If you are that kind of a person who feels excited when it’s about hunting and practice shooting, the search for a good quality compound bow might bring you here. The terms and technical specifications related can confuse you as you aren't yet familiar with these.
Herein, finding the best compound bow for beginners can be a tiresome job to do as it requires you to dig deep into a lot of stuff.
To make things easy, I have made this list of top-rated contenders that will surely assist in building your initial skills.
10 Best Compound Bow for Beginners Comparison:
Image | Product Name | Bow Weight (lbs) | Velocity (FPS) | Draw Weight (lbs) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Genesis Original Kit | 3.53 | 170 | 20 to 10 | |
 | Diamond Archery Infinite | 3.1 | 310 | 5 to 70 | |
 | Leader Accessories | 2.2 | 129 | 19 to 29 | |
 | Southland Archery Supply | 4.4 | 270 | 55 to 70 | |
 | Bear Archery Cruzer | 3.2 | 290 | 5 to 45 | |
 | Gen-X Bow | 5 | Cell | 25 to 40 | |
 | Compound Bow Topoint | 3.31 | 320 | 19 to 70 | |
 | BARNETT Vortex | 4 | 280 | 19 to 45 | |
 | Leader Accessories | 3.3 | 296 | 30 to 55 | |
 | Predator Archery RAPTOR | 3.6 | 315 | 30 to 70 |
10 Best Compound Bow for Beginners Review:
The selected compound bows are very user-friendly to both beginners as well as teenagers and kids. All the products given below are made of high-quality materials.
1. Genesis Original Kit
Those who are already familiar with the world of archery, Genesis isn't a new name to them. In fact, Genesis holds a strong position as they are the official bow sponsor of NASP: National Archery in the Schools Program.
Specifications
This is the best-selling bow from the manufacturer, which will accompany your archery purpose regardless of your skill or age. There is no specific draw length, which makes it a lot easier for kids and those who don’t have many athletic abilities.
Due to the single-cam technology construction, you don’t have to struggle with the tuning issue. The bow makes less noise with relatively less recoil as well.
Although it’s a beginner level compound bow, the accuracy is unmatched. You will be able to shoot with much accuracy.
As the title goes, you will get a number of accessories with the bow. This is something that beginners are very pleased with, the more accessories a package includes, the happier they are.
With that being said, you will get a T6 aluminum riser, cam and idler wheel made of aluminum, high-strength strings, sturdy limbs. In addition to that, an adjustable arm guard, belt tube quiver, 5 aluminum made arrows, and 3/16 inches’ hex wrench will also come with the package.
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2. Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro Bow Package
The infinite edge compound bow is the best selling bow of all time from Diamond. It allows the shooter to shoot regardless of the height. As the bow offers a wide range of draw lengths, people of different ages will be able to shoot arrows effortlessly.
Specifications
To meet the demand of heterogeneous shooters, Diamond archery offers a wide range of draw lengths from 13 to 31 inches.
Adjustable draw weight allows both kids and adults to play and have fun with shooting arrows. Thankfully, the manufacturer offers adjustable draw weight from 5 to 70 lbs, which is very convenient regardless of the shooters' capabilities.
As far as the construction is concerned, the bow is made of solid one-piece machined aluminum. It feels lightweight but durable enough to outstand abuses as well. You can surely rely on its high-quality construction.
The bow weighs 3.1 lbs, and it means that all men, women, and children will have no issue using it comfortably whatsoever. Due to its lightweight construction, you can carry it for prolonged hours without having arm straining issues at all.
Its texturized and hardwearing rubber grip assures you of no shakiness during release. The grip is perfect for hands of pretty much all sizes, including left-handed persons too.
This bow also features a redesigned cam system; it ensures that you are able to draw the string flawlessly and take straight shots every time.
Considering its durable construction, accuracy, and features, this can be the best beginner hunting bow.
