Best Compound Bows For Target Shooting – 2021 Review

| Last Updated December 21, 2021

If you are new to bow hunting and you walk into a bow shop, then you will get intimidated easily.

Bows are available in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and they even have their own features and sets with them. So where do you start?

Well, the style of bow you purchase has a significant impact on how accurately you hit the target, particularly as a beginner. For this reason, you need to get the best compound bow. Here’s all you need to know to find the right pick.

Comparison of the Best Compound Bows For Target Shooting

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • It is incredibly versatile
  • 30-70 lbs draw weight
  • 30” axle-to-axle bow length
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  • It delivers strikes over a distance of 60 feet
  • 30-55 lbs draw weight
  • 28" axle-to-axle bow length
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  • Manufactured to be used by all ages
  • 30-70 lbs draw weight
  • 30" axle-to-axle bow length
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What Size of Compound Bow Do I Need?

When entering into archery, finding the right size of the bow for yourself is very important. You can find these bows available in different ranges starting from 48 inches to 72 inches. So the question arises, which size should you buy? Calculating this is very easy. To figure out the size of our bow, you must first know what your draw length is.

The draw length, in easy terms, is simply the distance that you’re able to draw your bow properly. Once you have measured the draw length, you can find out the bow size with ease. If your draw length falls in 14 to 16 inches, then you need a bow length of 48 inches. Similarly, if your length is 17 to 20, then the bow length must be 54 inches.

Bow Size Chart

Draw Length (Inches)

Bow Length (Inches)

30+

70-72

28-30

68-70

26-28

66-68

24-26

64-66

22-24

62

20-22

58

What Makes a Great Compound Bow For Target Shooting?

When choosing the best bow for target shooting, you need to look for many different features. Each of these features helps in determining how good the bow actually is. These include:

Axle to Axle Length

This feature of the bow defines its pulley system. The axle to axle dimension is simply the distance from the center of the bottom cam (wheels) to the center of the top cam. This distance helps in determining the length of the compound bows. Usually, the longer this distance, the longer the compound bows, and these long ones are easier to use, aim, and are also more accurate.

The shorter the axle distance, the shorter the bows and these bows are only good for bow-hunting. If you need a bow for target shooting, then go for a longer axle length as they are more precise.

Brace Height

The brace height is the width of the unit. It is simply the distance from the back of the grip of the unit to the bowstring. However, this distance must be measured when the bowstring is not drawn.

Brace height is a very important feature. Bows that have a short brace height tend to shoot the arrows with great velocity. On the other hand, longer brace height bows shoot slower arrows, but they have more accuracy. This is a trade-off that every archer must deal with.

Feet Per Second

Feet per second is usually known as FPS and is the measurement of how quick your arrow flies. This is very important for target archers since they would like to shoot an arrow accurately and slowly rather than quickly through the air, but without accuracy. This FPS is essential for bow-hunters who want their arrows to reach their target before it runs away.

Try to look for a compound bow that has an FPS of 270, 300 or even 310.

Simple Accessories

Many bow manufacturers tend to add in more accessories. Some of these options include sights, rests, stabilizers, and many other products that you can easily hang off of your bow.

Draw Weight

Before buying a bow, it is important to note if the unit tests the upper limits of your strength, then it will most likely provide you with poor results. Just because you are able to draw a bow that weighs 70 pounds, it does not make it the perfect choice.

So, make sure to choose a bow that can adjust to your weight and allow you to draw comfortably. Keep in mind that if you start with a bow that needs a lot of force, then it will make you use the bow inaccurately.

Key Terms to Know 

To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.

  • Draw Weight: This is the amount of force necessary to draw a bow and is measured in pounds.
     
  • Axle-to-Axle Bow Length: The distance between the cams of a compound bow.
     
