On the surface, archery may seem like a fairly straightforward activity. All you need are bows and arrows, right? Well, not quite. There are different types of bows to pick from such as a longbows, recurve bow, and compound bow.

The focus of our guide today is on the last type. Compound bows comprise of a system of cams, pulleys, and cables that enable you to hold different draw weights with minimal effort. For those just starting out, read on to learn more about the best beginner compound bows.

Reviews of the 7 Best Beginner Compound Bows

1. SAS Feud Compound Bow

best beginner compound bow

Have you been searching for the best beginner compound bow? If you have, you’ll love the SAS Feud Bow. 

Right off the bat, you can tell that this compound bow is well-made. The materials used to make its limbs allow for maximum comfort, and stability when you’re shooting.

Speaking of limbs, these feature a split design that allows them to be faster and more accurate than ordinary-shaped limbs. 

Another reason that makes the SAS Feud ideal for beginners entails its twin-cam system. 

This construction allows more energy to be stored and released when you shoot, without having to put in a ton of effort on your part. Thanks to this, you can expect a maximum speed of up to 300 FPS.

Furthermore, novice users will find it incredibly easy to make adjustments on the SAS Feud Compound Bow. Fine-tuning your bow on each hole translates to a half-inch draw length adjustment. The minimum draw length is about 19 inches and the highest is set at 31 inches. 

And it’s not only the draw length that can be adjusted. You can adjust the draw weight too in the range of 25 to 70 lbs. 

Lastly, this compound bow includes a range of accessories such as a limb dampener, release aid, 5-pin bow sight, sling, stabilizer, tube peep sight and more.

Pros

  • Made of high-quality materials, guaranteeing comfort and stability
  • Split limb design for the highest precision
  • Offers adjustable draw weight and draw length

Cons

  • Only suitable for right-handed archers

best beginner compound bow for hunting

If you’ve been hunting for the best beginner compound bow for hunting, the Bear Archery Cruzer G2 is the ultimate pick. 

It tips the scales at 1 pound, resulting in a very lightweight bow. This makes it possible to carry it for miles without getting overly fatigued. 

And as is the case with most modern-day compound bows, the Bear Archery G2 employs a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to bow fitment. The good thing about this is that it’s designed in a standard size, which works equally well for beginners and old-timers.  

This hunting bow has a stylish look too. The delicately woven cutouts on the riser add to the bow’s visual appeal. 

Another factor that makes the Bear Archery Cruzer G2 perfect for novice archers entails its enormous adjustability for draw weight and length. 

It offers a draw length ranging from 12 to 30 inches and a draw weight of between 5 and 70 pounds. This makes it easy to find a bow that works for your skill level. 

Also important to note is that making adjustments to either its draw length or draw weight is a seamless process. Contrary to other bows that require a bow press, all that’s required with this hunting bow is a set of Allen wrenches. 

It’s hard to find a beginner-friendly bow that has a wide array of accessories. Bear Archery sets the record by offering a full range of Trophy Ridge accessories. These include a stabilizer, Whisker Biscuit arrow rest, D-loop, peep sight, and 5-arrow quiver. 

Pros

  • Ideal for use as a hunting bow due to its lightweight design
  • Stylish look and feel
  • Wide range of draw length and draw weight options
  • The hunting bow package includes premium-quality accessories

Cons

  • Although the Bear Archery Cruzer is a great bow hunting tool, it's not the fastest

lightweight compound bow for beginners

When you’re looking to buy your first bow, one of the factors you’ll want to pay attention to is weight. In that regard, the Genesis Original Bow is one of the lightest bows available as it weighs less than 0.5 pounds. 

Its lightweight profile stems from the fact that it’s made from a light but sturdy material: 6061-T6 aluminum. This is used to make the cam, riser, and idler wheel. The composite limbs are also not overly heavy or bulky.

Another feature that's impressive is the 7 5/8" brace height and the adjustable draw length that ranges between 15 and 30 inches. 

And while its draw weight is set to a maximum of 20 lbs., you can easily lower it to up to 10 lbs. for younger archers. To make adjustments, the only tool you’ll need is a 3/16” hex wrench, which is already included in the package.

