Ready to purchase your first compound bow? This comprehensive guide will take you through choosing the ideal compound bow for your needs and budget based on our independent testing.
Whether you’re a beginner just starting or an experienced archer looking for a new challenge, we’ve got you covered.
I tested most bows hands-on! Make sure to read my in-depth single reviews as well!
My favorite bows are listed below, but keep reading to learn more about what to look for when purchasing. Happy hunting!
I tested most of the bows we are reviewing here in real life. Yes, I went and sent some arrows downrange! The following is an honest look at what worked for me regarding features or functionality, so feel free to check out our single hands-on reviews too.
+ BEST HUNTING BOW FOR THE MONEY – Bear Archery Divergent EKO. This bow manages to combine lightning-quick performance, compact design, and previously unheard-of adjustability, all into a single package.
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+ BEGINNER BOW – Diamond Infinite Edge. Great range of adjustability that is quite impressive, featuring a variable draw length of 15”-31” and a draw weight range of 7-70 pounds.
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+ BOW FOR YOUTH – Diamond Prism. This bow offers a range of adjustability that is second to none and comes fully outfitted with all of the accessories that your young outdoorsman or woman needs to begin their journey.
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+ GREAT VALUE- Diamond Archery SB 1. The SB-1 is based on Diamond’s enormously popular Edge platform and offers outstanding performance at an exceptional value
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+ FASTEST BOW – PSE Bow Madness Unleashed. This bow features a blistering fast ATA speed of 340 FPS. Even more appealing is that this PSE bow looks and feels as good as it shoots.
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+ BEST WOMEN – Diamond Carbon Knockout. A bow that is specifically engineered for the female archer, offers lightweight handling, notable performance, and a striking appearance in a single package.
Understanding Compound Bows: A Look at the Top Bows for Archery and Hunting
No one likes to spend more money on gear than necessary, so we have gathered and tested affordable bows firsthand.
These are all compound bows that offer great performance at an unbeatable price! We review everything from beginner models to more advanced ones.
The bows in our test lineup have unique qualities, so read through them all before choosing!
BEST VALUE BOW: Bear Archery Divergent EKO
Bear Archery Divergent EKO – Our Winner
Not too long ago we had the chance to put the Divergent EKO to a proper bow test.
While on the range, we didn´t notice any rough spots or points of hesitation within the draw cycle. With a weight of around 4.1lbs, the Divergent EKO is a relatively light and easy to carry bow.
This EKO is not as adjustable as the Bear Cruzer G2, for example. But the fact that you can choose from two different limb packages (45-60 lbs. and 55-70 lbs.) and its high IBO speed rating of 338 FPS make this bow absolutely our favorite bow on this list.
If you want to read more, check out our in-depth Hands-On Review of the Bear Divergent EKO.
And yes, one of the most talked-about features of the Bear Divergent EKO is its adjustable let-off factor of up to 90%.
This compact bow is very versatile and can most accurately be described as one with an aggressive performance. The bow has Max Preload Quad Limbs attached to the riser by machined aluminum limb pockets.
Bear Archery Divergent EKO Specifications
Published Specs
| Let-Off: up to 90 percent |
| Weight: 4.1 pounds |
| Brace Height: 6.5 inches |
| Axle-to-Axle Length: 30 inches |
| Speed: 338 fps |
| Draw Weights: 45-60 or 55-70 pounds |
| Draw Lengths: 26 to 30 inches |
| Finishes: TrueTimber Strata |
| Suggested Retail: check price |
Short Recap
The Divergent EKO is perfect for whitetail hunting, big game hunting, and everything in between. Well, we liked what we found! So as of right now, we would go so far as to declare the Divergent EKO the best bow on this list!
Here’s why: It’s affordable, the quality is excellent, it got a lot of speed (up to 338 fps), and it´s available in different configurations.
Perfect Bow for Beginners: Diamond Infinite Edge 320
Diamond Archery Infinite Edge 320 – Perfect for Beginner
This bow is derived from the infinite edge pro model bow that spawned Diamond’s success in the mid-2000s.
