Hunting Bow Tips: Best Compound Bows for Beginners

Hunting with a bow gives a thrill that you won't find with guns and riffles. The relation in-between your bow and your target is a unique feeling. However, hunting with a bow will ask more of your time than hunting with guns and riffles. Spending time to learn shooting and tuning your bow is, however, a huge part of why so many people like and adore bowhunting. 

The question remains and will always be; how do we determine the best hunting bow for beginners. Once you know more about how to select a hunting bow, you will realize how easy it is. You are the keystone of bowhunting and your bow will only be the extension of your own precision and form.

There are three main categories encompassing entry-level to more advanced flagship bows, all recommended hunting with. Let's have a look at the most popular category for bowhunting. Will follow the best hunting bows for beginners: Recurve bows and Longbows in the next posts.

I based my selection on a few criteria. First, the versatility of the bow. Second, the quality of the bow for the price and finally, the tunability of the bow allowing you to improve your experience.

 

Compound bows

The purpose of this article is to give you the options of affordable bows that allow you to hunt without breaking the bank and also a glimpse of more advanced technological bows, also called flagships. Flagships are not necessarily recommended for beginners, however, the money will bring shortcuts, some flagships are more expensive but ease your shots and improve your precision without the hassle of developing your form and precision. Some more expensive bows correct your flaws but can also enhance your flaws so it crucial to understand what you really need. Personally, I will always suggest developing your form over buying a more expensive bow.

The goal is not creating a ranking of the compound bows but instead, create a list of the best hunting bows mainly for beginners but also to bring to your attention on more advanced bows at a reasonable price. In other words, the following list is a list of bows that you can't go wrong if you purchase one of them having bowhunting in mind.

Before reaching for the Halon 32, the Bowtech Reign 6, the Hoyt Double XL, the PSE Evolve or the Elite Option 7, you may want to have a look at these bows.

 

Diamond Edge SB-1

Definition

What to add about the SB-1 that most of us now know. Reliability, versatility, great "grow with" compound bow and excellent for the money as a starter-intermediate bow. That being said,  the main key to this bow is the binary cam technology. Basically, the system overcomes the timing and synchronization issues by slaving one cam to the other, minimizing the need for tuning thus achieving perfect shots every time while being smooth and silent. Stealthiness is crucial in hunting situations.

Minimum tuning is necessary out of the box and you are reading to shoot. The bow develops up to 318 FPS but more realistically about 270 FPS with a 400-grain hunting arrow. The velocity of the Edge SB-1 from Diamond generates about 62-65 ft-lbs of kinetic energy. It means that any target below deer (deer included) will go down. 

The adjustments are easy to do making a plus value to this bow in hunting situations. You don't want to come back to your home and tune your bow. You want to stay on the field and make repairs and adjustments, the Edge Sb-1 allows that.

Features and Specs

• Draw Length: 15"-30”
• Draw Weight: 7-70 lbs
• IBO Speed: 318 FPS
• Mass Weight: 3.6 lbs
• Axle to Axle: 31”
• Brace Height: 7”
• Let-off: 80%

Package includes

• Three-pin TRUGLO® Apex Tundra sight
• Octane™ Hostage XL Arrow Rest.
• Comfort wrist sling
• Octane DeadLock Lite quiver
• Carbon peep sight
• Octane 5" Ultra-Lite Stabilizer
• BCY string loop

Pros:

• Easy adjustments 
• Versatility, Reliability, Durability
• Smooth and Silent.
• Great technology for a starting compound bow

Cons:

• Not recommended for bigger game (Elk, Cape Buffalo)

 

Bear Archery Cruzer and Cruzer G2

 

Definition

While you are doing your homework to find the perfect compound bow to start shooting with and also eventually hunt with, you can't avoid the Bear Archery Cruzer. In my humble opinion, the SB-1 and the Bear Cruzer are the most versatile and technological for the money and should have fully your attention. 

The Cruzer from Bear Archery deserves a special mention for its compactness and versatility. But also for its design, construction, performance, and value for the money. Noise and vibrations are minimal expressly though for hunting purposes. The Cruzer is also offered in a G2 model which generates more velocity. Constructed from lightweight and durable aluminum, this compound bow is designed to last for years.

The Cruzer will develop around 310 FPS at 70 pounds of draw weight with a 350-grain arrow. With a 400-grain hunting arrow, you should expect about 275 FPS for approximately 65 ft-lbs of kinetic energy at 70 pounds of draw weight. This is enough energy to shoot all the most popular game in North America (deer and wild boars).

String suppressor and stabilizer are included for a smoother and quieter performance. 

Features and Specs

• Draw Length: 12"- 32”
• Draw Weight: 5-70 lbs
• IBO Speed: 310 FPS
• Mass Weight: 3.5 lbs
• Axle to Axle: 32”
• Brace Height: 6.5”
• Let-off: 75%

 

Package Includes

• Trophy Ridge® Quick Shot Whisker Biscuit®,
• Trophy Ridge® Joker four-pin sight,
• Trophy Ridge Dart stabilizer with sling,
• Trophy Ridge Five-Spot quiver,
• Peep sight and nock loop.