Also worth mentioning is that this compound bow has a single cam, which is positioned at one of the limbs.

The benefit of having one cam is that it rarely goes out of tune. This single cam idler wheel provides an easier draw cycle, generating very little noise. This design makes the compound bow perfect for bowhunters. 

Pros

  • Simple draw weight adjustment
  • The lightweight profile makes for easy portability
  • Made of premium-grade materials for maximum durability
  • Affordable
  • Has a brace height of 7 5/8 inches and an adjustable draw length

Cons

  • A limited selection of accessories

best beginner compound bow for target shooting

Looking to buy the best beginner compound bow for target shooting? Well, you can’t go wrong with the Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro.

One particular element that makes it well-suited for this application is its axle-to-axle length. At 31.5 inches, it’s large enough to produce raw speed whilst still being comfortable to handle. And for any newbie archer, being able to handle the bow properly is of utmost importance.

Featuring a sturdy design, this bow offers one of the biggest draw weight ranges. Specifically, you get to choose from a draw weight starting from 5 pounds all the way up to 70 pounds.

What’s fantastic about the range of the Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro is that it accommodates archers of different skill levels. 

This also means that you can continue to use your bow as you expand your skillset. No need to keep buying an entirely new compound bow when you get to intermediate or expert level. 

Apart from the draw weight, you’ll also be able to adjust the draw length between 13 and 31 inches. 

Another feature that drew us to this bow was the variety of accessories included. These include the Octane quiver, Truglo 3 pin sight, Octane stabilizer, wrist sling and arrow rest. 

The Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro has a brace height of about 7 inches. This is a fairly decent offering that translates to an incredible speed of 310 feet per second.  

This bow also comes fitted with an extremely stiff back wall. This is a welcome feature for archers who experience difficulty trying to find an archer point. 

Also worth mentioning is the fact that the Infinite Edge bow has a dual-cam design, which typically means there’s one cam on each of the limbs. More importantly, these cams are elliptical, meaning they move at an identical pace. This, in turn, produces an ultra-smooth draw cycle.

Pros

  • Draw weight range starts from as little as 5 lbs up to 70 lbs
  • The Infinite Edge also boasts an adjustable draw length between 13 and 31"
  • The binary cam design means the bow can shoot faster
  • 31.5 inch axle to axle length makes it great for target shooting
  • The bow package has a broad selection of accessories, including a wrist sling

Cons

  • The arrow rests that come with this Infinite Edge Pro are not of the highest quality

best compound bow for beginners

Another unit that's often considered the best compound bow for beginners is the Bear Authority Compound Bow. While this bow doesn’t have a striking design, it offers a stellar shooting performance and has a couple of features to impress hunters and target shooters alike. 

One thing you’ll notice about this bow is that it’s pretty lightweight. This is due to the fact that most of its parts are made of aluminum. 

Aluminum is an excellent choice of material as it offers durability without adding excessive weight to the bow. Also, the riser contains cutouts that help to minimize the overall bow weight. 

The grip on the Bear Authority Compound Bow is another feature you’ll love. It has a slim profile, making the bow very comfortable to draw and hold for an extended period. 

The only thing we didn’t fancy is that the grip is also made of aluminum. This can pose a challenge when you’re hunting in cold weather as the riser will certainly get cold too.

Unlike the Infinite Edge Pro that comes with multiple accessories, the Bear Authority doesn't. But it does come fitted with Bear’s legendary EZ3 cam system. This feature makes for easy adjustments of the cams whilst minimizing the amount of maintenance an archer has to do.

Pros

  • The EZ3 Cam system makes for easy adjustability
  • Aluminum build results in a lightweight but durable bow
  • The slim grip makes the bow comfortable to hold
  • Backed by a limited lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Has 0% lef-off, forcing you to shoulder a lot of weight at full draw

affordable compound bow for beginners

Do you have a toddler who’s been yearning to learn archery? If you do, the Genesis Kit RH beginner compound bow is just what you need. 

This bow is designed specifically with younger archers in mind. If you’re a parent, you can rest easy knowing that it’s even been approved by the National Archery in Schools Program.

