Best Beginner Compound Bow Reviews for 2024

The thrill of archery, the satisfaction of hitting your target, and the connection with nature are just a few reasons why this age-old sport continues to captivate people of all ages. If you’re a beginner stepping onto this exciting path, selecting the right compound bow is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable learning experience.

Many well-known brands offer compound bows especially designed for beginners. This guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the best beginner compound bows. We’ll dig into key factors to consider, explore popular options, and provide valuable tips to help you find the perfect bow that matches your needs and aspirations.

Best Compound Bows For Beginners In 2024

Take a look at the top 7 starter compound bows on the market. From affordable hunting bows to mid-range models, this list covers all the needs of first-time hunters or target shooters. 

• 1. Predator Archery Raptor Compound Bow
• 2. GCQ Complete Beginner Compound Bow set
• 3. SAS Scorpii Compound Bow Package
• 4. TOPOINT ARCHERY M2 Youth Compound Bow
• 5. RAPTOR Black Compound Hunting Bow Kit
• 6. Bear Archery Royale Youth Compound Bow
• 7. Diamond Archery Edge SB-1 Compound Bow

1. Predator Archery Raptor Compound Bow Kit

If you’re interested in learning archery sports, the Predator Archery Raptor set is the perfect option for you. It is a complete compound bow package for beginners. And for less than $270, you can do everything conveniently. It is easy to handle and comes pre-assembled. You just need a bow square to set the nocking point. Both the cams and modules are made of top-grade aluminum.

Predator Archery Raptor compound bow allows for 75% let-off and features a split yoke tuning system that provides precise adjustments for proper arrow flight while shooting.

Accessories included in the package are of good quality and great for starters for frequent practice. Your purchase will be guaranteed with excellent customer service and a lifetime warranty. However, we recommend buying a wrist release that has a trigger because this package does not include this.

You can adjust the draw length from 24.5”-31” and the draw weight from 30 – 70 lbs, making it a perfect choice in competition for beginners and experts alike. However, choosing the right arrows is a bit difficult for beginners that’s why we recommend you choose arrows at least 1 to 1.5 inches longer than your full draw.

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2. GCQ Complete Compound Bow for Beginners

A good and inexpensive alternative for beginners is the GCQ hunting bow. This entry-level compound bow reaches an impressive IBO speed of 320 fps when fired and is equipped with a robust double-wheel system and stabilizer for accurate shots. 

It features a rotary synchronized Binary cam system for a flawlessly smooth draw, which maximizes accuracy and consistency. And the integral stabilizer creates a perfect balance and a steadier shot. The adjustable draw weight is from 35-60 lbs draw weight and the length is 25-35 inches. Depending on your skill level and height, you can choose a suitable size from different options.

GCQ beginner compound bow comes with Dyneema glass fiber bowstring, which is much stronger and higher than carbon fiber. In terms of value, the GCQ complete bow set would be most likely to be recommended. The package includes everything you need, even bow sight and paper target.

This composite bow is equipped with CNC milling bow riser and split bow piece. For precise aiming, you can adjust this model in five-needle sight. The self-contained lighting system also helps you to use it normally without light.

The let-off is 75%, which is quite enough for both target shooting and hunting. Thanks to its clean workmanship and adjustability, it is well-suited for ambitious beginners. You can optimally adjust this bow according to your needs. Also, a real eye-catcher visually!

However, you need to assemble this bow. There is no complete instruction. The arrows are ready to use. If you have trouble with the string, you could take it to Cabelas or Bass Pro and they can assist with it.

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3. SAS Scorpii Compound Bow for Hunting & Bowfishing

The SAS Scorpii is a great beginner compound bow but can be a nice hunting bow with a lot of useful accessories. The Scorpii model is the perfect size for treestand hunting. It is not heavy but durable. The assemble weighs only 5 pounds. It has a higher let-off of 68%.

The model is easy to adapt, as it has adjustable modules. You can transport this beginner bow very effectively in a bow hunting backpack. It has a very smooth draw back with little wobble after you release.

It has a wide range of adjustments. For example, the draw length is adjustable from 19 to 29 inches, and the draw weight is 20 to 55 lbs. You don’t need a press to change the draw length. It’s almost too easy to do, just remove the screw on the cam and rotate it to the correct one.

SAS Scorpii compound bow is very accurate. It is powerful enough to take down a large-sized deer. Keep in mind that this is an inexpensive entry-point bow for shooters. You need at least 2 or 3 shots before you think of shooting it out of the home.

The package has everything you need, even the predator light for the sight. It has sights, arrow rest, stabilizer, wrist strap, peep sight, loop string, and two sets of Allen wrenches that will fit everything you need. However, you need to assemble the accessories yourself. The plastic cable slide will be worked but chews the string away. So we highly recommend buying the Saunders Hyper Glide.

