Choosing from a wide range of compound bows can be nerve-racking. Whether you are more particular on the style, price, or ease of usage, you still have to be cautious as not all that are said about promoted products are true. What can help you is to know their characteristics. Below is a review of several compound bows to help you determine the most appropriate one for you.
Best Compound Bow 2016
10. Athens Solace
The Athens Solace compound bow has a striking appeal to most archers due to its customizable finish, cam system options and high quality craftsmanship. Its draw length ranges from 25 – 30 inches, a draw weight of 40 – 70 lbs has a brace height of 6.75 inches. This extremely quiet bow is 33 inches long and weighs 4.1 lbs. It has a let-off percentage of around 65-85% and an IBO speed ranging from 330 fps – 335 fps.
Some users say that this bow is not capable of throwing arrows at incredible speed but the plus features overshadow this defect. Another attractive factor is the transferrable lifetime limited warranty that goes with every purchase.
9. Prime Ion Ghost Grip
Besting other compound bows in tests is the 31-inch axle to axle Prime Ion Ghost Grip. It has been publicized as among the ones that can satisfy bow users. It came as an enhanced version to its chunky predecessors. To blend speed and accuracy, improvements were made on its PCXL cam and 700 aluminum riser.
This bow has a brace height of 7.25 inches, it scored 89.125 upon testing. It weighs 3.9 lbs, has a let-off capacity of 80% and a speed of 279 fps. What’s good to know is that it belongs to the quietest kinds of compound bows that can shoot very well. However, its clunky-styled quad cams may have caused it to end in the middle of those tested for speed where bows that shoot excellently usually fail.
8. Bowtech Prodigy
Bowtech Prodigy is characterized by its 7-inch brace height, 80% let-off and speed of 271.1 fps. It is a 32-inch axle to axle bow that scored 88.25 during a test. This 4.2 lb. wonder has PowerShift technology that allows shifting from comfort, classic and performance by using a small shifter.
The PowerShift feature has helped users to like this item but it did not really helped much on the speed aspect. But somehow, speed is not all that makes a bow perfect; accuracy counts a lot as well and it was proven true in this Bowtech model. Additional points: regulated vibration.
7. PSE Decree HD
PSE Decree HD is a 35-inch axle-to-axle compound bow with a brace height of 6.5 inches. It weighs 4.2 lbs and a speed of 287.9 fps. With an 80% let-off capability and a testing score of 86, it comes as one of the highly preferred bows. PSE bows were made to be fast and forgiving as seen in its length and brand new HD cam fitting. This allows for a gentler draw cycle.
This bow placed last in the vibration and shock departments but compared to other types, several reviews rated it as more on the positive side. PSE Decree HD fit and finish passed the test of choosy archers.
6. Bear Archery Crux Ready to Hunt 70lb RH A5CX21007R
This Bear Crux model may be cheap unlike its other shooting rivals but is able to display an excellent performance, presented with a tag below $500, and armed with a forgiving 7.5-inch brace height. It comes at a length of 3.0625 inches and weighs around 4lbs. Draw length of the bow ranges from 25.5 – 30.5 inches at IBO speed of 320 fps and has a draw weight of 40 – 70 lbs.
This good starter bow with a let-off of 75% was first manufactured in 2015. It features a devastating dual-cam capability with a smooth draw cycle. Equipped with quality Trophy Ridge accessories and an incredible speed, this bow is considered as one tough act in its class.
5. Xpedition Xcentric
Xpedition Xcentric measures 32 ¼ inches from axle to axle and only weighs 3.9 lbs. With a height of 6 inches, this impressive compound bow has a let-off percentage of 80% and speed of 300.4 fps. It may have topped shooting tests at 89.125 which makes it highly likeable among archers and sportsmen.
This bow maybe among the most forgiving and the quietest but it is said to have a draw cycle that needs more harsh rollover, a common feature among speed bows. But this lack does not deter others from buying this model. Sometimes, shooters don’t have to depend much on the bows because they can speed up the game if they themselves are fast in drawing bows.
3. Obsession Fusion 6
The Fusion 6 has a bow similar to that of the new PerFx draw length-specific cams. It measures 32 ¼ inches from axle to axle and has 80% let-off. It has a brace height of 6 inches and weighs 4.1 lbs. Standing among the fastest bows in every competition and testing with an 85.25 score, it is capable of 290.3 fps speed.
If you are not at all bothered by too much vibration, this bow is for you. This bow combines a nice draw cycle and speed which makes it a new favorite among bow owners. It has color options to select from.
2. Bowtech Fuel
Bowtech Fuel is reasonably priced and equipped with a complete binary cam system. It’s like owning a bow capable of performing alongside with the expensive ones but paying for just $499! It has a brace height of 7 inches, weighs 3.4 lbs. and has a length of 31.5 inches. Speed is said to be 320 fps with a let-off of 80%.
This highly-adjustable bow has a draw length of 18 – 30 inches and a draw weight of approximately 14 – 70 lbs. What needs slight improvement is the grip. Adding a draw stop peg on either or both cams may further enhance its performance.
1. Hoyt Nitrum Turbo
The Turbo is a 33-inch axle to axle bow that tops every shooting test on speed and low vibration aspects. It is 6 inches in height and weighs only 4.2 lbs. This Hoyt bow is capable of 302.8 fps and has a let-off of 75%. It features an Offset Riser that allows reduced vibration and stiffness. Its cam and a half system makes it the fastest among the Hoyt series.
The cool-looking bow is also built with the unique ZT Cable Guard that places the roller closer to the riser for reduced torque. Nonetheless, it has a harsh rollover at draw’s end that is why it finishes last on the draw-cycle field. Overall, this bow is a great tool for the adventurous lot.
Having little information on compound bows will surely deliver you to own the wrong equipment. So to speak, a little research conducted before buying makes a lot of difference. Set aside impulse-buying to get the best value for your money and come out of the store with a smile (and some savings too).
