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10 Best Compound Bows 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Bear THP Adapt 2+ RTH

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,276
Speed (IBO Rating)

Most important from
8 reviews

Speed (IBO Rating)
The bow shoots great and handles well, offering a quiet and fast performance.

The Hunting Public Adapt 2+ Ready to Hunt Compound Bow Package is designed with the hunter in mind, boasting features that cater to real-world hunting conditions. One of its standout strengths is the adjustable draw length, ranging from 24 to 31 inches, making it versatile for different users. The draw weight, adjustable from 55 to 70 pounds, allows for flexibility depending on the user’s strength and preference.

The bow is equipped with a reliable Single Cam system, which facilitates a smooth draw cycle and can achieve speeds up to 320 feet per second. This performance feature is crucial for hunters needing quick, yet powerful shots. A particularly useful addition is the Trophy Ridge package, which includes components such as the SWFT DUO sight and VRSA Light Quiver, enhancing the bow’s readiness right out of the box.

Comfort and noise reduction are addressed with the KillerWave limb dampeners and Bear Paw Grip, which are designed to minimize vibration and improve handling. However, at 5.8 pounds, the bow might feel slightly heavy for some users, especially during long hunting sessions. The aesthetic appeal comes from its Throwback Green color, and the aluminum build promises durability. Despite these strengths, potential users should note that it is tailored for right-handed individuals, limiting its usage for left-handed archers. In terms of value, the bow includes a complimentary On-X 3-month elite membership, adding an extra perk for those looking to enhance their hunting experience. This bow seems best suited for enthusiastic hunters who appreciate a ready-to-use package with customizable options.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,276
Speed (IBO Rating)

Most important from
8 reviews

Speed (IBO Rating)
The bow shoots great and handles well, offering a quiet and fast performance.
#2

Genesis Original Compound Bow & Arrow Kit- Adjustable Riser, 15"-30" Draw Length, 10-20 lb Draw Weight, All Skill Levels, Draw Hand - Right, Green

Rating
8.5
Draw Weight
Draw Length

Most important from
2431 reviews

Draw Weight
The adjustable draw length and weight make it versatile enough to grow with the user’s skills and size.
Draw Length
The adjustable draw length and weight make it versatile enough to grow with the user’s skills and size.

The Genesis Original Compound Bow & Arrow Kit is a great choice for beginners and younger archers thanks to its adjustable draw length (15-30 inches) and draw weight (10-20 lbs). This flexibility means it can grow with the user, fitting a wide range of sizes and skill levels. The single cam design helps reduce tuning issues and recoil, which can make shooting more accurate and enjoyable, especially for those just starting out.

It comes fully assembled with durable materials like an aluminum riser and composite limbs, so you can start practicing right away without needing extra setup. The included accessories—a quiver, arm guard, and five arrows—make this a complete package for learning and casual shooting. However, the relatively low maximum draw weight and lack of detailed speed rating means it’s not intended for experienced archers seeking high power or long-range performance.

Its lightweight design (just over 7 ounces) makes it easy to handle but may feel less sturdy for bigger users. This bow provides excellent value and ease of use for beginners, youth, or anyone looking to get into archery without overwhelming complexity.

Rating
8.5
Draw Weight
Draw Length

Most important from
2431 reviews

Draw Weight
The adjustable draw length and weight make it versatile enough to grow with the user’s skills and size.
Draw Length
The adjustable draw length and weight make it versatile enough to grow with the user’s skills and size.
#3

Bear Archery Royale Ready to Hunt Compound Bow Archery Set with Archery Accessories for Adults and Youths, 12”- 27” Draw Length, 5-50 Lbs Draw Weight, Up to 290 FPS

Rating
8.2
Draw Weight
Draw Length

Most important from
495 reviews

Draw Weight
Its wide range of adjustable draw weight and length allows the bow to grow with the user, providing lasting value from beginner to intermediate stages.
Draw Length
Its wide range of adjustable draw weight and length allows the bow to grow with the user, providing lasting value from beginner to intermediate stages.

