For any new archer who is thinking about getting into archery, the seemingly simple task of choosing the best compound bows from among the many manufacturer’s, brands, and models on the market can be a daunting task, to say the least!
But, if a prospective archer was to first look at bow manufacturer’s web sites such as Bowtech, Mathews, and Precision Shooting Equipment (PSE), then they might very well decide to give up on the sport before ever getting started due to today’s excessively high prices for top of the line compound bows.
In fact, most novice archers are specifically looking for a moderately priced compound bow that, while it may not have all of the fancy features of a top of the line compound bow, will still perform well and shoot accurately. Therefore, below you will find five compound bows that all have MSRP’s under $100 and which are all manufactured by well-known bow manufacturers.
Plus, each bow and is constructed from high-quality materials and, some of them even incorporate some of the technologies used on their more expensive cousins. Thus, all five bows meet the criteria of a moderately priced compound bow that will perform well and shoot accurately.
What To Look For In A Compound Bow
When looking for a great compound bow, consider the following factors:
- Draw weight: The amount of force required to draw the bowstring back to its full length.
- Draw length: The distance from the bow grip to the bowstring when it’s fully drawn back.
- Axle-to-axle length: The length of the bow from one cam to the other.
- Let-off: The percentage of the draw weight that is reduced at full draw.
- Brace height: The distance between the bowstring and the grip of the bow.
- Cam system: The type of cam system will affect the bow’s performance, speed, and smoothness.
- Bow weight: The total weight of the bow, including accessories.
- Quality of materials: Look for bows made of high-quality materials, such as carbon fiber, aluminum, and high-grade woods.
- Brand reputation: Consider the reputation of the manufacturer and their track record of producing quality bows.
- Price: Compound bows can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, so determine your budget before making a purchase.
Top 5 Best Selling Compound Bows
- Designed in collaboration with The Hunting Public, the Adapt 2 Compound Bow is designed to excel in real-world hunting scenarios
- Features the ultimate Ready-To-Hunt package from Trophy Ridge with an IMS V-Biscuit rest, a Picatinny-mounted 4 pin sight, a 5 arrow quiver, a stabilizer, peep sight, and wrist sling
- Draw length range of 24 to 31 inches and poundage options from 55 to 70 pounds, catering to a diverse range of archers
- The reliable Single Cam system, capable of speeds up to 320 feet per second, ensures seamless performance tailored to individual preferences
- Enhanced with KillerWave limb dampeners and featuring a Bear Paw Grip for comfort and precision, every draw feels instinctual. Plus, each purchase includes a complimentary On-X 3-month Elite...
- DESIGNED BY THE HUNTING PUBLIC: The ADAPT was a joint project between Bear Archery and the entire Hunting Public crew
- INDUSTRY'S SMOOTHEST DRAW CYCLE: Features a single cam with a forgiving 80% let off
- PERFECT FOR ANY HUNTING STYLE: The 32" axle-to-axle, ergonomic soft-touch grip, and 6.5" brace height make the ADAPT a great option for spot and stalk, blind, or saddle hunting.
- READY TO HUNT: The ADAPT comes Ready to Hunt including a sight, rest, stabilizer, and quiver from Trophy Ridge.
- BEAR PAW COMFORT GRIP: All-new for the ADAPT bow, the Bear Paw grip offers hunters an ergonomic and comfortable shooting grip
- Bow-mounted auto-ranging digital sight automatically measures distance to the target and provides a precise LED pin for the shot
- Designed for easy setup with microadjustments for elevation, windage and laser reticle alignment
- Automatically creates pin stack from 0 yards to the maximum distance for your bow based on arrow speed and calibration points
- Dynamic level feature delivers leveling info right at the pin with variable sensitivity based on shot distance, so you can stay focused on the shot
- Quick detach feature lets you easily remove and reconnect the sight from the bow riser for travel
- PACKAGE - New Dragon 10 compound bow package comes with a advanced 3-pin sight, a drop away arrow rest, a stabilizer and a quiver. Complete full kit design, matched suitably, more accurate.
- CONSTRUCTION - Sanlida Dragon 10 hunting compound bow is designed with a front bridge and effective brace height, which provide the most stable and smooth shooting experience; Anti-slip rubber bow...
- APPLICABLE - The hunting bow cam adopts a hybrid wheel system, leading to increased accuracy. Optional and adjustable draw length and draw weight without needing a bow press. A specialized hunting...
- SPECIFICATIONS - Brace Height 6.4", Axle-to-Axle 33.5", Draw Weight 60-70lbs, Draw Length 27"-30"(Each 0.5" adjustment), IBO Speed 340 fps, Net Weight: 5 lbs, String Length 58.72" , Control Cable...
- MATERIAL - CNC machined compound bow riser; 100% CNC machined cams and modules with the 6061 T6 aluminum; Bow string and cables are made of BCY-452X; Bow sight is made of 6061 T6 aluminum and carbon...
- LIGHTWEIGHT - The most technologically advanced bow ever offered by the Diamond brand. Weighing in at only 3.2 pounds, the Deploy SB features an aerospace-inspired carbon riser, for minimal weight and...
- EQUIPPED WITH PATENTED SYSTEM - The Bowtech Binary Cam System, powers the Deploy SB at speeds up to 330 feet per second, while giving exceptional tuneability, and simple, hassle-free adjustment of...
- MAXIMUM ACCURACY - The Binary Cam System is comprised of two perfectly symmetrical cams that are slaved to each other, forcing the cams to turn in perfect synchronization. This provides flawless nock...
- ADJUSTABLE DRAW LENGTH - A rotating module design, the Deploy SB offers easy, wide-ranging draw length adjustment and an infinite draw stop without requiring a new cam or module to change lengths....
- R.A.K. PACKAGE - The package includes Octane Bantam 5-Arrow Quiver, Octane Stryker 5 Pin Sight, Octane Boost 5 Inch Stabilizer, Octane Octagon Rest, Diamond Wrist Strap, Carbon Peep; NOTE: bowstring...
Conclusion
So, when considering the purchase the best compound bows, aside from the cost of the bow, it is also important to keep in mind the five factors of the bow’s ATA or IBO arrow speed, the bow’s axle-to-axle length, the type of limbs it has, the type of cam system it has and, the overall weight of the bow.
That way, by taking into account all of these factors, you will be far more likely to choose a bow that you really like and will continue to shoot.
The five bows listed above really do represent the cream of the crop when it comes to inexpensive compound bows. Choosing one of them is perfect for a new archer.
If you go hunting with your new bow and shoot some game, why not grind and prepare your own meat? You can find our picks for top meat grinders here.