Written By John VanDerLaan
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If you are looking for the best beginner compound bow, you've come to the right place.
We are a team of real hunters and archery instructors that actually use these bows and know which ones are the best for getting started in the sport.
Below you will find our top recommendations for adults, for youth, for women, for hunting and more.
Keep scrolling down and you will find in depth reviews of our top picks for best compound bow for beginners.
By the time you finish this article, you will have all of the knowledge you need to confidently choose a compound bow for yourself or as a gift.
Best Beginner Compound Bows At A Glance
Our Recommendations For Best Compound Bows For Beginners
Below you will find our top 3 winners in this year's bow test, with a short summary of the important features of each bow.
These are the best of the best with the versatility and adjustability to fit anyone.
They are complete kits that have everything you need to hunt or target practice.
Diamond Archery Infinite Compound Bow Package
- Extreme adjustability so that it can grow with you.
- Perfect for target shooting or hunting.
- Super Fast and lightweight.
- Package includes 3-pin sight, 3-point arrow rest, arrow quiver, peep sight, string loop and wrist sling.
The Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro is the ultimate compound bow for beginners because it is very adjustable and can be fit to anyone while allowing for growth and strength improvements, the bow can grow with you.
Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Compound Bow Package
- A top quality entry level bow from one of the top brands in the industry.
- Designed to grow with you saving you money in the long run.
- Adjustable to fit adults, youth and women.
- Excellent for bowhunting or target shooting.
- Package includes 4-pin sight, Whisker Biscuit arrow rest, 5 arrow quiver, stabilizer and sling, peep sight, and a nock loop
We love the Bear Archery Cruzer G2. It is adjustable to fit anyone and you can take it from target practice to deer hunting. It is the perfect entry level compound bow the can grow with you and last for years.
Diamond Edge 320 Compound Bow Package
- You will never grow out of this bow due to its wide range of adjustability.
- Perfect hunting bow for novices and experts alike.
- Easy to adjust and will fit adults, youth and women.
- Package Includes a Soft Bow Case, 6 Carbon Arrows, Release, Apex 3 Pin Fiber Optic Sight, Octane Hostage Arrow Rest, Octane 5 Arrow Quiver, Octane Stabilizer, D Loop and Comfort Wrist Sling.
The Diamond Edge 320 is a very high quality hunting bow that is adjustable to fit anyone. It is also durable enough to last hunting season after hunting season. With proper care, you will handing down this bow to the next generation.
Best Beginner Compound Bow Reviews
Below you will find in-depth reviews of the top compound bows for beginners so that you can make an educated decision about which one is right for you.
Click here to learn more about bow hunting for beginners.
Best Overall
When you consider all of the features of the Infinite coupled with the adjustability and price, it is easy to see why our archery instructors chose this compound bow as our top pick for beginners.
It is a state of the art compound bow that can be adjusted from 5 - 70 lbs of draw weight range and 13" - 31" of draw length adjustment.
This wide range of adjustability will not only fit anyone interested in beginner archery, but it will allow the bow to grow as you grow, in both ability and size and strength.
This compound bow package is a perfect starter set to begin becoming proficient with target shooting and it has all of the features you need to transition seamlessly to effective big game hunting.
Once you are comfortable and proficient shooting this bow with at least 45 pounds of draw weight, it is a great beginner bow for deer hunting.
Specs:
- 5 - 70 lbs draw weight
- 13" - 31" draw length
- Weighs just 3.2 lbs
- 31" axle to axle length
- 7" brace height
- Produces speeds up to 310 FPS
- 80% let-off
Features:
- Synchronized Binary Cam System
- Easy to adjust draw weight with the EZ Adjust Pocket
- Easy to change draw length without a bow press
- Package includes 3-pin sight, 3-point arrow rest, arrow quiver, peep sight, string loop and wrist sling
- Easy to set up
What We Like
What We Don't Like
If you are looking for the best entry level bow that will last for years and can be adjusted to fit you as you grow in both size and strength, then this is our top recommendation.
It is equally at home shooting at archery targets or at game animals when you are ready for bowhunting.
Here's a great video that shows you all of the important features of the Infinity Edge Pro.
Best For Adults
When working with our archery instructors to determine our best overall pick for starter compound bows, the Bear Cruzer G2 was very close second to the Diamond Infinity Edge Pro.
It has almost the same range of extreme adjustable as the Infinity Edge Pro and it is made by a company that was started by the late great bow hunter Fred Bear.
This high tech compound bow can be adjusted to fit just about any draw length and any draw weight between 5 and 70 lbs.
The bow is intended as a starter set that will grow with the shooter over many years and is very capable of going from target shooting to deer hunting as the archer becomes more experienced.
This is one of our favorite beginner bows and they call it "hunt ready". That is a little misleading because the package does not include arrows or a bow release.
This can be disappointing if you order one and expect that you can open the box and start shooting. You will need to order arrows and a bow release so that you can start shooting right away.
