Best Beginner Compound Bow 2022 Reviews (Top 7)

Every new shooter wants to learn quickly and maximize their chances of success. Whether you are training for a perfect aim on the archery range or practicing for a hunt, equipping yourself with the best gear can make a world of difference! The challenge is, it can be pretty hectic trying to find the best beginner compound bow, right? Well lucky for you, we tried 22 compounds bows from various compound bow brands and below are our top 7 picks for beginners.

Best Beginner Bows

Update: I recently tried two more compound bows and I am impressed with their quality too!

• Blackout Intrigue XS Compound Bow Package

Still deciding what type of bow to get?

• Seasoned bow hunter? Looking for that traditional feel when you shoot your bow? Try a recurve bow! Check out or list of best recurve bows for hunting!
• If you’re thinking about getting a crossbow, the Barnett Ghost 410 is fantastic, see all the details in our review!

Best Overall Compound Bow – Diamond Infinite Edge Pro Compound Bow Package

5 – 70 Pounds Draw Weight | 13 – 31 Inches Draw Length

Diamond Archery Infinite is a lightweight, versatile and all around amazing compound bow. It’s easily one of the best compound bows available today, regardless of your experience level, and its specs can keep up with most of the top-end models. Check them out:

• Literally the most popular bow in history, having sold over 1 million units
• Aluminum riser and cams for low weight, high durability design
• Super light weight at 3.2 pounds (no accessories)
• Axle-to-axle length of 31 inches
• Lightning speed of 310 FPS (IBO FPS speed)
• Not too short, not to long brace height of 7 inches
• Premium quality strings and cables
• Let-off of 80%
• Crazy smooth and silent cam system for a perfect draw
• In-built stabilizer for improved balance and carbon string stop to reduce noise and vibration
• Package also includes 3-pin bow sight, quiver, 3-point arrow rest, tube peep sight, string loop and wrist sling

The smart, yet sturdy Diamond Pro Bow has an integrated stabilizer to create a perfect balance and a steadier shot.

The most prominent feature of the Diamond compound bow is that not only is it very light, but is also very easy to handle. For any newbie, the most important factor is to handle the bow correctly.

Beginners can grip this bow well, as it ensures a balance of posture and a good footing to aim the arrow for a steadier shot. Coupled with the wide draw length of 13 – 31 inches this compound bow will fit just about and new hand trying to get accustomed to aiming.

The wide draw length and extreme adjustability in draw weight means that people of all kinds of body frames can hold this compound bow, and use it to aim easily aim. Even at higher draw weights the super smooth cam system release a significant amount of draw weight so you can focus on your aim! This means the Diamond Infinite Edge Pro remains suitable for your journey all the way from beginner to pro!

This compound bow also has a redesigned cam system with better alignment, which allows a smoother draw with less force and a greater let-off (amount of weight the cam system holds once the bow is drawn) to allow shooters to focus on accuracy and aim.

If you thought that was all the bow was offering, wait for this: the Edge Pro can accelerate the arrow to almost 310 feet/second (FPS)! That’s what we call ‘lightning speed’!

This package is designed to be ready-to-hunt, and comes with everything you need. The one let down here is that the arrow rest is a 3-point containment rest, which are notorious for hitting the arrow fletching on release for beginners and even intermediate archers who are not used to aligning the fletching to the arrow rest. I’d be checking out our list of best arrow rests and upgrading ASAP. You should be able to get a far better arrow rest for around USD40.

Diamond Archery technology does not need an introduction. People who are interested in archery will know what this equipment symbolizes. The Edge Pro Bow is a great starter bow, awesome for those who are at an intermediate-level, and still provides so much to those who have mastered the game.

Overall, Diamond Archery is the perfect beginner compound bow and it even comes with a decent price tag!

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Best Value Compound Bow Package For Hunting – SAS Feud Compound Bow Package

25 – 70 Pounds Draw Weight | 19 – 31 Inches Draw Length

Comparing features of the various compound bows while keeping your grip and shooting style in mind is not just technical but it’s also super fun. Using a bow that can easily be tailored to your needs but can still deliver serious firepower and is ready-to-hunt right out-of-the-box makes it even more fun!