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4. TOPOINT ARCHERY M2 Youth Bow Set

The TOPOINT ARCHERY M2 could be a good choice for young beginner archers because it is very cheap and offers many accessories with delivery. It is very accurate; club shooters and professionals truly appreciate this model as a beginner bow. This model also has many grown functionalities.

This entry-level compound bow is not only suitable for the beginner shooter but also appropriate for women. It is relatively large and the string length is 49.13″. Because of its high shooting accuracy and acceleration, you can also use it for hunting.

The draw weight is quite high at 40 lbs. It has plenty of adjustments to increase draw length and weight. The installed peep is perfect for youth, don’t need to change a thing but easily can if you need to change the draw length very far. The pulling weight can be set particularly low so that not much pulling force is required.

TOPOINT ARCHERY M2 compound bow is made of high-quality materials with a maximum speed of 290 fps. The package comes with everything you need; Allen set, arrows, and a hip quiver. It is also robust and stable. The processing is absolutely fine.

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5. Predator Archery RAPTOR Black Compound Bow

If you’re looking for a compound bow for achieving very accurate and consistent shots, then the Predator Archery RAPTOR Black model is for you. This model is a little bit advanced and expensive, so motivated beginners and advanced enthusiasts can implement their requirements.

However, both RAPTOR series bows offer smooth pulling, fast shooting, and versatility for different uses. For example, you can use it for hunting, bow fishing, target practice, and more.

You can adjust the draw length from 24.5-31″ and the draw weight from 30-70 lbs without pressing the bow. The draw and poundage can be changed fairly easily if needed. This model is also designed with  75% let-off. So if you pull 70 lbs, you only hold just 17.5 lbs!

It has an axle-to-axle length of 30″ and weighs 3.6 lbs, which is pretty light. So all different level users can control and carry it easily. The CAMS are fully machined aluminum with ZERO plastic that users found in high-end models. The setup process is also very simple.

This hunting bow provides the best performance in class at 315 ft per second when at max settings with a 350-grain arrow. It allows for precise adjustments and proper arrow flight. It comes ready to shoot. Even the included bow sight has 5 colored pins with an eye-relief light for hunting at night. You just need to mount the accessories. However, you must tighten them carefully to get full draw weight.

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6. Bear Archery Royale Youth Compound Bow

The Royale Youth compound bow from Bear Archery will impress you with its high-quality workmanship at a reasonable cost. It is a fantastic bow set that comes with all the essential accessories you need. The model is short and light. For adjustable trigger force, the Royale Youth bow is particularly suitable for beginners and young archers.

It is adjustable from 12 to 27 inches in draw length and from 5 to 50 lbs. peak draw weight. The adjustments are (draw length, weight) easy to make on a DIY at home basis on the bow. Also, the module system is adjustable without the use of a press.

This model is designed more than a youth bow, but all lever shooters can use it. It can adjust and grow with the bow user. It is a versatile compound bow for those who are already familiar with target shooting or bow hunting. 

The package includes everything you need to start bow shooting, a peep, sight, rest and quiver. The peep and sight are very good quality. The only additional parts you need; arrows and release aid. You don’t need to assemble it. Because this model comes ready to hunt. Just make sure to choose the right size arrow.

The quiver is detachable. It has a button you press, then rotate the quiver out of the mount. It will deliver arrows at 290 feet per second. However, the total weight is only 2.7 lbs. If you set all accessories, it will be 3.3 lbs. Remember that the draw is not full adult size.

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7. Diamond Archery Edge SB-1 Compound Bow Package

You may know that Diamond Archery is the leading company on the market, which supplies high-quality professional bows in different countries. Their mission is to provide advanced and reliable bows and complementary products and develop innovative bows.

Let’s talk about the quality part of the Edge SB-1…

Passionate employees who take pride in every step of the build process made this compound bow in America. And you will feel the quality, even the first time use. the  Edge SB-1 is built with the most accurate and sought-after Cam system, which is the latest one on the market today.

Adjustability and versatility are the key features of the Edge SB-1. For example, it features 63 lbs of limb adjustment and has EZ Adjustable pocket, which makes it set up the bow anywhere in between a snap. Not only that, the rotating Modules allow for 15 inches of draw length to fit almost every archer.

The limb pockets are made of aluminum. And the cams are matte black. However, this is an adult bow. But it can be set up for a youth from a 15-inch draw length to 30 inches and 7 pounds of draw weight to 70. This model is covered by a lifetime warranty, so don’t need to worry about quality.

With a simple turn of the limb bolt, you can easily adjust from maximum to minimum poundage, or anywhere in between the range. It comes in the string but you need to adjust it to fit your shooting size. Although the Edge SB-1 model won’t come with a peep sight, it has the d loop.

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How do you choose the best beginner compound bow?

Choosing a compound bow for beginners is not a trivial matter. You need to consider the activity you want to practice with your bow. Because some bows are designed to optimize target shooting while others are for hunting. You can also find versatile bows that can adapt to all practices. Here are some noteworthy points to look out for when buying a beginner compound bow.