  • IBO or ATA Speed (ft/sec): IBO speed is a speed metric used by the International Bowhunters Organization and is based on shots fired at 80 lb draw weight with a 400 gr arrow at maximized draw length. ATA is a speed metric used by the Archery Trade Association and is based on a 70 lb draw weight with a 350 gr arrow at a 30-inch draw length.

  • Draw Length Range: This represents the distance from the nocking point on the string at full draw to the deepest part of the grip (called the throat) + 1.75 inches. 

  • Brace Height: The distance between the string and the throat (deepest part) of the grip when the bow is at rest. 

  • Let Off: Draw weight reduction (expressed as a percentage) at full draw.

  • Hand Orientation: Corresponds to your dominant hand.

Review of the Best Compound Bows For Target Shooting

To find the best compound bow for target shooting, you need to go through plenty of reviews, pros and cons and their best features in order to come to a conclusion. However, we’ve made this task easier for you by reviewing some of our favorite picks.

Best Overall:
RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow Kit

Raptor Compound Bow Kit: Left Hand - USA Limbs - Fully Adjustable 24.5-31” Draw - 30-70LB Pull - High-Speed Aluminum Cams 315 FPS - Accessories and Install Video Included

PROS

  • The Let-Off is 75%
  • Great Specs
  • Has a Wide Draw Weight Range

CONS

  • The Axle to Axle Distance on This Unit is Short

Raptor Compound is the best overall compound bow present in the market. This unit is a rare option and is the best product for new archers. It is also very adaptable, and for this reason, it is a good choice for target hunting and shooting. It has a number of features that make it good for new archers that include an adjustable draw weight that can go as low as 30 pounds and all the way up to 70 pounds.

The length of this bow’s draw can also be attuned from 24.5 inches to 31 inches, making this unit perfect for shorter people as well as tall ones. Moreover, Raptor Compound comes with a gear that includes a stabilizer, 5 pin bow sight, whisker biscuit arrow rest, and a quiver. As a beginner, understanding all this gear may take some time, but once you get it, you’ll be glad you made the investment.

In addition to all this, this unit has some specs that make it ideal for hunting, especially when it is shot at full strength. It can cover 315 feet per second, which is very good for a compound bow of this caliber. The total weight of this bow is 3.6 pounds, which brings along two benefits. One is that it reduces the aiming time, and second is that they won’t tire out your arm as heavy bows do.

Finally, this bow has a let off of only 75%, and when your bow is drawn even at full, you will have to use less energy. This, along with the versatility this bow, makes it the ideal purchase. The only concern is that it comes with a shorter axle to axle distance length, which is only 30 inches, making it difficult to aim.

Bottom Line

This Raptor Compound is a great and versatile compound bow that is good for new archers and is also very adaptable. Apart from a short axle to axle distance, this unit is the complete package.

Product Specs

Draw Weight:

30-70 lbs

Axle-to-Axle Bow Length:

30”

IBO Speed (ft/sec):

315

Draw Length Range:

24.5-31”

Brace Height:

7.5"

Let Off:

Hand Orientation:

75%

Left

Best for the Money:
iGlow 30-55 lbs Compound Bow

iGlow 30-55 lbs Black Archery Hunting Compound Bow 175 150 70 55 40 30 lb Crossbow

PROS

  • Very Affordable and Reliable Unit
  • Allows You to use the Drilled Holes for the Quiver

CONS

  • You will Need to Invest in Accessories With this Unit

iGlow Compound Bow is an exceptional bow for teens, adults, and beginners since they do not want to spend an arm and leg in order to own one. This unit is the best in terms of money and also has exceptional features that make it stand out. It is available for right-handed users only, which means that you hold it with your left hand and then pull the string back using your right.

This product comes fully assembled, and you can set it to the maximum setting, which Is 55 lbs. draw weight and the draw length is 29”. If your length exceeds this, then this is not the model for you. Even though this model comes without a quiver, there are many pre-drilled standardized holes present in the riser for you to add more in.

