8 Best Budget Compound Bows of 2024

By Bryan ListorLast update: 2023-08-02

If you’ve decided to purchase a compound bow, then you should always remember that the best bow should fit all you need. Having the perfect model benefits you in many ways, such as making you more successful with your shots and guaranteeing optimum efficiency.

However, with many designs and improvements over the year, you may find it hard to choose a bow that suits your style. Don't worry, we're going to introduce you the best budget compound bows. Go ahead and take your pick.

Here are the best budget compound bows (Apr 2024 Update):

  • Best Overall: Genesis Original Bow
  • Best For Target Practice: Barnett Vortex Lite Bow Pkg 18-29 lbs 22-25 in. Draw RH
  • Best For Novice: Leader Accessories Compound Bow Archery Hunting Equipment
  • Best For Training Kids: Crosman Elkhorn Jr. Compound Bow
  • Best For Deer Hunting: iGlow Archery Hunting Compound Bow
  • Best For Bow Fishing: Southland Archery Supply SAS Scorpii Compound Bow
  • Best For Pro Archers: RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow Kit
  • Best For Women: Compound Bow Topoint Archery Package M1
Top 8 Best Budget Compound Bows
Best Overall
Genesis Original Bow
    Read Our Review
    Best For Target Practice
    Barnett Vortex Lite Bow Pkg 18-29 lbs 22-25 in. Draw RH
      Read Our Review
      Best For Novice
      Leader Accessories Compound Bow Archery Hunting Equipment
        Read Our Review
        Best For Training Kids
        Crosman Elkhorn Jr. Compound Bow
          Read Our Review
          Best For Deer Hunting
          iGlow Archery Hunting Compound Bow
            Read Our Review
            Best For Bow Fishing
            Southland Archery Supply SAS Scorpii Compound Bow
              Read Our Review
              Best For Pro Archers
              RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow Kit
                Read Our Review
                Best For Women
                Compound Bow Topoint Archery Package M1
                  Read Our Review

                  Best Overall: Genesis Original Bow

                  Genesis Original Bow
                  Genesis Original Bow
                  Pros
                  • Has an adjustable draw weight
                  • Very lightweight
                  • NASP official bow
                  • Budget-friendly
                  • Easy to use
                  Cons
                  • It doesn’t come with arrows

                  If you’re looking for a reliable compound bow that can be used by both adults and kids, the Genesis Original bow will deliver your every need. When first purchasing, the bow already comes ready-to-use so you don’t have to spend heaps of time trying to set up and tune the bow.

                  The bow is light and easy to carry since it’s made out of aluminum, however still sturdy enough to withstand tougher conditions. Additionally, the molded grip design of the bow makes holding and handling easier.

                  The best thing about this bow is how versatile it is. That means, whether you’re a beginner or a professional, the bow will help aid in advancing your archery skills. To improve your experience, you can purchase additional accessories to personalize the bow.

                  Genesis Original Bow Specifications

                  Draw Weight

                  10 - 20 lbs

                  Draw Length

                  15 - 30 inches

                  IBO Rate

                  170 FPS

                  Bow Weight

                  3.5 lbs

                  Highlight Features

                  Has a molded grip design to make holding easier

                  This compound bow is a good choice for those who want an overall good-quality but affordable bow.

                  Best For Target Practice: Barnett Vortex Lite Bow Pkg 18-29 lbs 22-25 in. Draw RH

                  Barnett Vortex Lite Bow Pkg 18-29 lbs 22-25 in. Draw RH
                  Barnett Vortex Lite Bow Pkg 18-29 lbs 22-25 in. Draw RH
                  Pros
                  • Affordable
                  • Good quality
                  • Has an adjustable draw weight
                  • Easy to use
                  • Comes with safety glass arrows
                  Cons
                  • Is only available for right-handed shooters

                  The Barnett Vortex Lite bow is an excellent and affordable option to purchase for your kid if you want to introduce them to archery. Since it has a heavier draw weight, it’s more suitable for a child between the ages of eight to twelve.

                  As a good starting out bow, it also comes with three safety glass arrows with blunt tips, so your child is always safe when using the bow. Additionally, the design is very sturdy and durable, which means you can use it for a long time.

                  Also, the bow has a speed of 135 FPS, so you don’t have to worry about your child using a bow that’s too powerful.

                  Barnett Vortex Lite Bow Pkg 18-29 lbs 22-25 in. Draw RH Specifications
                  #product_specs_2

                  This bow is only available for right-handed people, so make sure you’re right-handed before purchasing.

                  Best For Novice: Leader Accessories Compound Bow Archery Hunting Equipment

                  Leader Accessories Compound Bow Archery Hunting Equipment
                  Leader Accessories Compound Bow Archery Hunting Equipment
                  Pros
                  • Easy to put together
                  • Light-weight
                  • Has an adjustable draw weight and length
                  • Beginner-friendly
                  • Powerful and accurate
                  Cons
                  • Comes unassembled

                  As an excellent compound bow that’s suitable for many different activities such as hunting or archery. It’s also ideal for different ages because of the small size and lightweight.

                  Also, the bow is designed to be easy to assemble and disassemble, so you can move around and transport without damaging the bow.

                  The bow is an ergonomic shape that’s made from high-quality aluminum to ensure that you get the best performance and experience when using. Additionally, the pulley system is designed so that you get higher speed and accuracy when shooting.

                  Leader Accessories Compound Bow Archery Hunting Equipment Specifications

                  Draw Weight

                  50 - 70 lbs

                  Draw Length

                  25 - 31 inches

                  IBO Rate

                  310 FPS

                  Bow Weight

                  4.4 lbs

                  Highlight Features

                  Has an advanced pulley system to ensure greater speed and accuracy

                  The Leader Compound Bow is a good option if you’re looking for a simple bow that’s easy to use and light-weight.

                  Best For Training Kids: Crosman Elkhorn Jr. Compound Bow

                  Crosman Elkhorn Jr. Compound Bow
                  Crosman Elkhorn Jr. Compound Bow
                  Pros
                  • Affordable
                  • Suitable for beginner children
                  • Has a simple design
                  • Easy to use
                  • Lightweight
                  Cons
                  • Only available for right-handed people

                  If you have a kid that’s interested in trying out archery, this bow is a good option to look at.

                  As a well-made bow that’s great for starting out kids, it has a draw weight that’s ideal for beginners since it isn’t too heavy. Additionally, the bow comes with an integrated grip to allow comfortable hand placement.

                  The bow also includes necessary tools such as composite arrows, a two-piece quiver, and an armguard for your child to have a chance to play around with. As an affordable option that isn’t too fancy, it’s a great compound bow to purchase for your beginner child to try out the sport.

                  Crosman Elkhorn Jr. Compound Bow Specifications

                  Draw Weight

                  Up to 15 lbs

                  Draw Length

                  Up to 26 inches

                  IBO Rate

                  70 FPS

                  Bow Weight

                  3.5 lbs

                  Highlight Features

                  Features an integrated grip to ensure comfort when using

                  Verdict

                  Since the bow is light and small, it’s suitable for younger ages that want to try out the sport.

                  Best For Deer Hunting: iGlow Archery Hunting Compound Bow

                  iGlow Archery Hunting Compound Bow
                  iGlow Archery Hunting Compound Bow
                  Pros
                  • Has an adjustable draw weight
                  • Affordable to purchase
                  • Beginner-friendly
                  • Has great accuracy
                  • Comfortable grip
                  Cons
                  • The purchase doesn’t include arrows

                  Although being one of the more affordable options, it doesn’t mean that the bow lacks in quality.

                  As a well-built and durable bow, the iGlow compound bow comes with a comfortable grip and high accuracy. It’s also made from aluminum, which makes it light-weight and easy to carry around when hunting for a long period of time.

                  The bow is also beginner-friendly because it’s designed to be easy to use, pick-up, and shoot. Despite not having a lot of fancy items, it’s a simple and basic bow that’s accurate and effective.

                  iGlow Archery Hunting Compound Bow Specifications

                  Draw Weight

                  30 - 55 lbs

                  Draw Length

                  19 - 29 inches

                  IBO Rate

                  260 FPS

                  Bow Weight

                  3.3 lbs

                  Highlight Features

                  Made with a light-weight material

                  If you’re looking for a cheaper bow that still has good performance, this bow is a good choice for you.

