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10 Best Compound Bows 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Genesis Original Compound Bow & Arrow Kit- Adjustable Riser, 15"-30" Draw Length, 10-20 lb Draw Weight, All Skill Levels, Draw Hand - Right, Green

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,247
Draw Weight
Draw Length

Most important from
2422 reviews

Draw Weight
The adjustable draw length and weight make it versatile enough to grow with the user’s skills and size.
Draw Length
The adjustable draw length and weight make it versatile enough to grow with the user’s skills and size.

The Genesis Original Compound Bow & Arrow Kit is a great choice for beginners and younger archers thanks to its adjustable draw length (15-30 inches) and draw weight (10-20 lbs). This flexibility means it can grow with the user, fitting a wide range of sizes and skill levels. The single cam design helps reduce tuning issues and recoil, which can make shooting more accurate and enjoyable, especially for those just starting out.

It comes fully assembled with durable materials like an aluminum riser and composite limbs, so you can start practicing right away without needing extra setup. The included accessories—a quiver, arm guard, and five arrows—make this a complete package for learning and casual shooting. However, the relatively low maximum draw weight and lack of detailed speed rating means it’s not intended for experienced archers seeking high power or long-range performance.

Its lightweight design (just over 7 ounces) makes it easy to handle but may feel less sturdy for bigger users. This bow provides excellent value and ease of use for beginners, youth, or anyone looking to get into archery without overwhelming complexity.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,247
Draw Weight
Draw Length

Most important from
2422 reviews

Draw Weight
The adjustable draw length and weight make it versatile enough to grow with the user’s skills and size.
Draw Length
The adjustable draw length and weight make it versatile enough to grow with the user’s skills and size.
#2

PANDARUS Compound Bow Archery for Youth and Beginner, Right/Left Handed,19”-28” Draw Length,15-29 Lbs Draw Weight, 260 fps, Package with Archery Hunting Equipment Carry Case(Black Right Handed Pro)

Rating
8.8
Draw Weight
Draw Length

Most important from
1484 reviews

Draw Weight
The adjustable draw length and weight allow the bow to grow with the user’s skill and strength, providing lasting usability.
Draw Length
The adjustable draw length and weight allow the bow to grow with the user’s skill and strength, providing lasting usability.

The PANDARUS Compound Bow is designed mainly for youth, beginners, and women, making it a solid entry-level choice for those just getting into archery. Its adjustable draw weight (15-29 lbs) and draw length (19”-28”) allow it to grow with your skill and strength, which is great if you’re learning or want a bow that adapts to you. The bow’s speed of 260 fps is decent for a beginner model, helping you get a good shooting experience without being too advanced or overwhelming.

With a moderate axle-to-axle length of about 27.75 inches and a brace height of 6.75 inches, it offers a manageable balance between accuracy and ease of use. The 65% let-off means you hold less weight at full draw, which reduces arm fatigue, an important feature for newcomers still building strength. The bow is lightweight (2.5 lbs) and comes with a full package, including arrows, a sight, quiver, arm guard, and a carry case, giving beginners almost everything needed to start shooting right away.

One drawback is its construction from engineering plastic (PA66), which may not feel as durable or premium as metal or carbon bows, but it helps keep the weight low and the price affordable. Also, it’s only available in right-hand orientation, which could be limiting for left-handed users. The bow’s design warns against dry firing, a common caution with all bows, but beginners should follow instructions carefully to avoid damage. This bow suits younger archers or those new to compound bows seeking an adjustable, lightweight, and ready-to-go setup without a high cost.

Rating
8.8
Draw Weight
Draw Length

Most important from
1484 reviews

Draw Weight
The adjustable draw length and weight allow the bow to grow with the user’s skill and strength, providing lasting usability.
Draw Length
The adjustable draw length and weight allow the bow to grow with the user’s skill and strength, providing lasting usability.
#3

Bear Species XT Ready to Hunt Compound Archery Bow, 70lb. Draw Weight, Right Hand, Fred Bear/Black

The Bear Species XT Ready to Hunt compound bow is designed for those serious about hunting, featuring a solid 70lb draw weight and adjustable draw length up to 30.5 inches to accommodate various arm lengths for a comfortable and efficient shot. Its single cam system offers smooth drawing and reliable accuracy, while an impressive IBO speed of up to 320 feet per second provides strong power for hunting purposes.

