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Archery and bowhunting are such exciting sports. These sports require a clear mind to keep you focused on your target and shoot it down based on how well you can control your bow. They also help improve your hand-eye coordination and balance. Without a doubt, nothing compares to the feeling of successfully hitting your target. If you are a beginner, you are a lucky person. Because of here, you will find in-depth reviews on the best compound bow for Beginners.
For these two sports, what you need to succeed is a great bow that will help lock in and take down all your targets. And when it comes to beginners, experts believe that a compound bow is easier to aim than the recurve variant.
But with the many compound bows in the market today, we understand that it’s too confusing to find the best compound bow for beginners. Looking into the features of each bow and carefully assessing whether it works for you or not can take quite a lot of time – time that could have been used to enjoy a great game of archery or hunting.
To make things easier for you, we have listed down our top picks for the best compound bows in the market today. And if you’re a total beginner, we’ve also added in a discussion on the parts of a compound bow, as well as the factors that you have to look into to determine if the bow works wonders or not.
The Best Compound Bow For Beginners: Quick Overview
Before we proceed with our in-depth reviews, here’s an overview of our top picks. We picked them with beginners in mind and made sure that each bow is perfectly easy to use to help them enjoy their first hunting trips.
01. Diamond Edge 320 Ready To Hunt Package
When it comes to compound bows, you have to look for something that gives you speedy shots that are coupled with accuracy. This is especially true for beginners, and this is why the Diamond Edge 320 is one of our top picks.
With its incredible axle-to-axle length of 32 inches, it boasts being one of the longest entry-level bows in the market today. And to make sure that it caters to every kind of shooter, it comes with adjustable draw weight and draws lengths. These features allow everyone to make the most of this compound bow.
02. Predator Archery Raptor Compound Hunting Bow Kit
Another top contender for the title of the best compound bow for beginners is this powerful bow from Predator Archery.
This comes with a 30-inch ATA that makes it a good choice, even for children and teenagers. We also love that it’s lightweight, making it very portable. The Predator Archery Raptor Compound Bow is available in left and right-handed variants, which we will discuss separately shortly.
03. Bear Archery 2018 Approach RTH Compound Bow
This bow comes with a long 32-inch axle-to-axle length, allowing beginners to grow with it as they practice their hunting skills. We also love that it is highly adjustable to make sure that it will best suit each user’s varying needs.
What’s most interesting is its single-cam design, making it easy to tune and assemble. This type of cam is also known for shooting arrows very silently, thereby keeping you from startling your target.
04. SereneLife Complete Compound Bow & Arrow Accessory Kit
If you’re running on a tight budget, then you might want to consider this complete hunting package from SereneLife.
Thanks to its 30-inch bow that offers adequate adjustment options, this complete hunting kit makes a great entry-level choice for most beginners. It’s one of the most affordable options on this list, and the fact that it already comes with arrows and other accessories assures you that it’s giving you the best bang for your buck.
05. Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Adult Compound Bow
Another top contender is the Cruzer G2 from Bear Archery, with its incredible 5 to 70-pound adjustable draw weight and 12 tp 30-inch adjustable draw length.
It has an ATA of 30 inches, which is quite impressive for a beginner bow. This also allows it to launch arrows at speeds of up to 315 feet per second. We also love that it is available in left and right-handed variants, and we’ll discuss each of these options later.
06. Topoint Trigon Compound Bow Package
This compound bow is perfect for hunters who love sturdy and reliable compound bows for their hunting trips – whether they’re beginners or experienced in the shooting.
With a bow that has an axle-to-axle length of 31 inches, it can shoot arrows at impressive speeds of up to 320 feet per second. Thanks to its dual-cam system, this bow does not demand a lot of maintenance work from its users.
Also noteworthy is its draw weight ranging between 19 and 70 pounds, and this allows you to take down a variety of targets, whether you’re into small or large game hunting.
07. Compound Bow Topoint Archery Package M1
This 28-inch compound bow is great for teaching kids and teenagers how to shoot arrows but is nevertheless a decent size to get adult beginners started on their hunting journey.
Even if it is the shortest bow on this list, the Compound Bow from Topoint Archery is capable of firing arrows for up to 320 feet per second. It is also highly adjustable, so a lot of different users with varying shooting skills can use it comfortably.
