Best Compound Bows for Hunting of 2025

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 6, 2025

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Compound bows are a popular choice among hunters due to their accuracy, power, and ease of use. These bows feature a system of pulleys and cables that help the archer maintain a steady draw weight, allowing for a smoother and more controlled shot. Compound bows also offer adjustable draw lengths and weight, making them versatile enough to accommodate different hunting situations and personal preferences. With their compact size and lightweight design, compound bows are ideal for hunting in tight spaces or on long hikes. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting out, a compound bow can help you improve your accuracy and increase your chances of a successful hunt.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Bear Archery Legit Compound Bow Cover #TOP 1
Bear Archery Legit Compound Bow
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Bear Legit Maxx Compound Bow Cover #TOP 2
Bear Legit Maxx Compound Bow
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Bear Archery Royale Compound Bow Cover #TOP 3
Bear Archery Royale Compound Bow
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Compound Bows for Hunting

#TOP 1

Bear Archery Legit Compound Bow

AV13A21017R
One Size
Bear Archery Legit Compound Bow Cover
Bear Archery Legit Ready to Hunt Compound Bow Package for Adults & Youth, Right Hand, Mossy Oak Break Up Country DNA

The Bear Archery Legit Bow is a versatile compound bow designed for archers of all ages and skill levels. With its maximum adjustability, this bow can accommodate a draw length range of 14” to 30” and a peak draw weight of 10 to 70 lbs. The best part is that all adjustments can be made using an Allen wrench, eliminating the need for a bow press. Weighing only 3.6 lbs., this lightweight powerhouse can shoot arrows up to 315 feet per second. The Legit Bow also comes ready to hunt with Trophy Ridge accessories, making it the perfect package for both adults and youth.

What We Like
Versatile and adjustable
Great balance of power and ease of use
Highly accurate and durable
#TOP 2

Bear Legit Maxx Compound Bow

AV54A230W7R
Bear Legit Maxx Compound Bow Cover
Bear Legit Maxx Ready to Hunt Compound Archery Bow, 70lb. Draw Weight, Right Hand, Veil Whitetail/Black

The Bear Legit Maxx Bow is designed for a smooth and reliable archery experience. With a 31-inch axle-to-axle length and a 6.25-inch brace height, it offers stability for accurate shooting. The improved dual cam system ensures consistent performance, allowing you to hit your target shot after shot. You’ll appreciate the IMS rest and versatile Picatinny sight mounting locations, which make it easy to customize your setup with accessories. This bow also comes with essential gear, making it convenient for your next hunting adventure.

What We Like
Consistent performance
Easy accessory customization
Stable shooting platform
Includes essential gear
#TOP 3

Bear Archery Royale Compound Bow

AV02A210A5R
True Timber Strata
One Size
Bear Archery Royale Compound Bow Cover
Bear Archery Royale Ready to Hunt Compound Bow Package for Adults and Youth, Right Hand, True Timber Strata

The Bear Archery Royale Bow is designed to adapt to your needs, making it a fantastic choice for both adults and youth. You can easily adjust the draw length from 12 to 27 inches and the peak draw weight from 5 to 50 lbs, allowing for a personalized experience. Weighing only 2.7 lbs, this bow is lightweight, making it easy to carry on your hunting trips. Plus, it fires arrows at an impressive speed of 290 feet per second, ensuring you hit your target with precision. With included accessories, you’ll be ready to hunt right out of the box.

What We Like
Highly adjustable for different users
Lightweight for easy handling
Fast arrow speed
Includes essential accessories
#TOP 4

TOPOINT ARCHERY Compound Bow Package

STARTING
TOPOINT ARCHERY Compound Bow Package Cover
TOPOINT ARCHERY Starting Hunting Compound Bow Package for Beginner & Intermediate Archers Archery Equipment with All Accessories Kit DW:19-70LB, DL:19-30", IBO:320fps (Starting 28 Black Color)

The TOPOINT Compound Bow Kit is designed for both beginner and intermediate archers. With an adjustable draw weight of 19-70 lbs and a draw length of 19-30 inches, you can easily customize it to fit your needs. The kit is ready to shoot and includes essential accessories like a 5-pin sight, arrow rest, and arrows, making it convenient for immediate use. Constructed with durable aluminum and advanced CNC machining, this bow ensures smooth operation and longevity. Plus, it's versatile enough for hunting, target practice, and bowfishing, allowing you to enjoy various archery activities.