Specs:
- 5 - 70 lbs draw weight
- 12" - 30" draw length
- Weighs just 3 lbs
- 30" axle to axle length
- 6.5" brace height
- Produces speeds up to 315 FPS
- 70% let-off
Features:
- Advanced grip design eliminates hand torque
- All adjustments are made with an allen wrench without the need for a bow press
- EduraFiber Limbs
- Package includes 4-pin bow sight, Whisker Biscuit arrow rest, 5 arrow quiver, stabilizer and sling, peep sight, and a nock loop
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Bear Cruzer G2 is a very close runner up in the race for best overall compound bow for beginners and frankly, you can't go wrong with either of our top picks.
The big difference between the Bear Cruzer G2 and the Diamond Infinity Edge Pro is in the let-off.
The Infinity Edge Pro has an 80% let-off while the Bear Cruzer G2 has a 70% let-off.
However, the Bear Cruzer G2 is both lighter and faster than the Infinity Edge Pro.
The versatility of this bow allows it to be a top choice for all ages and skill levels. It is perfect for adults, youth and women.
Here's a really cool video that will walk you through all of the features of the Bear Cruzer G2.
Best For Hunting
While our top two recommendations above are just fine for bowhunting, many of you are looking for the best entry level bow for hunting. That brings us to the Diamond Edge 320.
This bow is a step above the top two and is also a truly "hunt ready" package that includes arrows, a soft case and a bow release. Everything that you need to get started except a high quality archery target.
It features the same massive range of adjustability to fit any archer and is slightly heavier and faster than our top two recommendations.
If you are looking for the best bow for a beginner deer hunter that is capable of growing with him or her as they age and improve their skill level, you will not find a better, more durable option that will last for years than the Diamond Edge 320.
One of our favorite features of the Edge 320 is the 85% let off, allowing you to hold at full draw for a longer period of time, which is essential when hunting and waiting for the perfect shot.
Compare that to 80% let-off on the Infinity Edge Pro and only 70% let-off on the Bear Cruzer G2.
Specs:
- 7 - 70 lbs draw weight
- 15" - 30" draw length
- Weighs 3.6 lbs
- 32" axle to axle length
- 7.25" brace height
- Produces speeds up to 320 FPS
- 85% let-off
Features:
- Industry leading Binary Cam System
- Proprietary EZ Adjust System makes changing draw weight as simple as turning a limb bolt
- Package Includes a Soft Bow Case, 6 Carbon Arrows, Bow Release, Apex 3 Pin Fiber Optic Sight, Octane Hostage Arrow Rest, Octane 5 Arrow Quiver, Octane 5" Stabilizer, D Loop and Comfort Wrist Sling.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Diamond Edge 320 compound bow is a smooth shooting bow that is ideal for beginner and expert hunters alike.
The Synchronized Binary Cam System leads to enhanced accuracy and the 85% let-off is the highest in the industry.
The package comes complete with all of the premium accessories that you need to immediately begin shooting, unlike the top 2 recommendations that do not include arrows or a bow release.
The Diamond Edge 320 is slightly more expensive, but in our opinion it is worth it for the premium features and accessories.
Best Youth Beginner Bow
The Bear Royale compound bow is a scaled down bow that is designed specifically for smaller hunters.
It is a smaller, lighter bow that is ideal for youth archers and for women archers.
It features extreme adjustability like most of the bows that we have featured, but on a smaller scale.
While it is not quite as powerful as our other top picks, it still produces plenty of kinetic energy to be used for deer hunting on its highest settings.
Bear Archery calls this a "ready to hunt" package, but again it does not include arrows or a bow release.
Another downside, this bow only features a 75% let-off, which is better than the Cruzer G2 at 70%, but not as good as our top picks, 80% on the Infinity Edge Pro and 85% let-off for the Edge 320.
This compact compound bow still has loads of features for the smaller stature archers and hunters including measuring only 27" from axle to axle and weighing only 2.7 lbs.
One of our favorite features that Bear Archery has come up with is the "No Serve Peep Sight".
Let me explain what this means:
A peep is a small circle that is installed in your string. You look through it with one eye in order to aim.
Traditionally, the peep was served into the bowstring, which means that a skilled bow master would tie it into the bowstring with serving thread.
Bear has come up with an innovative system that allows the peep to be installed in the bowstring without serving thread and without the required skill of a master bowmen.
Specs:
- 5 - 50 lbs draw weight
- 12" - 27" draw length
- Weighs 2.7 lbs
- 27" axle to axle length
- 6" brace height
- Produces speeds up to 290 FPS
- 75% let-off
Features:
- All adjustments are made with an allen wrench. No bow press needed
- EnduraFiber limbs
- Package Includes Trophy Ridge Mist sight, 5-Spot quiver, Whisker Biscuit, Fletcher No Tie Peep, and a nock loop
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Bear Royale is a great shooting bow in a very small package that is ideal for kids and small adults, our only concern for youth archers is that they will eventually outgrow this bow, while they will never outgrow our top recommendations above.
