Maximize Your Hunting Experience by Choosing the Right Compound Bow

There are many compound bows available on the market and there are a lot of opinions on which one is the best. I have owned several bows by different manufacturers. Each and every time I walked out of the store I think “this bow is great and it will last me forever.” That, unfortunately, doesn’t last very long.

If you knew me, you’d know my excitement lasts 2-3 years and then I start to think technology has changed enough that I should make another investment. Each time this thought crosses my mind I start to do the research and look into upgrading and making another purchase. As the research and talk starts my wife chalks it up to “He can’t make a decision so the money is safe for at least a year.” Needless to say, even though my wife’s opinion is true and my money is typically safe for a year, I have done a lot of research over the years. It’s not that I can’t make a decision about which compound bow to buy. I simply research so much it usually takes me that much longer to find the best bow for me.

There are usually two main decisions you have to make before you even leave the house. Once you arrive at the store, there are four decisions.

Two Decisions to Make Before Shopping for Compound Bows

1. Price – The most important decision before leaving your house is price. Price points don’t always hold true in the quote “you get what you pay for”. In fact, one of my favorite compound bows was a lower price bow and it worked well for about 6 years. The only reason that bow was given up was that I was still growing and outgrew the maximum draw length. The important note is to only look at bows within your price point, because if you happen to find a great bow at a high price you could be disappointed when you get back within your budget.
2. Quality – The last thing you need to consider before you leave the house is quality. Read as much you can about the compound bows in your range and look for feedback from actual bow owners. Keep in mind there are always people out there that will not be satisfied with anything, so you will always see a couple of opinions that do not match the overall. If you read 20 comments on a bow and 18 have good reviews, I would disregard the remaining two negative reviews and mark this bow as one to try out at the store.

Four Purchase Considerations While Shopping for Compound Bows

Always pick a store that allows you to try out the bow before you buy. After you arrive at the store, let the salesperson know you price point and make them stay within it. You can further narrow down you choices by looking up the ingredients that make a nice bow: speed, draw weight, noise and size.

1. Bow Speed – I typically like “the faster the better” approach to things, but the other two ingredients assist in the speed.
2. Draw Weight – Draw weight is a choice that can make a difference in the field. If it is hard for you to pull in the store, it will be twice as hard in the cold weather, so make sure you are comfortable and do not try and over do it.
3. Bow Size – The size of the bow can be a factor that needs some consideration. If you choose a small axle to axle length, it is easier to move around, but can have a negative affect on the accuracy. If you cannot hold the bow in a consistent and steady manner, it will move off center and cause more variation in accuracy. I prefer a little bit longer bow so there is more relief when shooting. I sacrifice a little mobility, but I am more accurate and comfortable with a longer shot.
4. Noise – Noise is one factor that can only be reviewed if you hear the bow in action. I believe you have to hear it for yourself and only then can you compare one compound bow to another. Obviously, the quieter the bow the better.

Notice that manufactures are not mentioned in this discussion. I have heard too much non-data driven opinions. I have owned three different manufactures of compound bows and have been very satisfied with all of them.  At the end of the day, a compound bow is a big purchase and one that is personal. It needs to fit the particular person buying it.

View my research on compound bow shopping: Compound Bow Comparison