Unlike conventional compound bows that come in black and camo colors, this youth bow comes in a red hue. This vibrant color can be particularly useful in encouraging kids to try out archery, especially if they’re a little hesitant to.

Since it’s meant for kids, the compound bow has user-friendly features, starting with the single-cam system. 

While this mechanism releases arrows at a slower pace, it’s more accurate and rarely goes out of tune. Essentially, it’s more forgiving, which is why it makes such an excellent youth compound bow.  

Better yet, its specifications are tailored to younger archers. The brace height is just 7 5/8 inches while the draw length can be adjusted from 15 to 30 inches. Compared to others, this compound bow is also more compact.

Another thing you’ll like is the range of materials used for its construction. The riser, cam, and idler wheel are constructed from aluminum while the limbs are made of sturdy composite material. These materials render the bow durable without making it bulky. 

The low starting draw weight is yet another feature that drew us to this beginner compound bow. It’s standard at 20 lbs., but it can be easily adjusted to 10 lbs. The only thing you’ll need to make this adjustment is a 3/16-inch hex wrench that’s already provided in the package.

Now, a hex wrench isn’t the only accessory you’ll get. The package also includes a well-detailed owner’s manual, a bow, flexible arm guard, belt tube quiver, and 5 aluminum arrows to get you started. 

Pros

  • Draw weight range from 10 to 20 lbs making it a great youth bow
  • It's an affordable and compact compound bow
  • Allows for draw length adjustments from 15 to 30" and offers a brace height of 7 5/8 inches
  • Comes in a bright red color
  • Multiple accessories that include arrows, an arm guard and a quiver
  • Solid build consisting of an aluminum riser and composite limbs

Cons

  • Not the best choice for taller archers

siege sas compound bow for beginners

Don’t want to break the bank buying your first compound bow? No need to worry as the Southland Archery Supply has got you covered.

This renowned brand offers its Siege compound bow for under $150, making it one of the most affordable models on the market. Despite the low pricing, this bow comes with a nice selection of features that you’re sure to love.

We’ll start with its ultra-lightweight profile. Sure, most beginner compound bows are light. But the Siege SAS takes things a little further by offering a quality bow at just 3.5 pounds. 

The fact that its light stems primarily from the fact that it’s made of aluminum. Also, the riser has tiny cut-outs that also contribute to its low weight. 

This compound bow has a maximum draw weight of 55 pounds. If you find this to be too much, you can easily lower this to the minimum draw weight of 40 pounds. Factor in the 29-inch draw length and the bow delivers a speed of about 206 FPS. 

Granted, the Siege SAS doesn’t shoot that fast. But when using a compound bow for the first time, your priority is mastering the right form as opposed to speed. 

Despite being an entry-level compound bow, it comes equipped with a 5-pin bow sight. This enables you to set the pins at different distances. 

It also has a wide let-off of 70 to 80%, which is very ideal for newbie archers. It means that even at full draw, you’ll only need to hold about 17 pounds of weight. This way, you’re able to work on your aim while slowly building up your arm strength.

You'll be pleased to learn that the SAS Siege is not sold as a bare bow. Rather, this bow package includes nearly all the accessories you'll need to get started. They include a tube peep sight, bow sling, stabilizer, sight light, and a paper target.

Pros

  • Has an adjustable draw weight; ranging from 40 to 55 lbs
  • Affordable
  • Lightweight; hence easy to wield
  • 70% let-off, meaning the actual weight at full draw is just 17 lbs
  • Several accessories included, such as stabilizer, bow sight and peep sight

Cons

  • Only available in a right-hand orientation, making it unsuitable for left-handed archers
  • Lacks an adjustable draw length

Overview of Compound Bows for Beginners

If you’re reading this article, then there’s a good chance that this is your first beginner compound bow. 

For this reason, we recommend that you start by familiarizing yourself with its construction. Getting a more in-depth understanding of the parts that make up a good compound bow can help you make a more informed decision. To help you, here’s a comprehensive overview of these features:

Riser

Although every element of a compound bow plays a crucial role, the riser is often regarded as the key component. 