We also wish they included arrows and a quality bow release in the package so that kids could start shooting right out of the box.
A great way to get your son or daughter into bowhunting would be to get them this bow and then pick up a 2 man ladder stand for the two of you to hunt out of.
I can't think of a better way to create lifelong memories with your child.
Here's a video that will show you all of the features of this compact beginner compound bow.
Best For Women
The PSE Uprising is a high quality entry level hunting bow that is perfect for women and is available at a price that doesn't break the bank.
The Uprising has a lot of adjustability, however not as much as some of our other recommendations with a draw weight range of 12 to 72 lbs and a draw length adjustment of 14" to 30" this high performance hunting bow will fit any woman out there.
What we really like about this bow is its compact size at only 30" axle to axle and its light weigh at only 3.2 lbs.
It is very smooth drawing and quiet shooting for a bow that produces up to 310 feet per second.
The compact size is ideal for tree stand or ground blind hunting, allowing you to move with the bow and not bumping into anything around you.
The Uprising utilizes an Up Cam that uses only 8 turns of the limb bolt to adjust from 12 lbs to 70 lbs, making on the fly adjustment quick and easy.
We also like the rubber that has been added to the bow grip. It is much more comfortable than gripping just the metal, especially when it is cold.
We wish it utilized a higher let-off cam. The let-off is only 70% on the Uprising
Also, we wish the package came with high quality arrows and a bow release, it does not.
Specs:
- 12 - 70 lbs draw weight
- 14" - 30" draw length
- Weighs 3.2 lbs
- 30" axle to axle length
- 6.6" brace height
- Produces speeds up to 310 FPS
- 70% let-off
Features:
- Easy to adjust limb bolts
- Minimalist rubber enhanced bow grip
- Package includes a 3 Pin Sight, Arrow Rest, Quiver, and 6″ Stabilizer
What We Like
What We Don't Like
PSE Archery is a great company that has been in the compound bow market since the beginning. They are proactive in furthering the sport of archery and we like to support companies like that.
The PSE Uprising is a premium entry level bow that has the compact size, light weight and adjustability to fit beginner women and men with a bow that they can easily take from the practice range to the deer stand.
PSE bows are made in the USA in a state of the art factory by American workers.
Here's an awesome video showing how easy it is to shoot the PSE Uprising, even for a little kid.
Editor's Choice
As you might be able to tell, we are big fans of PSE Archery and the PSE Stinger Max is one of the top selling compound bows of all time, so we thought it deserved a spot in our roundup.
The Stinger Max is a high end entry level bow, but it does not have the same extreme adjustability as our top picks.
This one has a draw weight that is adjustable from 30 - 70 lbs, which should be sufficient for all but the smallest kids and women.
The adjustable draw length will go from 21" - 30", so again, this bow will not fit small kids , but is ideal for most men and a good number of women.
It is heavier than our top recommendations for beginners at 3.8 lbs, but some of our experienced hunters like a little extra weight because it allows them to hold a little more steady on their target.
One of our favorite features on the Stinger Max is the 80% let-off, which all hunters will enjoy when waiting for that whitetail deer to turn and give you a broadside shot.
The Stinger Max comes in a package that includes an arrow rest, 5 pin fiber optic sight, peep sight, stabilizer, and a quiver.
We are disappointed that it does not come with high quality arrows and a bow release.
Specs:
- 30 - 70 lbs draw weight
- 21" - 30" draw length
- Weighs 3.8 lbs
- 30" axle to axle length
- 7" brace height
- Produces speeds up to 312 FPS
- 80% let-off
Features:
- Single SS cam design.
- Simple cam mod draw length adjustment in 1/2" increments.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The PSE Stinger Max is a higher end compound bow that the beginner archer can grow with. It is everything that a bow hunter could want in a hunting bow at the higher draw weights.
That being said, it will not work for younger kids and small statured women and men because of the limited draw length adjustment.
However it is ideal for adults and youth archers with a draw length of at least 21".
You can learn more about how to find your draw length in our buying guide below.
Best For Target Shooting
The Genesis compound bow is the ultimate bow for beginner archers, so much so that it is the official bow of the National Archery in the Schools Program.
It is a great entry level bow for target shooting, but it does not have the power necessary to use for hunting, which is why it is so far down on our list.
All of the other bows on our list are capable of growing into hunting bows as the archer's strength and skills improve to the level required for hunting.
The Genesis has a draw weight range of 10 - 20 lbs and has no set draw length, so all beginner archers can start with this compound bow.
The Genesis comes as a package that includes the bow, belt tube quiver, adjustable arm guard, five aluminum arrows, 3/16" hex wrench and an Owner's Manual, so it is ready to shoot right out of the box. You just need an archery target.
Genesis is the first bow that eliminates let-off and is designed to fit everyone, eliminating any barriers to getting in to the sport of archery.
One of our favorite things about this bow is that we can take our son or daughter target shooting and we can share the same bow, because it is not draw length specific.
This is ideal for sharing our love of archery with our children. Their faces light up when they can shoot "Dad's bow" or "Mom's bow".
Specs:
- 10 - 20 lbs draw weight
- Fits virtually all draw length
- Weighs 3.5 lbs
- 35.5" axle to axle length
- 7 5/8" brace height
- 0% let-off
Features:
- Patented single cam technology with zero let-off and universal draw length.
- Machined 6061-T6 aluminum riser.
- Composite limbs.
- Package includes belt tube quiver, adjustable arm guard, five aluminum arrows, 3/16" hex wrench and an Owner's Manual.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Genesis is a great entry level compound bow for kids and is an awesome tool for furthering the sport of archery, just know in advance that you are going to have to upgrade bows as your child gets stronger and wants to move onto hunting.
All of our top recommendations above solve this issue by being extremely adjustable so that they can take you from beginner to accomplished archer or hunter with the same bow.
Here's a great video from Genesis that compares this bow to a high end compound bow and shows you the features of the Genesis in detail.
Best Budget
Sanlida Archery is disrupting the archery business by producing performance archery equipment at very reasonable prices.
The Dragon X8 is a high performance compound bow for beginners that is feature rich, but with a price tag that you can afford.
Our favorite part about this bow is that it comes with a complete package that you can shoot right out of the box.
The package includes a 5-pin sight, arrow rest, stabilizer, a wrist sling, peep sight, 12 arrows, a quiver, release aid, an arrow puller, a bow stand and a compound bow case.
Now that is a Ready To Shoot package!
Before we get too far into the review, we should mention that Salindra Archery is a Chinese company and the bows are made in china.
However, the limbs and the bowstring are American made and are imported into China so Salindra can assemble the bows.
Some people will immediately be turned off because the bow is made in China, but some will be thrilled at the high end features for such a low price, so we wanted to include the Dragon X8 for those people.
The draw weight on the Dragon X8 is adjustable between 0 and 70 lbs and the draw length adjustment is between 18" and 31" making this a very versatile compound bow for beginners of all sizes.
It has a compact design with a 30" axle to axle length and a 70% - 80% let-off.
Sanlida Archery also features a limited lifetime warranty.
Specs:
- 0 - 70 lbs draw weight
- 18" - 31" draw length
- Weighs 3.8 lbs
- 30" axle to axle length
- 6.5" brace height
- 70% - 80% let-off
Features:
- Machined aluminum alloy riser
- American made limbs and bow string.
- CNC machined aluminum alloy cams.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
We'll be honest, when a member of our staff came to us with this bow as a recommendation for this article, we were not expecting it to be as high quality as we found it to be during testing.
This bow has exceeded our expectations in every way and if you can get past the fact that it is made in China, we think you will be very impressed at the great value you get for your dollar.
Here's a great unbiased video that will show you all of the features of the Dragon X8 as well as put it through some shooting tests to see how it performs.
Best Value For Hunting
Our next pick for a budget compound bow for hunting is the Raptor from Predator Archery.
One of the things that we like most about Predator Archery products is their fully transferable Lifetime Warranty.
The Raptor features machined aluminum cams and modules as well as a split yoke tuning system that allows precise adjustments to get your arrow flying perfectly.
The package includes a 5 pin fiber optic sight with light and level, TRUGLO EZ brush rest, stabilizer, quiver, string stop, allen wrench, 2’ paper target, and pre-installed Peep and D-loop.
It does not include arrows or a release aid.
The draw weight on the raptor is adjustable between 30 lbs and 70 lbs and the draw length adjustments are between 24.5"' and 31".
It is nice and compact at only 30" axle to axle which is ideal for hunting in tree stands and ground blinds.
Specs:
- 30 - 70 lbs draw weight
- 24.5" - 31" draw length
- Weighs 3.6 lbs
- 30" axle to axle length
- 6.5" brace height
- 75% let-off
Features:
- Machined aluminum cams without any plastic.
- American made limbs.
- Split yoke tuning system.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The best part about this bow package is the very reasonable price. There are some low priced bows out there, but very few of them are as high quality as the Raptor compound bows.
If you are looking for a cheap beginner compound bow for hunting, the Predator Archery Raptor should be on your list.