Pros

• Adaptability
• Ready to hunt package
• Lifetime warranty
• Smooth draw

Cons

• Short brace height

 

Diamond Infinite Edge Pro

Definition

Proud member of the Edge family from Diamond the Infinite Edge Pro is probably the most versatile and compact bow for the price. This bow participates to create higher technological bows (Sb-1) at an affordable price. Nothing to be shy of, the Infinite Edge Pro offers more adjustments allowing more shooters to use it. Its lightness and the cams system will allow any hunters to hunt for hours without feeling fatigue.

This entry level compound bow generates about 310 FPS. Tuning is necessary for hunting as all bows will be. However, the infinite edge is ready to shoot out of the box for target practicing. In hunting situations, with a hunting arrow, you should generate about 270 FPS at 70 pounds of draw weight. This speed develops about 62-65 ft-lbs of kinetic energy giving you enough power to take down the most popular target, the deer! 

Diamond produces easily adjustable bows and the Infinite Edge Pro isn't an exception. Its wider adjustability will answer any future hunter needs.

Features and Specs

• Draw Length: 13"-31”
• Draw Weight: 5-70 lbs
• IBO Speed: 310 FPS
• Mass Weight: 3.2 lbs
• Axle to Axle: 31.5”
• Brace Height: 7”
• Let-off: 80%

Package Includes

• Three-pin Apex Sight
• Octane Hostage XL Arrow Rest
• Comfort wrist sling
• Octane DeadLock Lite quiver
• Tube peep sight
• Octane Ultra-Lite Stabilizer
• BCY string loop

Pros

• Wider adjustability
• Great for the money
• Perfect for beginner hunters
• Excellent "grow with" bow

Cons

• Dual cams need more tuning

 

Quest Radical Compound Bow Package

Definition

The Quest Radical from G5 gives a great alternative for future hunters that want a bow that is easy to work on. With a forgiving brace height of over 7", large draw length and weight adjustments, the Radical become an interesting entry level bow for any users.

The Slowest of this list but doesn't mean that you will lack the power to take down your target. The Quest Radical does generate 295 FPS at 70 pounds of draw weight with a 350-grain arrow. However, for hunting purposes, you may use 400-grain and higher arrows.  This will reduce the velocity of your bow but still allow you to hunt the most popular targets (deer and wild boars). 

This bow is accessory friendly and allows you to buy the best aftermarket items to enhance your hunting experience. That being said, G5 produces among the best packages out of the box for their entry level bow. The bow encompasses all the main characteristics of flagship bows at a way more reasonable price.

Features and Specs

• Draw Length: 17.5"- 30”
• Draw Weight: 15-70 lbs
• IBO Speed: 295 FPS
• Mass Weight: 3.25 lbs
• Axle to Axle: 29.5”
• Brace Height: 7.125”
• Let-off: 75%

 

Package Includes

• G5 Head-Loc Quiver,
• G5 Halo rest,
• G5 Stabilizer,
• G5 Neoprene Wrist Sling,
• G5 Tool-less 5 pin sight,
• G5 1/4'' Meta Peep.

Pros

• Large draw weight adjustment range of 15-70lbs
• Similarly ample draw length adjustability from 17.5" to 30"
• Lightweight platform
• Included package above the average

Cons

• Slower bow compared to similar bows

 

Diamond deploy

 

Definition

The Deploy Sb from Diamond is meant for hunting. The setups only offer 50, 60 and 70 of draw weight. The first bow to have the binary cam system from Diamond. The binary cam is known to aid achieve higher speed and much smoother draw cycle than regular dual cam. As we all know, speed and momentum are intricately inseparable in hunting situations. The Deploy SB gives you both for hunting purposes.

Specifically made for hunting, the Deploy SB develops about 330 FPS with a 350-grain arrow. More realistically about 300 FPS with a 400-grain hunting arrow which will generate about 80 ft-lbs of kinetic energy at 70 pounds of draw weight. These numbers are excellent for any type of game in North America.

Less adjustable for sure but expressly made for hunting. You have to keep that in mind when you are comparing this bow to others. Easy to tune and accessory friendly. This bow can become a flagship bow at a lower price.