What We Like
Adjustable draw weight
Comprehensive accessories included
Durable aluminum construction
Versatile for multiple uses
#TOP 5

The Hunting Public Adapt 2 Compound Bow

AV55A130B7R
70 lb.
The Hunting Public Adapt 2 Compound Bow Cover
The Hunting Public Adapt 2 Ready to Hunt Compound Bow Package with up to 70 lb. Draw Weight, Right Hand, Mossy Oak Bottomland

The Bear Adapt 2 Bow is expertly crafted for real-world hunting scenarios, ensuring you have the right equipment for the field. With a versatile draw length range of 24 to 31 inches and adjustable poundage from 55 to 70 pounds, it accommodates your individual needs. The Single Cam system allows for impressive speeds of up to 320 feet per second, enhancing your shooting experience. Additionally, the bow comes with a comprehensive Ready-To-Hunt package, including essential accessories that make your setup quick and easy, so you can focus on your hunt.

What We Like
Versatile draw length options
Fast shooting speeds
Comprehensive accessory package
Comfortable grip for precision
#TOP 6

PANDARUS P1 Compound Bow Package

PANDARUS P1 Compound Bow Package Cover
PANDARUS Compound Bow Package for Adults and Teens, 0-70 Lbs Draw Weight Limbs Made in USA,Lightweight Design,with Archery Hunting Equipment, Limited Life-time Warranty(Black Right Handed Pro)

The PANDARUS P1 Bow is designed for both adults and teens, featuring an adjustable draw length from 23.5" to 31" and a draw weight ranging from 0 to 70 lbs. This flexibility means you can easily customize it to your strength and skill level, ensuring a comfortable shooting experience. It boasts a high IBO rating of up to 320 fps, allowing for fast and accurate shots. Additionally, the lightweight magnesium-aluminum alloy construction makes it easy to handle for users of all ages. The package also includes essential accessories like a 3-pin sight and arrow quiver, providing everything you need to get started.

What We Like
Adjustable draw length
Lightweight design
Includes essential accessories
High speed and accuracy
#TOP 7

Sanlida Dragon X7 Compound Bow Package

Black
Sanlida Dragon X7 Compound Bow Package Cover
Sanlida 2024 New Dragon X7 Ready to Hunt Compound Bow Package for Adults, Archery Compound Bow and Arrow Set, 0-70 Lbs Draw Weight, No Bow Press Needed, Limited Life-time Warranty (Black)

The Sanlida Dragon X7 Bow is designed for archers of all skill levels. It comes as a complete package, ensuring you have everything needed for an accurate and enjoyable archery experience. The bow features a wide adjustable draw length and weight, allowing you to customize it without needing special tools. With high-quality materials and components, this bow is built for durability and performance. Additionally, Sanlida's direct-to-consumer model means you get premium quality at a lower price. Enjoy peace of mind with their limited lifetime warranty when you register your purchase.

What We Like
Complete archery kit included
Customizable draw length and weight
High-quality materials used
Direct-to-consumer pricing
Lifetime warranty available
#TOP 8

Bear Archery Limitless Dual Cam Compound Bow

AV91A21075R
God's Country
One Size
Bear Archery Limitless Dual Cam Compound Bow Cover
Bear Archery Limitless Dual Cam Compound Bow - includes Quiver, Sight and Rest, God's Country

The Bear Archery Limitless Dual Cam Compound Bow is a powerful and highly adjustable bow that is perfect for transitioning from the backyard to the back 40. It features a dual cam system that packs a powerful punch at 265 feet per second, and is adjustable from 19"-29" in draw length and 25-50 lbs. in draw weight. It also comes equipped with a Trophy Ridge sight, Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit, Bear 3 Arrow Quiver, peep sight, and nock loop. This bow is great for beginners and experienced archers alike.

What We Like
Great for beginners
Comes with attachments
Good value for the price
#TOP 9

Bear Archery ADAPT Compound Bow

AV35A110A7R
True Timber Strata
70 lb.
Bear Archery ADAPT Compound Bow Cover
Bear Archery ADAPT Ready to Hunt Adult Compound Bow Package Designed by The Hunting Public, 70 lb. Draw Weight, Right Hand, True Timber Strata

The Bear ADAPT Bow is designed in collaboration with The Hunting Public, ensuring a bow that meets the needs of serious hunters. Its smooth draw cycle, featuring a single cam and an 80% let-off, makes drawing effortless, allowing you to focus on your target. With a compact 32" axle-to-axle length and a comfortable grip, this bow adapts well to various hunting styles, whether you're stalking or using a blind. It comes fully equipped with essential accessories like a sight and stabilizer, making it truly Ready to Hunt right out of the box.

