Best Beginner Compound Bows 2023 – [Tested & Approved]
In the archery world, there is a significant connection between the bow and the archer built on precision, skill, and love for the sport. Compound bows should always be well-suited to the archers and carefully tailored to cater to their needs and preferences.
However, choosing a bow can be overwhelming for a beginner because of the wide variety of different types and brands in the market.
A compound bow uses a system of pulleys and cables to shoot an arrow, unlike the traditional bows, this system is much easier to pull and hold at full draw. Moreover, if you do not have any experience in bow shopping, you need to continue reading this blog because I will explain how to choose the Best Beginner Compound Bows.
You can also visit a pro shop where professionals help you determine your needs and preferences and guide you on what kind of bow will suit you.
Comparison of Best Beginner Compound Bows
Image
Product
Features
Price

Diamond Archery Infinite 305 Compound Bow

Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Ready to Hunt Compound Bow

PSE Archery Uprising Compound Bow

Diamond Edge 320 Compound Bow

Genesis Original Bow Archery Kit

BARNETT Vortex Youth Compound Bow

Southland Archery Supply SAS Outrage 70 lbs 31″ ATA Compound Bow

Raptor Compound Bow Kit
1. Diamond Archery Infinite 305 Compound Bow

Diamond Archery Infinite 350 compound bow is best for beginners because of its versatility. This bow is designed to suit people of every age and experience level which makes it a perfect choice for both shooting and hunting. Moreover, you can use this bow to explore your interests and skills as it can be used for many purposes.
This compound bow is completely adjustable and you can customize the bow’s draw length without the need for new cams and modules. It offers a wide range of draw weights from 5 to 70 pounds and the draw length can be adjusted anywhere between 19 to 31 inches simply by removing the module screws. So, this bow will grow with you in size and strength and you can use it even after mastering the sport.
- Discover why these are the most recommended compound bows under $1000.
It is constructed to give superior performance with its torque-reducing design that facilitates consistent hand position to enhance accuracy and tightens arrow grouping. Moreover, it allows a smoother and quieter shooting experience with its premium carbon construction that helps absorb and remove excessive string vibration and noise. Similarly, its superior construction provides lightweight comfort and ultimate performance.
Overall, the diamond archery infinite 350 compound bow is the perfect bow for beginners. having had the privilege of using this bow since I started archery, I can confidently recommend it for both beginners and professional archers. Moreover, it is fully adjustable and versatile so you can start from target shooting and seamlessly transition to bow hunting.
2. Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Ready to Hunt Compound Bow Package

Bear archery cruzer G2 compound bows are advertised as ‘ready to hunt’ because it come equipped with six trophy ridge accessories. So, beginners can use it without going through the complex process of shopping for various parts and assembling them. However, the package does not include arrows or a bow release.
Looking at the bow’s specifications, it is quite adjustable with its draw weight ranging from 5 to 70 lbs which is perfect for beginners as they can start from a lower draw weight and gradually increase it with time and practice. Likewise, its draw length is also adjustable from 12″ to 30″ to accommodate archers of different sizes and skills. Moreover, it can easily be adjusted with only an Allen wrench without a bow press.
This bow will save you money in the long run because you can use it for a longer period due to its capacity to grow as your skills grow from target shooting to deer hunting. Furthermore, it is very lightweight and weighs only 3 lbs with an arrow firing power of 315 feet per second.
All in all, Bear Archery Cruzer G2 is a ready-to-hunt compound bow that is lightweight, fast, and durable. You must try it because I have been using it for many years and love how I can back the draw weight down whenever I have a sore shoulder. So, this bow adjusts to accommodate everyone, beginners, adults, females, and professional players.
3. PSE Archery Uprising Compound Bow Package for Adults, Kids & Beginners

PSE archery uprising compound bow is best for beginners because of its versatility and adjustability. It is designed for adults, kids, and beginners to improve their skills to master archery and still be able to use the same bow. It has a press-free adjustment and has a draw weight range of 12 to 72 lbs.
This compound bow is specially designed for women and has an adjustable draw length of 14″ to 30″. These specifications show that it is an adjustable bow with high performance for women but not as much as the other extremely adjustable compound bows. Similarly, it has a shooting power of 310 feet per second and allows smooth drawing and quiet shooting.
- Recommended: Best Compound Bow For Women
Another unique feature of this compound bow is its compact size of only 30″ axle to axle and its light weight of only 3.2 lbs. Moreover, this size helps in ground blind hunting and tree stand and allows smooth hunting without tangling up into the hurdles around you.
Most compound bows have metal bow grip which can be very uncomfortable, especially in extreme cold and hot weather. However, PSE archery uprising has a rubber wrapped around the bow grip to give you a strong grip for an accurate aim.
women. I use it for its compact size because you cannot maneuver with large bows in a tighter space, especially in woods. So, if you are looking for a compact size and lightweight compound bow, this might be the best one for you.
4. Diamond Edge 320 Compound Bow