Best Beginner Compound Bows Comparison Chart
Model | Draw Weight | Draw Length | PRICE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall - Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro Compound Bow Package | 5lbs - 70lbs | 13" - 31" | |
| Best For Adult Beginners - Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Compound Bow Package | 5lbs - 70lbs | 12" - 30" | |
| Best For Youth Beginners - Bear Archery Royale Youth Compound Bow Package | 5lbs - 50lbs | 12" - 27" | |
| Best Budget Compound Bow For Beginners - Sanlida Archery Dragon X8 Compound Bow Package | 0lbs - 70lbs | 18" - 31" | |
| Best For Hunting - Diamond Edge 320 Compound Bow | 7lbs - 70lbs | 15" - 31" | |
| Best For Target Shooting - Genesis Original Compound Bow | 10lbs - 20lbs | 15" - 30" | |
| Best Value For Hunting - Raptor Compound Bow Package | 30lbs - 70lbs | 24.5" - 31" | |
| Best For Women- PSE Uprising Compound Bow Package | 15lbs - 70lbs | 14" - 30" | |
| Editor's Choice - PSE Stinger Max Compound Bow Package | 55lbs - 70lbs | 21.5" - 30" |
How To Choose A Compound Bow That Fits You.
The key to becoming proficient with a compound bow is to buy one that actually fits you.
Let's take a look at what you need to know to properly fit a compound bow to you.
How To Find Your Draw Length
Having a compound bow with the proper draw length is imperative to you becoming an expert archer and a successful hunter.
The best compound bows have a wide adjustable draw length range so that they can grow with you, or fit a wide variety aof archers.
Finding your correct draw length is easy:
- Stand with your back against a wall and spread your arms out to your side with your palms facing forward.
- Have someone place a piece of tape right at the end of your middle finger on each hand.
- Measure between the two pieces of tape to find your wingspan.
- Now divide your wingspan be 2.5 to find your correct draw length.
Here is an example:
My wingspan is 72".
72 divided by 2.5 = 28.8
I round up and my draw length is 29"
Click here for an in-depth explanation of draw length.
Here is a video showing how to find your draw length using the wingspan method.
What Is The Correct Draw Weight For You?
The correct draw weight for someone is the weight that they can draw easily while holding the bow level towards the target.
All the best beginner compound bows have a wide range of adjustable draw weights so that you can increase the weight as your strength improves.
If you have to point the bow upwards to draw, or turn your head while drawing, you are attempting to draw too much weight and your form and shooting will suffer due to fatigue and stress on your muscles.
You should always start with less weight so that you can draw, hold and shoot comfortable and only increase the draw weight as you become stronger.
This is the best way to develop proper form and become a proficient archer.
Here is a draw weight chart to follow. Start at the lightest weight for your size and work your way up to the full draw weight as your strength increases.
Proper Draw Weights Chart
Archer | Archer's Weight | Compound Bow Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|
Small Child | 50-100 lbs | 10-25 lbs |
Large Child | 100-150 lbs | 25-50 lbs |
Small Woman | 100-130 lbs | 25-45 lbs |
Average Woman | 130-160 lbs | 30-50 lbs |
Large Woman | 160 lbs and up | 30-55 lbs |
Small Man | 120-150 lbs | 40-55 lbs |
Average Man | 150-180 lbs | 45-65 lbs |
Large Man | 180 lbs and up | 50-70 lbs |
How To Find Your Dominant Eye
Everyone has a dominant eye and your dominant eye will determine whether you should be shooting a right or left handed bow.
When you are aiming your bow, you will do so with both eyes open. If you are shooting with the wrong "handedness", your dominant eye will take over and you will not be able to hit the target with both eyes open.
You can solve this issue by shooting with one eye closed, but that it is not recommended because you lose depth perception and awareness of what is going on around your target.
This isn't a huge deal when you are shooting at archery targets, but when you are hunting, it is advantageous to be shooting with both eyes open.
Dominant Eye Test
The easiest way to find your dominant eye is to use your pointer finger and point at an object across the room with both eyes open.
Now close your right eye, then open your right eye and close your left eye.
With one of your eyes, you are going to still be pointing at the object, whereas when looking through the other eye you will pointing next to the object.
The eye which is looking where you are pointing is your dominant eye and will always take over when you have both eyes open.
If it is your right eye, you need a right handed compound bow.
If it is your left eye, you need a left handed compound bow.
Another way to find your dominant eye is to hold your hand out in front of you with your palms facing away.
Overlap your thumbs and bring your hands together forming a small hole like in the image below.
Now, look at an object through the hole that you formed with both eyes open.
Close one eye at a time and make note of which eye is the one focused on the object.
The object will disappear from the whole when you close that eye.
That is your dominant eye.
What Is An Appropriate Bow Length For A Beginner?
The variation in compound bow length is relatively small and the right length is really a personal decision.
The smaller that you are, the shorter bow length you will probably want.
Also, the type of shooting you do will help determine your preference. A shorter bow is easier to maneuver in a tree stand or ground blind without bumping things.
It is more important to focus on fitting you to draw length and draw weight than it is bow length.
What Is Let-Off?
Unlike traditional bows, compound bows are unique because they use cams to store energy as opposed to a recurve bow which only uses limbs to store energy.