Understand the cams

Cams are the main part of a compound bow. They are located at the end of the bow and hold the tendon. With the modern compound bows available on the market, bow cams are made of three types; single cams, dual cams, and hybrid cams. Let’s see them in detail…

• Single Cams: Featuring one elliptical “power cam” on the bottom and a round idler wheel on top, these are simpler, quieter, and easier to maintain. However, they might have limitations in achieving ideal nock travel (arrow movement).
• Twin Cams: These bows have two identical cams on each limb, offering excellent nock travel, accuracy, and speed when synchronized properly. They can be slightly more complex to maintain.
• Hybrid/Binary Cams: Combining both single and twin cams, these offer a balance of speed, smoothness, and ease of tuning. They are becoming increasingly popular, though specific terminology might vary due to patent complexities.

Draw weight

This is the amount of force required to pull the bowstring back to full draw. Beginners should start with a lower draw weight, between 30 and 40 pounds, to ensure proper form and prevent injury. As you get stronger and more comfortable with archery, you can gradually increase the draw weight.

Draw length

Draw length is the distance between the grip of the bow and the string when it is fully drawn. It is important to choose a bow with the correct draw length for your body size. An improper draw length can lead to discomfort and inaccuracy. You can measure your draw length yourself or have it measured by a qualified archery professional.

Brace height

Selecting a compound bow with a longer brace height, ranging from 7 to 8 inches, is beneficial for beginners. A longer brace height provides greater forgiveness. This forgiveness translates into a more forgiving shot to help beginners achieve better accuracy and consistency as they learn proper shooting techniques.

The accessories

Accessories play an important role when buying the beginner compound bow. Arrow rest is part of the basic equipment. It keeps the arrow in the right direction after being shot. Usually, arrow rests are available on beginner bows and can be adjusted with the help of an existing spirit level.

Bow sight plays an important role in the accessories area. A good quality bow sight is essential for aiming at the target. Bow sights are available from the manufacturers; single pin, 3-pin, 5-pin, and 7-pin. However, you can choose this part separately if the package is not included.

Stabilizers are a must for sports shooters from a certain point in time. They use more precision. The weight is stored forward and therefore a much calmer aiming is possible.

Bow Release is an essential aid. It is a mechanical device used to release the bowstring, enhancing accuracy and consistency in shooting. For beginners, it ensures proper form by eliminating finger-related inconsistencies and reduces string torque.

The price

Compound bows are available in different price ranges. The cheapest compound bows are designed for children, teenagers, or beginners; available from 50 to 200 dollars. These are very simple bows, making them suitable for practicing and getting to know archery. In the middle price segment, the beginner’s compound bows start at 200 dollars and stop at 300 or 400 dollars. High-quality compound bows start at a price of around four or five hundred dollars.

FAQs

What kind of compound bow is best for a beginner?

For beginners, a compound bow with adjustable draw weight and length, moderate brace height, and user-friendly features like smooth draw cycles and forgiveness is ideal. Look for reputable brands offering starter packages with necessary accessories within your budget. Testing different bows at a local archery shop can help find the most comfortable fit and ensure suitability for learning and skill development.

How to adjust a compound bow?

Adjusting a compound bow, particularly draw weight, involves specific steps and safety precautions. Here’s a general overview for informational purposes only:

• Gather tools: You’ll need the manufacturer’s manual, Allen wrenches (specific size for your bow), and potentially a bow scale (for verification).
• Safety first: Unstring the bow following the manufacturer’s instructions and secure it in a bow stand.
• Locate limb bolts: Identify the limb bolts on either side of the riser (central part of the bow).
• Adjusting draw weight: Turn the limb bolts clockwise in equal amounts on both sides to increase draw weight and counter-clockwise to decrease. Make small adjustments (e.g., one turn at a time) and refer to the manual for specific guidelines.
• Recheck and verify: Reassemble the bow, carefully following the manual, and verify the draw weight using a bow scale (if available) or by drawing the bow to assess comfort and control.

Should I buy a ready-to-shoot package or individual components?

Ready-to-shoot packages often include essential accessories like sights, rests, and quivers. These can be convenient for beginners, as they provide everything you need to start shooting. However, some people prefer to select their accessories individually for more customization.

Should I buy a used beginner compound bow?

While used bows can be more affordable, it’s essential to inspect them thoroughly for any signs of damage or wear. Make sure that all components are in good condition and that the bow is suitable for your needs before making a purchase.

Conclusion

Of course, we are at your side with words to support you in choosing the right beginner compound bow. However, selecting the perfect beginner compound bow requires careful consideration of several factors. Remember, there’s no single “best” bow, as the ideal choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.

If you’re a female hunter or target shooter, make sure to take a look at our guide to the best compound bow for women or the best crossbows for women.

And for any suggestions or information, ask your question in the comment section below.

Thanks for reading!

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