What We Like
Smooth draw cycle
Ergonomic grip
Fully equipped for hunting
Versatile for different styles
#TOP 10

Bear Archery Species EV Compound Bow

AV24A100A7R
True Timber Strata
70 lb.
Bear Archery Species EV Compound Bow Cover
Bear Archery Species EV Ready to Hunt Adult Compound Bow Package, 70 lb. Draw Weight, Right Hand, True Timber Strata

The Bear Archery Species EV offers remarkable versatility with its adjustable draw length ranging from 23.5" to 30.5", allowing you to customize it to your preference. Its innovative single cam system boasts an impressive 80% let off, making each shot smoother and easier to handle. This ready-to-hunt package comes complete with essential accessories, including a sight and quiver, ensuring you have everything you need right out of the box. Additionally, the KillerWave limb dampening system minimizes vibration after each shot, enhancing your accuracy and overall shooting experience.

What We Like
Adjustable draw length
High let off for easy shooting
Complete hunting package included
Reduces vibration for accuracy
Buying Guide Image

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Compound Bow for Hunting

Draw Weight and Length

The draw weight and length of a compound bow are crucial factors to consider. The draw weight should be suitable for your body strength and shooting ability, while the draw length should match your arm span. It's important to choose a bow that you can comfortably handle and shoot accurately.

Axle-to-Axle Length

The axle-to-axle length of a compound bow affects its maneuverability in tight spaces. Longer bows offer stability and accuracy, making them ideal for target shooting. However, for hunting, shorter bows are more maneuverable in dense forests or cramped tree stands. Consider the type of hunting you'll be doing and choose a bow with an appropriate axle-to-axle length.

Cam System

The cam system determines the power and performance of a compound bow. Choose a cam system that suits your shooting style and desired arrow speed. Single cam systems offer ease of tuning and maintenance, while dual cam systems provide faster arrow speeds. Hybrid cam systems combine the advantages of both.

Let-Off

Let-off refers to the reduction in draw weight that occurs when the bow is fully drawn. Higher let-off percentages allow you to hold the bow at full draw with less effort, increasing accuracy. Consider a compound bow with a let-off percentage that suits your shooting preference.

Accessories and Adjustability

Look for compound bows that offer a range of accessories and adjustability options. These allow you to customize the bow to your specific needs and preferences, such as adding sights, stabilizers, or adjusting the draw length and weight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are compound bows good for hunting?

Compound bows are used to hunt a variety of game animals, and their speed, popularity and ease of use appeal to most new bowhunters. Unlike traditional bows, compounds use a series of cables and pulleys (called “cams”) to provide more force than the flex of the limbs alone.

2. What type of bow is best for deer hunting?

Compound Bow. The compound bow, using a system of cables and pulleys, is the most popular bow for both hunting and target shooting. The greatest advantage of the compound bow is its "draw weight let-off." As you draw the compound bow, you reach the "peak" weight before you come to the full draw.

3. What size compound bow for deer hunting?

Today's bows are extremely efficient and 40lb compound bows are more than capable of harvesting many big game animals. For whitetail deer hunting anything above 40 lbs is fine. For larger game such as elk or moose a good recommendation is at least 60-65 lbs of draw weight.

4. Where is the best spot to shoot a deer with a compound bow?

Most hunters have been taught to shoot a deer just behind its front shoulder, no matter if you're shooting a bow or a firearm.

5. How far should you shoot a deer with a compound bow?

Average shot distance on P&Y Coues whitetail deer is about 25 yards, but about one-quarter of record-book bucks are shot beyond 40 yards. Average shot distance on Sitka blacktail deer is about the same as on Coues deer, but nearly half are taken between 30 and 60 yards.

Editor's Notes

During our compound bow for hunting research, we found 24 compound bow for hunting products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 7,395 customer reviews through our big data system to write the compound bows for hunting list. We found that most customers choose compound bows for hunting with an average price of $236.02.

The compound bows for hunting are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of compound bows for hunting, including Bear Archery, TOPOINT ARCHERY, PANDARUS, sanlida. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Paul Tilton Avatar

Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.