What's a Good Compound Bow for Beginners?
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hunter interested in trying a compound bow, choosing the right bow is key. Choosing the wrong compound bow could lead to frustration and disappointment in your target shooting or hunting experience. There are a variety of features to consider, and understanding how each feature affects performance can help you make the right choice. So, what is the best compound bow for beginners? Let’s take a look.
Know Your Skill Level
When selecting a compound bow, it is important to know your skill level. This will inform your decision on which type of bow is best suited for you. If you are just starting out, then it may be best to choose a beginner-level compound bow made from lightweight materials. You should also consider your budget when choosing a compound bow. While there are some great high-end models on the market, if you are just starting then it may not make sense to invest in an expensive model right away. Instead, opt for a cheaper option that still offers quality features and performance without breaking the bank. Remember, as long as the model is suitable for beginners and fits within your budget then it should work perfectly fine for honing your skills until you’re ready to upgrade later on down the road.
Draw Weight
Draw weight is one of the most important considerations when selecting your compound bow. It determines how much force you need to draw the bowstring back to fire an arrow. Generally speaking, lighter draw weights will be easier to pull back and fire, while heavier draw weights will require more strength but will also provide more power behind each shot. For beginners, it’s best to start with a draw weight of around 20-40 pounds (9-18 kg). This should be enough for most hunting purposes without putting too much strain on your muscles. For more details on draw weight, go read this article about adjusting your bow's draw weight.
Bow Length
The length of your bow can also affect performance. The length of a compound bow is measured from axle to axle. Longer bows tend to be more stable and accurate at longer distances, while shorter bows are better suited for close-range shooting. Generally speaking, most beginner bows will have a length between 30-36 inches (76-91 cm). This should provide enough accuracy and stability while still being manageable for novice archers.
Cam System
Finally, you also need to consider the cam system on your compound bow—this is what allows you to draw and fire arrows without having to manually cock the string back every time. The two main types of cam systems used on modern compound bows are single cam and dual cam systems. Single cam systems tend to be simpler and less expensive than dual cams; however, dual cams offer more power and speed which can make them ideal for experienced hunters who need that extra edge in their shots. For beginners, single cams should suffice just fine.
Popular Beginner Compound Bows
The Bear Archery Cruzer G3 has an adjustable draw weight of 5-70lbs, draw length of 14" to 30", and a dual cam system. All adjustments are made using an Allen wrench with no need for a bow press. This bow comes equipped as a ready to hunt setup with a Trophy Ridge sight, quiver, Whisker Biscuit, peep, and D-loop.
The Diamond Infinite 305 has a draw weight of 7-70lbs, draw length of 19" to 31", and axle-to-axle length of 32". The bow has rotating modules that require no bow press to make draw length adjustments. This bow comes equipped with an Octane Furnace 4-Arrow Quiver, Octane Stryker 3 Pin Sight, Octane Boost 5 inch Stablizer, Octane Octagon Rest, Diamond wrist strap, and a 3 strand peep.
The PSE Archery Uprising has a draw weight of 15-70lbs, draw length of 14" to 30", and axle-to-axle length of 30". This bow includes a 3 Pin Sight, arrow rest, 5-arrow quiver, and a 6" stabilizer.
Once you've chosen your first compound bow, be sure to check out the range of SKB cases at Bow Case Store to store and protect your bow. It may seem intimidating at first but choosing the right compound bow doesn't have to be difficult if you know what features matter most. Be sure to pay attention to draw weight, bow length, and type of cam system when selecting your new equipment; these three factors can have a big impact on performance and accuracy when out in the field. Ultimately, your choice will come down to personal preference; so make sure you do your research and find one that best suits your needs!
