Are you interested in target shooting but don’t know what bow to buy? Do not worry, William Tell – we compiled a list of four bows that are not only affordable but also more than adequate for your first target shooting adventures!
How To Pick a Compound Bow for Target Shooting?
That´s a good question. My answer is that you need to feel comfortable shooting the bow. You have to find a bow that fits you properly.
Basically, a target bow can be any bow you choose! You could use a “normal” hunting bow, or one specially made for target archery.
What you are looking for is a more accurate/forgiving bow. Larger brace height and potentially a longer ATA (axle-to-axle length) are a few things to consider.
At a Glance – Here are the Best Compound Bows for Target Shooting:
+ BEST OVERALL – Diamond Archery Infinite Edge 320. The great range of adjustability is quite impressive, featuring a variable draw length of 15”-31” and an adjustable draw weight range of 7-70 pounds.A great bow for target shooting!
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+ HIGH-TECH – Bear Cruzer G2. One of the most versatile bows on this list. Draw length 12″-30″, draw weight 5-70 pounds. Toughest limbs in the industry – Truly a bow for every archer.
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+ EXTREMELY USER-FRIENDLY – PSE Stinger MAX. Generous 7″ brace height, one of the easiest bows to shoot. Ideal for archers of all experience levels.
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+ BEST PRICE OPTION – SAS Rage 70 lbs 30″. Draw length runs from 26″ up to 30″. ATA of 35″. Brace height 7″ and a let-off of 70%. Three different packages are available!
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Contents (Jump to Topic)
Target bows are generally longer, probably heavier, and have more ergonomic grips on the handle. Hunting bows are shorter, more portable, and designed to be easier to carry while stalking prey or operated in confined spaces such as ground blinds or treestands.
Darren Webster
You can easily spend tons of money on bows and equipment. Keep that for later! These bows we reviewed here will be good for a while.
Make sure your bow is adjustable. I am talking about draw length and draw weight. You don’t want to lock yourself in!
Maybe you plan not only to shoot indoors (20 yards NFAA regulations, no more than 300fps!) but want to attend 3D archery events or outdoor tournaments. Some organizations won´t allow camouflage colors on the bow or your clothing!
So, if you are serious about participating in tournaments, check the regulations and choose a bow to meet them.
There´s no need to shoot with a 70lbs draw weight at targets 18 meters away (plus Indoor FITA regulations allow only up to 60lbs draw weight!)
Without further ado, let’s get started:
Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro Bow Package
Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro
The Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro Bow Package has more pre-purchase options than most other products in this category.
There are different models to suit a right-hand or left-hand orientated archer. The fit and finish were quite obvious, as the bow appeared well put together and immaculate in its finish. Available in Black, Pink Blaze, and Mossy Oak.
We tested the bow, and if you are interested in reading our in-depth review click here.
For draw weight settings, the Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro is adjustable from just 5 lbs right up to 70 lbs.
The level of flexibility in the draw weight is quite remarkable and one of the major selling points of this bow.
Additionally, the 13”-31” range of draw length adjustability allows for different settings – This bow will be a good fit for kids or smaller adults too!
To adjust the Edge Pro to your draw weight settings, simply turn its limb bolts using an Allen Wrench. The same is true for adjusting draw length – after removing the cam system modules, simply rotate them to your desired setting.
Published Specs Infinite Edge Pro
| Let-Off: 80 percent |
| Weight: 3.2 pounds |
| Brace Height: 7 inches |
| Axle-to-Axle Length: 31 inches |
| Speed: 310 fps |
| Draw Weights: 5 to 70 pounds |
| Draw Lengths: 13 to 31 inches |
| Finishes: Black Ops, Mossy Oak Country |
| Suggested Retail: check price |
PROS:
- Draw weight adjustable from 5 lbs to 70 lbs
- 5-inch light stabilizer
- Wrist sling
- Minimal Hand Shock
- Right or left-hand orientation
- Three color choices
- Replaceable parts
CONS:
- Some Archers Might Find The Grip Bulky
- The Tube-Style Peep Sight Could Be Prone To Breakage In Frigid Temperatures
This bow comes fully outfitted with everything you need to hit the range. Sight, arrow rest, quiver, stabilizer, string loop, and wrist strap.
It´s all there! When we tested the EdgePro, we found the bow user-friendly, accurate, and affordable.
It had an extremely smooth draw cycle and a rock-solid back wall – helping you with overall accuracy.
This bow is the best bow for target shooting on our list because of its versatility; plus, it has a forgiving brace height of 7″ and an ATA of 31″. A great bow for new target archers.
Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Adult Bow
Bear Cruzer G2
We had a chance to test the Cruzer G2 at a range, and I must say that this bow´s construction is on par with many premium price point bows!
The range of adjustability is tremendous. 5 to 70 pounds draw weight, and 12 to 30 inches draw length make this bow a great fit for almost every archer around.
The brace height is 6.5 inches, and the weight of this bow (without accessories) is only 3 pounds.
It is hard to describe the overall feel of this bow until you hold it in your hand. We had a lot of fun at the range (read our in-depth review here).
Published Specs Bear Cruzer G2
| Let-Off: 70 percent |
| Brace Height: 6.5 inches |
| Weight: 3.0 pounds |
| Axle-to-Axle Length: 30 inches |
| Speed: 315 fps |
| Draw Weights: 5 to 70 pounds |
| Draw Lengths: 12 to 30 inches |
| Finishes: Realtree Edge, TrueTimber Kanati, Moonshine Muddy Girl, Toxic, Undertow, Wildfire |
| Suggested Retail: check price |
PROS:
- Ligthweigth (3.0 pounds)
- Very adjustable draw lengths
- Good accessoires included
- sufficient arrow speed
CONS:
- Let-Off “only” 70%
This bow has one of the toughest limbs in the industry!
These split limbs are composed of EnduraFiber and offer a substantial reflex action and increased stability and longevity—the perfect bow for every skill level with a wide range of adjustability.
PSE Archery Stinger MAX
PSE Stinger MAX
The Stinger Max has a reputation for being extremely user-friendly and smooth shooting. We recently had a chance to test the bow.
If you want to read our in-depth click here: PSE Stinger MAX review. The Stinger MAX offers a generous brace height of 7″, making it a forgiving bow well usable for target shooting.
The bow is somewhat compact with an ATA measurement of 30″. This makes the PSE MAX ideal for most hunting endeavors, too. Due to its forgiving overall set-up, the bow is ideal for archers of all experience levels.
One thing to keep in mind, though, the draw weight is not as adjustable as with other bows on our list. The minimum draw weight is 55 pounds – smaller framed youth archers might not find this bow being a good fit!
Published Specs PSE Stinger MAX
| Let-Off: 80 percent |
| Weight: 4 pounds |
| Brace Height: 7 inches |
| Axle-to-Axle Length: 30 inches |
| Speed: 304 – 312 fps |
| Draw Weights: 28 to 70 pounds |
| Draw Lengths: 21.5 to 30 inches |
| Finishes: Black, TrueTimber Strata |
| Suggested Retail: check price |
PROS:
- Smooth Draw Cycle
- Many accessories included
- solid back wall
- Forgiving brace height
CONS:
- Not suitable for younger & smaller framed archers
This is a great all-around bow, suitable for target shooting and hunting. It has a moderate price point and offers a great level of shootability. It´s definitely one of the best target-shooting bows on our list!
With target shooting, choosing the right bow is critical. The selection process includes matching arm strength to bow weight, an appropriate draw length, and draw weight.
Once the right selection is made, improving your target striking abilities only takes practice.
Read more about the best target arrows for compound bows here
SAS Rage 70 lbs 30″ Compound Bow
SAS Rage 30 inches 70 lbs
The SAS Rage 70 Lbs 30” Compound Bow is a non-nonsense-looking bow that almost needs no introduction. It is not available for left-handed compound bow archers!
The hand pulling the string determines whether you are a left- or right-handed archer. For example, holding the bow with your left hand and pulling the string with your right hand = a right-handed archer.
It is available in a range of exciting colors from classic black to Autumn Camo Green, with versions that include accessories made of carbon, a Pro package model, and a Travel package model.
You can choose from those different packages the one you need.