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3. Leader Accessories – Compound Bow 19-29lbs 24”-26”
Getting a beginner level compound bow can be a tough task as the bow cannot be too complicated to use or act as an obstacle to develop your archery skills. Leader Accessories present you with a compound bow that is easy to use for archers of all ages and sizes regardless of the skills.
Specifications
The bow offers you a draw weight that ranges from 19 to 29 lbs. As per your demand, you have the option to adjust the weight to make archery more comfortable for you. Simply use an enclosed Allen wrench to adjust the weight, and you are good to go.
To meet the demands of different individuals, this compound bow comes with a draw length that ranges from 24 to 26 inches.
Apart from target practicing, you can use it for hunting purposes as well. Its 129 FPS speed manages to get you relatively accurate shots within a smaller range. To keep things less complicated, the bow allows 65% let-off, which is easily attainable regardless of shooters' capability.
As the axle to axle length is about 32 inches, you can use the bow for target shooting and close-range hunting purposes without much trouble.
The bow features an aluminum riser, which assures you of its durability. You shouldn’t have any issues regarding this matter.
With the package, you will get 2 pieces of fiberglass arrows of 26 inches each, finger tab, quiver, and armguard.
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4. Southland Archery Supply SAS Outrage 70 Lbs 30”
Some beginners always prefer to push harder from the very beginning, to meet their expectations, this compound bow from Southland Archery Supply comes at number 4 position on the list.
Specifications
If more strength, speed, and impact are what you want, the bow can be a great value during your initial learning stage.
As the draw weight ranges between 55 to 70 lbs, you will be able to take more impactful shots to hunt down prey within a few seconds. The draw weight is adjustable; so, you don’t have to worry if you want to go for lower or even higher weight.
Its 26 to 30 inches of draw length, makes the bow easy to handle for most beginners. However, the bow can be difficult for kids or teenagers to handle. If you have long arms, you are good to go regardless of your age.
Great speed comes with great responsibilities; with this bow, the responsibility addresses to your hunting skill. With a speed of 270 feet per second, your arrow will hit the target with high accuracy in less time.
The bow features a compressed ABS limb, which is sturdier than typical plastic. As a beginner, you will not face much trouble at getting used to the limb.
If you are planning to carry the bow for hunting purposes, its 4.4 pounds of weight shouldn't make you feel tired even if you walk for prolonged hours carrying this piece of gear.
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5. Bear Archery Cruzer Lite Compound Bow
No matter how expensive and attractive gears you buy for your kids, they will always want to get their hands on your gears. When you have this compound bow from Bear Archery, both you and your kids can practice target shooting regardless of the skills.
Specifications
The bow offers unmatched versatility that allows you to adjust it for adults as well as children. You can easily handle a draw length of 27 inches; but, this is something your child might not be able to handle. To make things easy, you have the option to adjust the length down to 12 inches for the little champ.
As far as the draw weight is concerned, superior adjustability allows you to pull the arrow as per your capability while not disappointing the little one too. The draw weight on this bow is adjustable from 5 to 45 lbs. You need to use an Allen wrench to make adjustments; no need to use a bow press whatsoever.
Its 27 1/8 inches axle to axle distance makes it pretty much effortless for children and teenagers to shoot arrows out of it. Considering the capabilities of kids and teenagers, this one is the best bow for beginners.
Accuracy also depends on how well you can hold the bow. As for this gear, the manufacturer implemented advanced grip design that eliminates hand torque that ensures great accuracy for little champs.
Although the bow seems smaller, it can shoot arrows up to 290 FPS, which is great for both you and the youngster.
The bow comes with a number of accessories that will surely make you even happier. You will get sight, peep sight, quiver, stabilizer, nock loop, and whisker inside the package.
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6. Gen-X Bow – RH/LH
Simple, yet powerful enough, Gen-X bow can be a great choice to enhance your initial archery skill to the pro level. Its simple design and functionality will not seem a hassle to most beginners. However, the performance you will get from the bow is top-notch.