08. Diamond Archery 2016 Edge SB-1 Compound Bow
Being one of the most adjustable compound bows, we love that the Edge SB-1 compound bow has an ATA of 31 inches, allowing it to be used by both children and adults. It also launches arrows at top speeds, making sure to hit your targets without a miss.
The most interesting feature of this bow is its synchronized binary cam system that promises accuracy and consistency. This is all thanks to its symmetrical cams that allow it to move in sync with each other to give you the best control. More on this will be discussed later.
Best Compound Bow for Beginner Hunters
( Our Choice )
After considering all the options available, we were able to pin down one best compound bow for beginners.
In coming up with this decision, we had to look into several factors. This includes the length of the bow, how fast it can fire up arrows, how easy it is to set up and adjust, and whether it’s something that the user can use even when he is already an experienced hunter.
With all these in mind, one bow stood out from the rest: the Diamond Edge 320 Ready To Hunt Package. Aside from its bow’s impressive features, it also comes with complete accessories to make your first hunting or archery experience memorable.
Diamond Edge 320 Ready To Hunt Package
The Diamond Edge 320 Ready To Hunt Package provides beginners with everything they need for their first hunting trip – including bows, arrows, a stabilizer, and a soft bow case, among others.
The bow has an axle-to-axle length of 32 inches, which is the ideal length for beginners who want to try their hand at bow hunting. This is a decent bow length that’s capable of allowing your arrow to fly at speeds of up to 320 feet per second – and that’s quite an impressive fps for an entry-level bow.
Additionally, it has a draw length ranging from 15 to 31 inches, so you know it’s adjustable depending on what’s ideal for its user. It also has a draw weight ranging from 7 to 70 pounds, so you can use it for practice shooting, whitetail field shooting, and large game hunting.
The Diamond Edge 320 Ready to Hunt Package already comes with a set of arrows, a soft case for your bow, a D loop, a stabilizer, a wrist sling, and all other accessories you need to go hunting. This is especially convenient for beginners who don’t know which accessories to get.
With these in mind, the bow itself is perfect for beginners and experienced hunters alike. And since the Diamond Edge 320 already comes with the necessary accessories, you know you’re already getting the best for what you’re paying for.
Pros:
- It is very easy to set up.
- Its draw weight and draw length are adjustable, so you can use it for hunting for different games without the need for a new bow.
- It is made of high quality and durable materials.
- It offers the best value for the money.
- The ATA length of 32 inches is ideal for beginners and other experienced hunters.
- It can shoot arrows up to 320 feet per second.
Cons:
- Some users note that while the bow is of amazing quality, its accompanying accessories are not of the best quality.
Best Compound Bow for Regular Hunting
( Our Choice )
When it comes to looking for a compound bow for hunting, you have to look into whether it can help shoot your target with unparalleled accuracy. This guarantees that you won’t ever have to worry about lost arrows or missing your target.
You also have to consider its draw weight, because this can help you determine what you can potentially kill with your arrow. The average draw weight is at 40 pounds, which is enough to shoot down whitetails and smaller game. Anything higher than 50 is enough to take down large game like bears or elks.
And finally, it has to be versatile enough for use in different hunting situations. With all of these factors in mind, we found that the Predator Archery Raptor Compound Hunting Bow Kit is the best compound bow for hunting.
Predator Archery Raptor Compound Hunting Bow Kit
Another top contender for the best compound bow for beginners is the Predator Archery Raptor Compound Hunting Bow Kit.
This compound bow comes with decent adjustability, allowing you to use it for a variety of shooting exercises, including bowhunting and bow fishing. This also means that you can use it as a beginner, and adjust accordingly as you improve your shooting skills.
Its draw weight ranges from 30 to 70 pounds, allowing you to shoot and kill a variety of small to large games. Its draw length ranges from 24.5 to 31 inches, so you know a variety of shooters with different skill levels can use it with ease.
As to its axle-to-axle length, the Predator Archery Raptor Compound Hunting Bow Kit is 30 inches long, which is a great size for children and teenagers, while also decent enough for most adult beginners. Additionally, it only weighs 3.6 pounds, making it lightweight enough for kids to use while also making it extremely portable.