This is the vertical part of the bow, and it’s where the limbs are attached to. It also serves as the attachment point for most accessories, such as the arrow rest, stabilizer, sight, quiver, and more. 

Originally, the riser was made of aluminum. But with the latest compound bows, you’ll find that the riser is usually made of carbon fiber or a mixture of aluminum and carbon. 

When you’re choosing a compound bow, ensure that its riser is sturdy. This is because it’s at this point that you’ll apply a ton of pressure when drawing. At the same time, it should be reasonably light. This way, you’ll be able to pick it up and lift it comfortably. 

Limbs

These are the parts that attach to the riser, sticking out from the bottom and top of the compound bow. 

Limbs play two crucial roles. One, they hold the bowstring in place. And two, they store the energy that’s gathered from pulling the string. 

Once you release the bow string, it is this energy from the limbs that get transferred to the arrow; thus, propelling it into the air.

It’s also important to note that limbs come in different styles. There are solid limbs, which consist of a one-piece design. Split limbs, on the other hand, comprise two limbs, which are attached together by the riser. 

Most archers prefer this split design because it offers better durability and generates less hand shock than solid limbs.  

While not as common, another design you’re likely to come across entails parallel limbs. As implied in the name, this comprises limbs that run parallel to each other starting from the top to the bottom. 

Compound bows with parallel limbs are a favorite for many bowhunters because they barely produce any noise. Plus, they don’t produce too much recoil compared to their traditional D-shaped counterparts. 

Cams

If there’s one part that distinguishes a compound bow from other types, then it’s the cams. These parts are usually positioned at the ends of the limbs and they resemble wheels or discs.

Cams are available in different designs with the main ones being single, dual, binary, or hybrid. Their primary function is to transmit and store energy generated by the bow string. Here’s a quick look at the types of cam systems that exist:

Single cam

This is also known as Solocam or One Cam. It’s made up of two key components: a round idler wheel at the bow’s top and an elliptical-shaped cam positioned at the bottom. 

The single-cam system operates more quietly and is much easier to maintain than the conventional dual cam system. This is because it does not require any cam synchronization.

Dual cam

This is also referred to as a twin cam, and it comprises two symmetrical circular wheels on either end of the bow. 

When it’s properly set up, this cam system results in excellent accuracy and speed. That said, a dual cam system needs more maintenance to stay in tiptop condition. 

Binary cam

This is a modified version of the twin-cam system. Here, the cams are connected together in a loop rather than being connected to the bow’s limbs. 

The idea behind this system is that one cam cannot revolve without the other cam rotating as well. This ensures that the bows are never out of sync. 

The greatest benefit of a binary cam system entails its speed. These cams are not only fast but they’re also easy to work with. 

Hybrid cam

The structure of this cam system is quite unique. It constitutes a power cam on the base and a controlling cam at the pinnacle.

These systems claim to require little maintenance. But they’re not entirely maintenance-free, so you’ll still need to put in a bit of effort on your part. 

Axles 

Once you know the cams, it will be easy to identify the axles. An axle is a part on which the cam rotates. It’s viewed as the load-bearing spot for the cam.

A compound bow typically has two axles, one at the bottom and the other at the top. The distance between these two parts is what’s referred to as axle-to-axle distance. You’ll find this metric indicated in most bows' specifications. 

Sight

Another feature that’s pertinent to the operation of a compound bow is a pin sight. There are different versions of pin sights. The most common are fixed/multi-pin and single-pin.

A fixed pin sight is made up of 3, 5 or 7 multiple pins that remain fixed to mark specific distances. On the other hand, a single-pin system comprises just one pin that's movable.

These pins enable an operator to aim better.

Arrow rest

As implied in the name, this is the part that holds the arrows in position. These arrow rests come in a variety of designs, with the most common being:

Drop-away arrow rest

These rests are designed to hold your arrows in an upright position through a draw cycle. They then swing out of the way as the arrow leaves the bow. 

Whisker-biscuit arrow rest

This is made up of synthetic bristles and a hole in the middle that completely encases and holds the arrow shafts in place. 

