Compound Bow Reviews And Buyer Guide! 2023

As a human, it always feels great going back to the roots, doesn’t it? When society asks you to show off your skills in calculating on paper and computers, you feel more relaxed calculating your actions that affect your surroundings. One such task that required both calculation and skills from the very beginning was archery.

Apparently, it was not something people used to pride in but it was something necessary to survive. Over the years, however, self-actualization and various other non-material gains became relevant to archery. After watching Katniss Everdeen from “The Hunger Games” and Arya Stark from Game of Thrones, archery is more than what it does.

So, you want to enter the world of archery and do not know how to begin? Having the perfect bow for yourself is apparently the first step because the wrong one will be much harder to learn. If you have made your decision between recurve and compound bows and chosen the compound bow, then this article is for you.

We have formulated an easy-to-understand buying guide so that you can find the best compound bow there is for you. Furthermore, the compound bow reviews may just bring the exact bow you need to you or closer to it. Let us embark upon this flight of enlightenment right now!

Best Compound Bow Reviews: The Reviews

1. Genesis Original Bow Review.

If you are not sure of the specifics of a bow that will suit you right then you need something adjustable. In fact, the Genesis Original Bow is a bow with one of the best designs available. You will be delighted at its adjustability and also ease of use.

Apparently, you can adjust both the draw length and the draw weight. It, in fact, does not have a draw length, you can easily extend it from the standard 15 inches to 30 inches. Furthermore, you can adjust the draw weight from 10 lbs to 20 lbs using a wrench that is included with it.

The bow is quite lightweight and growing children can easily learn on it and hold on to it for years. However, the arrows won’t go very far. It does lack a bit when it comes to power and speed.

Apart from all that, the bow may seem a bit pricy if you somehow experience quality issues. For example, a few customers mentioned the string falls out very easily and a few others mentioned the bow being of an alright quality. However, many people did love the bow in every way possible.

You may not like certain features like the position of the arrow rest and more. However, this is a great beginner bow if you are ok with the quality.

Other than that, this bow is made of good quality materials that do well under the circumstances. Also, the recoil and noise are mentioned to be low so that will help create an environment with no irritation.

2. Genesis Original Bow Kit.

When you are a beginner, you do not really have the time or the knowledge to buy everything separately. The smallest obstacle to learning can get in your way in a giant way. Therefore, what you need is a complete package and the Genesis Original Bow kit may just be what you need when you plan to learn archery.

Apparently, these bow kit comes with the bow itself, five arrows, an armed guard, an arrow rest, a quiver, a wrench, and a manual. You do not get just everything you need to start learning but you also get a bow that is ready to use right out of the box. Apart from that, it is quite affordable for a beginner.

As for the bow itself, it is very user-friendly. You can adjust both the draw length and the weight so it is quite versatile. Any adult or kid can use it. However, smaller kids may find it a bit difficult to use because of the weight.

The quality of the bow is somewhat mediocre but the arrows are not very worthy at all. They may seem very fragile when you use them. The speed and distance this bow let you get to are not very impressive either.

Apart from that, quite a number of customers complained about receiving the wrong color. Imagine giving an eight-year-old boy a pink bow instead of the red one he wanted- catastrophic drama. Therefore, check the color of the bow right after you receive it or be careful about it when ordering.

It is a good bow kit for a beginner for the price but if you are looking for something that will last without modifications then you will have to look at something else.

3. Crosman Elkhorn Jr. Compound Bow.

Looking for something that won’t leave you crying because of the money you wasted? The Crosman Elkhorn Jr. Compound bow kit is something you can give to an aspiring archer child who may just give up archery right after getting a taste of it. No, the bow is not bad but it is a low risk for a beginner.

In fact, the bow itself is the best thing in the package. It has a fixed draw length but a varying weight. Children find it easy to shoot with. Apart from that, the quality of the materials making the bow is great as well.

What is not very great about the kit is the accessories. Sure they do include everything you need but they are not of the best quality. Especially, the arrows may break even on your first use.

Also, it is hard to find arrows that can replace the original arrows. But, what is a bow without an arrow? The sight included is not very great either.

Other than all that, the bow is quite powerful with 60 fps for the beginner stage. You can get quite accurate with it as well if you place everything in place. However, it may be difficult to align its parts properly.

So, the bow itself is a great one with a sturdy and efficient build. However, the parts included with it make it quite a difficult one to use. The manual included is not very helpful either.

It is a great buy for the price and not all customers faced all the negative issues. So, you may just get lucky and have the best time with it.

4. Southland Archery Supply Sas Rage 70 Lbs 30” Compound Bow.

If you want to use the same bow for both learning and later on advancing to newer levels, this Southland bow can probably have your back. In fact, it is easy enough to learn for beginners and tough enough to handle the advancing levels. Furthermore, you do not have to break the bank to have it.

