Best Compound Bow Review

Like most products, compound bows come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and levels of speed. Whether you are new to the sport or archery, or simply looking to buy a new compound for the season, this guide will help you through of the technical stuff to help you make a well informed choice on your next bow.
Here is a list of the Best Compound Bow
Image | Compound Bow | Image | Compound Bow |
---|---|---|---|
It is important to get familiar with all the components of the compound bow. There are so many great compound bows in the market today producing better products each other.
Best Compound Bow Review
*TOP PICK*
Elite Synergy
• Axle to Axle: 33-1/2 inches
• IBO Speed: 293-335 fps (depending on draw length)
• Brace Height: 7-3/8 inches
• Mass Weight: 4.4 lbs.
• Draw Length: 27-31 inches
• Peak Draw Weight: 40, 50, 60, 65, 70, 80 lbs.
• Finishes: Realtree Xtra, Realtree APS, Realtree MAX-1, Ninja
Bowtech Prodigy
• Brace Height 7 inches
• Axle to Axle: 32 inches
• Draw Length25 "- 30.5 inches
• Draw Weight: 40 lbs. - 70 lbs.
• IBO Speed of 343 fps
• Weight: 4.2 lbs.
• Let-Off: 80%
Hoyt Nitrum 30
• Brace Height: 6.75 inches
• Axle to Axle Length: 30 inches
• Draw Length: 24 " - 30 inches
• Draw Weight: 30 lbs. - 80 lbs.
• IBO Speed: 332 fps
• Weight: 3.9 lbs.
• Let-Off: 75%
PSE freak
• Brace Height: 7.125 inches
• Axle to Axle Length: 38 inches
• Draw Length: 27 to 33 inches
• Draw Weight: 50 - 80 lbs.
• IBO Speed: 346 fps - 354 fps
• Weight: 4.3 lbs.
• Let-Off: 75%
Masters 2014 prime
• Brace Height: 6.75 inches
• Atta Length: 33.25 inches
• Draw Length: 26 - 30 inches
• Draw Weight: 40 - 70 lbs.
• IBO Speed: 290 fps - 335 fps
• Weight: 4.2 lbs.
• Let-Off: 75%
Bear arena 34
• Brace Height: 6.5 inches
• Axle to Axle Length: 34.5 inches
• Draw Length: 26.5 - 31 inches
• Draw Weight: 40 lbs. - 70 lbs.
• IBO Speed: 340 fps
• Weight: 4.0 lbs
• Let-Off: 75%
Bowtech boss
• Brace Height: 7 inches
• Axle-t-Axle Length: 36 inches
• Draw Length: 26.5 - 32 inches
• Draw Weight: 40 - 70 lbs.
• IBO Speed: 333 fps
• Weight: 4.6 lbs.
• Let-Off: 80%
Hoyt carbon spyder turbo
• Brace Height:6 inches
• Axle to Axle Length: 34 inches
• Draw Length: 24.5 - 30 inches
• Draw Weight: 30 - 80 lbs
• IBO Speed: 340 fps
• Weight: 4.0 lbs
• Let-Off: 80%
More into Details
Elite Synergy
Reviewers described it as “Very little vibration”
The Elite Synergy is defined by "Shoot ability". The Synergy maximizes the combination of speed and smoothness into one "Shootable" package that everyone will love to bring full draw, and delivers a surpassed shooting experience. Its mid-sized measurements allow incredibly stable geometry that’s perfect for hunting and also 3-D Hunting. Supported by Elite's Riser Cage design, this backbone provides balanced energy distribution to the bows beyond parallel limbs and a Synergy two-track cam system. A Winner's Choice custom bowstrings using BCY-X string materials. It uses pro kote, a super-premium, ceramic-based, long-lasting performance coating. It contains LimbSaver anti-vibration technology.
Here's a video of Elite Synergy for more information and review.
Hoyt Nitrum 30
Reviewer describes as “Steep angles, Compared to elite – more vibration in the shot, Behind in production as this model is in very high demand”
Hoyt Nitrum contains a new offset riser and cage design adds strength and stiffness. Zero Torque cable guard system pivots to firmly reduce cable induced torque. Weighs in at 3.9-pounds flat. The Nitrum's vibration after the shot is corrected with the added weight of given accessories and a stabilizer.
Here's a video of Hoyt Nitrum 30 for more information and review.
G5 Prime Alloy
Reviewer describes as “having a short drawline and a “Good feeling” bow.”
The G5 Prime Alloy is described as smooth, comfortable, well balanced, with no cam lean. The Prime is truly a well-rounded compound bow and has the attributes to be great at everything. The comfort level and ease to shoot are the best. It may not be the fastest bow in its class, but there is still enough for nearly anything that it would be used for. The real highlights are Parallel Cams and Flexing Roller cable guard.
Bowtech prodigy
Reviewer describes as “given low vibration.”
Very Versatile; described as three bows in one, with no noticeable vibration; also very quiet. The Bowtech Prodigy provides solid shooting platform.
Here's a video of Bowtech Prodigy for more information and review.
PSE freak 5
Reviewer describes as “Drawback is the Cable guard looks cheap for $950”