It´s an awesome bow not only for deer hunting but also for hobby shooting too. Make a note that this model offers a pretty smooth draw cycle.
Check out my in-depth and hands-on review of the Infinite Edge 320.
You will be hard-pressed to find a better beginner compound bow anywhere on the planet than the Diamond Infinite Edge Pro.
This exact platform has remained the company’s flagship ever since. Most of this fanfare stems from Edge’s one-size-fits-all form. A high point of the Diamond Archery Infinite Edge is the bow’s immense adjustability and its draw cycle.
The adjustable draw weight settings range from 5-70 pounds, while the bow’s draw length can be adjusted from 13”-31”.
These features allow archers of all ages and experience levels to enjoy all the Diamond Infinite Edge offers. The bow is available with a right-hand or left-hand configuration.
Diamond Archery Edge 320 Specifications
Published Specs
| Let-Off: 85 percent |
| Brace Height: 7 1/4 inches |
| Weight: 3.6 pounds |
| Axle-to-Axle Length: 32 inches |
| Speed: 320 fps |
| Draw Weights: 7 to 70 pounds |
| Draw Lengths: 15 to 31 inches |
| Finishes: Mossy Oak Break-Up finish, Black and Purple Blaze Finish |
| Suggested Retail: check price |
Features:
- Easily adjustable for use by archers of all ages
- Redesigned cam system for smooth draw cycle
- Stabilizer for perfect balance
Short Recap
Although this bow is somewhat of a no-frills model, it is still offered in a R.A.K. package with the necessary accessories to start your archery endeavors.
The included sight, arrow rest, stabilizer, quiver, peep sight, and D-loop will allow your bow to be set up quickly, getting you on the range much faster than you would have ever thought possible.
read.. Best Compound Bow Under 500
Youth Bow: Diamond Prism
Diamond Prism Bow – Perfect for Younger Archers
This bow offers a range of adjustability that is second to none and comes fully outfitted with all the accessories your young outdoorsman or woman needs to begin their journey. This bow also works well for target practice.
Interested in more information about the Diamond Prism? I did an in-depth, hands-on review of the Diamond Prism Bow – Check it out!
The Diamond Prism offers youth archers everything they need to get off to an excellent start in archery.
The Prism features a draw weight range of 5-55 pounds and a draw length that adjusts from 18”- 30”. The draw cycle is good.
This creates a unique set of circumstances where any child can essentially “grow-up” with the Prism, as it accompanies them along with their archery career into adulthood.
Diamond Prism Specifications
Published Specs
| Let-Off: 80 percent |
| Weight: 3.2 pounds |
| Brace Height: 7 inches |
| Axle-to-Axle Length: 31 inches |
| Speed: 295 fps |
| Draw Weights: 5 to 55 pounds |
| Draw Lengths: 18 to 30 inches |
| Finishes: Black, Blue, Green, Purple |
| Suggested Retail: check price |
Features:
- Adjustable from child to adult
- Excellently balanced for comfort
- Comes with ready to shoot package
This bow features a 3-pin Tundra sight, captive-style arrow rest, quiver, D-loop, and peep sight.
While these are package-level accessories, they are true of decent quality, and an archer can always update these items at a later date as they see fit.
Short Recap
I do not recall a time when I shot or reviewed an entry-level youth bow that was this impressive, and any young archer will be in absolute love with its versatility of it.
I found very little wrong with Prism’s design, function, or versatility. My only gripes were its lacking accessories which can easily be replaced to suit any archer’s taste.
Diamond Archery SB-1 Edge
Diamond SB-1 Bow – Great Value
If you are looking for the deal of the century, then the Diamond Archery SB-1 Edge is the bow for you.
The SB-1, based on Diamond’s enormously popular Edge platform, offers outstanding performance at an exceptional value. I think of it as the best-value compound on this list.
In fact, I believe that this bow performs at the same level as many of Diamond’s offerings from Bowtech at half the cost.
