its tip and minimizes friction.
Adjustability is vital for beginners in the compound bow because it allows the trainee to increase draw weight as they gain experience. This compound bow features an adjustable draw length from 17″ to 29″ according to arm span and draws weight from 20 to 70 pounds. This will work well with any size of hands, including youth, teens, and adults. All of these, together with an easy-to-adjust with 70% let-off, mean quality.
For safe use and protection, the unit comes with a release aid that interacts with a D-loop. This will offer you finger protection and a reduction in pain caused by hunting or practicing for extended periods. There is also a strap fastening to ensure a secure fit to your wrist.
Pros
- Made of premium materials for durability
- Higher aiming accuracy and precision
- Adjustable draw length and draw weight
- Safe to use and offer finger protection
Cons
- Somewhat expensive compared to the quality
9. Raptor Compound Hunting Bow Kit
The Raptor Compound Hunting Bow Kit promises to give you the perfect platform. It does not matter whether you’re a bow fishing enthusiast, a hunter, or into target shooting. This great and unique bow offers versatility for any enthusiast from youth, adult, and even beginner archers.
One of the most beautiful things about this best compound bow for a beginner is that it is fully adjustable. Its design features an axle-to-axle length of 30 inches and weighs a paltry 3.6 pounds. The draw length ranges from 24.5 inches to 31 inches, while the draw weight is adjustable from 30lbs-70lbs without the need for a bow press.
You will also love the high-quality machining in the construction of the Raptor Compound Hunting bow. The cams, as well as modules, feature fully machined aluminum with no plastic components. Its compound design gives room for a 75% let-off. Besides, it features a split yoke tuning system that provides precise adjustments for appropriate arrow flight.
The unit comes as a complete bow package for easy setup and out-of-box use. The package includes a five-pin fiber optic sight with level and light. There is also the TRUGLO EZ brush rest, four arrow quivers, a stabilizer, a string stop, an Allen wrench, and a 2′ paper target. You also love the pre-installed peep sight and D-loop.
Pros
- Incredibly versatile compound bow
- Full adjustability makes it ideal for beginners
- High-quality machined cams and modules
- Adjustable without a bow press
- It comes as a complete package
Cons
- It does not come with arrows
- Some assembly is required
10. GENESIS Kit – RH Red
The Genesis Kit has been feted as the official bow for the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). Such a prestigious and desirable position does not just come for nothing. NASP realized that Genesis Kit has all it takes to help archery beginners hone their skills
It is, therefore, a great entry-level archer for all sizes, ages, and athletic abilities. The secret for the choice of Genesis is that it lacks a draw length measurement. Thus, kids are unlikely to outgrow the compound bow, unlike other models with particular draw lengths.
The bow features high-quality construction consisting of a machined 6061-T6 aluminum riser, idler wheel, aluminum cams, sturdy composite limbs, and high-strength bowstrings. It will be comforting to know that all these parts are manufactured in the USA.
The Genesis Kit is built with single-cam technology. This means you won’t have to worry about tuning issues. Besides, the bow will perform quietly, have less recoil, and shoot more accurately. Since no setup is necessary, you will use the kit right out of the box.
If you place an order, expect to receive a kit containing a single bow, an adjustable arm guard, a belt-tube quiver, five aluminum bows, an owner’s manual, and a 3/16-inch hex wrench.
Pros
- Official bow for the National Archery in Schools Program
- Perfect entry-level for archers of all ages, sizes, and abilities
- High-quality aluminum and composite material construction
- Single-cam technology ensures no tuning is necessary
Cons
- It may not be safe for children younger than ten years
How to Choose the Best Compound Bow for Beginners
You cannot just walk into the nearest archery store, and pick and pay for the first bow that catches your eyes. Instead, it would help if you made an informed choice based not only on your needs but also on your budget and other considerations.
In this section, we will discuss a systemic way to approach the endeavor to allow you to choose the best bow to enable your starter to get the necessary archery skills. Pay attention as we proceed to capture everything.
Familiarize Yourself With Bow Terminologies
I guess some of the terms you came across while reading the reviews were strange. Understanding what each means is the first step to finding the best compound hunting bow for beginners.
These terms may be confusing at first. However, they mainly refer to the features and specifications of the compound bow. Therefore, understanding them also means you know the bow.