This dual cam compound bow allows you to shoot an arrow at incredible speeds. Depending on the arrow you want to use, it can shoot at speeds of up to 315 feet per second – which is safe enough for kids and decent enough for adult beginners.
We also love that both cams on this compound bow are made of aluminum, so you don’t have to worry about the quality of its materials. It also has a split yoke tuning system that allows you to make the most accurate adjustments to make sure your arrow flies according to your desired specifications.
Pros:
- The Predator Archery Raptor is made of aluminum material, so you know it’s of great quality.
- It shoots at speeds of up to 315 feet per second, thanks to its dual-cam design.
- It is highly adjustable, allowing different users with varied shooting skills to use it with ease.
- Predator Archery Raptor is affordable.
- It is easy to set up, although beginners are encouraged to have it done by professionals.
- It works for both beginners and experienced hunters alike.
Cons:
- As of the time of writing, there are no negative reviews of this item.
Our Picks For The Best Beginner Compound Bow
If the first two picks mentioned above don’t quite suit your taste, then you might want to consider the following compound bows to your liking. Similarly, we chose them based on their bow length, speed, adjustability, and ease of assembly to make sure that they’re as beginner-friendly as possible.
01. Bear Archery 2018 Approach RTH Compound Bow
Another compound bow we think highly of is the Bear Archery 2018 Approach RTH Compound Bow.
This compound bow has an axle-to-axle length of 32 inches and allows it to shoot arrows at a speed of up to 330 feet per second. This makes it an ideal bow for beginners who need it for their shooting practice, but still fast enough to hunt down a variety of targets – something you can work with in the long run.
Its peak draws weight ranges from 55 to 70 pounds, which is a decent range to hunt down whitetails and similar games. As for its draw length, it ranges between 23.5 and 30.5 inches, which is a decent range for a lot of beginners at bow hunting.
We also love that the Bear Archery 2018 Approach RTH Compound Bow uses a single cam system that’s easy to set up and tune. This makes it ideal for all beginners – even those with little to no archery experience.
And because of its single cam system, you can expect your arrows to fly in silence. This helps you avoid distracting your target to make sure that your arrows won’t miss.
Overall, the Bear Archery 2018 Approach RTH Compound Bow is an affordable entry-level compound bow that’s sure to teach beginners the basics of bowhunting. And because it’s adjustable, you can work your way with it so you don’t have to keep buying new bows as your shooting improves.
With this, we believe that this is the best compound bow for beginners, especially in terms of getting your money’s worth.
Pros:
- Approach RTH has an axle-to-axle length of 32 inches and is capable of shooting arrows at a speed of 330 feet per second.
- It is very easy to set up and tune.
- Bear Archery Approach RTH has an adjustable draw weight and draws length.
- It offers good value for the money.
Cons:
- As of the time of writing, there are no negative reviews of this item.
02. SereneLife Complete Compound Bow & Arrow Accessory Kit
For those who are on a tight budget, the SereneLife Complete Compound Bow & Arrow Accessory Kit will be your best bet.
Its bow has an axle-to-axle length of 30 inches, which is a great entry-level size for kids and teenagers, and a decent size for beginner adults. Depending on the arrow used, you can shoot them at a speed of up to 320 feet per second, which is quite impressive considering its size.
To make sure that a variety of users can use this bow for hunting, it has an adjustable draw weight ranging from 30 to 70 pounds, and draw length between 23.5 to 30.5 inches. This assures you that even young children can use this bow with ease.
Also noteworthy is its aluminum body coupled with fiberglass limbs to assure you of its strength and durability.
But even with its sturdy construction, we also love that the bow that came with this kit is incredibly lightweight. This makes it easy for kids to hunt with, while also making it highly portable for everyone.
And considering its price, it’s almost impossible to believe that this already comes with complete accessories to guarantee a fun hunting experience. This complete kit comes with 30-inch carbon arrows, string silencers, arrow rest, release aid, and so many more.
Overall, the SereneLife Complete Compound Bow & Arrow Accessory Kit is one of the best entry-level hunting packages in the market today. With its unbeatable price and complete accessories, it comes with everything you will ever need to start hunting.
Pros:
- SereneLife is easy to set up.
- SereneLife Compound Bow is very affordable.