Apart from the fact that it does not need much setup, it is also quite adjustable. In fact, you can easily adjust it using the settings. However, the draw length or weight is not very accurate.

You may set the something to 30 inches and find it is actually 31 inches when measured. Other than that, its capacities are not listed accurately either so you have to be very careful when buying this bow. However, you will probably have no complaints when it comes to the speed and power of this bow.

It is very fast and you can get it to be very accurate. However, you do have to check the screws and bolts as they tend to get very loose and cause trouble. Furthermore, the bow is very sturdy and well-built.

The quality of the bow itself and the materials is great. But, it may not be the most well-built because of the screws. Other than that, it is quite loud so not the best option for hunting.

Also, it is a bit heavy so you may get tired easily. Compared to higher-end models, this bow is the best or of the highest quality. However, for the price and features, it is quite good for the beginner and advanced levels.

5. Bear Archery Cruzer g2 Review.

Want something that will help you hunt animals without them having a clue what’s about to hunt them? This Bear Archery Cruzer G2 bow may be what you are looking for. In fact, it is a great choice for beginners as well.

Firstly, a beginner who will need to adjust to various weights and lengths as he advances through the levels will benefit from buying this bow. If the plan is to continue archery in the long term then its hugely adjustable draw weight and length will be very helpful.

Furthermore, this bow is quite lightweight so you can get adept quite fast as you will be able to practice more. You can improve your target accuracy as well because it offers a 70% let-off. Imagine how easy and effortless it would feel when you are shooting.

The bow itself is made quite durable and well-built. However, you may have to modify a few parts to get even better performance but that is not always necessary. Just make sure the screws are tightened enough.

While adjusting with a wrench is easy, you have to be careful while doing it as customers often hear a crack or the limbs may pop out. Other than that, this bow is extremely silent with a suppressor in it as well.

For the price, it is a great buy if you are planning long-term. Furthermore, it is very fast as well. While it is supposed to come with a few accessories, it is better to check if where you are buying from provides the accessories. A few customers complained about not getting everything as advertised.

6. Siege Compound Bow w/ 5-Spot Paper Target.

When you are just beginning you do not really want to spend too much because if you suddenly stop liking the act it might become a great loss. Then again, in order to know your potential, you need something durable that performs well. This Siege SAS bow falls in the mid-range of price and is something that is great for beginners.

Based on your size and strength, you can adjust this bow to various draw weights. Adjusting it, however, may not be the easiest as if you go wrong with even one screw, you may hurt yourself. Apart from that, the bow is not very adjustable when it comes to limbs and other parts.

However, this bow does have quite a good speed and power. While it is very lightweight and may feel a bit small, you still have to check the draw weight well because it does get tough. Although it is not the cheapest bow, it is not of the highest quality either.

The site pins and arrow rest that it comes with are horrible. Absolutely no customer liked these two accessories. Aside from that, the manual is very vague with no instructions.

This may be a huge irritation because the bow is not exactly the easiest to set with its accessories especially if it is a beginner using it. Apparently, this bow will help your accuracy as well. So, if you think you can handle the flaws, this bow is not the best but is still quite durable for the price.

7. Barnett Vortex Lite Bow Pkg 18-29 lbs 22-25 in. Draw RH.

If your needs are small, for a small person, and just for learning then this Barnett Vortex Lite bow may suit you best. Apparently, this is quite an affordable bow for a beginner. In fact, you may find it to be too good for the price.

The build and finish of the bow itself are amazing. It is not something you expect at a lower price. Furthermore, it is sturdy and comfortable to use.

The bow is very lightweight for children and smaller people to use. In fact, it offers you a draw weight from 18 to 28 lbs and draws a length of 22 to 25 inches. This adjustability helps the ones who use it but it may not be the best option for bigger people.

While it is a great option for beginners, advanced archers may find it too simple or less powerful. It is not even near the fastest bow. Also, the cam is of lower quality and feels cheap like plastic.

However, the bow does not come with clear instructions on how to set it which is troublesome for beginners.

You may have to replace the biscuit and the site as most customers only had complaints about the quality of these two. Apart from that, you may find that the target arrows that come with this bow are not the best. So, replacing them is a good idea for better performance.

As you can guess, this bow is best for beginners only. However, the price point actually justifies its level so you can let your children try this one out.

8. Genesis Mini Bow Review.

Do you want something that your little person can handle? Are the regular bows with greater draw lengths and weights too much for him? Then, this genesis Mini bow should fit a child’s mini size and needs.

If you want a young archer in the family, the best way to start will be with the Genesis Mini Bow. In fact, you have a draw length from 14 inches to 25 inches. The highest length may be hard to get to for a child but the lowest one is something he will learn and get used to.