Check out the specs of the SAS Feud Compound Bow Package:

• Reasonably lightweight at 4.1 pounds (bare bow) makes it easy to hold for most adults
• IBO Speed of 300 FPS can do some serious damage
• Axle-to-axle length of 30 inches
• 70-80% let-off allows you to easily hold the higher draw weights
• Average brace height of 7 inches
• Package is ready-to-hunt and includes 5-pin adjustable bow sight, Trophy Ridge whisker biscuit arrow rest, quiver, stabilizer, lube wax, release aid, limb dampeners, tube peep sight, d-loop and neoprene sling
• It also offers a bare bow options without all the add-ons if you’d prefer to select your own accessories

What makes it a good choice is decent range of draw lengths at 19 – 31 inches and the compressed ABS limb that is designed for the longevity of the tool!

SAS Outrage has draw weights up to 70 pounds for serious firepower, but did you know that loosening the bolt can reduce the draw weight down to 25 pounds? This range makes it perfect for almost any hunting application.

This feature also provides flexibility for adult beginners (probably not youngsters) and means it will last you ages as it remains suitable until you become a professional shooter!

Archery is all about handling the features to maximize shooting range and power whilst handling the arrows and your aim to always hit the bull’s eye. With speeds up to 300 FPS, there is loads of potential for learning here, noting that a beginner shooting at such a high speed is as dangerous as an arrow launched without aim, so start slow!

Overall, SAS Feud is a powerful and versatile bow with great shoot ability that can be your companion for a long time. The range of draw weights and lengths is not as wide as other compound bows in the market, but for most adult beginners it will be perfect!

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Best Beginners Compound Bow For Adults – SAS Siege Compound Bow Package

40 – 55 Pounds Draw Weight | 29 Inches Draw Length

With 29 inches of draw length and a draw weight of 40 to 55 pounds, the SAS Siege is a light compound bow that can boost the arrow with a speed of 206 FPS. Some specifications are as follows:

• 41.5” axle-to-axle length
• Let off 70%
• 40-55 pound draw weight is perfect for entry-level adult compound bow hunting
• Let-off of 70%
• Speed of 206 FPS (IBO)
• It comes with arrow rest, tube peep sight, paper target, and 5-pin bow sight. Sight light and stabilizer are also included
• Draw length 29”

The light-grip and smooth look are enticing, especially for those who have set out to buy their first compound bow ever. The Siege SAS comes with a 5-pin bow sight, sight light, and accessories such as arrow rest, and bow sling.

What makes this a good buy is a light frame and a compressed ABS limb that spans balance, weight, and strength. For beginners, the lesser complicated look is appealing and a welcoming feature.

What we liked about the Siege SAS compound bow is that it’s not only light to hold but also had adjustable bow sight. A good shooting gear for the right-handed lot!

As with any compound bow, the twin-cam idler wheels are smooth and will provide a sturdy stretch so beginners will be able to focus on aiming rather than exerting force.

New users often get overwhelmed by a broad riser or a heavy compound bow. The Siege SAS looks like a friendly first bow, with no complicated look. All beginners, who might be holding a compound bow for the first time will love the feel of this one.

In case you want to keep your bases covered, Southland Archery Supply provides a three-year manufacture warranty. A safe buy, with a long-lasting build, is your Siege SAS compound bow!

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Best Compound Bow For Target Practice – Genesis Original Compound Bow Package

10 – 20 Pounds Draw Weight | 15 – 30 Inches Draw Length

Lo and Behold! Here’s the ideal bow for starting out as a shooter in the archery range.

In fact, the Genesis Original Bow is the official compound bow of the National Archery in the Schools Program and is commonly used in beginner archery classes for adults, a testament to its versatility, simplicity and suitability for all skill levels, builds and ages. Need we say more?!

Here are the specifications in a glance:

• Includes machined 6061-T6 aluminum riser, cam, and idler wheel
• Generous brace height of 7 5/8 inches, reducing arrow speed but being very forgiving with your aim
• Composite limbs and high-strength bowstrings
• Single cam technology to avoid tuning and recoil
• Super smooth cam idler wheels make for an easier draw cycle creating less noise and doing more work

The bow is very lightweight at only 3.5 pounds and boast the simplest design in a compound bow ever, offering no need for tuning.

An ill-fit compound bow can give way to many shooting problems, like never developing the perfect form and stance to learn shoot and aim accurately. Genesis Original will help beginners learn how to shoot without worrying about holding, or balancing the compound bow according to their physique.

You can choose a left-hand or right-handed bow and begin learning with a piece of equipment that will be perfectly tailored to you. You can aim at becoming a good shooter at the start instead of concentrating on tuning and adjusting the bow.