This is one of few bows that are specifically designed for long draw shooters (draw lengths of 28-33 inches). Has a forgiving brace height of 7.25 inches. With a 38 inch axel to axel measurement for a stable shot. Includes am EVO hybrid cam that allows for 6-inches of adjustability. Comes with an “inner lock cam” system that requires no bow press or expensive cam switches.
Bear arena 34
Reviewer describes as “Not jumpy”
The H15 cam can offer a personalized feel for each shooter, with an axel to axel measurement of 34.5-inches is a stable platform. Also hits the 4-pound mark many are looking for in a compound bow.
Bowtech Boss
Reviewer describes the Boss “has draw cycle that is more aggressive than others and not as smooth, with most aggressive performance setting”.
The Bowtech Boss is known to be smooth, contains fast speed, and lighly accurate. Boss has Power Disc/Power Shift technology, overdrive binary cam system, super smooth draw, and 333 fps that are very accurate and efficient. With adjustable from 26" - 31.5" of draw length, 40# - 70# of draw weight, 7 inch brace height, with the ability to adjust between each performance setting, traditional setting, and a comfort setting, this rig can be setup for any shooting season.
Hoyt Carbon Spyder Turbo
Reviewer describes as “Feel-more grip wooden, Louder than Matthews”
Has a great mix of speed and balance. Smooth drawing RKT cams with 5.5 inches of adjustability with a very forgiving 34-inch axel to axel measurement. An overall weight of 4 pounds and an axel-to-axel measurement of 34-inches, as the Turbo are easy to pack in on long walks to the stand.
Here's a video of Hoyt carbon spyder turbo for more information and review.
Choose the Right Bow For You
When choosing which bow is best for you, it is important to consider the several factors that will determine how the bow will perform. First, you should decide if the bow is going to be used for bow hunting or only for shooting archery targets. Another thing to consider is your dimensions and strength. This guide will help you determine which compound bows will suit your needs and physique.
Draw Weight
The Draw weight of a compound bow is the maximal power you will need to pull the string when drawing the bow. Application of the cam/cams causes the most pulling power that is needed halfway from the fully drawn position as well and decreasing significantly once the bow is fully drawn. In order to comfortably shoot an arrow several times in a row, you need to choose the right draw of your strength.
BOWHUNTER | DRAW WEIGHT OF THE BOW |
---|---|
Small kids (70 - 100 lbs.) | 15 - 25 lbs. |
Kids (100 - 130 lbs.) | 25 - 35 lbs. |
Most Women (100 - 160 lbs.) | 30 - 40 lbs. |
Teenage Boys (130 - 150 lbs.) | 40 - 50 lbs. |
Small Men and Large Women | 45 - 55 lbs. |
Men (150 - 180 lbs.) | 55 - 65 lbs. |
Large Men (above 180 lbs.) | 65 - 75 lbs. |
Draw length
The length of your arms will determine the draw length of the compound bow. It is very important to use a bow with the most suitable draw length as compound bows must be shot only if it is fully drawn.

In order to determine the appropriate draw length, you must measure your wingspan by spreading your arms and ask someone to measure the distance starting from the tips of your right hand’s fingers through the tips of your left hand fingers, measured in inches. Divide the inches measured by 2.5 and you will be given the right draw length. Though many top compound bows can be easily adjusted with reference to draw length.
Brace height

The Brace height is the measure once the bow is stable at rest and is defined as the distance between the bowstring to the grip of the bow. Compound bows have brace heights averaging in the range of 5.5” to 9”; however the most popular models heights in 6” or 7”. The power stroke of the bow varies on this parameter and the shorter brace height means the longer power stroke means more power and speed.
Axle-to-axle length (aka A2A)

The A2A (Axle-to-axle length) is measured as the distance between the centers of the axles, and used in inches. Bow hunters tend to go for shorter bows as they are easier to use in the woods as well as more portable. Keep in mind that the more it weights and the longer in length it is, the more stable it is.
The Let-off
The left-off is a unique feature to compound bows and making aiming easier than used with traditional bows. Due to the application of cams (or cam and wheel) the power needed to draw a compound bow increases until you reach the peak point, and then dramatically decrease to reach the minimum. Once the bow is fully drawn, you can take the time to aim with very minimal weight in your hand.