This bow comes as a complete package, including a rest, multi-pin sight, quiver, stabilizer, peep sight, and wrist sling, making it ready to use right out of the box. The aluminum build keeps it sturdy yet reasonably lightweight at 7.25 pounds, suitable for carrying during extended outdoor use. The adjustable let-off and draw weight range (45-60 to 55-70 lbs) allow for some tailoring to fit different skill levels and preferences.

The 70lb draw weight and right-hand orientation mean this bow is best suited for experienced or physically strong archers and right-handed users only. Beginners or those needing a left-handed option might find this model less ideal. Some may find the package somewhat heavy compared to lighter hunting bows, which could impact endurance during long hunts. The Bear Species XT is a powerful, customizable hunting bow that comes with all essential accessories, offering good value for hunters who want a dependable and ready-to-go setup, while its weight and draw strength make it more fitting for seasoned archers rather than novices or those seeking lighter, more beginner-friendly options.

Buying Guide for the Best Compound Bows

Choosing the right compound bow can significantly enhance your archery experience, whether you're a beginner or an experienced archer. The key is to understand the various specifications and how they align with your needs and preferences. By focusing on the right specs, you can find a bow that offers the perfect balance of power, accuracy, and comfort.
Draw WeightDraw weight refers to the amount of force required to pull the bowstring back. This spec is crucial because it affects the power and speed of your shot. Draw weights typically range from 40 to 70 pounds. For beginners or those with less upper body strength, a lower draw weight (40-50 pounds) is ideal. Intermediate archers might prefer a mid-range draw weight (50-60 pounds), while experienced archers or hunters often opt for higher draw weights (60-70 pounds) for more powerful shots. Choose a draw weight that you can comfortably handle to ensure accuracy and prevent injury.
Draw LengthDraw length is the distance from the bowstring at full draw to the grip. This measurement is important because it affects your shooting form and accuracy. Draw lengths typically range from 24 to 30 inches. To find your ideal draw length, measure your wingspan (the distance from fingertip to fingertip with arms outstretched) and divide by 2.5. Ensure the bow you choose can be adjusted to your specific draw length for optimal performance and comfort.
Axle-to-Axle LengthAxle-to-axle length is the distance between the axles of the bow's cams. This spec influences the bow's stability and maneuverability. Shorter bows (28-32 inches) are more maneuverable and suitable for hunting in tight spaces, while longer bows (33-36 inches) offer greater stability and are preferred for target shooting. Consider where you'll be using the bow most often to determine the best axle-to-axle length for your needs.
Brace HeightBrace height is the distance between the bowstring and the deepest part of the grip. This spec affects the bow's speed and forgiveness. Shorter brace heights (5-6 inches) result in faster arrow speeds but require more precise shooting form. Longer brace heights (7-8 inches) are more forgiving and easier to shoot accurately, making them ideal for beginners. Choose a brace height that matches your skill level and shooting style.
Let-OffLet-off is the percentage of the draw weight that is reduced when the bow is at full draw. Higher let-off (70-85%) means you hold less weight at full draw, allowing for steadier aiming and less fatigue. Lower let-off (60-70%) requires more strength to hold but can provide a more consistent release. Beginners and those who plan to shoot for extended periods may prefer higher let-off, while experienced archers might opt for lower let-off for better control.
Speed (IBO Rating)Speed, often measured in feet per second (FPS) using the International Bowhunting Organization (IBO) rating, indicates how fast an arrow travels when shot from the bow. Faster speeds (320+ FPS) are beneficial for hunting as they result in flatter trajectories and more kinetic energy. However, speed isn't everything; accuracy and comfort are also important. For target shooting, a moderate speed (280-320 FPS) is usually sufficient. Consider your primary use for the bow when evaluating speed.

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