Other than that, you can adjust the draw weight from 6 to 12 lbs. It’s not much so the speed and power of the bow won’t be much. But, the sole purpose of this bow is to teach child archery as lightly and easily as possible.

You can gradually increase the draw weight as the child advances. But, know that a child will outgrow this bow and you will need a much bigger bow when the time comes. You cannot just modify or replace it part to suit grown-up needs.

Apart from that, the bow is really well-built with quality materials that give you a very sturdy feel. Except for some parts like the arrow rest that may feel flimsy, all other parts are top-notch. The absence of let-off features helps to build up accuracy manually.

This may seem a bit pricey compared to the models that are cheaper than this despite it being very small. But, for the quality and performance, the bow does seem worth it.

9. Genesis Mini Kit review.

Want a kid to start early? The big and heavy bows will scare them off even before they learn to shoot. This is why the Genesis Mini kit comes to the rescue.

A little one can easily trust the bow that comes in the mini kit. It is strong and sturdy but also lightweight enough for the little body. Furthermore, the draw length and weight are adjustable.

The quality is top-notch. And, the package includes everything that the archer may need. Quiver, arm guard, five arrows, and a wrench to adjust as well. You may have to tighten nock points from time to time.

Otherwise, the bow is easy to set and start shooting with. What you may not like and which your child may take as a great offense is receiving the wrong color. A number of customers did and trust me, 6-year-old boys do not like pink.

Apart from that, this bow is small so it won’t be eligible for use in the long term. So, this investment you will be making will be for as long as your child does not outgrow this bow.

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Mind Your Hunting? Please Read The Bow Hunting Tips For Beginners !!

Compound Bow Reviews: The Buying Guide

The purpose you have in mind.

While most people in the past mostly used bows for hunting animals or killing enemies, you may just be improving your accuracy. In fact, you may be just bored with life and are doing this as a source of fun, maybe with a couple of your friends. You can imagine that an advanced-level compound bow will not be suitable for you if you are just beginning or doing it for fun.

Therefore, first pin down what you want to do with your bow, and what you are using it for. If you are hunting then you need specific characteristics like- powerful and silent. On the other hand, if you are just target-practicing, you need the bow to be accurate and easy to use.

Moreover, you may use a bow for fishing as well. In such cases, you will need to consider ones that work well in water and are easy to retrieve. So, the first step to finding the right bow is knowing what you need it for.

The Type you want.

You are here looking for a compound bow so we know what you want. However, if you have even a bit of doubt, you can reconsider after reading which bow is for what.

Recurve Bows: If you are looking for something very basic then a recurve bow is what you may consider. Apparently, these are just usual bows with curved arms. It requires quite some strength on your part to draw the string.

These are cheaper than compound bows and are suitable for you only if you are just trying it out. If you plan to go long-term with it, you cannot make any modifications as these bows do not bear many parts.

Compound Bows: Compound bows go easier on the archers with their pulley system. Apparently, the pulley system with its let-off requires less strength when the string is drawn. Furthermore, these bows have many different parts that you can change or modify to match your needs.

Therefore, this is a great option for people who plan to hold on to the sport. Furthermore, it is great for accuracy as the let-off (discussed later) gives you time to balance and fix the target.

The Cam system that you want.

If you have chosen the compound bow then you must consider the cam system. Apparently, the cam system comprises the two wheels in the limbs of the bow that creates the pulley function. You will find four types of systems.

The one best suited for you would be the single-cam because of its lightweight and silence when acting. However, it is also of lower power and greater accuracy.

On the other hand, hybrid bows use one cam but the cam used has two cams that are combined. Lastly, the binary bows are greater both in terms of power and accuracy as they use cams both above and below parts of the bow.  

Apart from these, cams can be soft meaning you require less energy and power to draw the strong. Moreover, they can be aggressive as well which means you will have to use more energy to draw the string but the speed and power the arrow moves at will be greater as well.

It is very essential that you choose the right cam system for your purpose as it affects accuracy and power when choosing a compound bow.

The Let-Off Value.

One of the biggest attractions of a compound bow is the let-off feature. You will get tired using a recurve bow for hours whereas the let-off feature of the compound bow does not let fatigue touch you. The let-off is usually between 60% to 75%.

When you draw the strength and hold it at its highest point or in position, it gets tougher when you use recurve bows. However, with compound bows, you need to put in the most effort initially and when you hold the string at its drawn position, you feel nothing.

This lets you fix your target better and be more accurate.

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The various parts of the bow.

The first and foremost part that you need to consider when buying a compound bow is the riser. Apparently, it is the center of the bow. It is where you will be holding the bow and where the arrow will be resting.