                  Best For Bow Fishing: Southland Archery Supply SAS Scorpii Compound Bow

                  Southland Archery Supply SAS Scorpii Compound Bow
                  Southland Archery Supply SAS Scorpii Compound Bow
                  Pros
                  • Comes in three colors (Black, GC Camo, AC Camo)
                  • Comes with an optional accessory kit
                  • Compact design
                  • Good performance
                  • Very affordable
                  Cons
                  • Is only available for right-handed people

                  As an affordable compound bow, the Scorpii is great for both adults and kids since it has an adjustable draw length. It’s good for bow fishing because of the immense accuracy and power that the bow has, making penetrating and hitting fish easy.

                  When purchasing this bow, it includes all the add-on items that you need when shooting. If you want, you can also buy the bow with the optional accessories kit that includes things such as arrow rest, stabilizer, wrist sling, etc.

                  Additionally, it has a compact design, so carrying and arranging the bow will be easier than ever, which is great if you’re not comfortable with handling a bow.

                  Southland Archery Supply SAS Scorpii Compound Bow Specifications

                  Draw Weight

                  10 - 20 lbs

                  Draw Length

                  15 - 30 inches

                  IBO Rate

                  260 FPS

                  Bow Weight

                  3.5 lbs

                  Highlight Features

                  Purchase includes all the necessary add-on items

                  Due to its small size, this bow can be used by both younger and older people.

                  Best For Pro Archers: RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow Kit

                  RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow Kit
                  RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow Kit
                  Pros
                  • Made from aluminum and fiberglass
                  • Great value
                  • Improves accuracy
                  • Can be used for many things
                  • Easy to draw and aim
                  Cons
                  • Can only be used for right-hand

                  If you’re looking for an accurate and sturdy bow that has many unique features, then this bow is the one for you. The RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow is great for both hunting and target practice.

                  The bow allows you to shoot at an arrow speed of 315 FPS, which improves not only your accuracy but also your penetration strength, making it easier to hunt or shoot targets. Additionally, the bow is built with aluminum and has a fiberglass limb, which makes it a light-weight and durable option.

                  To make your experience better, the bow also comes with stabilizers to help decrease vibration and rotation when using. However, since the bow has a fairly large draw length, it’s a better choice for people who already know how to use an arrow.

                  RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow Kit Specifications

                  Draw Weight

                  30-70 lbs

                  Draw Length

                  24.5 - 31 inches

                  IBO Rate

                  Up to 315 FPS

                  Bow Weight

                  3.5 lbs

                  Highlight Features

                  Built with high-quality aluminum and has fiberglass limbs

                  Apart from not having an option for left-handed people, there’s nothing else to dislike about this versatile bow.

                  Best For Women: Compound Bow Topoint Archery Package M1

                  Compound Bow Topoint Archery Package M1
                  Compound Bow Topoint Archery Package M1
                  Pros
                  • Adjustable draw length and draw weight
                  • Able to shoot accurate long-range shots
                  • Safe to use
                  • Aesthetic design
                  Cons
                  • Has a tougher bowstring

                  This Compound Bow Topoint Archery is great for both males and females. That has to thank the modifiable load, which means you can adjust the pulley sets to fit your ability.

                  As one of the best options for beginners and advanced shooters, this bow has a compact and modern design that’s comfortable to use and shoot. The sleek shape and adjustable rope tension help make your shot powerful and with exceptional accuracy.

                  Additionally, this compound bow is made of high-quality aluminum, so it’s very light-weight and easy to carry.

                  Compound Bow Topoint Archery Package M1 Specifications

                  Draw Weight

                  19 - 70 lbs

                  Draw Length

                  19 - 30 inches

                  IBO Rate

                  320 FPS

                  Bow Weight

                  3.31 lbs

                  Highlight Features

                  Has an aesthetic design and adjustable pulley sets

                  This bow is a good choice for people who want to practice their shooting because you can adjust the pulley sets according to your ability.