The Bear Archery Royale Ready to Hunt Compound Bow is tailored for beginners and young archers who want a bow that adapts as they grow. It offers a highly adjustable draw weight from 5 to 50 pounds, which means it can suit both novices and more experienced users progressing in skill. The draw length adjusts between 12 and 27 inches, allowing for a comfortable fit as the archer develops. Weighing just 2.7 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to handle, making it less tiring during extended use. The bow’s speed rating of up to 290 feet per second is quite good for a beginner-friendly model, providing a satisfying shooting experience without being overwhelming. Its aluminum build with durable EnduraFiber limbs ensures it can handle regular use while staying reliable.

Added features like the included Trophy Ridge sight, quiver, and other accessories make it ready to hunt straight from the box, which is convenient for new archers who might not want to purchase extras separately. The RockStops offset string suppressor helps reduce noise and vibration, which is a nice bonus for quiet, smooth shots. Although the bow adjusts easily with just an Allen wrench, it may not match the precision or advanced customization of higher-end models. This bow is right-hand oriented only, so left-handed users will need a different option.

This bow is very versatile and beginner-friendly, but serious or competitive archers might quickly outgrow it. It is a solid choice for youth and adult beginners looking for a flexible, ready-to-use hunting bow that balances performance with ease of use.

Rating
8.2
Draw Weight
Draw Length

Most important from
495 reviews

Draw Weight
Its wide range of adjustable draw weight and length allows the bow to grow with the user, providing lasting value from beginner to intermediate stages.
Draw Length
Its wide range of adjustable draw weight and length allows the bow to grow with the user, providing lasting value from beginner to intermediate stages.

Buying Guide for the Best Compound Bows

Choosing the right compound bow can significantly enhance your archery experience, whether you're a beginner or an experienced archer. The key is to understand the various specifications and how they align with your needs and preferences. By focusing on the right specs, you can find a bow that offers the perfect balance of power, accuracy, and comfort.
Draw WeightDraw weight refers to the amount of force required to pull the bowstring back. This spec is crucial because it affects the power and speed of your shot. Draw weights typically range from 40 to 70 pounds. For beginners or those with less upper body strength, a lower draw weight (40-50 pounds) is ideal. Intermediate archers might prefer a mid-range draw weight (50-60 pounds), while experienced archers or hunters often opt for higher draw weights (60-70 pounds) for more powerful shots. Choose a draw weight that you can comfortably handle to ensure accuracy and prevent injury.
Draw LengthDraw length is the distance from the bowstring at full draw to the grip. This measurement is important because it affects your shooting form and accuracy. Draw lengths typically range from 24 to 30 inches. To find your ideal draw length, measure your wingspan (the distance from fingertip to fingertip with arms outstretched) and divide by 2.5. Ensure the bow you choose can be adjusted to your specific draw length for optimal performance and comfort.
Axle-to-Axle LengthAxle-to-axle length is the distance between the axles of the bow's cams. This spec influences the bow's stability and maneuverability. Shorter bows (28-32 inches) are more maneuverable and suitable for hunting in tight spaces, while longer bows (33-36 inches) offer greater stability and are preferred for target shooting. Consider where you'll be using the bow most often to determine the best axle-to-axle length for your needs.
Brace HeightBrace height is the distance between the bowstring and the deepest part of the grip. This spec affects the bow's speed and forgiveness. Shorter brace heights (5-6 inches) result in faster arrow speeds but require more precise shooting form. Longer brace heights (7-8 inches) are more forgiving and easier to shoot accurately, making them ideal for beginners. Choose a brace height that matches your skill level and shooting style.
Let-OffLet-off is the percentage of the draw weight that is reduced when the bow is at full draw. Higher let-off (70-85%) means you hold less weight at full draw, allowing for steadier aiming and less fatigue. Lower let-off (60-70%) requires more strength to hold but can provide a more consistent release. Beginners and those who plan to shoot for extended periods may prefer higher let-off, while experienced archers might opt for lower let-off for better control.
Speed (IBO Rating)Speed, often measured in feet per second (FPS) using the International Bowhunting Organization (IBO) rating, indicates how fast an arrow travels when shot from the bow. Faster speeds (320+ FPS) are beneficial for hunting as they result in flatter trajectories and more kinetic energy. However, speed isn't everything; accuracy and comfort are also important. For target shooting, a moderate speed (280-320 FPS) is usually sufficient. Consider your primary use for the bow when evaluating speed.

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