We’ve previously discussed some of the benefits of compound bows in our earlier round-up reviews and guides, e.g. Best Beginner Compound Bow, etc…
But in today’s round-up review and guide, we’ll be discussing our top picks for the very Best Compound Bow overall in 2019.
In a hurry? This is our Winner!
Gen X Compound Bow
- Made in the USA
- Reputable brand
- Versatile
- Quality build
- 35 ½ axle – axle
So, without any further delay, let’s take aim at the first compound bow on our list.
Top 5 Best Compound Bows currently available.
Best Compound Bow – Top Model Compared
| Image | Product | Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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OUR TOP PICK
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Gen X Compound Bow – RH Black |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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EDITORS CHOICE
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GENESIS Original Bow, Right Handed, Black |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
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BEST VALUE
|
Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro Bow Package |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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RUNNER UP
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Bear Archery Cruzer Lite RTH Compound Bow |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
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RUNNER UP
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RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
1. OUR TOP PICK: Gen X Compound Bow
The Gen X Compound Bow is powerful enough to be included on most hunts but also versatile enough to be used on the range.
The Gen X Compound Bow, by Gen X (Genesis) is another bit of quality kit.
Again, slightly more expensive than your beginner bows but this can be forgiven for the amount of quality the Gen X Bow provides.
Compact, lightweight, and smooth but without sacrificing any of the power, the Gen -X Bow is consistently rated 5 stars across the board.
Material wise, the Gen – X is made up of machined 6061-T6 aluminum riser, aluminum cam, and idler wheel, all manufactured in the USA.
The Gen -X has a standard draw length of between 21 – 30 inches and allows up to 40lbs draw weight, by no means the best, but not the worst either.
All in all, the Gen – X offers archers another viable option in the compound bow market.
2. EDITORS CHOICE: Genesis Original Bow
First on our list is the Genesis Original Bow, manufactured by Genesis Bows.
Genesis Bows is a company long established in the archery community and has a reputation for producing quality bows at quality prices.
As a testament to the quality of Genesis Bows, the Genesis Original Bow is the official bow of the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP).
The Genesis Original Bow is great for all ages, sizes, and abilities. With no draw length requirements, there should be little to no worries that you will eventually outgrow this bow and need to upgrade. It really is a great all-rounder and a quality bit of kit.
Made completely in the USA, the Genesis Original Bow is manufactured with quality machined 6061-T6 aluminum to the riser, an aluminum cam and idler wheel, plus sturdy composite limbs and high-strength bowstrings.
Price-wise the Genesis Original Bow comes in at around the $150 – $200 range and is consistently rated 5 stars by many archery practitioners.
When looking for the very best in compound bows, you really can do much worse than opt for any compound bow made by Genesis Bows.
3. BEST VALUE: Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro
Next on our list and rising significantly in price, is the Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro Compound Bow, made by Diamond Archery.
As above, the Diamond Archery Pro is nearly double the price of some of the other compound bows included in our list, so think carefully and research thoroughly before making that purchase. Buy right…Buy once!
Diamond Archery has redesigned the entire cam system on the Infinite Edge Pro, meaning a smooth, flawless draw is more achievable with this model.
With a draw length range between 13 – 31 inches, and a draw weight between 5lbs – 70lbs the Diamond Infinite Edge Pro Compound Bow really does stand out from the crowd! And can be used from an early age, right into adulthood.
With a solid back wall, arrow speed of up to 310ft/sec, integrated stabilizer and just all-round quality parts, the Infinite Edge Pro really does seem to have a slight edge over its competitors.
4. RUNNER UP: Bear Archery Cruzer Lite Compound Bow
Next on our list is the Cruzer Lite Compound Bow by Bear Archery, another well established and respected brand in the archery community.
Bear Archery promotes the Cruzer Lite Compound Bow as another compound bow that is incredibly versatile while also highly adjustable, which can be used by children right up to “legend” (adult).
Draw length wise, the Cruzer Lite can be adjusted from 12 – 27 inches, and ranges from 5lbs – 45lbs peak draw weight.
There’s no need for a bow press with the Bear Archery Cruzer Lite Compound Bow, as it can be easily adjusted with an Allen wrench.
Lightweight and well balanced for any child or adult, the Cruzer Lite Compound Bow is another fantastic addition in the compound bow market, which is consistently rated 4 stars and above.
5. RUNNER UP: RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow
Last but not least, we have the Raptor Compound Hunting Bow by Predator Archery.
Established in 1993 by Curtis Campisi and Mike Pierce, Predator Archery has continued to grow year on year. Becoming a popular and respected brand throughout the archery world.