Genesis have achieved this by using a “no let-off” design, meaning you don’t need to adjust the compound bow to your draw length for the let-off system to engage correctly, as you would with typical compound bows.

Genesis Original Compound Bow is available in many different colors, so you can also show your personal style in your shooting lessons.

This “no let-off” design coupled with the low draw weight make the bow fantastic for beginners learning to shoot paper targets, but means that the not suitable for hunting. Even taking down a turkey would be a struggle with this bow, let alone any big game like deer or elk. The max arrow speed this bow is not even quoted by the manufacturer, but indicatively it would struggle to break 100 FPS.

It would be inhumane to hunt with this bow. Instead, go for one of the others reviewed here.

Without doubt a fantastic bow for learning to shoot targets in the archery range, but not intended as a hunting bow.

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Amazon out of stock? Looking for a better price? Check out Bass Pro Shops!

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Most Versatile Compound Bow – Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Compound Bow Package

5 – 70 Pounds Draw Weight | 12 – 30 Inches Draw Length

The Bear Brand Archery Cruzer G2 is a perfect entry-level compound bow package and is ready-to-hunt straight out of the box!

It comes very close to the Diamond Infinite Edge Pro, beating it in some areas and falling just short in others.

It’s also a bull’s eye when it comes to adjustability for children as well as adults. This compound bow hits the target if you want a companion for years of learning, shooting with the group or becoming a full blown solo woodsman or woodswoman. The specifications are as follows:

• Axle-to-axle height of 30 inches
• Adjustable from 12 to 30 inches draw length makes it a unique all-age gear
• The wide range of draw weights further enhances this bows suitability for all ages and skill levels
• Only 3.0lbs (bare bow)
• FPS IBO speed of 315
• 70% let-off
• Slightly shallower brace height of 6.5 inches allows serious FPS at some loss in precision
• Awesome grip design for high stability shooting
• The bow comes with five add-ons and accessories including the Trophy Ridge mist sight, whisker biscuit arrow rest, 5 slot quiver, peep sight, stabilizer, sling and nock loop – a complete ready-to-hunt package!
• High user reviews due to user diversity

You can plan a shooting lesson or trip as soon as you buy the Bear Archery Cruzer, which supports all body types and helps maintain balance.

This compound bow comes with a natural shooting style along with a good grip on aiming—makes it easy for beginners. The user reviews for this compound bow are the best as it includes people of all ages, and therefore is used by a larger number of people.

Another very advantageous feature of this bow is that you can make all adjustments using an Allen wrench, without the use of a bow press.

The right-handed compound bow is going to last a long time, even if you decide to add more gear to your shooting equipment stash.

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Amazon out of stock? Looking for a better price? Check out Bass Pro Shops!

 Check Current Price and Reviews at Bass Pro Shops

Highest Let-Off Compound Bow For Beginners – PSE Stinger Max Compound Bow

55 – 70 Pounds Draw Weight | 21 – 30 Inches Draw Length

Another great starter bow, the PSE Stinger Max Compound Bow is one of the fastest arrow shooters! You can take a look at the following specifications to understand the gear:

• Draw length 21” to 30” with an axle to axle length of 30”
• High let-off of 80%
• Right and left-hand orientation available
• Superb speed at 304 fps (IBO speed)
• The weight of the bow is 3.8lbs, with a brace height of 7”

The fast PSE Stinger Max is a shorter design with larger cams, giving it a distinct look. You might find this bow a little more technical, but with good speed, there has to be some technicality.

The 80% let-off is fantastic for hunting and coupled with the massive speed, you can go after big game with this bad boy! The new cam system design is also super smooth and quiet, adding to your stealth. Holding less than 15 pounds at full draw, you’ll have loads of time to steady your aim and shoot accurate arrows every time!

It’s important to recognize that this comes as a bare bow, despite what the pictures may imply, and already starts at a decent price, reflective of the incredible cam system’s high let-off and deadly silence.

A high rating of this product ensures its popularity among beginners as well as old players!

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Cheapest Compound Bow For Hunting – Gen-X Compound Bow Package

25 – 40 Pounds Draw Weight | 21 – 30 Inches Draw Length

Whether you begin your shooting on the range, or in the field; Gen-X provides speed without compromising on comfort. The Gen-X compound bow is easy to hold and has the following specifications:

• 35.5” axle to axle length
• Up to 65% let-off
• Includes 6061-T6 aluminum riser
• High strength bowstrings
• Aluminum cam and idler wheel
• 7 5/8” brace height, being quite forgiving
• Covers draw lengths between 21” and 30”

The compound bow not only looks sleek but is lightweight for easy balancing. Beginners will like to learn archery with the right gear so that they can focus on style rather than wasting time on the right posture and way to handle a heavy bow!