Specifications
The bow offers an even smoother draw cycle to make sure you shoot the arrows at a faster speed while not compromising the comfort as well as forgiveness. Due to its lightweight design, you will not face any issue even if you walk carrying it for a prolonged period.
To provide enough stability to take shots more precisely, this one has a distance of 35 ½ inches axle to axle. It allows you to persuade for long-distance targets without much trouble.
You will get a draw weight up to 40 lbs; this adds great velocity to each arrow you shoot. However, you have the option to lower the weight down to 25 lbs. Use a 3/16 inches hex wrench for all necessary adjustments. For upcoming hunting and target shooting season, it can be a great companion to consider.
To pro shooters, let-off is a considerable factor. No matter whether you have short or long arms, its let-off design will go pretty well with your capabilities.
For more convenience, you can adjust its draw length from 21 to 30 inches. This allows people of different skills to be able to take successful shots every time.
Its aluminum made rise, idler wheel, cam, and composite limbs make it one of the most durable compound bow on the list.
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7. Compound Bow Topoint Archery Package M1 19”-30”
Some beginner-level compound bows are of premium quality and fully packed with features. This one from Topoint is one of those bows. It has a solid construction to rely on, and impressive features that can easily enhance your initial archery experience.
Specifications
Let's talk about its construction quality first. This bow is one of the finest creations of the manufacturer. The entire bow is mostly made of aluminum. To ensure high stiffness while keeping the set lightweight, the aluminum alloy was used on some of its parts.
Like most durable bows, the limb of this one is made of composites, which also contributes to keeping the weight as light as possible.
You can adjust the draw weight between 19 to 70 lbs. Its big adjustability allows both adults and children to practice target shooting without giving much effort.
To meet the capabilities of different individuals, the length is adjustable from 19 to 30 inches. No matter whether you are a taller individual or you have someone shorter at home, this adjustable length feature is a great advantage to have.
A higher percentage of let-off allows you to take shots with much speed, requiring minimal effort. If you have a broad arm, you can take advantage of this and let-off the bow 80% to make shots more precise and accurate.
With the package, you will get lots of useful accessories to make your beginner level archery training more fruitful and enjoyable.
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8. BARNETT Vortex 45-Pounds Youth Archery Bow
This archery bow from well-reputed crossbow manufacturing company Barnett offers you pretty much everything that you need to kick off your archery journey. The bow comes with a similar design and function like most high-end compound bows from Barnett.
Specifications
You can customize and adjust all necessary things that you require to shot arrows precisely without putting much effort. The bow allows you to choose a draw weight between 19 to 45 lbs.
In addition, like most other bows on the list, you can adjust the draw length as well. Go with a length between 21 to 27 inches that suits your capability the most.
Adjusting was never easy before; you can effortlessly adjust using draw modules – no need of bow press at all.
As we are talking about a beginner level compound bow, the let-off isn’t that high. However, it provides enough versatility for beginners. Whether you have long or short arms, you can go with 60 to 70% of let-off to take more precise shots.
The bow can deliver you hours of shooting time even for a prolonged period without tiring your arms because of its lightweight construction.
You will get a carrying case, including a bow arrow holder and three arrows.
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9. Leader Accessories Compound Bow 30-55lbs
Another compound bow from Leader Accessories bow manufacturing company. Unfortunately, the bow only offers right-hand orientation. It has great shooting speed, versatile adjustments, durable construction, and great features to assist you during your initial archery stage.
Specifications
Most compound bows offer draw weight adjustment for convenience; that isn't an exception with this bow as well. Between 30 to 55 lbs. of draw weight, you can choose to go with one that feels more comfortable and easy to you.
Furthermore, the length is adjustable from 19 to 29 inches as per your shooting requirement. Adjustment is pretty easy on this one; all you require is an Allen wrench, bow press isn’t needed.
Mostly made of aluminum, including the raiser, the bow feels pretty robust and durable. You can rely on its construction regardless of your intensity of practice shooting.
