6 Best Compound Bows For Hunting of 2024

By Bryan ListorLast update: 2023-12-17

Determining the best compound bow for hunting will always depend on you – your strength, shooting skills, budget, and more – and the right one only becomes obvious once you actually use it.

That’s why our team testers spent lots of time to test and set out to judge each on its own terms.

Here are the best compound bows for hunting (Mar 2024 Update):

  • Best Overall: RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow Kit
  • Best For Rabbit Hunting: Genesis Original Kit
  • Best For Deer Hunting: iGlow 30-55 lbs Compound Bow
  • Best Starter Bow: Leader Accessories Compound Bow 30-55lbs
  • Most Durable: XGEEK Compound Bow
  • Best For Pros: Diamond Archery Carbon Knockout Archery Bows
Top 6 Best Compound Bows For Hunting
Best Overall
RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow Kit
    Read Our Review
    Best For Rabbit Hunting
    Genesis Original Kit
      Read Our Review
      Best For Deer Hunting
      iGlow 30-55 lbs Compound Bow
        Read Our Review
        Best Starter Bow
        Leader Accessories Compound Bow 30-55lbs
          Read Our Review
          Most Durable
          XGEEK Compound Bow
            Read Our Review
            Best For Pros
            Diamond Archery Carbon Knockout Archery Bows
              Read Our Review

              Best Overall: RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow Kit

              RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow Kit
              RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow Kit
              Pros
              • Lightweight & user-friendly – weigh 3.6 pounds, no assembly required, and feature 30” axle-to-axle design
              • High-quality & reliable – made in the US.
              Cons
              • Cable guard is prone to loosen
              • Not tuned well by the manufacturer

              Providing a complete kit, we believe the RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow Kit is a time-saving option for people who are too busy to extensively search for the best accessories for their bow. Or if you’re a beginner, it’s also a good start.

              The bow arrives with no extra assembly required as the peep sight has already installed.

              But making it well-loved among novice archers and shooters is its lightness - just 3.6 pounds - and the 30” axle-to-axle design.

              The RAPTOR is also versatile. It’s advertised to handle all activities that need a bow, consisting of bow fishing, hunting, or target shooting, which makes it ideal for beginners to practice and hone their skills.

              And did we say that this entire kit was manufactured in America?

              RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow Kit Specifications

              Draw Weight

              30-70 lbs.

              Draw Length

              24.5-31"

              IBO Rate

              315 - 320 fps

              Bow Weight

              3.6 pounds

              Highlight Features

              Weigh 3.6 pounds

              O assembly required and feature 30” axle-to-axle design

              Made in the US

              RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow Kit is a dream choice of all beginner archeries who want to hone their archery skills with versatility, ease to use, and quality, at the most affordable price.

              Best For Rabbit Hunting: Genesis Original Kit

              Genesis Original Kit
              Genesis Original Kit
              Pros
              • Ideal for small game – 10 to 20 pounds of draw weight
              • No adjustment required, accuracy, versatility, and ease to use - single-cam system
              • Suitable for all archers – provide both left and right-handed figurations
              Cons
              • Not ideal for long-distance shooting
              • Not for people with longer arms
              • No arrow included

              Offering low draw weight of 10 to 20 pounds, the Genesis Original Kit is a nice choice for small game, like squirrels and rabbits.

              There is a lot of cool things about this bow.

              Such as the single-cam system with no complex adjustment nor specific draw length requirement, the zero let of design for quiet operating, and both left and right-handed figurations.

              Small talk about the single cam, while delivering decent simplicity in usage, this feature is favored by its accuracy in target shooting as well as versatility that you can easily share and find a happy place for your practice.

              Genesis Original Kit Specifications

              Draw Weight

              10-20 pounds

              Draw Length

              15"-30"

              Bow Weight

              3.53 pounds

              Highlight Features

              10 to 20 pounds of draw weight

              Single-cam system

              Provide both left and right-handed figurations

              At a rock bottom price, the Genesis Original Kit is an unbeatable starter bow for novices to improve their accuracy and stance or even start some small games.

              Best For Deer Hunting: iGlow 30-55 lbs Compound Bow

              iGlow 30-55 lbs Compound Bow
              iGlow 30-55 lbs Compound Bow
              Pros
              • Compact, transportable, & maneuverable - 28” axle-to-axle design
              • Durable & long-lasting - highly flexible limbs & high-quality riser
              • Smooth shooting feel - dual cam system
              • Affordable
              Cons
              • Just available for right-handed archers
              • Vibrate a lot & noisy
              • No quiver included

              Another great choice for those bow-hunters who don’t want to spend an arm and a leg for this activity – the iGlow 30-55 lbs Archery Hunting Compound Bow.

              It’s probably the shortest here with just 28” axle-to-axle design, which makes it incredibly maneuverable to be used in tree-standing and ground-blind hunting.

