Archery, like any other sport or professional hobby, requires the right equipment. These days, you can find premium archery sets from a variety of companies. The number of bows in the market is customized for the differing needs of every archer. However, while many brands give you a great array of choices, they can be confusing to pick from.
Compound bows are available for beginners who want to start shooting with their first archery set. They are also sought after by experienced archers who need new bows to up their game. For either purpose, you need to know which company will deliver the right quality.
Compromising on quality and features will reduce your shooting speed, be less durable, and hamper your comfort.
This review will guide you through the buying process for quality compound bows. Each company listed here will deliver on performance as well as smooth usage for all archers. You should also know a little bit about their brand values and what makes them reliable before purchasing.
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Why Are These Companies Considered Top-Notch?
Several important factors must be kept in mind when it comes to deciding on the best brands. The best producers of compound bows should ensure excellent make and have strong core company values.
Quality
The primary factor during purchase is the quality of the compound bow. To ensure the best value for your money, the product should check all the boxes for design, materials, and build.
Since compound bows are high-end and expensive pieces of sporting gear, you can’t experiment with quality. If a company has negative reviews of faulty products, steer clear, and don’t waste your resources.
Ethics
Companies don’t just make products, but also follow certain principles that make them big names. You should know that you are always buying from an ethical and honorable brand. Check that their business practices are reputed and not associated with negative manufacturing reviews. Suspicious dealings could mean that quality will be lacking, and your product won’t be up to the mark.
If you want to invest with a durable and long-term bow, the company should be reputable. It’s a letdown to later discover that the company can’t deliver on their promises, and your equipment is lacking.
Customer Service
Design, manufacturing, and quality form the foundation of a great company. However, customer service is something you should always keep an eye out for as a consumer. Will you be valued after you purchase the product and maintain a good relationship with the company?
This might seem irrelevant to your archery but becomes important when you have issues with the product. A top-notch company will ensure that someone is always around to look after your queries and concerns.
Before purchasing from any company, be sure to check out customer reviews and after-sales services. Do they have a positive reputation for helping customers out? Are they considerate about the satisfaction of their clients overall?
These questions will help you determine whether you can trust them for future purchases.
Budget-Friendly
Being a sportsperson or passionate amateur archer, you won’t want to compromise on your equipment. However, the cost-effectiveness of a product isn’t something to overlook either.
Depending on your purpose, bows will come at a range of prices. Some bows are priced unfairly or exorbitantly and shouldn’t be purchased on a whim. Additionally, even the most expensive bow you can find might not be suitable for your specific style.
The prices for compound bows on the market range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Since upgrading your gear is always possible, good companies will have budget-friendly bows that you can enhance as you grow.
Purpose Of Use
Choosing the right compound bow means knowing what you will use it for. Different companies specialize in the production of bows for varying applications. The two main purposes for any bow is either regular archery and target practice or bowhunting.
When both these functions require some exceptional features to cater to your needs, be firm about your purpose. Although some bows meant for target shooting can be substituted for bowhunting, it is not usually preferred.
Beginners and seasoned archers will also have differing requirements for their equipment. Keep these factors in mind so that you don’t get too elaborate bow to handle. Or, in some cases, you may be an expert archer who ends up purchasing an amateur bow for introductory shooting.
Best Companies For Compound Bows
These are a few established brand names in the industry. Their products are made to fit your needs with all the quality checks and a variety of pricing.
1. Hoyt Archery
Hoyt Archery is a renowned brand that has been around since 1931. They are an undeniable influence in the world of archery when it comes to workmanship.
They came into being with Earl Hoyt Sr. setting up a small shop in St. Louis, Missouri. When they began this venture, their primary focus was on the sale of knives. Archery was a later addition to their list of specialties.
Hoyt Archery is currently a leading manufacturer of compound bows and situated in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are reputed worldwide for their novelty, reliability, and innovative approach.
Their company motto is “Get Serious. Get Hoyt”. So you can expect some heavy-duty products from this company.
Both target archers, as well as bowhunters, can count on sturdy bows from Hoyt Archery. Experienced archers and hunters can polish up their game hunting skills with some premium Hoyt bows. For those looking to outshine at competitions, Hoyt has got you covered in that regard as well.
Serious archers might also be interested to know that Olympians verify Hoyt bows. Their first-class bows are used on the Olympic level and by athletes who have won numerous gold medals. Hoyt bow users have won more gold medals than all the other companies put together.
Recently they released one of their best bows yet, known as Carbon RX-3. This bow is part of Hoyt’s REDWRX series, which is a newly developed lineup of archery sets. You can count on any of these sets since the REDWRX stamp is only given to bows after intensive testing.
REDWRX bows must pass all the quality standards for durability and speed. Hoyt bows come with the promise of maximum performance and are built with these standards in mind.