Diamond Edge 320 compound bow has left all the other bows behind with its Bowtech’s synchronized binary cam system, known for its precision and efficiency. With this system, you can get a consistent and synchronized arrow release with a magnificent arrow velocity of 320 feet per second. So, you can do all kinds of archery like hunting and target shooting with its high speed.
This compound bow is highly adjustable and can accommodate archers of different sizes and preferences with its adjustable draw length that can be set anywhere from 15 to 31 inches. You can choose to draw weight as low as 7 pounds which is best for beginners and those who have weak upper body strength. Moreover, those who love target shooting and hunting at longer distances can set a maximum weight of 70 pounds.
- Our recommended list of the best compound bow strings you should consider.
Similarly, it has flawless, straight-line nock travel which means that when you shoot an arrow it will follow a smooth and straight path. It has exceptional tunability and can be fine-tuned to the archer’s preference. Furthermore, it is truly a ‘ready-to-go’ package because it has everything you need to practice archery including arrows and a bow release.
Diamond Edge 320 compound bow has 85% let-off, which means you only have 15% of the peak draw weight once you draw the bowstring to its full draw length. So, it reduces fatigue and allows the archer to wait as long as they want during long shots or while waiting for the right moment when hunting.
You May Also Like To Read: Diamond Edge 320 Problems
Overall, the diamond edge 320 compound bow is a fantastic option for beginners as well as experts. I use it for hunting because of its premium let-off and it allows me to hold the draw for a maximum time and wait for the prey. It comes with every single accessory you need for archery, you might need to take it to any local shop for setup but you do not need to buy any additional parts.
5. Genesis Original Bow Archery Kit

Genesis Original bow archery kit is the most easy-to-use beginner’s compound bow. It is used in archery schools and programs for entry-level target shooting. Moreover, it is versatile with a draw length range of 15 to 30 so beginner archers of every size and height can easily use it.
However, it has an adjustable draw weight ranging from 10 to 20 pounds, which means it is unsuitable for hunting. On the other hand, our target is a compound bow for beginners and this bow can be perfect for that because of its low draw weight. Moreover, it does not have any set draw length so all beginner archers can start with this compound bow.
This bow eliminates let-off and is designed to fit everyone including children and adults. Furthermore, it features a single-cam design that simplifies the tuning and results in less recoil, greater accuracy, and minimum noise.
Additionally, it comes with an arm guard for forearm protection from a bowstring and 5 XX75 premium aluminum arrows. Furthermore, it comes pre-assembled and ready for beginners with its 6061-T6 aluminum riser, aluminum cam, sturdy composite limbs, and high-strength bowstrings.
In short, Genesis’s original compound bow is an ideal bow for beginners of all ages. I bought it for my younger sister to introduce her to archery and it helped her learn the sport easily. However, you will need to buy a more advanced bow as you master archery; regardless, if you are a beginner it will do a phenomenal job for you.
6. BARNETT Vortex Youth Compound Bow

The Barnett Vortex youth compound bow is created for older kids and teens to adapt and grow with the advancing skills of archers. Therefore, this bow is suitable for those who are beginners but wish to progress in the sport.
It offers modular adjustments to accommodate archers of various size and strength. Moreover, you can choose to draw weights as low as 19 lbs to as high as 45 lbs and draw lengths of 22 to 27 inches. So, you can tailor it to suit your physical requirements and preferences precisely.
It is ideal for young archers because of its compact design featuring an axle-to-axle length of 28 inches. Moreover, it adheres to the ATA/AMO standards and is quite affordable compared to the other adjustable compound bows.
All in all, BARNETT Vortex Youth Compound Bow is a decent option if you want an affordable and adjustable compound bow for a young archer. Moreover, I like how it grows as you master the sport because I’ve been using it since I started archery. However, it gets quite confusing if you assemble it for the first time because the pieces come unlabeled with unclear instructions.
7. Southland Archery Supply SAS Outrage 70 lbs 31″ ATA Compound Bow

Southland archery compound bow is another affordable option for both beginners and expert archers. Moreover, it is a versatile bow that allows archers to adjust and customize their draw length within the range of 25 to 31 inches.
Archers have ample options to select appropriate draw weight from the range of 30 to 70 pounds. Furthermore, it is oriented for right-handed archers which is a more common preference among beginners. For this price, it has an outstanding speed of 275 feet per second.
Additionally, it provides a let-off of 75-80% which means you can hold back the full draw for a longer period without getting tired. Likewise, it has a three-year warranty; higher than any other brand in the market.
In short, the Southland archery bow is by far the most inexpensive compound bow; if you want an adjustable compound bow without hurting your pocket, go for this one. It proved to be a decent beginner’s compound bow for me. However, occasionally I have felt a tad bit of an issue with fletching on arrows hitting the bow’s frame making it unstable.
8. Raptor Compound Bow Kit