The Pro package is particularly impressive and comprehensive with their SAS hard case which is TSA-approved, tough Carbon arrows, multiple Broadheads, a Trophy Rest arrow rest for fast shooting, a Quiver that detaches more easily, and an Aluminum stabilizer too.
This package is a good option for people who don’t wish to shop around to make modifications, find a case that’ll fit their bow and more.
The overall design of the SAS Rage from Southland Archery Supply doesn’t disappoint. It has cut-out parts that make it look quite distinctive.
The parts used also contribute to the carrying weight of just 4.4 lbs, which will please people who don’t appreciate lugging around a massive bow during their target shooting bow or hunting expeditions. It is a well-built bow with great value.
Published Specs Southland Archery Supply Rage
| Let-Off: 70 percent |
| Weight: 4.4 pounds |
| Brace Height: 7 inches |
| Axle-to-Axle Length: 35 inches |
| Speed: 270 fps |
| Draw Weights: 50 to 70 pounds |
| Draw Lengths: 26 to 30 inches |
| Finishes: Black, Camo Green |
| Suggested Retail: check price |
PROS:
- Different Packages to choose from
- Well-built
- Good Value
CONS:
- Lacks the draw length wide adjustability of other compound bows
- Heavier draw weight (50-70 lbs)
The draw length runs from 26 to 30 inches, and there is a 35-inch axle to axle length too. The draw weight is adjustable by modifying the tightness of a bolt used for this express purpose.
Due to its rather limited adjustability, this bow is not suitable for kids. If you are looking for a youth bow click here.
The weight can be set as low as 50 lbs and as high as 70 lbs. The maximum speed is 270 FPS, which will be plenty fast enough for more archers not wishing for an arrow to not stick hard into the target because its velocity was insufficient when reaching the target.
You can either buy the bare bow or different bow packages.
Best Target Bows Comparison Table
| BOW | IBO Speed | ATA Length | Brace Height | Draw Length | Draw Weight | Mass Weight |
| Infinite Edge Pro | 320 fps | 31″ | 7″ | 13″-31″ | 5-70 pounds | 3.2 pounds |
| Bear Cruzer G2 | 315 fps | 30″ | 6.5″ | 12″-30″ | 5-70 pounds | 3.0 pounds |
| SAS Rage | 270 fps | 35″ | 7″ | 26″-30″ | 50-70 pounds | 4.4 pounds |
| PSE Stinger MAX | 312 fps | 30″ | 7″ | 21.5″-30″ | 28-70 pounds | 4.0 pounds |
The Best Target Compound Bow
Compounds And The Olympics
Compound bows are excluded from Olympic Games participation since only recurve bows are sanctioned for use in Olympic-level competitions.
In contrast, compound bows find favor in various other target shooting competitions, including
- the World Archery Championships
- the World Archery Indoor Championships
- the World Archery Field Championships
- and the World Games.
Best Target Bow 2023
So, you want the real thing? Most top bow manufacturers offer compound target bows, usually costing between $800 and $2000.
In no particular order:
HOYT Archery – Best Competition Compound Bows
HOYT offers several different compound bows specially designed for target shooting when we are writing this article.
- Invicta 37 SVX
- Invicta 37 DCX
- Invicta 40 SVX
- Invicta 40 DCX
- Altus DCX
- Altus SVX
- FX Comp SVX
- FX Comp DCX
Learn more at Hoyt´s website about Hoyt Compound Bows.
Bowtech
Bowtech has five (four) compound bows specially manufactured for competitive target shooting to choose from:
- Reckoning 38
- Reckoning
- Specialist II
- Revolt X
- BT-Mag X
Learn more at Bowtech´s website
Elite Archery
Elite archery lets you choose from two models.
- Rezult
- Rezult 36
Learn more at Elite Archery´s website
Martin Archery Best Target Compound Bows 2022
- Legend 730
- Axxon 36
- NXT 39
- NXT 40
- NXT 8
- ANAX 3D
- ANAX 3D LTE
- ANAX 38
Learn more at Martin Archery´s website
Distances Outdoor Target Archery
During outdoor target archery competitions, distances vary depending on the bow you are using:
- Compound Archers 50 meters
- Recurve Archers 70 meters
- Barebow Archers 50 meters
Distances Indoor Target Archery
For indoor championships, the distance is typically 20 yards (18.29m)
If you have a large enough back garden, you can set up your own shooting range. Alternatively, a large basement makes for an ideal indoor range too.