Grip

This is the part that allows you to hold the bow in position. In most modern compound bows, the grip sports an ergonomic design so that it’s comfortable to hold for an extended period of time. It may be cushioned or wrapped in tactile materials, enabling you to hold the bow securely in your hand. 

Cables

These are cord-like structures that run from one cam to another. They’re part of the working mechanism of a compound bow. 

Bowstring

This is the part that’s responsible for launching or propelling the arrow into the air. 

Stabilizer

A bow stabilizer is an optional feature, so you likely won’t find it in each and every compound bow. But understanding the role it plays, requires you to familiarize yourself with the workings of a compound bow.

Here’s the thing, this bow is designed to propel arrows with a significant amount of force. As a matter of fact, the arrow accelerates at a rate that’s much higher than that of gravity. 

Due to the considerable amount of force that pushes the arrow- and the bow not being a perfect invention- it doesn’t transmit all the energy to the arrow. Instead, part of the energy is released in the form of sound and vibration. 

If you’re shooting for a prolonged period, these vibrations can take a toll on your arms and wrists. Besides, they can spook an animal if you’re hunting. 

This is where a stabilizer comes in handy. It minimizes vibration effects once you release an arrow; hence, stabilizing the bow. 

Speed nock

If you’re looking for a way to increase bow speed, then you’ll want to consider adding speed nocks.

These are small weights, which are usually added to the bowstring. Their primary function is to reduce oscillations that occur when the string is pulled by the cam. In doing so, the string is able to resume its original position faster. 

How to Choose the Right Beginner Compound Bow

compound bow

When buying beginner bows, it's wise to rely on the most reputable compound bow brands. In addition to that, consider these factors:

Purpose

Before you purchase the best beginner compound bow, think about the person it’s intended for; specifically, their age and skill level. 

If the archer is exceptionally young, then you’ll want to focus on youth bows. However, if they’re a little older, then look for a compound bow that would suit an adult beginner. 

A youth compound bow will have a smaller draw weight and it will weigh less overall. So be keen to buy an age- and skill-appropriate compound bow.

Also important to consider is the specific application the compound bow will be subjected to. Do you intend to use it for bow hunting or target practice?

Draw Length 

When it comes to specifications, one main factor you should consider when picking beginner bows is the draw length. Put simply, this determines exactly how far back you can pull the bowstring when releasing an arrow. 

The correct draw length should correspond to that of the compound bow you purchase. Wondering how to measure your personal draw length? Follow these steps:

  1. Stand up with your back completely upright
  2. Extend both of your arms to the sides. This should cause you to assume a “T” shape
  3. Once you stretch your arms, your hands should remain flat and extended. So don’t make any fists
  4. Have someone estimate the distance between your hands. The distance should be measured from the tip of one middle finger to the tip of the middle finger on the other hand
  5. Divide the result you get by 2.5

Illustration

Let’s say you’re 5’20” tall. If you extend your arms out against a wall, you should get a length of about 80 inches (5 feet * 12 inches + (20 inches)).

Next, divide this figure by 2.5: 80/2.5 = 32 inches. This means the ideal compound bow should have a 32-inch draw length.

Now that you know how to measure draw lengths, you might be wondering why this metric is so important. Well, it’s crucial because it determines what size of bow you get.

If you have a longer draw length, then you’re better off shooting with a big bow. Conversely, bow hunters with short draw lengths are better off using smaller compound bows.

All in all, you'll want to invest in a compound bow that allows for draw length adjustments. This way, you can adjust it accordingly.

Weight 

There are two weight measurements you should take into account when searching for the best beginner compound bow. These are: draw weight and overall weight of the bow.

Draw weight

Draw weight refers to the amount of effort or force you have to put in when pulling the bowstring. The smaller the draw weight, the easier it is to draw a bow. For instance, a compound bow with a draw weight of say 15 pounds, will be easier to draw than one that has 65 pounds.

Important to note though is that these lighter bows also shoot arrows at a much slower pace. Conversely, heavy bows tend to shoot at a faster speed.

The ideal compound bow is one that hits the sweet spot between the two extremes. Essentially, it shouldn’t be too heavy or too light.  