The most important terms include cam, bowstring, stabilizer, riser, arrow rest, D-loop, peep-sight, sight, grip, and limb. Besides the parts, you also need to find out the operational terms like draw length, draw weight, let-off, speed ratings, and others.
So where can you get all such information? The internet is highly resourceful. You can get the info from archery websites, review forums, and other relevant resources. Even better, you can ask experts in the field.
Come Up With A Budget
Compound bows can cost anything from as low as $100 to thousands of dollars. Compounds for beginners are generally cheaper because of their quality. However, if you must get the best, you need to be ready to spend a decent amount of money since the rate is directly proportional to the price.
You also need to understand that an expensive bow will not necessarily make you learn faster and achieve the accuracy level that you seek. Some of the expensive models are too complicated for beginners to use comfortably.
Focus more on finding a more forgiving bow, that is easily adjustable and effortless to shoot, because you are learning. Shooting speed is admirable, but it amplifies mistakes, making it difficult for you to know. Interestingly, more expensive models use high shooting speed as one of their selling points.
You also need to know that you will need some accessories to add to your bow for it to work. Such additions may be sold separately to increase the cost. For instance, you will need a stabilizer, arrow rest, and wrist strap, among others. Factor in their cost when coming up with a budget.
Bow Considerations
Regardless of your budget, it is crucial you find a starter compound bow of the correct draw length, draw weight, and let-off.
Draw length
It measures how far you can pull the arrow before you let go. Archers use a formula to determine the appropriate draw length based on your size.
Bow length
Your size notwithstanding, bows with more extended axle-to-axle measurements are better forgiving because of stability and less susceptibility to torque. For example, a bow featuring an axle-to-axle measure of 35 inches is more forgiving than that measuring 28 inches.
Draw weight is equally important
It measures the force you will need to draw the bow. This should not be fixed as beginners will need something they can grow with since they will be getting better in skill and effort. Luckily, most of the brands making compound bows for beginners are conscious of this, so they manufacture bows with adjustable draw weights.
Brace height
This measurement describes the distance between the deepest part of the bow grip and the bowstring.
A shorter brace height means the arrow will stay on the string for a long time, increasing the chance for mistakes. Beginners can typically benefit from brace heights of 6 or 7 inches.
Shooting Speed
Beginners may find high arrow speeds fancy. However, such speeds are not only unnecessary but also can increase your rate of making mistakes. Generally, arrow speeds of 280 fps to 290 fps are satisfactory for beginners.
Noise level
This factor is significant if you are looking for a compound bow for hunting. Games such as deer are usually super sensitive even to noise you would ordinarily consider audible given how far away the game is. So to avoid spooking your target and losing your advantage, ensure you buy a quiet bow.
Alternatively, you can install a few accessories to help reduce the noise. For instance, you can install rubber dampeners on the riser and the limbs to absorb vibrations. Besides, a stop press can stop spring oscillations upon releasing the arrow.
Cam systems
Compound bows come in different types, including single-cam systems, twin-cam systems, and hybrid cam systems. Besides, there are binary, quad, or hinged options also available. Discussing each of these systems is beyond our scope. Instead, take your time to understand the specifications so that you can make the right decision.
FAQs
Is compound good for beginners?
Yes, archery and hunting experts agree that compound bows are better in helping starters gain the necessary skills. This is because they are easy to use, more forgiving, and support less force.
Where can I buy the best compound bow for beginners?
The easiest and most convenient way to buy any product today is to order it online through the many online retail stores such as Amazon, eBay, Alibaba, and so on. Amazon is perhaps the most famous and successful, according to online shoppers.
Can I use a compound bow for self-training?
Sure you can. You can study archery from online sources, ask professional archers for advice, and perfect your form by frequently and regularly training. YouTube can be beneficial.
Are compound bows safe for children?
It depends on the particular bow because some of them are age-rated. You must know about the rating so that you can purchase the right bow for your age. Luckily, most reputable models include a battery of safety features to safeguard the users.
Final Verdict
You confirm that we have honored our promise of providing you with an in-depth review and buying guide for the best compound bow for beginners. Check out the ten products we have reviewed. You are likely to find one that fits your needs. However, if you fail, you can use the informative and helpful buying guide to make a personalized choice.