Another great feature is the additional weight this unit comes with. This weight helps in increasing the accuracy of your target and in stabilizing the overall process of shooting. This weight acts as a stabilizer and is not very heavy. Even though this unit does not come with a peep sight, the string present with this unit can be split easily. So you can add one that fits you and the way you shoot.

Furthermore, this bow is incredibly light and weighs only four lbs. The grip of this bow is protected with slide-free foam, ensuring that you get a comfortable grip on this product. Also, the bow has a rust-resistant coating on it, which also makes it very durable. In addition, the camouflage pattern allows it to camouflage while hunting, making the bow less visible to your target.

Moreover, this bow delivers at very far distances, and its overall structure is stable and good. This product also does not bend or break easily since it has an all-aluminum composition. So, once you buy this, you can relax because it hits your target with accuracy and executes it smoothly.

Bottom Line

This is a great unit overall and has all the features that a more expensive model has. It does lack accessories, but once you become familiar with this product, you can also opt for additional ones separately.

Product Specs

Draw Weight:

30-55 lbs

Axle-to-Axle Bow Length:

28"

IBO Speed (ft/sec):

296

Draw Length Range:

19-29"

Brace Height:

7.5”

Let Off:

Hand Orientation:

70%

Right

Editor's Pick:
Predator Archery Raptor

PROS

  • Has an axle length of 30’’ and weighs about 3.6 pounds
  • Can adjust draw weight of 30 to 70 lbs without needing a bow press
  • Cams and modules are zero plastic and completely machined aluminum
  • Offers a leading warranty program that covers any manufacturing defect
  • Features a split yoke tuning system that allows proper arrow flight by offering precise adjustments

CONS

  • Some buyers find that the instructions provided aren’t enough for newbies

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers are very happy with this product. They find it to be incredibly well-constructed and highly convenient to use, given its precise adjustments that enable proper arrow flight. Furthermore, it also has an incredible warranty program, which makes it durable and a long-term investment.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The incredible warranty it offers, combined with all the wonderful features it has, made this compound bow a catch. It features a split woke tuning system that enables proper arrow flight by providing precise adjustments. Furthermore, it has cam and modules made out of machined aluminum.

Bottom Line

In all, this wonderful compound bow is the result of excellent quality and construction. It isn’t just incredibly reliable but also an affordable option. If one doesn’t want to compromise on quality yet wants a decent compound bow, this particular one is a great investment.

Product Specs

Draw Weight:

30-70 lbs

Axle-to-Axle Bow Length:

30”

IBO Speed (ft/sec):

315

Draw Length Range:

24.5-31”

Brace Height:

7.5"

Let Off:

Hand Orientation:

75%

Left & Right

4. Leader Accessories Compound Bow 50-70lbs 25" - 31"

Leader Accessories Compound Bow Hunting Bow 50-70lbs with Max Speed 310fps, Autumn Camo

PROS

  • Easy to Use
  • Made with Solid and Premium Quality Construction
  • Comes with a Lot of Additional Items, Making it the Complete Package.

CONS

  • Bow Sight Comes with Only Two Pins
  • Only Ideal for Right-Handed People

This Leader Accessories Compound Bow is a product that every beginner and novice must have when starting archery. Archery is no doubt a very gear-heavy activity, and starting such activity is very difficult. However, it does not take long for you to figure out the gear that you need and how you need to use it.

This bow makes this easy for you since it comes with the essential gear that you need. Apart from the bow itself, this unit comes with 12 additional arrows, a bow sight, bow release, arrow rest, and stabilizer. Also included are a soft case for storing it, quiver, and many other pieces that most of the kits overlook today. Even though this bow sight comes with only two pins, the amount of gear and performance of the bow makes it easy to overlook this.

The only thing that this unit does not have is the support for the target face, and this is something that you will have to invest in additionally. Other than that, this unit is complete in its own way and has plenty of things that manufacturers today do not provide to the customers.