To begin with, the range of adjustability that this bow feature is outstanding. With a draw range of 5-70 pounds and a draw length adjustment of 15”-30”, the SB-1 is truly a bow that fits any archer and is one of the best affordable bows available. I also liked its draw cycle.
Combine this with the SB-1’s lightweight 3.6-pound frame, and you have a bow that can hold its own against many offerings in the premium price range.
Diamond Deploy SB Specifications
Published Specs
| Let-Off: 80 percent |
| Weight: 3.6 pounds |
| Brace Height: 7 inches |
| Axle-to-Axle Length: 31 inches |
| Speed: 318 fps |
| Draw Weights: 7 to 70 pounds |
| Draw Lengths: 15 to 30 inches |
| Finishes: Black, Mossy Oak Country |
| Suggested Retail: check price |
Features:
- Adjusts from 5-70 pounds, for any archer
- EZ Adjust pocket system
- Excellent draw cycle
- Perfectly symmetrical cams
Also included with the purchase of a Diamond SB-1 Edge are a sight, arrow rest, stabilizer, quiver, peep sight, and D-loop. These items alone easily could save a consumer an additional $150 in accessory purchases.
Short Recap
An excellent bow at a reasonable price point. Based on Diamonds Edge platform, this bow shows an outstanding performance at an exceptional value.
The 7″ brace height will allow beginners to “get the grip” more easily and make it also a great bow for someone who hasn´t much experience yet.
Not for you? Here you´ll find our favorite takedown recurve bows…
Fastest Bow: PSE Bow Madness Unleashed
PSE Bow Madness Unleashed – up to 340 fps
Just ten years ago bows were barely breaking the 300 FPS threshold. Now, several bows on the market have bested that number substantially. One such bow is the PSE Bow Madness Unleashed.
This bow features a blistering fast ATA speed of 340 FPS. Even more appealing is that this PSE bow looks and feels as good as it shoots.
Much of this speed is due to PSE’s revolutionary 3-track binary cam. It is also worth mentioning that this cam is capable of actuating in an incredibly smooth manner, despite its aggressive profile.
This is something that is seldom experienced out of a bow that features this level of performance.
Looking for the fastest bows? Here is our article about the fastest compound bows
PSE Madness Unleashed Specifications
Published Specs
| Let-Off: 85 percent |
| Weight: 3.9 pounds |
| Brace Height: 6 inches |
| Axle-to-Axle Length: 32.375 inches |
| Speed: 340 fps |
| Draw Weights: 50 to 70 pounds |
| Draw Lengths: 25 to 30.5 inches |
| Finishes: Camo |
| Suggested Retail: check price |
Features:
- Good draw cycle
- 85% let-off
- Built on stiffer and stronger riser for comfort and speed
- Comes equipped with ready to shoot package
Short Recap
The PSE Bow Madness Unleashed also makes the perfect bow for an experienced archer. High speeds and a draw weight adjustability of 50 – 70 lbs. make this a less forgiving bow. This bow is not for you if you are a beginner …
The let-off of 85% allows any bowhunter to wait out the perfect shot without succumbing to muscle fatigue or being forced to let their bow down.
Womens Bow: Diamond Carbon Knockout
Diamond Carbon Knockout
The Diamond Carbon Knockout is a bow that is specifically engineered for the female archer, offering lightweight handling, notable performance, and a striking appearance in a single package. This women’s bow comes in multiple draw configurations, including 40, 50, and 60-pound models.
Perhaps the biggest advantage offered to the female archer by the Diamond Carbon Knockout is its ease of handling.
Weighing in at just 3.2 pounds, this bow is light enough to carry on spot and stalk hunts without becoming excessively fatigued. A compact 30” axle-to-axle measurement offers ample maneuverability.