- It comes complete with accessories and other hunting necessities.
- It is lightweight, easy to use, and incredibly portable.
Cons:
- Some users note that some accessories are not very durable.
03. Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Adult Compound Bow (Right-Handed)
Another interesting item is the Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Adult Compound Bow.
This compound bow is one of the most adjustable items on this list. With an adjustable draw length ranging from 12 to 30 inches and a draw weight ranging between 5 to 70 pounds, you can use this bow for leisurely shooting practice to serious field hunting. This range even allows you to take on large games, especially for those who are already experienced.
Its axle-to-axle length is 30 inches, which makes it excellent as a beginner compound bow for children and teenagers. This is also a decent size for beginner adult hunters who prefer more laid-back hunting and archery.
Also noteworthy is the advanced grip design from the Cruzer G2. This unique grip is specially engineered to reduce hand torque and, as a result, you can achieve better accuracy with every shot.
It also boasts EnduraFiber limbs to give you unparalleled power, while its RockStops offset string suppressor helps get rid of vibration and other noise to help you stay hidden from your unsuspecting target. What’s more is that this is also capable of firing arrows at speeds of up to 315 feet per second, which is quite a decent speed for beginners.
We also love that the Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Adult Compound Bow gives users 5 color options to choose from. This makes sure that you’ll find the bow that best matches your personality, and making sure that everyone gets a chance to learn how to shoot with it.
Weight only 3 pounds, this compound bow makes it comfortable to shoot with while also being highly portable. You wouldn’t worry about taking it with you on your next field trip.
Overall, the Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Adult Compound Bow is the best compound bow for beginners who would want one that they can grow with. This highly adjustable bow allows it to be used from beginner-level to pro-level, while its high-quality materials ensure its longevity.
Pros:
- Bear Archery Cruzer G2 has highly adjustable draw length and draw weight.
- It has an advanced grip design that helps with the hunter’s accuracy.
- It boasts a maximum-versatility cam that allows hunters to shoot at speeds of up to 315 feet per second.
- Users have 5 color options to choose from.
Cons:
- It is not easy to set up, and you may need the help of professionals to get it ready.
04. Topoint Trigon Compound Bow Package
The Topoint Trigon Compound Bow Package is perfect for hunters who love sturdy and reliable compound bows for their hunting trips.
This compound bow is made of aluminum that’s known for its strength and durability, while its bow limbs are imported from the acclaimed Gordon Composites. With these in mind, you know that you’re getting a high-quality bow from this package.
It has an axle-to-axle length of 31 inches that allows it to travel at speeds of up to 320 feet per second – depending on the arrow you’re using. Also worth noting is its dual-cam design that’s known for its speed. This also makes it low maintenance, which is great for beginners who still don’t know much about bow maintenance.
The Topoint Trigon Compound Bow also comes with adjustable draw weight and draw length. For its draw weight, the range is between 19 and 70 pounds at its peak – and this is already capable of killing large games. But because it’s adjustable, you can also use it for lighter archery shooting practices.
For its draw length, the range is between 19 and 30 pounds, and this makes it great for learning how to shoot while gradually increasing as your mastery also improves.
The Topoint Trigon Compound Bow Package also includes other accessories, such as 24 pieces of 30-inch training carbon arrows, brush arrow rest, brush replacements, an arrow quiver, a soft quiver, and virtually any other accessory you need to start hunting. This assures you that you have everything you need by making just one purchase.
Pros:
- Topoint Trigon is made of a durable aluminum CNC machining bow riser coupled with bow limbs from Gordon Composites.
- It has a dual-cam design that allows it to fire arrows with great speed.
- It comes with complete accessories, giving you great value for the money.
- The Topoint Trigon Compound Bow has adjustable draw weight and length.
- Users have 6 color options to choose from.
Cons:
- Its dual-cam design makes it noisy to hunt with.
- It is not easy to set up.
05. Compound Bow Topoint Archery Package M1
Those who love smaller compound bows will find the Compound Bow Topoint Archery Package M1 to their liking. This is perfect for teaching kids and teenagers how to hunt, while also a great practice bow for some beginner adults.
Thanks to its aluminum bow riser and Gordon Composites bow limbs, you can only expect the best quality from this compound bow. It has a decent axle-to-axle length of 28 inches, making it ideal for children and adults.