Also, this is a surprising, very durable, and premium quality bow. It also has amazing specs such as an adjustable draw length; this length can be adjusted from 25 to 31 inches easily. Moreover, it covers a remarkable 310 feet per second and has a let-off of 80%.

Furthermore, the axle to axle length is 31.5 inches. Even though the draw weight is 50 to 70 pounds, this is perfect for target shooting and comes in as a close second on our list.

Bottom Line

If you are searching for a premium quality bow and do not want to invest in additional gear, then this unit is perfect for you. However, only buy this if you hunt with your right hand. Other than that, it has great specs, is ideal for target shooting, and is also long-lasting.

Product Specs

Draw Weight:

50-75 lbs

Axle-to-Axle Bow Length:

31”

Speed (ft/sec):

310

Draw Length Range:

25-31"

Brace Height:

7.5"

Let Off:

Hand Orientation:

80%

Right

Best for Women:
Compound Bow for Women, 19”-30”,10-50Lbs

PROS

  • Has an FPS of 320
  • Has an Adjustable Draw Length
  • Comes with a Set of Accessories

CONS

  • Only for Right-Handed Shooters
  • You will have to Learn How to Install the Accessories Yourself

This Compound Bow is particularly designed for right-handed women and is made from premium and high-quality materials. It comes with a feet per second of 320 which is incredibly good and has an axle to axle distance of 28”. The draw length can also be adjusted easily even though it comes without any bow press. The draw weight is 10-50 lbs, and it even has a very good let-off, which is 80%.

Since the weight of this entire product is only 3.31lb, it can be handled by women with ease. The material used is aluminum bow riser, which makes it robust and strong.

The best part about it is that it does not come alone. It comes with a pack of accessories that include a brush arrow rest, fine pin optical bow sight, a braided bow sling, peeps sight, allen keys, arrow puller, six arrow quiver, bow stand, and a string bow. These accessories included are worth over $200.

Overall, this is a good bow and has all the features that many expensive ones today have.

Bottom Line

This is a great compound bow for women since it has all the features you may need. It comes with an adjustable bow length that makes it ideal for women. Plus, its low weight makes it easier to handle.

Product Specs

Draw Weight:

10-50 lbs

Axle-to-Axle Bow Length:

28”

IBO Speed (ft/sec):

320

Draw Length Range:

19-30”

Brace Height:

7"

Let Off:

Hand Orientation:

80%

Right

Best for Youth (Kids):
Genesis Bows Original Youth Bow

PROS

  • Long Lasting Product
  • Can be Used By Anyone
  • The Draw Weight can be Adjusted Easily
  • Has an Aluminum Coating that Makes it Durable

CONS

  • This Bow has no Sights on it
  • The Mounting Location is Not Adjustable

Genesis Compound Bow is the perfect one for today’s youth. This unit comes in both left handed and right handed variations. It is assembled fully and can be used right away. Even though the draw weight is set to the max and is 20 lbs, you can lower this weight down easily for your kids. This model is a bare bow and does not come with all of the bells and whistles.  However, it does have a NAP flipper style arrow rest, making it ideal for the kids.

This bow is available in twelve different colors, and you can choose the color your kids like. Since it has no draw length specified, you do not have to worry about your kids outgrowing it. This gives you peace of mind and also allows you to relax since you won’t have to buy your kids a new one anytime soon. Another good thing about it is that it comes with everything that your kids need to learn shooting.

Moreover, since it is made from aluminum, it can’t be damaged easily, allowing your kids to use this product as roughly as they want. Apart from being made from aluminum, this unit also has a molded grip and a wire guard, which is stainless steel. The best part about it is that you do not have to measure it, which means it can be used by anyone easily.

Bottom Line

Overall, this bow is a must buy for kids and beginners. In fact, it is not only for youth, but it can also be used by grownups as well. This is a flexible and adjustable unit, which makes it perfect for buying it.