Those cams are also capable of reducing the draw weight at full draw.
This reduction of draw weight at full draw is called let-off.
Let off is very important when hunting because oftentimes you are required to hold your bow at full draw for an extended period of time while waiting for a shot and let-off allows you to do that.
To illustrate:
If you are shooting a 50 pound draw weight, then you are pulling back 50 pounds.
If you have a compound bow with 75% let-off, you are only holding 12.5 pound at full draw!
During an Ohio deer hunting trip, one of our Pro Staff members had to hold his bow at full draw for almost a minute while waiting for his buck to offer a broadside shot. He never would have been able to do that without Let-Off. Here is his buck below.
What Is Brace Height?
Brace height is the distance from the bows grip to the bowstring.
Typically a shorter brace height will result in a faster bow, but you also give up forgiveness.
A brace height between 6 and 7 inches is ideal and the closer you get to 7 inches the more forgiving the bow will be, which means that it is easier for a beginner to shoot accurately.
All of the compound bows in our roundup have a brace height between 6 and 7 inches.
Compound Bow Terms That You Should Be Familiar With
In this section you are going to learn about the different parts of a compound bow as well as some accessories and other terms that you need to be familiar with when shopping for a compound bow.
Parts Of A Compound Bow
Let's take a look at the different parts of a compound bow and what their function is.
The Riser
The riser is the center part of the bow, the part that you hold in your hand when shooting or carrying a bow. The riser is traditionally made of aluminum or carbon fiber. This is the heart of the bow.
It contains the grip and it is the section of the bow where all of the accessories will attach.
- The arrow rest
- Stabilizer
- Bow sight
- Quiver
- Limbs
In the image below, you will see the riser is the part of the bow that is outlined in red.
The Grip
The grip is integrated into the riser and it is where you hold the bow with your non-drawing hand.
Many grips are just metal, but some of them integrate rubber ito the grip.
The grip needs to be comfortable so that you can grip it lightly. One of the most common faults for beginner archers is grasping the bow too tightly, which will result in torque on the bow and an inaccurate shot.
Wrist Sling
The wrist sling is attached to the riser and is used in conjunction with the grip. The idea behind the wrist sling is that it allows you to grip the bow very lightly without worrying about dropping the bow.
This light grip allows you to shoot accurately without torquing the bow and throwing your shot off target.
The Limbs
The limbs are the part of a compound bow that are attached to the rise on the top and the bottom.
Limbs have to be super strong because the bowstring is attached them and they store some of the power that is going to be transferred to your arrow when you release the bowstring.
They are typically made of a lightweight and durable material like fiberglass, although some bow manufacturers have developed their own proprietary materials for their bow limbs.
Bear Archery for instance has developed EnduraFiber limbs for their compound bows.
Compound bow limbs can be either one solid piece or they can be two pieces joined at the riser.
The two piece limbs are called split limbs and they are slightly more durable than one piece limbs.
Some compound bow limbs are slightly rounded while others are straighter and close to parallel.
There is a popular misconception that parallel limb compound bows are quieter than traditional shaped limbs, but the truth is that the sound difference is not discernable with the human ear and really makes very little difference, even when hunting deer.
The Cams
The cams are the wheels that are attached to the limbs at the top and bottom of the bow. These are the heart of the compound bow.
This is where most of the power is stored when you draw a compound bow.
The Cams also allow you draw back more weight with a compound bow vs recurve, or traditional bow.
They are also responsible for creating Let-off, which allows you to hold only a fraction of the draw weight at full draw.
Bows that have an adjustable draw weight have a module on the cam that is used for the adjustment.
Modern compound bows have either a single cam system or a dual cam system.
Single Cams
Single cam system compound bows utilize only one cam which is much easier to set up and maintain and requires much less bow tuning.
Most beginner compound bows will have a single cam system.
Dual Cams
Dual cam compound bows will have twin cams that are exactly the same. One on the top and one on the bottom.
A dual cam set up can produce more speed and can be more accurate, but it comes at a cost.
Dual cams have to have their timing set so that they are in perfect synchronization. This can only be done by a master bowtech with the proper equipment and knowledge.
Single cam and dual cam compound bows are all that you will find in entry level compound bows.
The Cables
The cables are attached to the cams and are an integral part of the system for storing and releasing energy through the limbs, cams, bowstring and into the arrow.
The cables help the cams to work like a pulley system to reduce draw weight and store energy.
The cables will come preinstalled on the compound bow and you should not attempt to adjust or change them. That should be left to a qualified bow technician.
In the photo below you can see the cables and cable guard outlined in red.
The Cable Guard
The cable guard is attached to the riser and extends back towards the bowstring. As the name implies, it "guards" the cables from interfering with the arrow and bowstring.
The cables are attached to the cable guard with the cable slide. The cable slide is a small piece of plastic that is attached to the cable guard and securely hold the cables out of the way.