But despite its petite size, this compound bow is capable of firing arrows at speeds of up to 320 feet per second. This is all thanks to its low maintenance dual-cam design that’s specially engineered to launch arrows at top speeds. And if that’s not impressive, we don’t even know what is.
It has a draw weight ranging from 19 to 70 pounds, while its draw length ranges between 19 and 30 inches. This makes it highly adjustable to suit the different age or skill of its users. You can expect that older children and teenagers will have fun with this product.
The Compound Bow Topoint Archery Package M1 only weighs a little over 3 pounds, and this makes it extremely portable. Not to mention, kids won’t have a hard time using it for archery or practice hunting.
Also worth noting is that this compound bow already comes with accessories, including 18 pieces of 30-inch training carbon arrows, 5 pins bow sight, brush arrow rest with brush replacements and all other first-time hunting necessities. This makes it the best compound bow for beginners, especially for those who prefer to shoot at close distances.
Pros:
- Topoint Archery has a highly adjustable draw weight and draw length.
- Its dual-cam design helps it shoot arrows at notable speeds of up to 320 feet per second.
- It is made of durable aluminum material coupled with Gordon Composites bow limbs to ensure durability and strength.
- It already comes with free accessories, giving you good value for the money.
- The 28-inch ATA is great for children and teenagers, or adults who prefer shorter bows.
Cons:
- It is limited to right-handed hunters.
- Its dual-cam design makes it quite noisy to hunt with.
06. Predator Archery Raptor Compound Hunting Bow (Left-Handed)
We believe that the Predator Archery Raptor Compound Hunting Bow is the best compound bow for hunting, and we loved it even more because it has a left-handed variant.
This impressive compound bow has an ATA of 30 inches, which allows it to shoot arrows at speeds of up to 320 feet per second. It is also relatively easy to install, making it a great entry-level bow for a variety of beginners with different skill sets.
The cams and modules on this bow are made of aluminum, so you don’t have to worry about its durability and longevity. Its dual-bow design also allows it to launch accurate and speedy arrows.
Like its right-handed counterpart, we also love that it is fully adjustable. It has a draw weight ranging from 30 to 70 pounds, and a draw length adjustable between 24.5 and 31 inches. This allows different hunters to shoot a variety of species – whether whitetails or elks.
Users also have two color options to choose from – black and camo. Either way, they’re great at keeping you well-hidden from your unsuspecting target.
Overall, the Predator Archery Raptor Compound Hunting Bow is one of the best compound bows, whether you’re a beginner or experienced hunter. This is all thanks to its highly-adjustable design coupled with sturdy and durable materials.
Pros:
- Predator Archery Raptor is made of aluminum material, so you know it’s of great quality.
- It shoots at speeds of up to 315 feet per second, thanks to its dual-cam design.
- It is highly adjustable, allowing different users with varied shooting skills to use it with ease.
- Predator Archery Raptor is affordable.
- It is easy to set up, although beginners are encouraged to have it done by professionals.
- It works for both beginners and experienced hunters alike.
Cons:
- As of the time of writing, there are no negative reviews of this item.
07. Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Adult Compound Bow (Left-Handed)
Just like its right-handed counterpart, the Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Adult Compound Bow for left-handed archers also makes it to our top picks.
This lightweight compound bow comes with a maximum versatility cam that makes it adjustable to suit the different hunting needs of each user. It has an impressive peak draw weight ranging from 5 to 70 pounds, allowing it to shirt virtually anything you can think of – from practice targets to large games while on the field.
Even more impressive is its draw length range. The Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Adult Compound Bow can be adjusted to have a draw length ranging from 12 to 30 inches, allowing different left-handed users to hunt with ease.
With an axle-to-axle length of 30 inches, you can expect unparalleled performance from this bow. What’s more is that it can also shoot arrows at speeds of up to 315 feet per second, depending on the type of arrow you’re using.
The Cruzer G2 only weighs 3 pounds, making it highly portable. This is also an ideal weight that allows children to use it with ease without sacrificing their comfort.
Pros:
- Bear Archery Cruzer G2 has highly adjustable draw length and draw weight.
- The Cruzer G2 has an advanced grip design that helps with the hunter’s accuracy.