If you want to err to one side, we recommend going for lighter draw weights. You can then graduate to a heavier bow once you’ve gained adequate arm strength.

The best way to approach this is to visit a bow shop and get a feel of each draw weight. Here are a couple of guidelines to help you:

  • Men and women aged 18 to 21: the ideal draw weights should range from 15 to 30 lbs.
  • Women aged 22 and above: consider bows with a draw weight of between 20 and 35 lbs.
  • Men aged 22 and above: the ideal compound bow ought to have a draw weight of 25 to 40 pounds

If you consider yourself physically fit, then you can exceed the recommended limit. But be careful not to go overboard.

Overall bow weight

While the draw weight is crucial, you’ll also want to consider how much the bow weighs in total. This is particularly the case if you plan on carrying your bow alongside a ton of other archery equipment.

Bow Length

This is also known as the axle-to-axle length. The bow length you choose will depend primarily on the intended application. 

For instance, if you’re buying the compound bow to use for hunting, then go for a shorter length. This way, it will be easier to navigate through the forest with your hunting tools in tow. 

On the other hand, long compound bows are best reserved for target archers, especially those that like to engage in 3D archery.

You don’t have to stick to this general rule of thumb though. If you’re a hunter, you can still buy longer compound bows. Essentially, the decision on what bow length to use boils down to individual preferences. 

Materials

You’ll want to ensure that the first bow you’re buying is not constructed from a single piece of wood. 

Such a construction makes the bow highly susceptible to warping, especially if it comes into contact with moisture. The one-piece design can also cause the bow to bend out of shape quickly. In the event that this happens, the bow not only loses its springiness but its power too. 

To overcome these challenges, some bows are made of fiberglass. The problem with this material is that it compromises the bow’s performance. 

Due to this, modern compound bows are made of composite materials. This entails gluing together layers of different materials, including wood, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. 

Speed

If you’ve been shopping for beginner bows, you may have noticed that most of them are advertised as having a speed of 300 to 340 FPS (feet per second). 

This speed describes just how fast an arrow travels. What’s important to note though is that this is the velocity of the arrow when it’s leaving the bow. By the time it’s reaching the target, its speed is significantly lower. 

While this speed is a factor worth considering, it’s not very crucial. What matters more than speed is the arrow’s momentum. Momentum, in this case, refers to the arrow’s ability to penetrate the animal or object being shot.  

Let-Off

If you’re just getting started on archery, this is one phrase that you may not have heard before. Let off is simply the decrease in draw weight that happens when you pull the string all the way back. 

This metric is usually expressed in percentage. Let’s consider a compound bow that has a draw weight of 60 pounds and a let-off of 75%. This means that at full draw- which is when you pull the bowstring all the way back- the actual weight you’ll be holding is about 15 pounds (25%*60 pounds).

The advantage offered by this let-off feature is that it lets you hold a smaller weight at full draw. This gives you ample time to balance your aim; thus, shoot accurate arrows.

Brace Height

The brace height is the distance as it’s estimated from the string to the deepest section of the bow grip.

Most compound bows have a brace height ranging between 6 and 7 inches. The reason why the brace height matters is because it influences arrow speed. 

A short brace height translates to a higher arrow velocity, which is not surprising considering the bowstring is pulled farther. 

That said, the higher arrow velocity is accompanied by one huge setback- the extent of forgiveness. When you pull the bowstring farther, the arrow remains connected to the string for a longer period. 

Unfortunately, this means that any inaccuracies on your part or the bow will be magnified significantly. 

Dominant Eye

In the same manner that we have one hand that’s dominant, we also have a dominant eye. Put simply, one eye has a tendency to focus or concentrate on an object more strongly than the other. This aspect is one that you should keep in mind when picking a beginner compound bow. 

Oftentimes, the dominant eye is commensurate with the dominant hand. So if your right hand is the dominant one, then your right eye should also be the dominant one. 

Not sure about your dominant eye? Well, this simple test can help you figure this out. Stand upright then stretch both of your arms out in front of you. 

Next, form a triangular shape using your two thumbs, and index fingers. Center the opening of this triangle shape on an object that’s far away from you. 