70% let-off will do fine for most beginners. Even you have short arms, you will still find the let-off delivering your necessary speed.
With a speed of 296 FPS, target shooting, as well as hunting with this bow, will be much enjoyable.
The bow weighs 3.3 lbs only; so, even if you have to carry it for a prolonged period, your arm will not feel tiring at all. You have the option to go with a bow+kit package that includes all necessary and useful gears and accessories to make your outdoor hunting more appealing.
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10. Predator Archery RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow Kit
Last but not least, a feature-packed compound bow for beginners. Its impressive specs, as well as robust construction, make it the best beginner compound bow for hunting on the list.
Specifications
Although pretty much all compound bow comes with adjustable draw weight, adjustment system isn’t that easy. This bow allows you to adjust its draw weight from 30 to 70 lbs as per shooters’ ability. You don’t require a bow press to make adjustments.
For your convenience, the manufacturer also offers draw length adjustments. Between 24.5 to 31 inches, the bow will provide some comfortable shooting experience regardless of the ages.
The thing I like about this bow the most is its construction quality. You get fully machined aluminum made cams that ensure durability. Unlike average beginner bows, this one doesn’t include any plastic part on cams whatsoever.
Even though axle to axle distance is about 30 inches, the bow doesn’t feel that heavy. As it only weighs 3.6 lbs you will not feel uncomfortable carrying the bow for extended hours of hunting.
As far as hunting purposes are concerned, speed is a must-have thing. Thankfully, this bow can shoot arrows at 315 FPS, which boosts to 350 FPS with grain arrow. You will find the bow precise and accurate to hunt down the prey.
Due to its 75% let-off, you don’t need to put much effort into pulling back the string. Even if you decide to go with 70 lbs of draw weight, it will be like pulling only 17.5 lbs because of its high let-off feature.
Its split yoke tuning system will make sure the adjustments are precise, and arrows are making proper flights.
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What to Look for Before Buying?
You just cannot go and purchase or order a compound bow that looks attractive to you. There are lots of things involved when it's about getting the best bow for beginners. Here are things you need to look for while buying a bow –
Draw Weight
If you are not yet familiar with the term, draw weight refers to the amount of force you require to pull back the string. A compound bow that has a low draw weight is easier to pull, but you cannot make more precise shots as there is little force created when you pull it back.
On the other hand, the string of a bow with a high draw weight – for example, 60 lbs, will be a bit hard to pull back but will produce greater force and speed to reach to the target.
As you are a beginner, the suggestion would be to go with a bow that offers a moderate amount of draw weight. For kids, the minimum would be better. Your muscles will require time to be able to cope up with high-intensity shootings that require higher draw weight.
There are some general guidelines to follow regarding the matter –
- 20 to 25 lbs for men and women between 18 to 21 years of age
- 30 to 35 lbs for men above 22 years of age
- 25 to 30 lbs for women above 22 years of age
Draw Length
Measuring your draw length is very crucial before you make the final purchase. The term addresses how far you can pull back the string while holding a bow.
To find your draw length, stand straight and stretch both your arms so that you look like a T. Ask someone to measure the distance in inches between the middle fingertip of your right and the middle fingertip of the left hand. Now, divide the number by 2.5; that’s your draw length.
If you have longer draw length, you will need a larger gear. Similarly, if someone has a low draw length, a smaller bow will fit that person the most.
Right Bow Length
Bow length is the distance between one axle to another axle on a bow. The length of the bow will depend on your purpose of use. In general, shorter compound bows serve hunting purposes the best. It's easier to go through brush and woods with a smaller bow, and it’s difficult to walk in the wilderness with a larger bow.
Most target shooters prefer using a larger bow. However, there will always be room for exceptional cases; you might find it easier to use a larger bow for hunting, and someone can shoot more precisely with a smaller bow for target practicing.