The Bowstring
The bowstring is attached to the cams and you attach your arrow to it. This is called nocking your arrow.
The bowstring is pulled back which turns the cams and activates the pulley system.
Bowstrings are made with synthetic materials today and require very little maintenance. They should be waxed occasionally to keep them from drying out.
If you are going to use your bow for hunting, you should install bow string silencers to absorb the vibration and quit the bow.
Be sure to inspect your bowstring before using your compound bow. Look for any abrasions or fraying. Do not use a bow with a frayed bowstring. If you can visibly see any fraying or damage, it is time to replace the bow string.
The D Loop
The D loop is attached to the bowstring and it creates the nocking point for your arrow.
The nock of your arrow is inserted between the two ends of the D loop and you then attach your release aid to the D.
Release Aid
Traditional archers use their fingers to draw back the bow and release the string. This takes a huge amount of skill and practice to be able to have the exact same release every time.
Compound bow archers typically utilize a release aid which releases the string exactly the same way every time for the ultimate in repeatability and accuracy.
The best bow releases have a strap that will go around your wrist securing the release to your arm.
The release features jaws that are closed around the D loop and a trigger like device for releasing the bow string.
The Peep Sight
The peep sight is a small ring that is incorporated into the bow string and acts as a rear sight, like in a firearm.
The archer looks through the peep to see the pins on the bowsight. This assures proper alignment and consistency in every shot.
Some bows come with the peep installed. As a beginner, you should look for a bow with the peep installed, because they are difficult to tie into the bow string in the traditional manner, or a quick stop at an archery shop could solve the problem.
The Bow Sight
The bow sight attaches to your riser and uses pins to help you aim at your target.
When you draw your bow back, you will look through your peep and line up the correct pin on your target.
There are two types of bow sights:
- Fixed Pin
- Single Pin
Fixed Pin Bow Sights
Fixed pin bow sights feature multiple pins that are set to be on target at different yardages.
Most bow sights utilize multiple pins because, even with the fastest bows, the arrow will drop quickly as it gets down range, so a pin that you use at 20 yards will go under your target at 40 yards.
Pins are typically set at 10 yard intervals, but this is all personal preference.
Single Pin Bow Sights
Single pin bow sights feature only one sight pin and they must be adjusted for the shot at hand.
If the target is at 20 yards, the pin must be adjusted to 20 yards.
If the target is at 40 yards, the pin must be adjusted to 40 yards.
This requires a lot of skill and forethought, especially in hunting situations.
For this reason, most beginner compound bows come with fixed pin bow sights with anywhere from 3 to 7 pins, with the most popular being 5-pin bow sights.
Click here for a guide to the best bow sights.
The Arrow Rest
The arrow rest is attached to the side of the riser and it is responsible for holding the arrow while you draw and during your release.
The arrow rest is an important part of accurately shooting your bow and must be tuned to match the nock point of your arrow.
The best way to tune your arrow rest is with the walk back tuning method.
An arrow rest can be as simple as a piece of rubber or plastic attached to the riser that the arrow sits on, but for compound bows there are two popular types of arrow rests.
Whisker Biscuit or Containment Rest
The whisker biscuit rest is a round arrow rest with brush like fibers that surround the arrow and hold it in place, both when drawing the arrow back and when releasing the arrow.
The fibers on these arrow rests allow the arrow fletching to pass through without interfering with the shot.
The whisker biscuit is the most popular arrow rest for bow hunters because it keeps the arrow securely in place and hunters don't have to worry about the arrow falling off the rest when they are maneuvering their bow around at odd angles to prepare for a shot.
Drop Away Arrow Rest
The drop away arrow rest holds the arrow as it is being drawn back, but when the arrow is released, the rest drops out of the way and their is no friction to disturb or alter the arrows flight.
Drop away arrow rests work by attaching to the limbs or cable. The rest is raised when being drawn back and then drops away when the arrow is released.
We have hunters on staff that won't use anything but a drop away rest because they claim that they are more accurate.
The downside is that there is a lot that can go wrong with a drop away rest.
We recommend the whisker biscuit for beginners because it is basically maintenance free and foolproof.
Bow Stabilizer
The stabilizer attaches to the riser and stick out in front of the bow. The stabilizer serves a couple of purposes.
The first purpose of the stabilizer is to balance the bow and make it easier to hold steady on your target. You will see competition archers with stabilizers that are measured in feet instead of inches.
For your average archer or bow hunter, the stabilizer is usually around 5 to 7 inches long.
The second purpose of the stabilizer is to absorb some of the vibration after the arrow is released. This makes the shot both smoother and quieter, which makes shooting more enjoyable.
Archery Targets
In order to become a good shot with your new compound bow you are going to want to get a quality archery target that you can practice shooting at in your backyard.
There are a number of different archery targets on the market that may be suitable.
Click here for the best archery targets with reviews and a complete buying guide.