Raptor compound bow kit is a versatile bow that caters to right-handed and left-handed youth, teens, and adult archers of beginner and intermediate levels. Moreover, it offers fully adjustable draw lengths ranging from 24.5 inches to 31 inches to accommodate archers of different sizes and strengths. Similarly, you can adjust the draw weight from 30 lbs to 70 lbs which makes it adjustable and versatile.
For precise adjustments and perfect shots, the bow features high-quality machining with fully aluminum cams, modules, and a split yoke tuning system without using any plastic components. Furthermore, the compound design includes a 75% let-off which is a good deal considering the price of the bow.
Additionally, it has a compact size of only 30” axle-to-axle. This feature makes it suitable for hunting in tree stands and ground blinds. Moreover, it comes in two colors; black and camouflage so you can choose whichever suits you the best.
Overall, the Raptor compound bow kit is a high-quality, adjustable, and versatile bow. I have been using it for over two years and it works the same as other high-end expensive compound bows. Moreover, its fully aluminum cams without any plastic make it sturdier so if you need something premium on a medium to low budget, try Raptor compound bow.
Detailed Buying Guide: Factors to Consider
The market is flooded with different kinds and brands of compound bows which can confuse even the expert archers. While buying a compound bow, you must keep your preference, level, and stature in mind. So, let’s dig into the factors to consider while buying a compound bow.
Draw Length
The first thing that you need to consider is the draw length which means how far you can draw back the bowstring. There is a certain limit to the draw length before the sting stops, so your draw length should be mid-range. Moreover, you can easily find out your draw length at home with the help of a friend.
Stretch out your hands on each side in a way that your body makes a T, then measure from the tip of one middle finger to another. Afterward, divide your wingspan by 2.5 to determine your ideal draw length. So, now you need to look for the bow’s specifications and ensure it suits your draw length.
Draw Weight
Another important factor to consider is the draw weight, you need to find out how much draw weight suits you. If you go for the heaviest draw weight to shoot faster, you might end up missing your targets completely. Furthermore, for beginners, heavy weights cause shakiness, instability, and lack of focus.
To find out your ideal weight you need to start off with light draw weight. Draw and hold for at least 20 to 30 seconds and observe if you can maintain it without shaking or quivering. Furthermore, try multiple times to find out the ideal draw weight.
Compound bow features let-off which means it lessens the weight required to hold the string at full draw. Moreover, expert archers suggest a let-off of around 75-80%.
Axle-to-Axle Length
You need to know the purpose of your compound bow purchase because different bow or axle-to-axle lengths are used for different purposes. For instance, if you want to use your bow for hunting, you need a shorter bow of 33 inches or less. A shorter bow is easier to control in trees stand or blind.
Longer bows are used for shooting and target shooting because the longer axle-to-axle length helps stabilize the bow. However, it should not be more than 35 inches long otherwise it would be uncomfortable.
Adjustability
Most compound bows are adjustable and offer customization of draw length and weight. So, if you are unsure about your preferences and ideal draw length and weight, go for the bow with extreme adjustability.
Speed
The speed and noise are also important factors and should be considered before purchasing a bow. Here speed refers to the feet per second that each arrow travels when released; compound bows with larger draw weights have the highest speed and it is used for hunting for greater penetration of the arrow. Similarly, the archer’s strength, external conditions like wind, and the weight of the arrows also influence the speed of a bow.
Budget
Your budget will determine the quality of your bow. However, you need to start with a basic and cheaper bow because over time your skills and preferences are likely to change which means you will need to upgrade your bow. Moreover, there are compound bows that offer high quality without damaging your budget.
FAQs
Should a beginner use a compound bow?
Yes, compound bows are an excellent choice for the beginner archer because it can easily equip additional accessories to help you with your shot.
What draw weight should a beginner use?
Recommended draw weight for beginner small children is 10 to 15 lbs, 15 to 25 lbs for older children, 20 to 35 lbs for women, and 35 to 45 lbs for men.
Final Verdict
This is it for the best beginner compound bows. In short, factors like draw length, draw weight, axle-to-axle length, speed, adjustability, and size of a compound bow determine if it is best for an archer. This article is a collection of the best beginner compound bows, and here is the summary;
- Diamond Archery Infinite 305 Compound Bow for its 80% let-off, extreme adjustability, and premium construction.
- PSE Archery Uprising Compound Bow for its compact size, lightweight, and high performance.
- Raptor Compound Bow Kit for its fine-tuning, affordability, and aluminum cams.
Moreover, read the above-given buying guide and list of the best beginner compound bows thoroughly before making a purchase. It is better to understand your needs and preferences and buy a compound bow that suits you to avoid wasting your money.
Thanks For Visiting!
Related Articles: