The Best Budget Compound Bow – A Detailed Buying Guide

Any archer, amateur or experienced, knows that there is no greater thrill than using your power and skills to perfectly aim and shoot at a target. The mental focus, balance, strength, and ability you build while shooting can be applied during leisurely sports, hunting and even during your personal and work lives. With improving advancements over the years, archers now have a wide collection of bows to choose from, ranging from traditional to compound bows.

With that said, if you’re looking for regulation-approved, high-quality compound bows to impress at professional archery competitions, or you’re just looking to up your collection for fun and hunting, this buyer’s guide will help you pick from 2018’s top 5 budget compound bows.

Reviews of the Best Budget Compound Bow

**Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.

Top 5 Best Budget Compound Bow Reviews

1.   [easyazon_link identifier=”B004T2MOZY” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Genesis Original Compound Bow[/easyazon_link]

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B004T2MOZY” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Genesis Original Compound Bow[/easyazon_link] is an American product of marvel, offering amazing quality at an extremely affordable price. Its quality material gives you the strength and durability of the Leader Accessories Compound Bow, all without the added need of stabilizers or silencers. The bow has zero noise level and hands shock so you can take confidence in a quiet and sturdy aim without any tuning issues. In addition to that, this bow is both for right and left-handed persons. The bow offers twelve colours and is suitable for universal usage. It is also approved by the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP).

Moreover, it has a universal draw length and speed, making it perfect for adults and children alike. It comprises of composite limbs, aluminium cam and idler wheel. The bow is definitely one of the best choices for entry-level archers and can be great for bow fishers with the added accessories. The main drawback for the bow is its size and speed, which are minimal for adult hands and experienced shooters. The bow, therefore, falls flat in hunting and sports use category. Its main use would be recreational, and more or less for family fun and practice. However, with the design, accuracy, and performance it provides, this bow is still perfect for a great archery experience.

Pros

• The official bow of the NASP
• Well-manufactured
• Affordable
• Zero noise level
• Universal draw length

Cons

• No arrows included

2.   [easyazon_link identifier=”B01MUF5EDM” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Raptor Compound Hunting Bow Kit[/easyazon_link]

RAPTOR is one of the more popular and well-trusted American brands that takes pride in maintaining quality in all its products, and this compound hunting bow is no exception. While being one of the more expensive products among its competitors, archers cannot argue such a price when given such quality as seen in the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01MUF5EDM” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Raptor Compound Bow[/easyazon_link]. It embraces a Whisker biscuit rest and stabilizer, the draw length is adjustable and ranges 24.5 inches to 31 inches. Its exquisite touch and feel make it worth the money.

The draw weight is 30 to 70 pounds and the FPS speed is 315. The kit itself, however, is not up to a professional’s standards, which is why most recommend this bow for more beginner-level archers. Is entails the USA made fibreglass limbs. The Raptor Compound Bow is highly recommended for the fun of the sport, but it’s definitely a bit on the weaker side for more experienced shooters who need to make more costly adjustments for a more finessed bow.

Pros

• 5-pin sight with light and level
• High-quality
• Adjustable
• Versatile
• No bow press needed

Cons

• Poor add-ons
• Set up instructions can be confusing 

3.   [easyazon_link identifier=”B016I9MMHK” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Leader Accessories Compound Bow[/easyazon_link]

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B016I9MMHK” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Leader Accessories Hunting 50 – 70 Compound[/easyazon_link] is made by Man Kung, a Taiwanese company that helps keep the overall cost of the bow down without compromising on quality. The bow’s sound level and vibration are all very high due to the limbs’ parallel design, so it requires stabilizers and silencers for a quiet hunt. The bow makes up for this lack of shock and sound absorption with its impressive sturdiness and durability, as well as a smooth and strong grip and aluminium riser for greater control.

The axle length is perfect for carrying as well as shooting from the ground and tree strands. The bow is also perfect for bow fishing as it’s axle length is quite long i.e. 35 inches. This bow is for right-handed individuals, the draw length is 26 inches to 30 inches. The bow’s weight, even without accessories, keeps it on the heavier side i.e. 4.4 pounds, so it is recommended for more experienced and trained shooters who can maintain accuracy while balancing the bow’s weight. FPS speed is 310 and the draw weight is 50 to 70 pounds. Overall, the bow’s strength and accuracy make it a smart choice for experienced archers who want to save a few dollars.

Pros

• Affordable
• Dual cam
• No bow press needed

Cons

• Heavy
• Poor extras

4.   [easyazon_link identifier=”B001PO5QW2″ locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Crosman Elkhorn Jr. Compound Bow[/easyazon_link]

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B001PO5QW2″ locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Crosman Elkhorn Jr.[/easyazon_link] is intended for practice use only. It’s perfect for young children, but cannot be used by teens or adults who are looking for a bow for shooting experience, hunting or bow fishing. The Elkhorn Jr. is a great beginner bow to get your kids interested in archery. It is most definitely affordable so that your children can get into archery at a nice price. Right-handed bow, which comes in Black colour, embraces 3.3 lb bow weight and 17-21 lb draw weight.

The brace height is 8 inches and the length of the axle is 33 inches. It is well-crafted with a smooth draw, easy control and perfect grip for smaller hands. The body and limbs are sturdy and well made for a great look and feel and do not add too much noise during a shot. Overall, this bow is perfect for young children just starting in archery.

Pros

• Composite riser
• Well-made bow
• Comes with rest, finger tab, sight, two composite arrows, arm guard, and two-piece quiver

Cons

• Arrows are not great quality, easily broken
• Constructed to suit beginners, not for experienced archers 
• Difficult aligning the scope

5.   [easyazon_link identifier=”B00FATX878″ locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]SAS Rage 70 Lbs 30″ Compound Bow[/easyazon_link]

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00FATX878″ locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]SAS Rage Compound Bow[/easyazon_link], while not really a product from the most well-known brand, is a powerful and accurate bow that can be perfect for your shooting needs. It is a perfect beginner bow, with an easy draw and aim. Its controllable power makes it perfect for shooting smaller targets at comfortable distances. This bow comprises of a compressed ABS limbs and 270 FPS speed. The draw length is 25 inches to 31 inches; the draw weight is 55-70 pounds.

The bow’s heaviness also helps build upper strength with repeated use, while the adjustable draw length helps accommodate the bow to your shooting needs as you practice. The 4.4 pounds weight, however, does provide a slight drawback for beginners who are still not comfortable with aiming and carrying around such a heavy object. Regardless, the SAS Rage bow gives you design and performance at an affordable price, perfectly suited for practice, and sports on a beginner level.

Pros

• Affordable
• Good accuracy
• Perfect for beginners

Cons

• Heavy
• Difficult set-up
• String is cheaply made

How To Pick The Right Bow Specifically For You

Compound bows are a great choice for experienced hunters and shooters who have the build, stamina and mental acuity to control and use a better bow for improved shooting. Read on and you will find out the factors, features, qualities and characteristics to help you pick the best bow.

Different Cam Systems For The Bow

These bows come in different types based on the cam systems they use, including:

Single cams

These cams are for easy use like the Genesis Original Bow. This cam is usually soundless and easy to maintain than the traditional twin cam systems, as there is no requirement for synchronization of the cam. This system features an elliptically shaped power-cam below and around idler wheel on the upper side of the bow. However, single cam systems generally do not offer straight and level nock travel and that can make some single-cam bows bothersome to tune. Of course, not all single cams are made equal. Just as the coin has two sides, therefore, there are both bad ones and good ones. Some of these are swift and aggressive, while others are smooth.

Hybrid cams

Hybrid cams allow great tuning and maintenance like the Leader Accessories compound bow. This system features a control cam on the top, 2 asymmetrically elliptical cams, and a power cam on the bottom. These cams provide the advantages of great nock travel, like its’ a properly adjusted twin-cam bow, however, without the synchronization and timing issues. The system is devised with a control cable, single split-harness, and a main string. Indeed, these cams need less care than a traditional twin cam.

Twin Cams

Twin cams offer speed and accuracy and they are also known as Dual cams. The Twin Cam system embraces elliptical cams or 2 perfectly symmetrical round wheels on each end of the bow. If synchronized properly, this cam system provides excellent accuracy, nock travel, and speed. However, Twin Cams need more care and maintenance to be in top shooting condition.

Binary cams

These cams provide exceptional travel and speed. Contrary to hybrid and single cam systems, in old versions of the binary system, there were no split-harness – only 2 “cam-to-cam” control cables. However, now these cams have become a vast force in the commerce. They are swift and they are easy to tune. The latest version of this cam uses a split-buss cable to cancel out the cam lean.

Top 5 Attributes To Consider When Buying A Bow

Besides the cam systems, other factors need to be taken into consideration before purchasing a compound bow. These include:

Axel length

It’s significant for the axle length of your bow to match the kind of hunting or shooting you’d be doing. Shorter bows like the Crosman Elkhorn Jr. give greater control for experienced shooters while longer bows like the Leader Accessories bow are easier to use for beginners.

Draw length

The draw length is customized by archery shops according to your requirements, with less always being better. Always keep in mind; the draw length of your bow is as imperative as the size of your shoe and particular to only you. If it won’t fit you impeccably, you would have difficulties. If the draw length is huge, you won’t have appropriate form and miss the full prospective of energy your bow can offer.

Brace height

A smaller brace height assists a bow produce great arrow speed. For instance, if you take 2 bows set with same weight and draw length, but one of these has a 5” brace height and the other one comprises of 6”. Now, using both of the bows when you shoot the same size arrow, the bow having the brace height of 5” will shoot the arrow quicker than the 6”. Moreover, the lower heights give more speed for experienced shooters and greater heights require less ability.

Draw weight

Depends on your strength and stamina, and helps decide what accompanying arrows and arrow points you will need. Again, the draw weight is specifically for you; it depends on the archer’s skill level and what he or she would like to attain. Your stamina, physical conditions, and skills would change as you grow as an archer and that means your draw weight might change as well.

Bow weight

Technically speaking, an adult male can draw a fifty-pound bow, but for a beginner, it is a huge effort to draw bow having this much weight would be very hard. You should enjoy archery, and develop with it as a physical sport, so keep it simple and ensure you get a bow you can have fun with! Lighter bows like the Genesis Original bow are easier to carry while heavier bows like Leader Accessories bow gives greater power. Ultimately, choosing the right bow comes down to your own expertise, physical ability, budget, style, and comfort.

Overall Thoughts

With all the research and reviews thoroughly analyzed, here are our recommendations for everyone’s archery requirements:

Cheapest bow: [easyazon_link identifier=”B001PO5QW2″ locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Crosman Elkhorn Jr. Compound Bow[/easyazon_link]

Best beginner bow: [easyazon_link identifier=”B00FATX878″ locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]SAS Rage 70 Lbs 30” Compound Bow[/easyazon_link]

Best professional bow: [easyazon_link identifier=”B016I9MMHK” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Leader Accessories Compound Bow[/easyazon_link]

Best rated and overall bow: [easyazon_link identifier=”B004T2MOZY” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Genesis Original Compound Bow[/easyazon_link]

There you have it! With its universal look, style, design and use all within an affordable price range, the Genesis Original Compound Bow comes out to be the perfect bow for adults and children alike, that can be enjoyed on the practice range and also for family fun. Regardless of the ultimate list, you can choose from the other high-quality brands and bows, or find others of your own by following our buyer’s guide, so that you can make the most of your archery experience.