                  How To Choose The Best Budget Compound Bows?

                  When it comes to buying a compound bow, there are many different things that you should pay closer attention to when wanting to find a good-quality compound bow. The following are a few factors to consider before deciding to make a purchase.

                  Purpose

                  • There are many reasons why people purchase a bow, whether it’s to go for an outdoor hunt or for practicing target shooting.
                  • Additionally, with many different types of bows to pick from, it’s critical to know what you’re looking for when purchasing a bow, so you pick a bow that’s best suited for your activity.

                  Length Of The Bow

                  • The average compound bow length is usually around thirty to thirty-five inches. When purchasing a bow, you should always buy one that’s comfortable to hold and works with your body size. A good tip is to refer to your draw length since it should be similar to your bow length.
                  • Moreover, you should take into count what you’re using the bow for when deciding which length to purchase. If you’re using the compound bow for hunting, then you should opt for a shorter bow, so it’s easier to bring around.

                  Weight

                  • As one of the most important factors when using a compound bow, the weight of a bow can affect how you perform. You should always find a bow that feels comfortable to hold.
                  • If you’re using your bow to practice target shooting, you should pick a heavier bow to make aiming easier. However, if you’re using your compound bow for hunting, you should pick a lighter option so you can carry it around with ease.

                  Price

                  • Depending on the design, brand, and material of the bow, there are many different price tags when it comes to compound bows. It’s no doubt that a high-quality bow is going to be more expensive. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any affordable bows that have the same qualities.
                  • It’s always good to set a budget when purchasing a compound bow to narrow down the options when looking.

                  Which Brands Make The Best Budget Compound Bows?

                  Bear Archery

                  • If you’re planning to go hunting outdoors, Bear archery provides many high-end compound bows for you to purchase. As a famous brand that’s known for making high-quality bows, Bear archery is a good brand to look into if you want a solid bow that will last you a few years.

                  Barnett

                  • Barnett bows are one of the best in the market, offering a large variety of compound bows with many variations. With a line of high-end compound bows that have great accuracy and power, it’s a great choice for anyone who wants a strong bow to hunt with.

                  Southland

                  • Southland is a trusted brand by many consumers because of their sturdy and lightweight compound bows. As a brand that uses well-engineered materials and ensures that all products are comfortable and accurate, Southland is a brand worth investing in.

                  FAQs

                  Compound bow vs. recurve bow?

                  Although a compound bow is more expensive, there are many more benefits that make it a better option. When using a compound bow, you don’t have to rely on physical strength. Additionally, not only can you shoot with greater accuracy at a further distance, but it’s also easier to aim and shoot.

                  Are Bear compound bows good?

                  As one of the top brands when it comes to archery bows, they have a wide range of compound bows that are suitable for a large variety of users. It’s a brand that has received many positive reviews and good ratings, making it a reliable company to invest in when purchasing bows.

                  Can you shoot a left-handed bow right-handed?

                  It all depends on which is your dominant eye. If you’re left-handed, however, your dominant eye is the right eye, then yes. Shooting an arrow with your dominant eye will give you the best accuracy. However, it’s definitely possible to learn how to use an arrow with your non-dominant hand.

                  Can arrows be too long?

                  There isn’t any rule about how long or short an arrow can be. Most of the cases show that it should be a half inches longer than your draw weight to prevent any injuries to the hand.

                  Are most right-handed people left eye dominant?

                  Although eye dominance and handiness aren’t directly associated, it’s scientifically proven that if you are right-handed, there’s a larger chance of you being right-eye dominant. However, it’s possible for a left-eye dominant person to be right-handed.

                  To check what is your dominant eye, you can take online vision tests or go to an optician to find out.

                  Conclusion

                  Purchasing a bow can be a hard process, especially if you don’t get the suitable information. However, now that you’ve gotten a closer look at the best budget compound bows, I hope you’ve decided which bow is the best option for you!

                  With many bows to choose from and a detailed review for each product, buying a compound bow is going to be a piece of cake!


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