Best Beginner Compound Bow In 2022: A Comprehensive Guide
Compound bows are among the most versatile tools in the hunting world. They can be used for target shooting, small game hunting, and even deer hunting. When choosing your first compound bow, you may want to find one easy to use and powerful enough for your intended usage. This guide will show you some of the best beginner compound bows on the market today and what to consider when purchasing one.
What Is A Compound Bow?
A compound bow is a modern bow that uses complex pulleys to improve the strength and efficiency of its shot. Compound bows are used for both hunting and target practice and by archers in various competitions.
The pulleys or cams on the bowstrings allow archers to use greater force while drawing the bowstring back. Compound bows are designed to be physically shorter than traditional longbows, making them easier to shoot and more comfortable to carry.
How To Choose The Right Compound Bow For You
When looking for the best beginner compound bow, here are some of the factors to consider.
Draw Weight
The draw weight is the amount of force it takes to pull back the string on your bow. The draw weight will change depending on your needs, with higher weights being more powerful and more complicated to use than lower weights. Beginners typically start with bows that have draw weights between 30 and 40 pounds.
Draw length is the measurement of the distance from the pivot point on your bow to where your arrow comes to rest, which should be about 28 inches for most beginners. Several different types of bows have adjustable draw lengths, which allows them to accommodate users of any size.
If you purchase a beginner compound bow that does not have an adjustable draw length, ensure you understand the manufacturer’s recommended measurements before shooting it.
Bow Style
There are several different styles of compound bows that can be used for target practice or hunting purposes. They include:
- Single-cam Bow: This is the most straightforward style and operates with a single string and cam track system. Draw weight is usually between 40 and 50 pounds, making them easy to use by most beginners.
- Dual-cam Bow: These bows have two strings and are typically used for hunting purposes. Draw weight varies but is usually between 50 and 70 pounds. They are slightly more complicated to use but are also more potent than single-cam bows.
- Hybrid Bow: Hybrid compound bows offer the best of both worlds and can be used for both target practice and hunting. Draw weight is usually between 30 and 50 pounds, making them perfect for beginners.
Accessories
You should also consider adding some accessories to your new compound bow purchase. These can include:
- Cocking Device: It helps you pull the string back on your compound bow without having to use as much strength
- Bow Quiver: This is a small, tube-like device that you can attach to your bow so you can carry additional arrows. The quiver should be consistent with the size of your arrows.
- Arrows: There are various arrows in the market. They include fiberglass and aluminum, which can be used for multiple purposes. You should consider how you plan to use your bow and select arrows accordingly.
- Bow Case: A bow case helps to safely store your bow. It also makes it easier to carry and reduces the risk of damaging your bow while traveling.
- Bow Sling: This is a strap that attaches to your bow and allows you to carry it without exerting too much strain on your back or arms.
Price
The price of the bow will often depend on its intended usage, with hunting bows being more expensive than target shooting bows. Depending on your budget, you can purchase a beginner compound bow for under $500 or spend up to several hundred dollars.
What Is The Best Beginner Friendly Bow?
After going through the key factors to consider when purchasing a compound bow, here are some of the best options in the market today.
Martin Archery Lithium
The lithium is perfect for beginners of all ages and comes with various accessories, including a quiver, arrows, and even a sight. Draw weight is adjustable within the range of 20 to 60 pounds, making it perfect for almost any activity. It is also relatively easy to assemble and use, so you can start shooting arrows as soon as it arrives.
PSE Stinger X
This bow has a draw weight of 50 to 70 pounds, making it ideal for hunting purposes. The Stinger has an adjustable draw length that allows you to use it regardless of your size. It also has a speed rating of 320 feet per second, which means you can easily cut through the wind.
Also, the bow is designed to be lightweight, which reduces strain on the user. It also offers a solid grip that can accommodate all users, regardless of their hand size.
Creed Compound Bow
This bow is designed for hunters and has a draw weight of 70 pounds. It also has a 30-inch draw length, which makes it easier for you to take aim. The bow has a sturdy design that can withstand years of use.
Furthermore, it is easy to adjust regardless of your size. This bow also has a very unique appearance that makes it stand out from other bows.
PSE Brute X Compound Bow
This bow has a draw weight of 70 pounds, making it perfect for hunting. It comes with a 5-inch dovetail scope mount, which means you won’ have to spend extra money to customize it. This bow also has a draw length of 26 to 30 inches, making it a good fit for most users. Other features include an adjustable cheekpiece and recoil pad.
Parker Bows Bear Tracker Compound Bow
This compound bow is designed for hunting and has a draw weight of 60 to 70 pounds. It is also one of the most affordable bows on this list, making it ideal when shopping on a budget.
The bow has a draw length that ranges between 25 and 30 inches to accommodate various users. The Bear Tracker also has a speed rating of 315 feet per second, which is quite impressive for its price.
How Much Should You Spend on Your First Compound Bow?
While compound bows are considered relatively expensive, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on your first bow. You can find beginner-level compound bows at prices ranging from $200 to $700. Here is a list of various compound bows with their price range:
- Martin Archery Lithium: They cost between 150 and 650$. When purchasing them, consider the draw weight, type of material used, and what accessories are included.
- PSE Stinger X: They cost between 150$ and 500$. The Stinger X is an excellent compound bow that will help you take your first steps into the sport. It can be found at almost any archery pro shop, and it is an excellent choice for beginners looking for their first bow.
- Creed Compound Bow: They cost between 200$ and 750$. When purchasing this bow, consider your size and draw weight. Furthermore, they are easy to use and adjust.
- PSE Brute X Compound Bow: They cost between 100$ and 350$. This bow has a sleek design, is sturdy, lightweight, and customizable to suit your needs.
- Parker Bows Bear Tracker Compound Bow: They cost between 150$ and 400$.
How Strong of A Bow Should You Get?
The thumb rule states that archers need a bow with poundage proportionate to their muscle strength. Generally, a compound bow with a draw weight of 60 pounds or more is deemed powerful.
As such, adult beginners who are not quite strong enough to shoot higher poundages should consider buying a compound bow whose draw weight ranges from 40-50 pounds. These weights can help them build up their arm muscles and grow into stronger archers as they continue practicing the sport.
To be more precise, men who wish to use compound bows for the first time should consider purchasing a bow with a draw weight of 30 pounds. This is because mastering your accuracy at lower poundages will help you improve your skills while aiming for the higher ones.
On the other hand, women generally need less draw weight than men to achieve equal kinetic energy. The best draw weight for women who are new to archery is 20 pounds. Furthermore, having a lighter bow will help your body develop an effective posture and arm muscles necessary for controlling it more effectively.
The young archers, especially tens under 16 years old, generally need less draw weight of around 14-26 pounds. However, as they grow up, they can consider aiming for a compound bow with at least 70% of the adult draw weight.
Conclusion
Compound bows are an excellent choice if you are a beginner. Furthermore, they tend to be more accurate and offer better performance than the other available types of bows. Therefore, before purchasing a compound bow, you should consider evaluating what you want from it, its draw weight, and the amount of money you are willing on a compound bow.