              The bow sets its maximum draw weight of 55 pounds with smooth and accurate shooting so, it is perfect for deer hunting or other big games. Another thing you can tell when holding the bow is that it’s extremely well-made with decent strength and sturdiness.

              iGlow 30-55 lbs Compound Bow Specifications

              Draw Weight

              30 - 55 lbs.

              Draw Length

              19" - 29"

              IBO Rate

              296+ FPS

              Bow Weight

              4.6 pounds

              Highlight Features

              28” axle-to-axle design

              Highly flexible limbs & high-quality riser

              Smooth dual cam system

              If your spending money matters when it comes to a compound bow for deer hunting, this iGlow 30-55 lbs is undoubtedly made to compete on price.

              Best Starter Bow: Leader Accessories Compound Bow 30-55lbs

              Leader Accessories Compound Bow 30-55lbs
              Leader Accessories Compound Bow 30-55lbs
              Pros
              • Simple & solid - 30 to 55 pounds’ draw weight, 296fps max speed, and the let-off is actually around 60% to 70%
              • Smooth & accurate - dual cam system
              Cons
              • Provide right-handed figuration only

              This Leader 30-55lb compound with full archery kit is designed to welcome beginner kids above 10 and fresher coming into practice.

              It is very simple and solid but not flashy.

              The bow features an adjustable draw weight of 30 to 55 pounds, 296fps max speed, and the let-off is actually around 60% to 70%, which is particularly ideal for women or youths. Even if you want to shoot at peak weight, the shot is still accurate and smooth with little strain.

              You will also admire the draw cycle of this bow. It is the unparalleled dual cam system that delivers incredible smoothness, a more direct string angle, and consistency when shooting.

              Leader Accessories Compound Bow 30-55lbs Specifications

              Draw Weight

              30-55lbs.

              Draw Length

              19" - 29"

              IBO Rate

              296 FPS

              Bow Weight

              3.3 lbs.

              Highlight Features

              30 to 55 pounds’ draw weight

              296fps max speed and the let-off is actually around 60% to 70%

              Dual cam system

              By featuring a supportive kit and perfect pulling feature, the Leader Accessories Compound Bow 30-55lbs is a perfect set for starters, making wonderful training and preparing the next seasonal hunting.

              Most Durable: XGEEK Compound Bow

              XGEEK Compound Bow
              XGEEK Compound Bow
              Pros
              • Sturdy, durable, and long-lasting - CNC milling 7075-T6 CAM bow limbs, aluminum riser, and BCY-X string
              • Ultra-versatile & adjustable – 15-70lb draw weight & 19”-30” draw length
              Cons
              • Some tips screw off easily
              • No assembly instructions

              To get that long-lasting durability in a compound bow to survive through years of outdoor abuse and impact, our testers said they loved the sturdy construction and supreme quality of XGEEK Compound Bow.

              It is crafted from CNC milling 7075-T6 CAM bow limbs, aluminum riser, and BCY-X string imported from the US.

              Besides choosing meticulously the materials, this XGEEK bow is also famously versatile, all thanks to the draw weight of 15 to 70 pounds and the 19”-30” draw length. As it’s widely adjustable, the bow can fit a wide range of archers, no matter they’re a pro or beginner.

              And the added kit with full accessories makes it multi-functional enough to handle all shooting situations.

              XGEEK Compound Bow Specifications

              Draw Weight

              19-70Lbs

              Draw Length

              19"-30"

              IBO Rate

              320fps

              Bow Weight

              3.95lbs.

              Highlight Features

              CNC milling 7075-T6 CAM bow limbs

              Aluminum riser and BCY-X string

              Made of premium, BCY-USA imported materials with a 2-year warranty provided, the XGEEK Compound Bow becomes the top pick of most durable bow among our candidates.

              Best For Pros: Diamond Archery Carbon Knockout Archery Bows

              Diamond Archery Carbon Knockout Archery Bows
              Diamond Archery Carbon Knockout Archery Bows
              Pros
              • Superior accuracy and tenability - World-renowned Binary Cam
              • Ultra-lightweight yet durable and long-lasting - Aerospace carbon riser design
              Cons
              • Pricey

              Ultra-lightweight yet longer-lasting compound bow with unmatched accuracy would be a good option for pro archers. If that’s also what you’re after, this Diamond Archery Carbon Knockout Archery Bow is worth-considering.

              The aerospace carbon riser construction sets it apart from other aluminum bows as it delivers unbeatable lightness with no compromises of durability.

              Combining with the Binary Cam and 30” axle-to-axle design, it’s hardly beaten off over other counterparts in terms of accuracy and tenability.

              From beginning to end, it gives you extremely smooth and effortless draw with 302fps of speed. In big games, this is unbeatable!

              Diamond Archery Carbon Knockout Archery Bows Specifications

              Draw Weight

              40-60 pounds

              Draw Length

              22.5-27 inches

              IBO Rate

              302 fps

              Bow Weight

              3.2 lbs.