Features and Specs

• Draw Length: 26"-30.5”
• Draw Weight: 50, 60, 70 lbs
• IBO Speed: 330 FPS
• Mass Weight: 3.2 lbs
• Axle to Axle: 31.5”
• Brace Height: 6.75”
• Let-off: 80%

Package Includes

• 4-Pin Apex Sight
• Hostage XL Arrow Rest
• Wrist Sling
• Octane DeadLock Lite quiver
• Carbon Peep Sight
• 5" Octane Ultra-Lite Stabilizer
• BCY string loop

Pros

• Smooth draw cycle
• Flagship quality at a reasonable price
• Made for hunting
• Enough velocity to hunt all targets

Cons

• Its higher velocity comes with a price

  

PSE Surge RTS

Definition

The Surge has the look, the performance, and adjustability that you are looking for hunting. PSE developed a series of bows that last over the years. The durability of the Surge makes your investment worthy. Built for enhancing the draw cycle experience and to stay as quiet as possible, the Surge corresponds to a real ready-to-hunt compound bow.

The Surge shot at 320 FPS with 350-grain arrows. In hunting situations, you can reasonably expect about 280 FPS with 425-grain arrows. It means, that the bow will develop around 74 ft-lbs of kinetic energy. There will be no worries to take down all game in North America with this compound bow.

Features and Specs

• IBO Speed: 320 fps
• Axle-to-axle Length: 32-1/2"
• Mass Weight: 4.3 lb
• Draw Weight: 50, 60, 70 lbs
• Let Off: 75%
• Brace Height: 7-1/4"
• Draw Length Range: 19-1/2" to 30" 
• Draw Length Modules Included: Rotating module
• Cam Type: Single

 

Package Includes

• Gemini 3-pin sight
• Whisker Biscuit Rest
• Flexxtech 3 Stabilizer
• Shadow Quiver
• PSE Neoprene Sling
• Peep Sight
• Nock Loop

Pros

• Ready-to-Shoot package
• Quiet and vibration-free
• Very smooth draw cycle

Cons

• Arrows not included
• Bit heavier

  

The RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow

Definition

Made for everyone budget, the Raptor compound hunting bow gives everyone a chance to experience hunting without breaking the bank. The bow was designed for hunter giving all the necessary items to shoot and hunt. The versatility of the bow for the price make the Raptor a serious contender if you are not sure that hunting with a compound bow is for them.

The bow generates about 315 FPS at 70 pounds of draw weight with a 350-grain arrow. Using a 400-grain arrow will develop around 275 FPS generating about 62-65 ft-lbs of kinetic energy. In other words, at a really fair price, the Raptor is equivalent to the main entry level compound bows on the market. It means that the Raptor deserves more attention.

One of the good aspects of the Raptor is that the bow is accessory friendly which will be important because the included package offers only the minimum accessories to allow you hunting.

Features and Specs

• Draw Length: 24.5"- 31”
• Draw Weight: 30-70 lbs
• IBO Speed: 315 FPS
• Mass Weight: 3.6 lbs
• Let-off: 75%

Package Includes

• 5 Pin Sight w/ Light & Level
• Loop & Peep Sight Pre-Installed
• Stabilizer
• Whisker Biscuit Style Rest

Pros

• Tunability and versatility
• Great value for the mone
• No Bow Press Required - Adjust It Instantly

Cons

• Arrows not included
• Package not complete

 

The iGlow 40-70 lbs Black

 

Definition

Based on the more popular frame, the iGlow is interesting but simply unknown to most of us. The Specs of the bow are similar to known brands and the bow comes with different packages depending on where you buy it.

The iGlow develops also 310+ FPS with a 350-grain arrow with the settings at maximum. In hunting situations, the bow will generate around 275 FPS with a 400-grain arrow also set at maximum. Most of the target in North America need about 65 ft-lbs. of kinetic energy which the iGlow provides without a doubt. 

The adjustability and versatility of the bow make are an excellent "grow with" you bow. The perspective of having a bow at a fair price leave you with more money to invest in other items to enhance your hunting experiences like broadheads or scents.

Features and Specs

• Draw Length: 25"- 31”
• Draw Weight: 40-70 lbs
• IBO Speed: 310 FPS
• Mass Weight: 4.4 lbs
• Axle to Axle: 31.5”
• Brace Height: 6.5”
• Let-off: 75-80%

Package Includes

• Optic Bow Sight with Sight Light,
• Brush Arrow Rest,
• Rubber Stabilizer,
• 1/8' Tube Peep Sight,
• D-loop String,
• lube wax,
• Bow Sling,
• Allen keys

Pros

• Best for the money
• Give a good shooting experience without breaking the bank
• Complete package for a fair price

Cons

• Unknown brand 

 

Conclusion 

All in all, you have to respect your budget accordingly to your needs. To select the best hunting compound bow isn't hard if you follow those two elements. As for the listing above, I am confident that either of them will fill your needs and respect all kind of budgets.

How you shoot will make a major difference then with what you shoot. Of course, it is undeniable that a high-quality bow makes a huge difference when shooting but expensive doesn't always mean precision.

Thank you for reading the best hunting bow for beginners: Compound bows. Stay tuned for the best hunting bows for beginners: recurve bows if you are interested in a more old fashion way of hunting. 

Have a nice hunt!