The Gen-X allows up to 40lbs of draw weight, which is substantial for beginners. This does not mean that you won’t be able to use this gear when you have become a seasoned shooter.

The Gen-X will remain a trusted partner for all on-range or on-field shooting practices. Users often worry about the tuning and adjustment of the compound bow, as it seems technical. Well, this compound bow is easy to adjust with a 3/16” hex wrench that comes with your purchase.

Now you can enjoy shooting and aim better with the Gen-X compound bow, and adjust levels as you reach perfection!

Although as far as compound bows for hunting go, its got reasonably bottom-end specs, what we liked about this compound bow was that it is simple for anyone to use and was very affordable for a complete compound bow package.

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So which one is the best?

After a neutral review of all compound bows, here’s a small ranking from us, based on our experience with the compound bows, hope it helps!

Best Compound Bows for Beginners – Our Recommendations

Well, If you are looking for top picks for a great starter bow, here are our top 2 choices…

Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro Compound Bow Package

This compound bow has it all. Extreme power, fantastic let-off, huge draw length and draw weight range, full ready-to-hunt package. It’s really designed to help beginners succeed, ensuring that they can concentrate on the game instead of the bow! The Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro is really hard to go past, and you’ll be find it very hard to beat as an entry-level compound bow package.

Bear Cruzer G2 Compound Bow Package

Another incredible performer in this round up. It’s honestly hard to split these two apart, hence why we had to add in two recommendations for the top spot here.

It will really come down to personal preference. Take a close look at the specs and see which matters most to you and which you think fits you that little bit better. It might even come down to something as simple as color, availability or price!

Best Youth Compound Bow – Bear Archery Royale Youth Compound Bow Package

5 – 50 Pounds Draw Weight | 12 – 27 Inches Draw Length

Bear Archery have basically taken their Cruzer G2 model and tailored it for the young shooter, in particular lowering the bow length.

Again, its a ready-to-hunt straight package and contains everything you need to get started.

• Axle-to-axle height of 25 inches, perfect for younguns but too small for adults
• Adjustable from 12 to 27 inches draw length makes it suitable for kids of all body types
• Bear’s wide range of draw weights features here too
• Only 2.7lbs (bare bow) and 3.2 pounds full accessories, ultra lightweight!
• Still achieves blazing FPS IBO speeds of 290
• 75% let-off
• Shallower brace height of 6 inches, allows serious FPS despite lower draw weight peak of 50 pounds
• The bow comes with five add-ons and accessories including the Trophy Ridge mist sight, whisker biscuit arrow rest, 5 slot quiver, Fletcher Archery no-tie peep sight and nock loop

Despite the extreme range in draw weight and draw length of some of the bows featured here, your son or daughter may be stuggling with the larger size of the bow. At only 25 inches in length, the Bear Archery Royale is your answer!

It’s extremely maneuverable even for the smallest of archers (recognizing you shouldn’t be giving a 6 year old a bow!)

Left and right handed options are available, so this bow should literally fit any child!

Start them practicing early and they will be a pro in no time. It might even become a life-long passion or even an Olympic gold medal!

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Important Compound Bow Terms

Draw Length

Draw length refers to the distance between the pivot point, being the point where you place your hand on the inside of the compound bow grip, and the nock of the arrow, plus 1 3/4 inches, according to the Archery Manufacturer’s Organisation (AMO). The 1.75 inches is to reflect a “standard” width of the grip.

Draw length is positively correlated with arrow speed and power (kinetic energy) – the longer the draw length, the more initial force will be applied to the arrow resulting in greater speed and kinetic energy.

The beauty of compound bows is that they typically offer a range of draw lengths. It plays an important role in feeling comfortable while shooting and reaching both the bow’s and your full potential.

Draw-length adjustments should be one of the first steps you should take after purchasing a bow. We’ve described further below how to calculate your draw length.

Draw Weight

Pounds of draw weight refers to the force required to draw a bow, which is also directly related to arrow speed and power. The higher the draw weight, the faster the arrow moves! An example of this is, a compound bow with a draw weight of 30 pounds requires a force of 30 pounds in weight for the user to draw the arrow back.