The next thing you’ll want to do is to shut your left eye and observe the object with the remaining open eye. If the distant item seems centered, then your right eye is the dominant one. But if the item is no longer within the triangular frame you created, this means your left eye is dominant. 

When purchasing a compound bow, buy one that has the correct orientation. For archers whose right eye is the dominant one, then a right-handed bow is ideal. 

Is it possible to be right-handed but have your left eye being dominant? Yes, it is. This concept is known as cross dominance. 

In such an instance, you’ll have to compromise on one aspect. You can pick a bow that’s either comfortable to hold with your dominant hand. Or, one that makes it easier to aim with your dominant eye. 

Hand Orientation

The last thing you should check is the hand orientation specified on the compound bow. 

To determine this, figure out whether you’re left- or right-handed individual. If you’re right-handed, it means you’ll be holding the bow with your left and then draw with your right.

Conversely, if you’re left-handed, then you’ll hold the bow in your right and draw using your left. The unfortunate bit is that it's rare to find a left-handed bow. So if you're left-handed, you may have to search harder. Check out our guide on the best left-handed compound bows here.

Essential Accessories for Beginner Archers

quiver

Compared to recurve bows, compound bows are much easier to work with. But these bows can be equipped with additional features that make them even more user-friendly.

Important to note though is that you don't have to invest in all the accessories you come across.

As a beginner, your primary goal should be to develop your technique. And as such, you should only buy what’s necessary.

The good news is that manufacturers rarely sell a bare bow. Oftentimes, the bow is accompanied by attachments like:

Quiver

We recommend the KESHES Archery Back Arrow Quiver Holder as there's a storage compartment designed specifically for holding your bows. It can be mounted on the bow, or simply carried on an archer’s body. 

Bow Release

This is also known as a release aid, this is a device that allows you to shoot arrows with better precision. We like the TruFire Patriot Archery Compound Bow Release.

Arrow Rest

This part is typically attached to the side of the bow’s handle, providing a resting spot for your arrows. Check out the Skylety Archery Arrow Rest Stick.

Peep Sight

Circular in shape, this is a small-sized element attached to the bowstring to help you aim better. We really like the RAD Super Deuce Peep Sight.

Limb Silencer or Dampener

As implied in the name, this feature helps to reduce the noise and vibrations that arise from the action of shooting your bow. We recommend the LimbSaver SuperQuad Split Limb Dampener.

FAQs

What is the best compound bow to start with?

For newbies, the best compound bow to start with is the SAS Feud. While it’s designed for right-handed archers, this bow has a couple of features you’re sure to love. 

It has a draw weight that starts from 25 pounds. This is fairly manageable for a beginner. Its draw length ranges between 19 and 31 inches, and it achieves a speed of up to 300 FPS. 

How much should you spend on your first compound bow?

We don’t recommend spending a huge chunk of money on your first compound bow. A reasonable amount to spend is between $550 and $750. This should be enough to buy not just a compound bow but also essential accessories like arrows, a compound bow case, and broadheads. 

Is 70 lbs. draw too much?

For a beginner, yes, 70 lbs maybe a little too much, especially if you don’t have enough physical strength.

The best thing to do is to visit your nearest archery shop and take the compound bow you’re interested in, for a test drive. If you feel like the draw weight is too much, then look for a lighter one. 

How much does a basic compound bow cost?

If you're looking for the best cheapest bow for a beginner, a recurve bow is usually the cheaper option.

But, this doesn't mean that you won't find any affordable compound bows when you visit your nearby bow shop. Basic models like the SAS Feud go for less than $250.

Conclusion

Want to buy the best beginner compound bows on the market? Well, consider the SAS Feud Bow

It has a minimum draw weight of 25 pounds. But once you’ve mastered the right technique for shooting, you can always adjust it to higher draw weight. The maximum you can increase to is 70 pounds. 

This compound bow also boasts solid construction. The risers are made of machined aluminum, offering a great base for aiming your arrows. Speaking of arrows, this bow prides itself on providing a speed of up to 300 FPS.

Its affordability is another feature that makes the SAS Feud ideal for beginners. For the price, you’ll get a quality compound bow and a ton of accessories. 

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