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10 Best Entry Level Hunting Bow 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Bear Legit Maxx Ready to Hunt Compound Archery Bow, 70lb. Draw Weight, Right Hand, Veil Whitetail/Black

The Bear Legit Maxx Ready to Hunt Compound Archery Bow is designed for those new to hunting or archery. Its versatile draw weight range of 10 to 70 pounds and adjustable draw length from 14 to 30 inches make it suitable for a wide range of users. This flexibility is particularly advantageous for beginners who may not have a fixed draw weight or length yet.

With a 31-inch axle-to-axle length, the bow offers a good balance of stability and maneuverability, which is beneficial for various hunting conditions. The 6.25-inch brace height also contributes to a forgiving and smooth shooting experience. Weighing 6.95 pounds, it is on the heavier side, which might be a drawback for younger users or those who prefer a lighter bow. The aluminum material ensures durability without adding excessive weight. The improved dual cam system enhances shooting consistency, which is a significant advantage for beginners who are still working on their accuracy.

Additionally, the bow comes with several accessories, including an IMS V-Biscuit rest, Picatinny-mounted Fatal 4 sight, 5 Spot arrow quiver, Snubnose stabilizer, Radical peep sight, and wrist sling, offering good value for money as you won’t need to purchase these separately. The Bear Legit Maxx RTH is a solid entry-level hunting bow that offers adjustability, durability, and a host of useful accessories, though its heavier weight might be a consideration for some users.

#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
8.8
Draw Weight
Draw Length
Bow Weight

Most important from
2430 reviews

Draw Weight
The adjustable draw length and weight make it customizable and comfortable for growing archers.
Draw Length
The adjustable draw length and weight make it customizable and comfortable for growing archers.
Bow Weight
Lightweight design and durable materials provide a solid feel without being cumbersome.

The Genesis Original Compound Bow & Arrow Kit is a solid choice for anyone starting out in archery, especially younger or smaller shooters. Its adjustable draw length of 15 to 30 inches and draw weight between 10 and 20 pounds means it can grow with you or be customized for comfort — important for entry-level users still learning their ideal setup. The bow's lightweight design (just over 7 ounces) and durable materials like the aluminum riser and composite limbs make it easy to handle and reliable in use. One standout feature is the single cam system, which reduces the need for tuning and helps keep your shots consistent, a big plus if you're new and not familiar with bow maintenance.

The kit comes ready to use with arrows, a quiver, and an arm guard, so you have everything to get started right away. However, the relatively low maximum draw weight of 20 pounds may limit its effectiveness for hunting larger game, making it better suited for target practice and small game hunting. Also, the bow is designed for right-handed shooters, so left-handed users will need a different model.

This beginner-friendly package balances ease of use, durability, and adjustability, making it a practical first bow for learning archery safely and confidently.

Rating
8.8
Draw Weight
Draw Length
Bow Weight

Most important from
2430 reviews

Draw Weight
The adjustable draw length and weight make it customizable and comfortable for growing archers.
Draw Length
The adjustable draw length and weight make it customizable and comfortable for growing archers.
Bow Weight
Lightweight design and durable materials provide a solid feel without being cumbersome.
#3

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

The Genesis Original Lightweight Archery Compound Bow and Arrow Set is designed with entry-level hunters in mind, specifically right-handed users. One of its standout features is the adjustable draw length range from 15 to 30 inches, making it highly versatile for various arm spans. Additionally, the draw weight can be adjusted between 10 to 20 pounds, which is ideal for beginners who are building their strength and skill in archery.

The single cam design simplifies use by reducing tuning issues, recoil, and noise, enhancing the shooting experience with greater accuracy and less hassle. This bow set is pre-assembled and includes a machined aluminum riser, composite limbs, and high-strength bowstrings, ensuring durability and longevity. The universal design caters to individuals of all ages and sizes, making it a suitable choice for family use or archery clubs. However, the set is specifically for right-handed users, which might limit its accessibility for left-handed individuals.

The 1.6-kilogram weight strikes a good balance, being light enough for young archers but still robust. The included accessories, like the belt tube quiver, adjustable arm guard, and arrows, add value and convenience for beginners. One potential downside is that it might not suffice for more advanced archers looking for higher draw weights or more specialized features. Nevertheless, for those starting their archery journey, this bow set offers a comprehensive and user-friendly package.

Buying Guide for the Best Entry Level Hunting Bow

Choosing the right entry-level hunting bow can be a rewarding experience, especially if you are new to the sport. The key is to find a bow that matches your physical capabilities and hunting needs. Understanding the various specifications and how they impact your performance will help you make an informed decision. Here are some important specs to consider when selecting an entry-level hunting bow.
Draw WeightDraw weight refers to the amount of force required to pull the bowstring back to its full draw length. This spec is important because it affects the power and speed of your shot. Draw weights typically range from 30 to 70 pounds. For beginners, a draw weight between 40 to 50 pounds is usually sufficient, as it provides a good balance between ease of use and power. If you are stronger or plan to hunt larger game, you might opt for a higher draw weight. Always 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 front of the bow grip. This measurement is crucial for ensuring that the bow fits your body size and shooting style. 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 your arms extended) and divide by 2.5. A properly fitted draw length will help you shoot more accurately and comfortably.
Axle-to-Axle LengthAxle-to-axle length is the distance between the axles of the bow's cams or wheels. This spec affects the bow's stability and maneuverability. Shorter bows (under 30 inches) are more maneuverable and easier to handle in tight spaces, making them ideal for hunting in dense woods. Longer bows (over 34 inches) offer greater stability and accuracy, which can be beneficial for open-field hunting. For beginners, a mid-range axle-to-axle length (30 to 34 inches) is often a good compromise between stability and maneuverability.
Brace HeightBrace height is the distance between the bowstring and the deepest part of the bow grip. This spec influences the bow's speed and forgiveness. Shorter brace heights (under 7 inches) generally result in faster arrow speeds but require more precise shooting form. Longer brace heights (over 7 inches) are more forgiving of minor shooting errors, making them easier for beginners to use. A brace height of around 7 inches is a good starting point for new hunters, offering a balance between speed and ease of use.
Bow WeightBow weight refers to the physical weight of the bow itself. This spec is important because it affects how easy the bow is to carry and hold steady while aiming. Lighter bows (under 3.5 pounds) are easier to carry on long hunts and can reduce fatigue, but they may be less stable when shooting. Heavier bows (over 4 pounds) offer more stability but can be tiring to carry. For beginners, a bow weight between 3.5 to 4 pounds is often a good balance, providing enough stability without being too cumbersome.
Let-OffLet-off is the reduction in draw weight when the bow is at full draw, expressed as a percentage. This spec is important because it allows you to hold the bow at full draw with less effort, giving you more time to aim accurately. Let-off typically ranges from 65% to 85%. Higher let-off (over 80%) makes it easier to hold the bow at full draw, which can be beneficial for beginners who need more time to aim. However, some hunters prefer lower let-off (around 70%) for a more consistent shooting experience. Choose a let-off that feels comfortable and suits your shooting style.

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