- It boasts a maximum-versatility cam that allows hunters to shoot at speeds of up to 315 feet per second.
- Users have 5 color options to choose from.
Cons:
- It is not easy to set up, and you may need the help of professionals to get it ready.
08. Diamond Archery 2016 Edge SB-1 Compound Bow
The Diamond Archery 2016 Edge SB-1 Compound Bow is another impressive compound bow that is perfect for beginners.
It has an axle-to-axle length of 31 inches, allowing it to shoot arrows at a speed of up to 318 feet per second. Of course, this depends on the arrow used, but such a speed is still quite impressive for an entry-level bow.
We also love that this compound bow is highly adjustable. Its draw length is adjustable between 15 to 30 inches, so you know it’s comfortable to draw regardless of who is hunting. Additionally, it has a draw weight ranging between 7 to 70 pounds, allowing you to shoot down virtually anything.
Another interesting feature of the Diamond Archery 2016 Edge SB-1 Compound Bow is its unique synchronized binary cam system. This uses two perfectly symmetrical cams that turn synchronically to help you attain shooting accuracy and consistency.
We also love that it only weighs 3.6 pounds, allowing you to take it with you to every hunting trip with ease.
Overall, we love the Diamond Archery 2016 Edge SB-1 Compound Bow for its adjustability and versatility, making it one of the best compound bows for beginners. Its impressive ATA length also makes it easy to control for beginners, but still long enough for professional hunters. This is one compound bow that will help you make the most of your first hunting trip.
Pros:
- Diamond Archery Edge SB-1 has an ATA of 31 inches and is capable of shooting arrows at speeds of up to 318 feet per second.
- It uses a synchronized binary cam system that helps you shoot with more accuracy.
- This Archery has a highly adjustable draw weight and draw length.
- It is easy to adjust and set up.
Cons:
- Because of its dual-cam system, it creates a loud sound with every shot.
You may want to know more about Best Crossbow Broadheads for your batter hinting experience.
The Parts of a Compound Bow
Now that you have an idea of which bows are our top picks, we believe it’s necessary to get you acquainted with the parts of a compound bow. This is especially useful for beginners who have little to zero working knowledge of what constitutes a compound bow.
Learning about its various parts allows you to make a better judgment as to which compound bow to purchase. This also helps you critique the materials that go into your bow to help you make a more informed decision.
Arrow Rest
The arrow rest is the part of the bow where you rest your arrow right before you release it. The purpose of this part of the bow is to make sure that your arrow is in the right position so that you can accurately hit your target.
There are a variety of designs for arrow rests in the market. This includes the containment rest, which is circular with teeth-like bristles that helps the arrow stay securely in place. Because of the unique design of the containment rest that makes sure that the arrow doesn’t wobble out of place before release, it became the beginner’s choice for arrow rests.
Bowstring
The part of the bow that is responsible for launching the arrow is the bowstring. Because of its important function when it comes to archery and bowhunting, you have to make sure that the bowstring is made of a material that doesn’t easily wear out and lose tension after a few games.
Cables
The cables are the ones that help the cams move the bowstring back in place after every shot. Always make sure that it fits perfectly around the cams to help with your bow’s longevity.
Cable Guard
The cable guard is the rod that keeps the cables neatly in place – meaning, away from the center of the bow, and keeps them from getting entangled with the bowstring. You can easily spot it as the rod sticking out from the riser and attaches itself to the cables. If the cable guard is made of fiberglass, you know it’s of great quality.
Cable Slide
While the cable guard keeps the cables away from the riser, the cable slide keeps the cables away from the path of your arrow. This ensures that you can shoot your arrow without worrying that it will get caught in one of the cables.
Cams and Cam Systems
What identifies the compound bow from traditional or recurve bows is its cams. These cams are the circular discs attached to the end of the limbs of your bow. They are responsible for helping you adjust your desired draw weight for more powerful and accurate shots.
On the other hand, cam systems refer to the process by which the cams work together to make it possible for you to shoot each arrow.
While there are different types of cam systems, the recommended type for beginners is the single-cam system, which is known for being the easiest to maintain. They’re also the most silent to use, so you beginners don’t have to worry about startling their target.