Riser Material
It’s the most essential part of an entire bow. Other parts of the gear are attached to it. Riser was mostly made of aluminum. High-end bows have aluminum alloy made riser these days. Whatever it is, the riser needs to be sturdy enough to outstand the pressure when it's fully drawn.
Besides, it needs to be lightweight so that you can lift the bow and shoot again and again without tiring the arm.
Limbs
Both ends of the riser are attached to limbs. These are the two parts that hold the string. The energy when you draw the bow fully, largely depends on limbs.
There are different types of limbs to choose from. Most durable and sturdy limbs are made of a single piece of material, mostly fiberglass.
On the flip side, split limbs last longer than solid limbs due to their strong building properties.
Parallel limbs are attached to both ends of a bow in a parallel state. Unlike the D-shaped limbs, this type doesn’t produce enough recoil. However, they are quieter than other types. Parallel construction and silence are the primary reason why bowhunters prefer using this type of limb.
Therefore, make sure the limbs are made of good quality material and feel lightweight at the same time for convenient usability.
Cams
The key part that distinguishes a compound bow from other types is the cams. These are the discs that are attached at both ends of the limbs.
When you pull the string back, cams help to reduce a significant amount of weight; thus, you can pull back easily. The pulley mechanism of cams allows the archers to create a substantial amount of force that results in a faster release. Cams also increases the speed and take the arrow even further.
Compound bows come with different types of cams, and each one serves its purpose the best. The round wheel cams provide you more precision than other types. At the same time, the hard oval-shaped cams are for those who prefer speed over precision.
Cam Systems
It refers to the way cams are paired on a compound bow. Cam systems are of various types –
- Single Cam System
Here, the top limb is attached to a round idler wheel. The bottom part of the limb includes an oval-shaped elliptical cam. This system is easy to set up and requires less maintenance effort.
- Twin Cam System
This system includes two cams at the top and bottom part of the limbs. These cams are of the same type. The system is handy for speed and precision.
- Hybrid Cam System
The mechanism features two differently shaped elliptical cams. Its top cam ensures the stability of the string, and the bottom cam allows the arrow to reach the target faster.
There are some other types of cam systems. Due to their complicated setup, it's not recommended for beginners to have such a system on their compound bow.
Let-off
It's a must-have feature regarding bowhunting purposes. When you draw back the string, you will feel that at a certain point, holding the string back feels a lot easier. Let-off is the feature that makes it easy for you to hold the string.
For hunting purposes, you might need to hold the string back for more than usual. A higher percentage of let-off ensures that your arms don't feel tiring even when you are aiming for an extended period of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe for my kid to shoot archery?
Your kid can spend some quality time shooting archery. However, there should be someone near for supervision purposes. Otherwise, your little one can get hurt. When you and your kid practice archery together, it will create a strong bond between you.
What are the differences between a men’s and women’s compound bow?
There is no visual difference. However, women require less draw weight than men. So, both men and women can practice using one compound bow, but the draw weight needs to be adjusted to meet the strength adequately.
A compound bow or a recurve bow, which one is better for hunting?
As compound bows can shoot arrows much faster and are more powerful than recurve bows, as far as hunting is concerned, compound bows serve this purpose the best.
How far can a compound bow shoot?
Technically, a compound bow can shoot around 1000 ft. However, the furthest shot recorded on this type of bow was 930 ft.
As far as precise and accurate shooting is concerned, such a bow can effectively shoot within the range of 30 to 60 yards, depending on the specifications.
What are the most well-reputed compound bow manufacturers?
Brands such as Barnett, Diamond Archery, Southland Archery, Parker Bows, Hoyt, Mathews, PSE Archery, etc. make the most high-end and top-class compound bows.
Final Words
As a beginner, you don’t require a high-end archery gear; it will make things even more complicated. Stick to basics, and gradually increase your skills.
Our list of the best compound bow for beginners include beginner level gears that focus on keeping things less complicated so that you can develop your ability in an enjoyable way.
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