In addition, Carbon RX-3 is a fine piece of equipment that takes a turn for the innovative. It has a one of a kind riser which is built from more than 50 carbon layers. This benefits serious archers since it decreases the vibration level and keeps the bow lightweight. Furthermore, the bow is not only agile but also maintains stealth and low noise when fired.
Hoyt is a brand name that promises new technological advancement and upgraded design. However, the advantages it delivers through quality will cost you accordingly. Most of their equipment, including Carbon RX-3 at $1699, ranging from one thousand to a few thousand dollars.
2. Bowtech Archery
Bowtech Archery is a company that won’t let you down about quality. It is a deserving competitor brand that measures up to Hoyt’s reputation in the market. Experienced archers often prefer either of these two companies, given their proven worth in bow manufacturing.
This company was established a little bit later than Hoyt in 1999. The company’s founders were John Strasheim and Kevin Strother. They released their first bow back in 2000 and haven’t stopped progressing since then. Currently, they are situated in Eugene, Oregon, and their influence reaches far and wide.
Bowtech Archery prides themselves on their completely American manufacturing for all products. They work hard to maintain the trust of their customers. This means that their quality is ensured, and their products are user-friendly. Their manufacturing and sales are completely transparent in this regard.
This brand goes by their motto, “Refuse to Follow,” and are trendsetters true to their words. They are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation to utilize novel technological approaches. Their team consists of creative engineers and dedicated employees whose hard work is reflected in their services.
If you want to get an understanding of their products, RealmSR6 is an exemplary bow. It is the fastest bow to have ever been developed by Bowtech. Their other products are also highly specialized thanks to their famous Binary Cam System.
This is an intelligently developed technology that allows for the smoother drawing of bows. Archers can thus benefit from this system by maintaining speed and being at ease.
This radical Binary Cam System is used in RealmSR6 as well. It uses an upgraded combination with a unique Overdrive Binary Cam system. This makes the bow faster than ever and still highly comfortable to use. Archers using RealmSR6 are guaranteed to be using one of the smoothest bows on the market.
Bowtech is a reputed name due to its thoughtful customer services. They are so keen on assuring customer satisfaction that each product has a lifetime warranty. When buying from this company, you can be sure that you’re making a great investment.
It cannot be denied that Bowtech is a leading brand, and their prices show it too. Most Bowtech equipment can be pretty expensive, and RealmSR6 at $1700 falls in the few thousand dollars category as well. However, archers on a budget can rest assured that cheaper alternatives also exist from this company.
As far as outreach goes, Bowtech is used globally, and even on international platforms like the Olympics. Thanks to their revolutionary technological adjustments, customers rely on them repeatedly for the best bows.
3. Mathews Archery
This company was set up in 1992 in Austin, Minnesota, by Matt McPherson. The founder was adept at building bows from a young age. Having grown up in poverty, McPherson was unable to purchase a bow. As he made more and more bows, he began innovating and adding to his designs.
Mathews Archery began as just a local business run by McPherson and one other worker. Thanks to their dedicated work year after year, they built a name that has grown tremendously. At the moment, Mathew Archery is a world-renowned manufacturer of bows. They are well known for their quality, attention to detail, and high-class manufacturing.
Currently, Mathews Archery is located in Sparta, Wisconsin. Mathew McPherson is still at it with his radical innovations to bows, and every product is bound to be customized.
This brand lives by its slogan, “Elevating the archery experience.” Their contribution to archery equipment is undeniable given the game-changing technology they have repeatedly developed.
One such innovation is Single Cam technology, developed by the very founder of the company. Thanks to Single Cam technology, compound bows now have decreased recoil and lower noise output during shooting.
What makes Mathews Archery truly reputable, however, is their attitude towards customers. They believe in putting the clients first and striving to meet their needs. They operate according to their motto, “People first, business second,” ensuring the utmost satisfaction.
A great bow from this brand is the latest Vertix bow. It was launched just the previous year, making it their newest product. Not only does Vertix have favorable reviews, but also modernized design that makes it worthy of commendation.
Vertix is a bow best suited for hunting and has an upgraded Engage Grip feature. This makes it highly comfortable for archers to shoot with and decreases the bow torque to enhance its use.
Vertix also has a creative Switch Weight feature, which allows easy adjustment of weights. You can accommodate the weight to your personalized setting without manually having to change a thing. All you have to do is use the screw to get the right weight.
Given the quality, Mathews’s products cannot be expected to be cheap. However, they are not as high as those of Bowtech and Hoyt. This makes a high-quality brand from which you can buy reasonably priced bows.
Overall, this brand will continually cater to your needs as the customer, and you are bound to feel valued. There is no scope for disappointment when buying from Mathews.