Limbs
The limbs are the planks that attach the cams to the riser. They are located at the top and bottom of the bow and are responsible for storing the energy that you create as you pull the bowstring. Limbs are generally made of fiberglass, so you have to look out for this before buying a bow.
Peep Sight
The tiny circular piece inserted between your bowstring is the peep sight. Its function is to help you take your aim. As you pull the bowstring, you should look through both the peep sight and the sight to make sure that your arrow is properly aimed.
Riser
In the middle of the bow is the riser, which is one of the most important parts of the bow. This part holds the grip, the arrow rest, sight, quiver, and stabilizer.
Decent risers are made of aluminum, making it strong and durable. The downside with aluminum is that it tends to be heavy and would be harder to hunt with – especially if you’re a beginner. A more lightweight alternative is carbon fiber, but this tends to be more expensive.
Sight
While the peep sight is attached to the bowstring, the sight is attached to the riser. The sight is also made of a circular material that you have to look through to make sure that your aim is accurate.
String Vibration Arrester
The part of the bow extending from the riser to the bowstring is called the string vibration arrester. This is the part of the bow that helps absorb the sound produced by the bowstring as you release it. Allowing you to stay hidden from your target.
Optional Pieces
Aside from the main components that make up a good compound bow, there are other pieces that you can opt to mount or use to optimize your hunting experience.
Stabilizer
The stabilizer is a long rod that can be attached to your bow, usually below the grip. This helps keep your arm steady as you aim and shoot your arrow. Some experts even swear by the stabilizer to help reduce the vibration and sounds that the bow would produce. This is especially useful if you’re using a noisy dual cam system.
Mechanical Release
While the mechanical release is not a part of the bow, it is a necessary component that most hunters would wear to help them pull back the bowstring and make a more accurate release.
D-loop
Working hand-in-hand with the mechanical release is the d-loop, which is a piece of cord that you attach to the bowstring. This helps facilitate your shooting whenever you’re using a mechanical release.
Bow Size: ATA, Space, Brace Height and Draw Length
At this point, you already have a deeper understanding of compound bows and its various parts. But before making the final decision in buying the best compound bow for beginners, you also have to consider how to find the perfect-sized bow for you.
Here, we will help you determine the correct bow size to make sure that you’re hunting with the perfect bow for you.
Axle-to-Axle (ATA)
The main factor you have to look into is the axle-to-axle length or ATA. This is the measurement between the center of the two cams. It is usually measured in inches. To take this measurement accurately, simply run a tape measure from the center of the top cam to the center of the bottom cam.
Bow sizes are usually referred to by the length of their ATA, & this helps hunters determine the distance by which it can shoot its arrows. With this in mind, we can now see that there is a relationship between a long ATA and the distance of the target. And this is why we have to consider space first before buying a compound bow.
ATA and Space
The general rule is that the longer the ATA length, the farther it can push an arrow. This comes in handy when you’re shooting in an open field with your targets located far away. On the other hand, if your target is located only a few feet from where you’re standing. Then you might want to consider a bow with a shorter ATA.
With these in mind, you have to carefully think of the area or space where you’re using your bow for. Otherwise, you might end up buying a bow that won’t be convenient for you. And that’s just a big waste of money.
Brace Height
The brace height refers to the distance between bowstring and the grip of your bow. The height is usually between 5 and 7 inches and must be measured when the bow is at rest.
The importance of the brace height lies in the speed and accuracy of your shot. As a rule, the shorter height allows you to shoot the arrow at a notable speed. While the longer height helps with accuracy but sacrifices your speed. Thus, you have to take these factors in mind before making a purchase.
Draw Length
Another measurement you have to take seriously before buying a compound bow is its draw length. This is important because it helps you with your shooting accuracy. While also making sure that you’ll be holding your bow comfortably.
To measure the recommended draw length for you, you have to consider your wingspan. To do so, stretch both arms sideways until your body looks like a “T”. Hold this position and ask somebody to measure the length from the middle finger of your right hand to the middle finger of your left hand. Make sure to measure in inches.
Now, subtract 15 from the measurement you have just taken. Next is to divide the difference by two. The answer will be the appropriate draw length for your wingspan.