Again, one of the awesome things about compound bows is that many offer large draw weight ranges. These adjustable components make compound bows suitable for archers and hunters with varying skill levels and body types, but also allows experienced users to tailor their bow to the intended use.

Using massive draw weights to take down small game is not going to work out well, even if you have the power and experience to apply higher levels of force.

Draw weight ranges should always be a key factor, whether you are purchasing a beginner model, intermediate models, or one designed for the seasoned professional.

Let-Off

To understand let-off, we let’s try a little thought experiment.

Let’s imagine you are drawing the arrow. The bowstring gains tension from the stretch and there is some resistance. The more force you apply between the string and the riser, the more the limbs will try to pull the string back to its natural position.

Once you’ve fully drawn the bow, holding this force whilst trying to aim can be very difficult. This is where let-off comes in.

As you continue to pull the bowstring and the arrow further back, usually about half-way to two-thirds of the way to full draw, the let-off triggers. At this point, the fancy tech in the compound bow cam systems kick in and holds a portion of the draw weight for you, making it easier to reach full draw, aim and release the entire draw weight when needed.

If you have a 50 pound draw weight compound bow which has a 50% let-off, this means that at full draw, you will only need to pull back and hold 25 pound of force. Let-off is one of the features you check before buying a compound bow.

It’s not uncommon to see let-off

Let-off on compound bows for hunting is often very high, from 70% up to even 90%. Hunters love high let-off as it significantly increases the time a shooter can hold the full draw weight, allowing them to draw and silently wait for the perfect shot as they prey unsuspectingly wanders about.

In competition circles, draw weights are still high, but tend to be lower than hunting, usually around 50-70%, as professional shooters tend to prefer the feedback from the bow and applying a reasonable amount of force often helps them to steady their aim.

For beginners, we recommend a higher let-off so that they so they don’t need to exert too much force and can focus on aiming their shots.

Brace Height

You may have overheard some burly looking bow hunters yammering at the archery shop about their preferences for brace height and wondered what they were babbling about. Well after reading this you should be able to throw your own opinions into the chat!

Brace height measures the distance between the throat of the grip (the deepest part on the inside of the grip where you place your hand while shooting) and the bow string when it is not drawn.

Longer brace heights, typically greater than 7 inches, tend to compensate more for imprecision in your aim, and are referred to as “forgiving” brace heights. Shorter brace heights generate more power but can make consistency in your aim lower, particularly when you are learning.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Beginner Compound Bow

When you make up your mind to step into the field of archery, there are a few things you need to know before you decide on the compound bow.

Every piece of equipment has a few specifications that must be understood and the most suitable compound bow is one that complements you.

Critical factors to Consider When Buying a Beginners Compound Bow

No matter your level of expertise, there are a few things that make all the difference with the weapon you choose. If you are a beginner, you may want a slower compound bow, but that can be adjusted, and you don’t need to buy a simpler bow only because of the speed of the compound bow you are considering.

A good hunting bow can shoot between 280 and 380 FPS. This speed range can work for all hunters, as you can adjust the draw length and draw weight to reduce the speed in turn. Just remember, when hunting big game like deer or elk, a little extra speed can make all the difference!

Bow length is the axle-to-axle length of the compound bow. The longer the bow length, the more stable the shot. You would want to check out the draw length of the bow you want to keep as it impacts aiming correctly.

If you are tall and heavily built, you can choose a compound bow with more bow length, but a shorter bow will work better for younger archers or hunters.

Draw weight, or the force you will need to pull back the arrow in the bow, is an essential factor upon which you can decide the best compound bow for yourself! Ask the sports shop personnel or consult your archery coach before choosing the best compound bow for yourself!

The correct draw length

As we mentioned earlier, draw length is how far you can pull back a bowstring while you hold it and take aim. The ideal draw length measurement will determine whether this compound bow is right for you or not.

How to measure the most suitable draw length

To measure the correct draw length for your posture, stand with both your arms extended on the sides with hands open, like a T.

Measure the length from the middle finger of one hand to the middle finger of the other hand all across your arm, chest, and another arm.

When you divide this measurement by 2.5, and the resultant answer is your suitable draw length—that’s what you need in your compound bow.

Draw length is important when choosing a compound bow, as the extent to which you can stretch your arms should support the draw length of the compound bow.

If you carry a bow with more draw length, you will not be able to focus on aiming, neither will you be able to take a good shot.

Correct draw weight

Draw weight is the force you have to exert to pull the string back. A compound bow with a lower draw weight requires less effort, hence becomes a good pick for those who cannot exert force or may not be very sturdy.