Bow Case
Buying your first compound bow is a big investment and you should protect that investment by buying the best bow case that you can afford.
There are basically two types of bow cases:
- Hard Cases
- Soft Cases
Just like the names imply, one is hard and offers more protection, while the other is soft and lighter in weight, making it easier to carry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best beginner compound bow?
A: The best beginner compound bow is the Diamond Infinity Edge Pro Compound Bow. Here is the complete list of beginner compound bows that we recommend.
- Diamond Infinity Edge Pro Compound Bow
- Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Compound Bow
- Diamond Edge 320 Compound Bow
- PSE Stinger Max Compound Bow
- Bear Archery Royale Youth Compound Bow
- PSE Uprising Compound Bow
- Predator Archery Raptor Compound Bow
- Sanlida Archery Dragon X8 Compound Bow
- Genesis Original Compound Bow
Q: How much should you spend on your first compound bow?
A: You should spend between $250-$400 on your first compound bow if you want to be able to use it for bowhunting and high performance target shooting. You can spend more, but it is really not necessary. All of the beginner level compound bows in our list above are under $500 and most are under $400.
Q: Which is better recurve or compound bow?
A: A recurve bow is much easier to maintain, as it has no moving parts, but modern compound bows are much faster and more enjoyable to shoot. If you intend to use the bow for hunting, there is no substitute for the compound bow. Hunting with a recurve is much more difficult and requires a tremendous amount of practice and skill to become a successful hunter. Regardless of the type of bow you choose, take the time to become proficient enough to make a quick clean kill on the game that you choose to hunt. Click here for a guide to choosing the right recurve bow.
Q: Is Bear Archery good?
A: Bear Archery makes some of the best compound bows for beginners on the market today. We feature two of them in our top recommendations above. The Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Compound Bow and the Bear Archery Royale Youth Compound Bow. Bear Archery has been around a long time and is one of the best compound bow brands out there.
Q: Is there a difference between a men's compound bow and a women's compound bow?
A: No, there is no difference between a men's compound bow and a women's compound bow. The compound bow just has to have the specifications to fit the user. All of our recommended compound bows have a wide range of adjustability so that they will fit both women and men. The adjustable draw length and draw weight range can be fit to men, women and youth archers.
Q: What is a good draw weight for beginners?
A: A beginner should use a draw weight that they can pull back very easily without struggling. Here is a general rule of thumb based on the size of the archer. Start at the lowest draw weight and work your way up as you get stronger.
Archer | Archer's Weight | Compound Bow Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|
Small Child | 50-100 lbs | 10-25 lbs |
Large Child | 100-150 lbs | 25-50 lbs |
Small Woman | 100-130 lbs | 25-45 lbs |
Average Woman | 130-160 lbs | 30-50 lbs |
Large Woman | 160 lbs and up | 30-55 lbs |
Small Man | 120-150 lbs | 40-55 lbs |
Average Man | 150-180 lbs | 45-65 lbs |
Large Man | 180 lbs and up | 50-70 lbs |
Q: Can I hunt with a 40lb bow?
A: Yes, you can hunt with a 40lb bow. A 40 lb compound bow will generate enough speed and kinetic energy to make a clean, humane kill on a whitetail deer, as long as you have proper shot placement. If you are planning to hunt bigger game animals, you would need a higher draw weight. Check with the game laws in the state that you are going to hunt to be sure that you are using a legal draw weight for the game you are after. Also be sure to match your hunting arrows to your bow draw weight.
RELATED: Best Headlamp For Hunting
Q: Can you shoot a compound bow with just your fingers?
A: Yes, it is possible to shoot a compound bow with just your fingers, but it is not recommended and here's why.
One of the keys to accuracy with a compound bow is to release the string exactly the same with every shot. That is virtually impossible using just your fingers. For that reason, the vast majority of archers and virtually all hunters use a mechanical release aid to insure the exact same release with every shot.
Final Thoughts
Archery is a great sport for all ages. It is an awesome way for a family to spend time together in the outdoors and maybe taking your skills into the woods and trying your hand at bowhunting.
As a beginner, you don't need a flagship bow to get started. Most compound bow brands at your local archery shop will start at around $1000 for a bare bow. You are much better off with a decent bow package that you can grow with.
We have provided you with a thorough and in-depth guide on factors to consider when looking for your first compound bow.
We have also given you our top recommendations for the best beginner compound bows for everyone in your family. These recommendations come from archery and bowhunting experts that spend a significant amount of time teaching both sports.
All of our beginner bow recommendations come in complete packages, with almost everything that you need to shoot the bow, which is the easiest way for a beginner to get started.
Most of the packages do not contain arrows, broadheads, a bow release or a target, so make sure to order these as well.
Now it's up to you. Pick the beginner bow that fits you best and buy it online or at a local archery shop. You will have it in a couple of days and can begin your journey into archery and bowhunting.