              Highlight Features

              Aerospace carbon riser design

              World-renowned Binary Cam

              Price aside, the Diamond Archery Carbon Knockout Archery Bow is a trustworthy selection for professional archers based on its unmatched accuracy, durability, tenability, and smooth draw.

              How To Choose The Best Compound Bows For Hunting?

              It’s good to keep in mind several technical considerations when picking a new compound bow because this element will have an effect on your performance and accuracy, especially in hunting.

              Bow Weight

              • A bare compound hunting bow averagely weighs 3.94 pounds.
              • The heavier the bow, the more tiresome to carry but in turn, it will be quieter while shooting with better vibration absorption. The lightweight bows – despite being louder and vibrate more – are very easy to lug around the woods.
              • Note: This number could go up equivalent to the number of accessories you add to it.
              • For example:

              Compound bow accessory

              Average weight

              (ounces)

              Target rest

              5.94

              Hunting rest

              4.82

              Target sight

              10.1

              Hunting sight

              8.3

              Draw Weight

              • Measured in pounds.
              • This feature indicates the amount of effort or work that the bow shooter must get his/her compound bow to full draw. The higher the draw weight, the heavier the arrow and arrow points, but in turn, it results in a faster bow.
              • When choosing the draw weight of a compound bow, you should prioritize the one that allows you to pull back smoothly and slowly with comfort.
              • The starting prices we advise you to go for is 40 pounds (for beginners) and 50 pounds (for intermediate).
              • Once your proper drawing form and strength improve, just level up. The following table will give you a simpler solution of how much draw weight to choose:

              Body type

              (pounds)

              Recommended draw weight

              (pounds)

              100 – 140 (large-framed boys or women)

              30 – 40

              140 – 160 (youth boys & women with a large frame)

              40 – 50

              160 – 190 (males)

              55 – 65

              190+ (larger males)

              65 – 70

              Draw Length

              • Draw length is the distance between the bowstring and the grip when you’re at full draw, measured in fps (feet per second).
              • A basic rule of thumb is – 1 inch of draw length is equivalent to 10 fps of arrow velocity.
              • But how to determine a “proper” draw length?
              • There is actually no exact answer because it depends on your body proportion and strength. The “proper” draw length for you should deliver the best comfort and accuracy. But if you’re a beginner, want to consult our method?
              • It is the “Armspan/2.5” method, which means measuring your arm-span in inches (from the tip of one middle finger to the other) when you’re standing naturally, then divide this number by 2.5.

              Which Brands Make The Best Compound Bows For Hunting?

              Genesis

              • This American bow-manufacturing company is the one and the only model allowed in the NASP (National Archery in Schools Program) to distribute more than 13,000 schools annually across the country.

              Diamond Archery

              • A reliable brand where pro archers can get at least one suitable model for their advanced needs in bow shooting.

              Predator’s Archery

              • Founded in 1993, Predator’s Archery is a professional archery shop located in CA with many skillful bow specialists, technicians, coaches, and arrow builders who are complete with the experience of all styles.

              FAQs

              Compound bow vs. recurve bow?


              Compound bow

              Recurve bow

              Pros

              Better performance - More potent with better string and pulley arrangement

              Help archer generate more power when pulling back – feature multiple cam alignment and longer strings

              Deliver more accuracy - More stability to not let your hand shake during shooting

              Always ready to shoot

              More versatile - Adjustable draw weight

              More straightforward and lighter

              Easy to transport during the journey

              Cheaper

              Easier to maintain and fix

              Cons

              Consist many accessories, which makes it heavy and bulky

              Hard to break down in its parts - Complex assembling process

              Expensive

              Difficult in maintaining and fixing

              Need some time to set to pull the string

              Less efficiency

              The draw weight isn’t adjustable

              Best for

              Hunting

              Archery competition, like Olympic

              Does eye dominance matter in archery?

              Yes, it does.

              This is key to decide between a right- or left-handed bow to choose. We recommend choosing a compound bow or any archery equipment in direct correlation to your dominant eye.

              Are bear compound bows good?

              This is personal preference but according to our testers’ experience and other customers’ feedback, Bear bow is greatly solid with good quality, nice fitting, and finish.

              Can you shoot a left handed bow right handed?

              Yes, you can.

              But we don’t advise doing that regularly because the arrow rest will be on the wrong side, which compensates in your aim and shooting accuracy.

              Can arrows be too long?

              Yes, they can but just sometimes. The longer the arrows, the weaker the spines

              Are most right handed people left eye dominant?

              No, they aren’t.

              Research shows that handedness and eye dominance are associated so most of the cases, right-handed people will be right-eye dominant.

              Conclusion

              Before putting an end to this article, here is our final word – if you’re a beginner, don’t be overly obsessed to technology or “high-tech” features. The simple you go, the easier to learn.

              We hope with such informative instructions and valuable suggestions; you’ll easily find out the best compound bow for hunting on your own.

              Happy hunting!


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