Shooting with a compound bow at a target is physically easier (no matter your age). That is because compounds offer a let-off, making it easier to hold at full draw. With an instructor guiding you, even a novice archer could hit the bull’s eye (or close to it) pretty fast (probably not at 20 yards).
What Else: Archery Target
There are many different types of archery targets on the market. It is important to know what type of target you want before making a purchase.
The first thing to consider is the type of bow you use for target practice. Maybe you want to practice with a 3D Target, which is more fun than shooting at some plain block, foam target, or bag target.
The type of target best suited to your needs will depend on what bow and style you use and other factors, such as the length of time the target will be used or whether it should primarily be used indoors or outdoors.
If you shoot a target compound bow, you should choose a target made specifically for compounds.
Compound Bows tend to be more powerful and, hence, have a bigger impact on the target. If you are shooting a recurve bow, your targets will probably last longer.
A durable target is always better than one that will fall apart after only a couple of shots.
Definitions
parts of a compound bow
Speed Rating (IBO & ATA)
IBO: Was invented by the International Bowhunting Organization (IBO). Was intended to standardize a method to measure bow speeds.
Measured in feet per second (fps). A speed at which an arrow with a weight of 5 grains per pound of draw weight is released from a bow.
Draw length and draw weight are not specified. Most manufacturers conduct their test at 70lbs. but 80lbs. could be used too – as long as arrow weight is adjusted.
ATA: Stands for Archery Trade Association (ATA). Another attempt to further standardize bow speed designations. Tend to be more reliable because their metric is based on draw weight, draw length, and arrow weight.
Let-Off %
When you draw your bow to the fullest and hit the back wall. The weight you will have to hold at full draw is reduced.
This reduction is called Let-Off. The higher the percentage the lesser weight you need to hold. Example: 70 pounds of draw weight and a Let-Off of 80% results in you holding only 14 pounds.
You do still need to be able to pull 70 pounds during your draw cycle – until you reach full draw – that is when the Let-Off kicks in.
Axle-to-Axle (ATA)
Basically the distance from the tip of your upper bow limb to the lower bow limb. In compounds, it´s the distance between the cams (that operate on an axle).
Brace Height
The distance between the deepest part of your grip and the bowstring. Greater brace heights result in more forgiving bows. Why? The arrow leaves the string earlier = less time to mess up.
Minimum & Maximum Draw Weight
| Draw Weight | Body Type |
| >65 pounds | strong men (>190 lbs.) |
| 55 – 65 pounds | average men (160 – 190 lbs.) |
| 45 – 55 pounds | strong women (>160 lbs.) |
| 45 – 55 pounds | small frame men (120 – 160 lbs.) |
| 35 – 50 pounds | average women and older teenagers (130 – 150 lbs.) |
| 25 – 35 pounds | small frame women and stronger kids (100 – 130 lbs.) |
| 15 – 25 pounds | younger kids (70 – 100 lbs.) |
Modern compound bows let you choose your draw weight. The higher the draw weight, the more strength you´ll need to pull the bow to full draw.
Right or Left-Handed Archers
Depending on which hand you use to pull back the string, you are either a left-handed archer or a right-handed archer. People that are right-handed (write with the right, play tennis holding the rack in your right hand) are right-handed archers.
Bows are either made for right or left-handed archers. Grip, arrow rest, etc. will be different on a righty or lefty bow.
Cam Style
Basically, you have different cam styles. The cams are what makes a bow a compound bow!
- Single cam system – One round wheel at the top of the bow, power cam at the bottom
- Hybrid-cam system – Two elliptical cams, power cam at the bottom and control cam at the top
- Binary-cam system – Two elliptical cams, self-correcting any imbalances, introduced by Bowtech
- Twin-cam system – Two symmetrical round or elliptical wheels. One at the top, the other at the bottom. Need more maintenance, offer high accuracy and speed.