In fact, there are several types of risers based on where the arrow rest is placed.

Deflex Risers: It has the arrow resting in front of the limb pockets. If you want ease of use rather than power and speed, this is the riser you need.

Inline Risers: It has the arrow resting in line with the limb pockets. Apparently, if you want an average in all criteria- use, speed, and power, this is the one to choose.

Reflex Risers: It features the arrow resting behind the limb pockets offering the most power and speed. However, it is more difficult to use.  

Apart from that, another important part to consider is the limbs themselves. What makes the limbs different from one another is mainly the shape in which they are arranged.

• Shaped Limbs: As you can imagine, these limbs are somewhat curved and gives the bow a D-shape. This will affect how straight your arrow goes and how much power. D-shaped limbs will provide you with a curvier and less powerful shoot.

Parallel limbs: The two limbs are placed at ninety degrees from the middle. Therefore, you will get a straighter shot, and also, the power and speed of it will be greater.

Apart from that, limbs can have one whole part or several parts in them. This affects the weight to some extent.

There are other parts in a compound bow but these two parts are the most important when choosing as they affect how you shoot an arrow.

The material that builds the bow.

Most bows are usually made from aluminum and carbon fiber. Apparently, aluminum is quite common because it is cheaper and lightweight. Carbon fiber is even more lightweight but costs a bit more.

You will also find different parts made of different materials. Just make sure whatever it is made of is of high quality and lightweight.

The Draw length you can take.

Now, let us discuss what will be easy for you and what will be out of limits. Depending on your body’s capacity and build, you should select the right draw length. Apparently, draw length is how far you can draw the string back.

As you can imagine, you will need to pull your arms back folded as much as you can. You can determine the perfect draw length for you by measuring your arm span and dividing it by 2.5. Apparently, if you choose a longer length, the accuracy will be low and with a shorter length, the power will be low.

Apart from that, you will find compound bows offering adjustable draw lengths.

The Draw weight you can handle.

Since the draw length can be a problem, you can imagine the weight to be a problem as well. The lighter the weight, the easier it will be for you to use the bow. On the other hand, a heavier bow will give you more power and speed if you want to hunt.

As you already know the material building the bow matters a lot in this case.

The hand and the grip.

Another thing that you thought you would not have to consider is a right-handed or a left-handed bow. Apparently, it does not matter a lot if you are either one of the two. In fact, a right-handed archer may find a left-handed bow more suitable for him.

Therefore, you should practice with both a few times to see for yourself which is easier and better for you.

Other than that, the placement of the grip and how much grip it offers you are important considerations.

The speed and the Brace Height.

Yes, there are a lot of factors determining the speed of an arrow from a compound bow. If you haven’t had enough already, do check the ‘Feet per Second (FPS)” of a bow before buying it. The greater the number the faster the arrow will be.

Apart from that, also check the brace height because it affects the speed as well. Apparently, if you want a faster bow then a shorter brace height is what you need. On the other hand, a taller one will support a slower shoot

Compound Bow Reviews: The Benefits

The benefits you enjoy from archery are many. Can you imagine the number of cells involved in making that eye, brain and body coordination required to excel in archery? Furthermore, it is a great muscular exercise while having fun. However, there are a few benefits that compound bows provide particularly.

• Less fatigue: You can practice for hours without getting tired because the let-off mechanism or the pulley system really has your back in compound bows.
• Better accuracy: Shine you won’t have to use all your strength to keep the string drawn you can focus more on your target. That is why it is a great option for hunting.
• Upgrades when needed: Composite bows come with various different parts so if you are in it for the long term, you can upgrade parts as per your needs. You do not have to replace the whole thing and spend triple to get a greater bow.

Compound Bow Reviews: Frequently Asked Questions

How to take care of a compound bow?

Answer: The compound bow with its many parts is not the easiest to take care of. Daily, weekly and even monthly checking are necessary. Apparently, the first thing you have to take care of is the strings. Make sure you wax them properly every once in a while.

The limbs and other parts of the bow should be checked for cracks every now and then. Furthermore, you should never keep the bow in high temperatures like in a hot car. Temperature highly affects bows. (negatively)

The nuts, bolts, and cams should be oiled and screwed tightly periodically. Apart from that, never use the bow in ways that could harm it or you. For example, never draw a string without an arrow loaded.

In Conclusion

There are many benefits of archery. However, you will be able to enjoy the benefits only when you find a bow that fits you perfectly. Or else, you may just give up the dream of being an archer with various kinds of aches.

Apart from that, the quality of a bow matters as well. This is why you have to be very careful when looking for the right bow. We hope that through our best compound bow reviews you will find the perfect weapon for yourself and beat the real Katniss Everdeen of the world.