Diamond Carbon Knockout Specifications
Published Specs
| Let-Off: 80 percent |
| Weight: 3.2 pounds |
| Brace Height: 6.75 inches |
| Axle-to-Axle Length: 30 inches |
| Speed: 302 fps |
| Draw Weights: 40, 50, 60 pounds |
| Draw Lengths: 22.5 to 27 inches |
| Finishes: Black, Mossy Oak, Mossy Oak Break Up Country, Carbon Fiber |
| Suggested Retail: check price |
Features:
- Lightweight with carbon riser design
- Synchronized binary cam system
- Nice Draw Cycle
- Compact 30″ axle-to-axle length
The Carbon Knockout features an IBO speed of 302 FPS, which is suitable for most any type of hunting situation.
Short Recap
Easy to adjust – the bow’s binary system makes tuning a breeze, keeping you on the range and in the woods, instead of sorting out poor shoot ability issues in the shop.
Specifically engineered for the female archer: ATA 30″, Draw weights from 40- 60 lbs., lightweight at 3.2 pounds.
Looking for the Best bows for women? Want to know more about the best bows for women? Check out our top 5 list.
SAS Outrage Perfect Bow
SAS Outrage – Good Priced Entry Bow
If you want to get started in compound archery but have a restrictive budget to keep in mind, the SAS Outrage Compound Bow is worth a closer look.
This bow is noteworthy because it is a technically sound bow offered at an unbelievably low price. We think it is a good bow for the price.
With an arrow speed of 270 feet per second, the SAS Outrage is not the fastest bow on the market, but it is certainly speedy enough to take any game you might decide to hunt.
Additionally, this bow’s 55-70 draw weight range and 25 – 31 inches draw length adjustment means that it is versatile enough to be used by virtually any adult archer.
SAS Outrage Specifications
Published Specs
| Let-Off: 70 percent |
| Weight: 4.4 pounds |
| Brace Height: 7 inches |
| Axle-to-Axle Length: 35 inches |
| Speed: 270 fps |
| Draw Weights: 55 to 70 pounds |
| Draw Lengths: 25 to 31 inches |
| Finishes: too many to list them all … |
| Suggested Retail: check price |
Features:
- Compressed ABS limbs
- Twin cam idlers
- Affordable price
- Smooth Draw Cycle
Short Recap
The SAS Outrage is also somewhat striking in its looks. If you were to lay it out on a table and ask a fellow archer enthusiast what they would guess the Outrage cost, they would not be able to tell that it was a budget bow by looks alone.
A series of stylish yet functional riser cutouts provide this bow with decent eye appeal.
By the way, if you´re wondering how to improve your archery skills and overall fitness, make sure to check out our posts about strength and fitness exercises for archers. And if you rather train at home, here is a comprehensive guide to an All-In-One Home Gym.
Before you go..
Well, I genuinely hope that this article was helpful in finding the best bow for your needs. I tried to cover many topics, but there is much more to it – see this article as the first step into archery and/or bowhunting.
Testing out various bows has been an exhilarating journey. The spectrum of preferences is vast, from the nimble and lightweight Hoyt Archery models to the more robust and wider axle PSE Archery options.
One thing remains constant: the unanimous agreement among archers regarding the importance of consistent accuracy and a rock-solid, dependable bow.
So, whether you’re a seasoned pro making intricate adjustments with quarter-inch increments, maybe just a single percentile or a beginner just figuring out the bow string loop, it’s crucial to consider the factors that come into play when choosing a new bow. We recommend beginners start their journey by visiting their local archery shop.
Luckily, many Hoyt Archery and PSE Archery models cater to various preferences. They offer exciting features such as split limbs, precise lean adjustment for impeccable aim, and an 80% let-off to suit your unique style.
For further enhancing their accuracy, consider pairing your chosen Hoyt Archery or PSE Archery bow with Trophy Ridge sights, renowned for their precision and reliable performance.
So, take a moment to explore the wide range of possibilities and find the perfect bow for your hunting and archery pursuits.
At BowAddicted, we’ve enjoyed assisting archers of all experience levels. Some swear by bows weighing under four pounds, while others gravitate towards models with larger axles or shorter brace heights.
Additionally, factors like the speed of bows and arrow weight significantly shape your shooting experience, regardless of whether you’re just starting or a seasoned expert.
As always, feel free to contact us if there’s anything that we can help with!