In the Raptor Compound Hunting Bow, we have one of the most popular bows that Predator Archery has ever made.
With an adjustable draw length from between 24.5 – 31 inches, and a draw weight of between 30lbs – 70lbs without the need for a draw press is pretty good and above average.
The cams on the Raptor Compound Bow are also very impressive and are made up of quality aluminum rather than plastic that can be found in some lower-priced competitor models.
The Raptor also features a 30” axle – axle, stabilizer, 5 pin sight with light and level, 4 arrow quiver, biscuit-style rest and string stop.
A split yoke tuning system is also incorporated in the Raptor Compound Bow model, allowing for more precise adjustments and proper arrow flight.
Best Compound Bow Buying Guide
Best Compound Bow Types & Uses
Before you can purchase a compound bow, you will first need to decide on the type of bow, its purpose, and any other requirements of the compound bow that you may need.
You should ask yourself “ what will my compound bows main purpose be?”
Will your compound bow be mainly used as a hobby, hunting, competing, or a mixture?
This may seem like a no brainer, but it’s easy to forget that not everyone is a pro or as well versed in archery as the next archer.
Which leads us on to our next point…
Research…Research…Research
Research anything and everything you can find on the subject, the more you know, the better equipped you are to find, purchase, set-up and ultimately, use your compound bow.
Reviews, forums, online stores and resources are all great for this purpose. Even such platforms as Wikipedia, Youtube, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter etc can all help as you can find bits of info or tutorial videos on nearly every subject.
Choosing a Compound Bow: Affordability, Top Quality & Comfort
Affordability – We’ve not all got an endless money pot that we can dip into any time we feel like it. So finding the right compound bow that meets all your requirements whilst also being in your budget may be one of the more difficult tasks.
In your first instance, Amazon, Ebay or your local Buy & Sell page may be your best bet for a more affordable compound bow. Also, who knows, you may be lucky enough to find yourself a premium bow, at a bargain price!
Quality – Let’s be honest, we’re after quality not quantity. It may seem like a really good deal when you see these kits online that include quivers, arm guards, D-loops etc…But they’re not always the best bet, even for a beginner.
If something seems too good to be true, it normally is. Cheap parts and materials can be common among some Chinese brands, and although they may work for a short amount of time, eventually you will be paying out to repair or buy a completely new compound bow.
Comfort – Will also come into play when looking at the quality of your compound bow. Size, weight, draw length, draw weight, axle-axle length, brace should be carefully considered before making your purchase.
Sourcing your Compound Bow
When it comes to sourcing your compound bow, you have a number of options. The most sensible and first port of call should be to see if you have any local archery stores in your hometown.
Stores solely focused on archery are normally the best for finding the more premium bows that are hard to comeby when shopping online.
A step down from your local archery store would be a general all round sports store that sells sporting equipment of every kind. You may not find the more premium bows here, but they should have a big enough selection to peak your interest.
One of the more simpler ways to source your bow is online, there’s countless online sites and stores as well as big online retailers like Amazon that can fulfill your requirements.
The added bonus of purchasing online is obviously the online reviews, info guides and tips, price, as well as the item being directly shipped to your door, what more can you ask for!
Summary
There you have it, five of the best compound bows currently available!
Some readers may be a little confused on how we could have missed some of the more premium compound bows off the list. This was purely down to price and availability.
We’d all like to see a list full of Darton/Mathews Triax/Obsession/Hoyt compound bows. But let’s be honest, not all archery practitioners or hunters will have a $1,000 or more to spend on a bow and not all archery stores stock the above.
So we’ve stuck with reviewing the more affordable compound bows that offer just as many features.
Our Top Compound Bow
After reviewing each bow on the list, and looking at the pros and cons of all. Archery Edges’ top pick of the five included in today’s review is the Genesis Original Bow.
Versatility, price, features, reliability, and brand won through for us in the end.
Whether child or adult, beginner or pro, the Genesis Original Bow has everything you’re looking for.
Even if you decide to upgrade in the future, the Genesis Original product life is such, that you can pass it on to the next generation knowing they’ll get plenty of practice and use out of it, all the while honing their archery skills.
Found your bow and ready for some accessories to hone in that next shot? Check out our Best Compound Bow Sights and How important is a bow stabilizer?
Remember, If you’ve liked this review, or have any comments on what we should review next. Then please pop a comment in the box below and let us know!
Gen X Compound Bow
- Made in the USA
- Reputable brand
- Versatile
- Quality build
- 35 ½ axle – axle