The downside of lower draw weight is that the speed of the arrow is less.

For beginners, it is always better to go for a bow with the lighter draw weight. However, if you are athletic and can exert force, you will enjoy the compound bow with the higher draw weight.

Although there is no rule book, you can follow the basic guidelines based on users’ preferences.

Users between 18 and 21 will find a draw weight of 15 to 30 lbs comfortable.

Users above 22 years of age can begin with 30 or 35lbs draw weight compound bow. Men who are athletic and tall can opt to draw weight higher than 45lbs as well.

Most suitable bow length

The axle to axle length or bow length plays an integral part of your shooting experience. The longer compound bows are often better for beginners as they support less force. However, if you are looking for a bow for hunting, a shorter bow will be better.

Many seasoned shooters and archery champions prefer longer bow, while many beginners might be able to aim better with a short compound bow! There are of course exceptions, but generally, beginners feel that a longer bow is better.

Any Compound Bow Will Do, Right?

The required gear for archery is a good compound bow and maybe a pair of gloves. You don’t need any heavy equipment to learn the sport. For men, and women the compound bows are the same.

However, if you think you cannot start with a heavy compound bow, try one which has less draw weight and draw length. As explained earlier, the greater these two are, the more force you will require to draw the arrow correctly.

Therefore, while there is no difference in compound bows for men and women, you might want to specify your physical capabilities and choose the gear that suits you best.

Recurve Bow Vs. Compound Bow

If you are new to archery, holding a compound bow can be overwhelming. This reaction is primarily because most of us grew up watching the greatest hunters and archers shoot with a simple bow that had no pulleys or multiple strings, right?

A recurve bow is a simple bow, which is curved and has a strong bowstring attached. It may be larger than a compound bow but has fewer parts to reduce your confusion.

Did I say confusion? No way! A compound bow may look complicated but is easy to use. Many beginners feel that they cannot understand the gear, although your superhero might be to blame for that!

A compound bow can aim, shoot, and hit a bull’s eye with lesser force than you will need for a recurve bow. If you still didn’t understand, the superhero held a recurve bow because he has the power to pull on it and aim perfectly.

A compound bow may require lesser force. Having said this, the recurve is not a piece of cake, and neither is the compound bow. We cannot say that a recurve bow is easier, or a compound bow is harder.

Both the bows are good and choosing one of them is entirely a personal decision. Some people like the simple look of a recurve bow, so they buy one even if they are beginning to learn.

Similarly, the compound bow has the cam system, which distributes the weight on the bowstring and the user has to exert less force. However, both the bows are equally easy to use, and have the same motive: hit the target!

Both these bows are equally good for hunting, range archery, and aim perfection. But For Beginners, A Compound bow is the best choice as it’s easy to use!

Are Compound Bows Expensive?

Investing in a compound bow has to be a sensible decision since the prices for these weapons are high. If you are a beginner or you want to learn hunting, go for a recurve bow, to begin with significantly, if you are unsure of whether you will continue with the sport or not.

However, if you are a hunting enthusiast and know that you will be using this weapon for many years to come, a compound bow is an excellent purchase.

The reason for that is that it is a one-time investment, and it adds to your hunting skills in unique ways! So while these bows are expensive, if you look at how long they last, this weapon seems worth it!

Compound Bows Are For Hunting: True or False?

Compound bows are not just for hunting or playing Hawk-Eye in the backyard! This archery tool is the best companion for all those who want to perfect aim at the range, or even in the field.

Having said that, compound bows are as good as a rifle, or even better when you go hunting with the gang. A closer target becomes a sure shot and of course, the farther you aim, the challenge and thrill increase.

Glossary of Compound Bow Terms

For those of you who do not know much about archery or compound bows, here’s a crash course about the various parts of the bow and what they do. This section will help you understand the compound bow so you can pick one wisely, keeping all aspects in check!

Riser

Which part of the compound bow do you look towards when you are about to grip it? This is your riser! The center part of your bow, which is also the ground for other parts of the bow.

The riser can be made of aluminum, carbon fibers, or a carbon/aluminum compound—This part of the compound bow carries the maximum weight when you are aiming. It has to be strong and sturdy to handle the force and remain steady under pressure.

Limbs

Did you notice that the riser is a slightly arched part of the bow, and there are extensions on both sides of it? These extensions are the limbs.