While this may be quite troublesome for a lot of beginners. This step is crucial to make sure that you choose the best compound bow for beginners. Bear in mind that the draw length helps you shoot with better accuracy. So if you get the bow that’s not your size, then you won’t enjoy the full bowhunting experience.
The Price-Performance Ratio
The price-performance ratio is an important concept in economics and engineering that helps consumers determine. Whether the product is worth its price. Generally, it’s more desirable if the ratio is lower.
This will help us determine whether we’re getting the best bang for your buck. This is something we have to look into because compound bows do not come cheap.
When we speak of the price-performance ratio for the best compound bow for beginners, we have to make sure that it uses durable materials. This determines whether it will easily deteriorate or not, thereby also determining how frequent we need to have it replaced.
Another factor you have to look into is how frequent it needs maintenance work. In most cases, compound bows with single cam systems require less maintenance work. So this kind of bow not only saves you money but also the time in getting them done.
And finally, we have to look into the size of your bow. As previously mentioned, the size of the perfect compound bow would depend on the ATA. And the braces height and the draw length. While it’s crucial to buy a bow that would best work in your desired hunting environment. We believe that it’s even more important to make sure that it has the appropriate draw length for your size.
We can’t emphasize enough that buying a bow with the matching draw length will help you shoot comfortably while also helping you aim better. This not only helps you make the most of your hunting time, but it also makes you feel more fulfilled.
Overall, these are the main factors that will help you determine whether we’re getting the best value for the money.
Still, have a confusion? No matter, you can take a look at our other best single bow Barnett Raptor Pro STR Review.
FAQ
Before ending this article, we find it important to look for an answer. The frequently asked questions relating to the best compound bow for beginners.
Is a recurve or compound bow better for beginners?
The answer to this question would depend on your preferences. Generally, recurve bows have fewer components than a compound bow. It is usually lighter – and this makes it extremely portable and easier to work with.
But on the other hand, a compound bow has many components that help you make better aim and hit targets with better accuracy. Thus, if you prefer lightweight bows with less maintenance work, you can go with a recurve bow. Alternatively, if you choose to have a better aim regardless of using a bulky bow. Then the compound bow is perfect for you.
How much Does a Good Compound Bow Cost?
The average price of compound bows ranges from 250 to 400 dollars. You can find a lot of decent ones for less than 300 dollars. Although most of the top-notch compound bows are sold between 350 and 400 dollars.
How much should you spend on your first compound bow?
The amount of money you should spend on your first bow should always fall within your budget. Bear in mind that there are other accessories that you have to buy along with your bow. So you have to factor that in as well in coming up with your final budget.
Nevertheless, various hunting kits come with the bow, arrows, and accessories. That falls within a range of 300 to 450 dollars. This would depend on the quality of the accessories that you want to buy. Because the cheaper ones usually have accessories that are not always the best quality.
But overall, a price of 300 dollars, more or less, is already a good investment for a first compound bow.
What is the best compound bow for the money?
Among our top picks; we believe that the Bear Archery 2018 Approach RTH, Compound Bow offers the best value for the money. In coming up with this decision, we had to factor in its bow length, adjustability, unparalleled speed. Plus the fact that it’s something that you can grow your skills with. This means that you don’t have to buy a new bow once you improve your shooting.
Conclusion
When it comes to looking for the best compound bow for beginners; there are several factors that you have to consider before making a purchase. From everything discussed in this article, we can finally conclude that. Among the main considerations should be the length of the bow. Its draw weight, draw length, speed, and the cam system used for each bow.
While there are standard measurements that are recommended for your safety and enjoyment. You still have to factor in how comfortable you are at controlling your bow. Thus, you have to make a careful assessment of your needs first. Before you invest in the best compound bow for you.
Aside from the factors listed above, you must consider the purpose of using the bow. Will it be for bowhunting? Or will it be for archery? If you’re considering bow hunting, do you prefer hunting large or small game? Are you left-handed or right-handed? These are just some of the personal questions that you have to answer before buying your first bow.
Once you’ve made your assessment, you can now choose a bow based on the industry standard. When you do this, you also save up a lot of money since you won’t end up buying something. That you won’t enjoy using.
And if you’re still left with several options after making your assessment. Then don’t hesitate to check out any of our top picks. They’re all well worth the money, with loaded features to boot.
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