4. Bear Archery
This is an interesting archery company because it had nothing to do with sports equipment products when it began. Bear Archery first began as an advertising company back in 1933. Fred Bear decided to establish this venture for advertising automotive brands, and it was called Bear Products Company.
With time, Fred Bear began to lose interest in the automobile industry and developed intrigue in the archery sector. Making bows was a hobby of his that he invested in during the free time. His handmade bows gradually became one of the products that were sold by the company.
Given Bear’s talent for the sport of archery, his inclination was already decided. He had won numerous target competitions in the field as well. Not to mention, he was a master bowhunter in addition to a star athlete.
As their demand for bows grew, they shifted from handmade products to mass production strategies. Their bows were developed from fiberglass instead of wood. Once they sold off their advertising venture, the company came into their own as Bear Archery. Eventually, they moved their operations to Michigan.
So, Bear’s legendary skills, the company has branded itself with the motto, “Walk Among Legends.”
Currently, Bear Archery is a fully dedicated archery brand that has made its name in the field. They are now headquartered in Gainesville, Florida, and manufacture countless bows annually. Their equipment is sought after and well known among archers these days.
Their specialization began in the area of recurve and longbows of the traditional variety. However, they are now a renowned brand when it comes to compound bow styles. Their youth bows are known to be of excellent quality, and you can’t go wrong with any such product.
Kuma 30 is one of their most recently made compound bows. Kuma stands for bear in the Japanese language and is also the name of Bear Archery’s famous collections. Kuma thirty delivers on the best that the Kuma collection has to offer. Its accuracy and effectiveness as a bow are exceptional and serves as a smaller and lighter version of Kuma models.
Not only can you count on Bear Archery for quality, innovation, and performance, but also versatility. With their diverse range of products that are also cost-effective. Archers can rest assured that they won’t exceed their budget.
Their most expensive bows are their adult bows, which can go up to $900. However, decent bows are available in the $200 and $300 range as well. For kids bows, you can find products as cheap as 20 to 30 dollars. For older children, bows can cost you anywhere from $70 to $200. This is great news for those who want affordability along with quality.
Every archer can find something at Bear Archery that suits their style. They will not have to compromise on comfort, technique, performance, or the budget as a result. Both beginners and senior archers are sure to find suitable options as well.
5. Elite Archery
If you’re looking for a newer company with modernized approaches, Elite Archery is the right pick. They are a young brand that began manufacturing just a few years ago. However, they have become quite influential in the field in this short period, and the market loves their products.
This company set itself up in 2005 in Walla Walla, Washington. They are currently headquartered in Rochester, NY. Over time, their worth and reputation has skyrocketed and remains steadily growing.
Elite Archery has branded itself as the manufacturers and sellers of the “World’s Most Shootable Bows.” Their motto happens to be “Speed without compromise,” and does ring true. Not to mention, their production takes place in the United States, without exceptions, making it a proud American brand.
The thing that makes their bows so efficient is their top of the line design. Elite Archery bows are known to have the lowest levels of post-shot vibrations and the least levels of hand shock. Their cams promise delicate release thanks to innovation in design. Additionally, you count on the smooth draw movements of their bows.
The other exceptional aspect of this brand is its lifetime warranty on every bow. If you’re still unsure, Elie has a bow trial for hunting. This means you get all the required gear to customize a bow for your exact preferences.
Your hunting bow will include rest, sight, and peep, all pre-installed. You can find the right draw weight and length you need as well. Everything is part of the package and offered to you within the given time limit before return.
2018 Elite Ritual is one of Elite’s most commonly sought after bows. This latest model combines convenience, speed, performance all in one product. Archers can’t get enough of it, and Elite Ritual is a highly popular product as a result.
What makes Elite Ritual so special is its exceptionally smooth draw cycle for any archer’s complete comfort. Furthermore, the speed is a whopping 335 ft/sec. This means you will be making no sacrifices on either performance or ease of use.
For archers on a budget, Elite Archery offers a wider range of prices. You can find bows that cost about $400 on the cheaper side. You can also purchase bows that go up to $1200 for more expensive choices.
Elite Archery has become a trusted brand despite its recent entry into the market. Their recurring high-quality delivery has made them one of the best brands to opt for.
6. PSE Archery
This company was established by Pete Shepley back in 1970. Shepley was enamored by archery and also an engineer. He began the company in Illinois, and it has grown since. Currently, it is headquartered in Arizona and is the biggest privately owned bow manufacturing brand in America. It is one of the biggest manufacturers of bows globally.
They are renowned for their high-quality bows that deliver on performance and speed. They were one of the first in the field to produce compound bows. PSE Archery still holds that their founder was one of the creators of the first optimum compound bow. This is what makes the compound bows one of their specialized products.