When the bowstring is stretched, the limbs help in distributing the force from the riser. When choosing a compound bow, look for one that has D-shaped limbs, which are more supportive as they produce more recoil.

The limbs also add to the silence factor, and that is an essential one for hunters.

The Cams

The pulley system that aids the bowstring movement is dependent on the two wheels at the end of the limbs. These are the cams. Cams are the bow part that makes it a compound bow!

The major part of the compound bow, which enables users to pull arrows back and shoot with fervor. The various kinds of cams may be effective for different kinds of archery goals.

Wheel cams are more accurate, so hunters should choose nothing but round cams. However, oval cams help shoot faster, so if you want accuracy, go for it!

Various cam systems add to the distinguishing features of each compound bow.

A single cam system is a beginner compound bow feature usually. This cam system consists of around cam idler at the top end, and an oval-shaped idler at the other end. This is a low-maintenance system as they are easier to set up.

The twin-cam system comprises symmetrical, identical idlers at both ends of the compound bow. This system provides more accuracy and speed.

The twin-cam system is not easy to set up as the manufacturer or assembler has to ensure synchronization. When tuning, the technician will first of all check the synchronization of these idlers.

The hybrid cam system has elliptical cams, however, the slight difference is that the top cam is in control and the bottom cam fully supports it. A perfect pair of doer and supporter, these cams together add to the speed of the arrow.

There are other cam systems, such as Binary, Quad, and Hinged. Since they are too complicated for beginners, we’ll talk about them when you return to look for a hunting bow!

For now, you can start with any of the cam systems compound bows although beginners who are going out to the range first time may even work with a single cam system.

Cables

Cables are the strings that stretch and turn the cams when you pull the bowstring.

When you buy your compound bow, focus on the cables that do not come in contact with your arrow, but they stretch between the cams to create more tension, which translates to speed once you release the arrow.

These cables are the backstage heroes that are working to make your shooting game better!

Many compound bows come with cables in place. However, if you have to assemble the bow, why not let a technician fit the cables? Beginners usually find it too technical and often make mistakes, which impacts their shooting experience.

Cable Guard

The cable guard is a small rod, coming out from the rider to provide ‘hold’ for the cables. The guard prevents the cables from getting in the way of the arrow and the bowstring.

This guard works with a cable slide, which is a small piece of plastic to hold the cables in place. The smaller parts of your compound bow are equally important as the major ones. One wrong fit and shooting becomes a challenge!

Arrow Rest

As the name implies, the arrow rest on the compound bow is at the center of the riser, where you can place your arrow and shoot. This rest is not only to place your arrow but even as you shoot, this rest channelizes the arrow better.

It provides a stabilizing path for the arrow and this results in better aiming. Capture Rests, also known as Containment Rests are a popular type of arrow rest, with a ring through which the arrow passes, and bristles to ensure your arrow remains in place.

Drop away arrow rests are also popular as they hold the arrow as you stretch the bowstrings and then drop away to release the arrow. This arrow rest does not touch the arrow, but only provides a good target for beginner shooter so they know where to place their arrow on the compound bow.

What is the purpose of this arrow rest, you ask? These rests provide a good direction. The arrow does not change angle as it is released and you are more likely to hit a bull’s eye! As I said, the small parts of the compound bow are equally important!

Now you know the compound bow parts that help place the arrow, stretch the bowstring, and release it in a clear direction. The bow sight comes into use at this stage!

This is a tool that will help you aim your arrow. Just like rifles and ranger guns have a sight, the compound bow requires a sight to aim. The bow sight has three pins that you need to line up with your target.

There is also a leveler, to help you keep the target straight in front. Just like different types of arrow rests, there are ‘fixed pin sights’ and ‘single pin sights’.

You can set a fixed pin sight for targets at different distances. The three pins can help aim well by setting the target. The single pin sight has only one pin, for a known distance of the target.

While this is more precise, you have to know the distance so it is the preferred compound bow sight for using on ranges where the distance of the target is known.

Peep Sight

The peep sight is another small component on the compound bow that enhances your shooting experience. This plastic ring is slipped between your bowstring strands to improve aim.

When set properly, the peep sight on your compound bow allows you to line up your shots and be more accurate. The peep sight should be just in line with the tip of the arrow.

Now imagine you are aiming at the target, with the bowstring stretched and arrow in place. The small plastic ring, the peep sight should be just in line with the arrow tip. This allows shooters to ensure a straight direction towards the target.

