The Best Beginner Compound Bow for Hunting

Welcome to the thrilling world of bow hunting as a beginner in the field of archery, selecting the right compound bow can be a daunting task. This comprehensive guide aims to simplify that process, paving the way for your first wildlife hunting adventure.

What is Compound Bows

A compound bow, as the name implies, is a bow that uses a levering system usually made up of cables and pulleys, or cams to bend the bow limbs. The main advantage of the cam system is the let-off, which reduces the draw weight when the bow is fully drawn, making it easier to hold, aim, and shoot. Compound bows are popular among bowhunters due to their power, accuracy, and ease of use.

What Makes a Good Beginner Compound Bow for Hunting

When shopping at your local archery store or online, consider these key features:

• Draw Weight: This is the amount of force required to pull back the bowstring. As a beginner, aim for a manageable weight that won’t sacrifice power.
• Draw Length: This is the distance from the bowstring at full draw to the deepest part of the bow grip. The right draw length ensures a comfortable shooting form.
• Axle-to-Axle Length: This refers to the distance between the bow’s cams. A shorter bow may be easier to handle, especially for treestand hunting or ground blind hunting.
• Speed: Measured in feet per second (FPS), speed can influence the bow’s impact. However, as a beginner, focus more on accuracy than speed.

Personal strength and preference also play crucial roles in choosing the right bow.

Top 5 Beginner Compound Bows for Hunting

For beginners looking to venture into the world of archery and hunting, having the right compound bow is a crucial step. This section will review the top five compound bows that are highly recommended for beginners.

1. Bear Archery Cruzer Lite

The Bear Archery Cruzer Lite is a standout compound bow for beginners due to its incredible adjustability. It has a draw weight range of 5-45 pounds and a draw length that spans 12-27 inches. This flexibility allows new archers to modify the bow as their skills progress. The bow comes ready to hunt with six Trophy Ridge accessories: a four-pin sight, a Whisker Biscuit, a 5-arrow quiver, a stabilizer, a peep sight, and a nock loop. Its lightweight design, coupled with an advanced grip to eliminate hand torque, produces a steady, reliable shooting experience.

2. Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro

Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro boasts a wide draw length and weight range, making it a great fit for archers of all sizes and skill levels. The bow’s dual cam system ensures a smooth draw cycle, while its high let-off of 80% offers the shooter an easy hold at full draw. It also includes a three-pin tundra sight, a Hostage XL arrow rest, and a DeadLock Lite Octane quiver. Rated to 310 FPS, this bow offers plenty of speed for hunting, while its built-in stabilizer mount allows archers to add in accessories for further balance and noise reduction.

3. SAS Rage 

The SAS Rage compound bow is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on quality or performance. It provides a 55-70 pound draw weight and a 26-30 inch draw length. Though its adjustability is less than others, its durability and raw power are ideal for those who can handle a higher draw weight. The dual eccentric cam design ensures a smooth draw and release. The SAS Rage is simple and effective, great for beginners getting used to handling a bow without complicated extras. The package includes an arrow rest and a sight but lacks a quiver and stabilizer.

4. Genesis Original Kit 

The Genesis Original Kit is an excellent choice for beginners, particularly younger archers. It’s the official bow of the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP) due to its zero let-off design, meaning it fits virtually everyone. With a draw length that spans 15-30 inches and a draw weight adjustable from 10-20 pounds, it’s a versatile option that can grow with the archer. The kit includes a bow, belt tube quiver, adjustable arm guard, five aluminum arrows, and a 3/16″ hex wrench for adjustments. This compound bow is not meant for hunting large game but perfect for practicing shooting fundamentals.

5. PSE Archery, Uprising Compound Bow 

PSE’s Uprising is a versatile and highly adjustable compound bow that’s ideal for beginners. It offers a wide draw length range from 14-30 inches and a draw weight that can be adjusted from 15-70 pounds. This bow caters to various archer sizes and strengths and is a great choice for growing archers. It boasts a smooth cam system that helps to increase accuracy and ensure a smooth shot. This compound bow is also lightweight, making it easy for beginners to handle. The package comes with a 3-pin sight, arrow rest, five-arrow quiver, 6″ stabilizer, and three carbon arrows.

Comparing Beginner Compound Bows

Comparing the features of these bows, you’ll notice different pros and cons. Bow 1 is highly adjustable, making it suitable for growing archers. Bow 2 excels in speed and let-off, while Bow 3 offers affordability without compromising quality. Bow 4 captures the essence of traditional archery, and Bow 5 is versatile for both hunting and target practice.

Essential Accessories for Your First Compound Bow

Invest in good quality arrows and broad heads suitable for your bow and game species. A quiver for holding arrows, a bow sight for aiming, and a stabilizer for balance are also worth considering. As you gain experience, you might want to explore additional accessories like release aids.

Safety Tips for First-Time Bow Hunters

• Know Your Equipment: Familiarize yourself with your compound bow’s functions and operations to ensure proper handling and maintenance.
• Safe Arrow Handling: Always handle arrows with care, ensuring they are pointed in safe directions and stored correctly in a quiver when not in use.
• Comply with Regulations: Make sure to obtain necessary hunting licenses and permits, and adhere to local hunting regulations to ensure legal and ethical hunting.
• Respect Wildlife and the Environment: Practice ethical hunting, respect the environment, and humanely field dress hunted animals to prevent disease spread.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the ideal draw weight for beginners?

Most beginners start with a draw weight between 20 and 40 pounds.

How do I measure my draw length?

An archery store can help you measure it accurately. Alternatively, divide your arm span by 2.5 for a rough estimate.

How important is the speed of a compound bow?

Speed can affect the bow’s power and the trajectory of the arrow. However, as a beginner, focusing on accuracy is more crucial.

Can children use these beginner compound bows?

Many beginner compound bows are adjustable, making them suitable for archers of various ages and sizes.

Conclusion

Choosing the right beginner compound bow for hunting can significantly enhance your archery experience. As a new bowhunter, you’re embarking on an exciting journey—one that combines skill, patience, and respect for nature.