Seasoned archers would be interested to know that this brand has patents on more than twenty bow designs and innovations. PSE Archery is a company that has always been ahead when it comes to creative development within the field.
Research is at the core of its principle as a brand. Pete Shepley, the founder, and CEO holds that development and research are indispensable manufacturing stages. Shepley holds that PSE is dedicated to contributing to the entire industry of archery equipment through their progress.
PSE Throttle is a renowned bow by PSE and is considered one of the market’s speediest bows. It delivers a speed up to 370 ft/sec that experienced archers can maximize on.
Another one of their premium bows is PSE Stinger X. This is ranked as one of their best bows for beginner archers. Overall, this bow performs well in every aspect. It is both lights to use and has a smooth draw, along with enhanced speed.
Beginners will have no trouble with it, and the cams can be accommodated to your preference. This means that the absorption of vibration is significant, and comfort is high.
What makes this brand reliable isn’t just its history of production, but its proven quality. All their bows are guaranteed to perform exceptionally under all circumstances.
7. Prime Archery (G5 Outdoors)
This is a company founded by the parent company G5 Outdoors. G5 Outdoors was started by Louis Grace Senior and is a family-owned business. It began as Grace Engineering in Memphis, Michigan, in its inception.
In its initial stages, Grace Engineering was not a bow manufacturer and did not become one until the 1980s. This was after Louis Grace Jr. began running the company later on. They made their name in the industry through the broadhead they built for the archery market. This was the Montec broadhead and is still one of their best-selling products by G5 Outdoors.
As their popularity grew, they invested further into the field of archery gear and bow production. They become a reputed name in this sector and started 2 new archery brands under their name. Quest Bowhunting and Prime Archery came up and became a hit.
G5 Outdoors lives by their motto, “Designed to Hunt.” Their primary aim is to deliver archery equipment for bowhunters. Their premium quality bows are repeatedly measured for performance in this regard. G5 Outdoors thus prides themselves on their integrity and their roots as a family-owned business.
Prime Archery has launched multiple new archery series. One such popular lineup is Prime Logic CT3. The outstanding feature of this new series of bows is their Parallel Cam system. This new feature is a unique technological advancement that gives archers a better aim. The cams are more stable, and learning is not an issue, making you shot more accurately.
With a Prime Archery bow, you can count on your equipment for the best hunting experience. Rest assured that your overall shooting ability will be enhanced, and operations will be highly efficient.
8. Quest Bowhunting (G5 Outdoors)
G5 Outdoors is the parent company of Quest Bowhunting as well. It was started in 2009 and differed slightly from its twin company Prime Archery.
The main difference is the pricing of each company’s products. Prime Archery is a premium brand, but their equipment is also more pricey. Their products range from $700 to $1000. On the other hand, a quality Quest Bowhunting archery set will cost you around $300 to $500.
Although Prime Archery has high-end products, Quest Bowhunting is a good brand for a balanced bow mid-range.
Quest products are durable, easy to use, and highly comfortable for any archer. You can be guaranteed of their worth and value for money.
One of their quality bows is Quest Thrive, which was released as recently as 2018. This product is a primary example of quality and affordability. As a result, it is a popular bow on the market. The bow riser is constructed from 82X aluminum, making it the strongest and lightest build possible for any bow.
You can comfortably use Quest Thrive for bowhunting thanks to its speed and convenience. Reasonable pricing is naturally a plus.
Quest has got you covered for archers looking to get started or to find a more affordable brand.
9. Diamond Archery (Bowtech)
Bowtech Archery is already an established name, and Diamond Archery is a child company of theirs. The one drawback some might observe with Bowtech was that of excessive pricing. Despite being acclaimed and high-quality, Bowtech had unaffordable rates for most archers.
That is why Diamond Archery is a better pick for those looking to save. The price ranges are lower and range from $200 to $500. Since Diamond Archery is an offshoot brand of Bowtech, they maintain quality while lowering these prices.
Infinite Edge is a popular best-seller from this brand. Its latest model is an upgraded design that goes by the name Infinite Edge Pro. Infinite Edge Pro is a new and improved version with flawless manufacturing.
Infinite Edge Pro is a quality bow thanks to its long draw length that makes it suitable for all kinds of archers. It has a cam system that is upgraded for immense comfort and smoothness. The added stabilizer helps to streamline your shooting as well.
The best part is that Diamond Archery has plenty of varying bows to pick from. All these options are built for customer satisfaction, with the highest quality and extremely reasonable pricing.
Endnotes
It should be noted that there are plenty of other quality archery companies to choose from. However, if you’re looking for the best, then these 9 companies are the way to go. With the information, you have on their services, history, and values, buying can become a little easier. Pick your brand and join the exciting world of archery!