Release Aid

A release aid is an accessory used to draw the arrow and release it with force. The release aid is held with the hand, and as you draw the arrow, this small tool helps to exert good force on the strong bowstrings.

Many compound bow shooters find it hard to pull the bowstring with their bare fingers. This is where the release aid comes in handy. As with all accessories, you will find various kinds of release aids.

We suggest you try the wrist strap, which uses the index finger to draw the arrow—many shooters prefer wrist strap with the compound bow.

The band of this aid goes around your wrist and the calipers are attached to a D-loop. Once you have aimed and are ready to shoot, pull the trigger.

Don’t get confused with shooting and triggers; we are still talking about compound bows!

As you draw the arrow, the tension of the bowstring becomes easier to handle. There are various types of aids, and you can choose between a thumb release, hinge release, and a resistance-activated release. You can check out various release aids when you buy a compound bow.

D-Loop

This is the small loop on the bowstring which is used with a release aid. The hook-like caliper legs are attached to this loop when you draw the arrow. When you pull the trigger of the compound bow, this loop releases the calipers, giving the perfect thrust to your arrow!

Stabilizer

A bow stabilizer is the rod perpendicular to the riser. This part of the compound bow reduces vibration in the bowstrings and also balances the bow. As the name suggests, you will find it easier to operate a compound bow that doesn’t vibrate from the force exerted on the strings.

The ‘muting’ factor of your compound bow relies on the stabilizer. The quieter the bow, the better chance you have of getting the hunt!

Wrist Sling

A wrist sling is attached to the riser and you put your wrist through it to maintain control of the bow. A guitar strap, a gun strap, and a wrist sling have the same purpose: You can do without them as well, but they just make it a little easier to handle the gear.

Arm Guards 

An armed guard is worn on the dominant arm, to protect it from the bowstring of your compound bow. When you are focused on aiming, and draw the arrow; your arm that is holding the riser can suffer a backlash!

As you release the arrow, the other arm can get hurt and this is where the arm guard comes in handy!

Armguards come in both rubber and leather material. Pick the one that will make you look cooler!

Quivers

A quiver or an arrow holder might sound very medieval to beginners but hey! It’ll save you a lot of time to just pull an arrow out from the back instead of bending down to pick one from an independent case—While shooting with your compound bow!

If the Robin Hood look isn’t your style, try the hip quiver or the field quiver, which keeps those arrows accessible without making you look like a hero from the 16th century!

Don’t Forget the Arrows!

Just as your compound bow is important, arrows are the real weapon!

The compound bows reviewed above have their arrow recommendations, however, any beginner must know some basics about arrows too.

Arrows are available in aluminum, wood, and carbon. The most common kinds of arrows are aluminum, especially when you are at the range. In the woods, hunting can be with any kind of arrows.

Aluminum arrows are good for the range, as they are light and easy to handle. Beginner compound bows work best with an aluminum arrow.

Carbon arrows are usually for hunting. People who use any kind of a bow can work with this kind of arrows.

Wood arrows are still considered traditional. For many hunters and archers, wooden arrows are still the real deal. You can even make your arrows if you like, it gives a cool touch to your gaming techniques—compatibility with your compound bow is important!

However, if you use a compound bow, wooden arrows will break easily.

Since the compound bow forces the arrow at a high speed, your wood arrow will not be able to handle the force. For all compound bows, the manufacturers specify aluminum or carbon arrows.

Are you prepared?

With a good compound bow, you are quite ready for archery, but there are always some steps that can enhance safety. You can also read the complete archery safety rules here.

Any beginner out there who still needs to ask something? As all the best compound gears are reviewed and we have provided an introduction to all the compound parts, if you still have any questions, drop it in the comments!

Many people decide to take up archery by just watching someone shoot. Other people like the cool gear and decide to try out the game.

Last thoughts – Best Beginner Compound Bow

We have tried to give all dummies a good head start for their beginner compound bow. Archery is not a difficult sport but can be dangerous if you are not supervised.

No matter how old you are, learn with an experienced archer so that you do not make mistakes that may lead to accidents.

The necessary equipment or sports gear for archery is a good bow. Compound bows are advised for beginners, and we have provided reviews of some of the best compound bows for beginners.

You can choose the one that suits you the most. Some basic information about technical terms, bow parts is included so you are not dumbfounded when you go to buy your first compound bow.

The information shared here is enough for all beginners to buy their first compound bow, accessories, and get ready to learn some shooting!

We hope you share your experiences and also add to the reviews of the compound bow that is best for beginners! Happy shooting!