Product Specs

Draw Weight:

10-20 lbs

Axle-to-Axle Bow Length:

35.5"

IBO Speed (ft/sec):

170

Draw Length Range:

15-30"

Brace Height:

7.63"

Let Off:

Hand Orientation:

0%

Right

Can You Really Find a Quality Compound Bow That’s Affordable?

Yes, it is possible to find a good quality compound bow that is affordable at the same time. Archery equipment can be expensive as it is created to be durable and is constructed out of top-notch materials. However, the budget shouldn’t put one off from buying a compound bow as there are plenty of affordable options within $200.  

People are often under the impression that buying a cheap product means compromising quality; however, that isn’t the case. If you are someone who’s starting out with archery and wants to learn before moving on to more professional models, buying an affordable yet good quality compound bow would be a great investment. 

How to Build an Archery Target For a Compound Bow

It is very fruitful to make an archery target yourself. In order to make an archery target, here’s what you must do: 

  1. The first thing you need is scrap wood. You can get that from old furniture, but make sure you take out all the screws before you start cutting it up. 

  2. You can then go ahead and cut the wood into pieces according to the plan you have in mind for the target. You can easily use the material you have on hand or modify the dimensions according to how big or small you want the target to be. 

  3. In order to put the frames together, use pocket holes to put them together. The other method to do so would be to use a biscuit joiner and glue the pieces together, which works too; however, it would require you to wait till the parts dry.

  4. On screwing and gluing all the butt joints together, you will have two 34-inch square frames. You can then paint these so they can dry while you work on the next part of the target. 

  5. Next, using the two by four pieces, make two more square frames that will be on the inside of the target.

  6. In order to make the target's face, you can use an old grain sack, which will be what the arrows punch throw once they are shot. Cut the grain sack and staple it to the face frame, which was made first. Make sure to stretch the material as you staple it and start with one side at a time. You need to do two sheets so that the face is stronger. 

  7. Now, take the face frame you stapled the grain sack on and screw it down into one of the internal frames. 

  8. Next, take the outer sheets of worn-out OSBs, which will hold the entire thing together and start screwing them to the prepared two by fours starting with the side sheets and then the bottom and top sheets. 

  9. This prepared target is pretty big; thus, adding a wheel on it from an old grill could be helpful in moving it around. The target is ready!

In case you find yourself confused or are unable to follow the instructions, feel free to check out the video below. It surely will help you clear out any confusion you may have. 

Conclusion

Compound bows are the ideal choice for beginners and are the best choice for target shooting. Reviewed above are five of the best ones you can opt for, or you can use our buying guide to find one which ticks all your boxes!

People Also Ask

When it comes to buying the best compound bows, people often get confused about certain things. It can be a pretty hefty investment; therefore, it needs to be well-researched. Thus, we decided to answer some of our most frequently asked questions to clear out any confusion you may have. 

Can You Use a Hunting Bow For Target Shooting?

This truly depends upon your skillset. One needs to understand that there are obvious differences between a hunting bow and a target bow; however, both can be used for hunting if one is careful and skillful enough to do so. 

How Far Can a Compound Bow Shoot?

If we are to talk strictly numbers, then a compound bow is capable of shooting over 1000 feet. The recorded value of the farthest shot made using a compound bow is 930.40 feet. There is a term known as an effective range within which most archers stay in. It is about 30 to 40 yards. 

How Accurate Are Compound Bows?

The construction and design of a compound bow make it highly accurate. Such bows have string loop knots between which the arrow sits. Furthermore, the fact that string loops hold the release on the exact place with every shot makes compound bows more accurate. 

Do I Need Special Arrows For Target Shooting?

One of the most important things to remember while shopping for arrows is how they are constructed. They need to be made out of sturdy and strong material like carbon that allows them to penetrate well and last long. Spine and mass weight are also factors to take into consideration.

How Fast Does a Compound Bow Shoot an Arrow?

Compound bows can shoot arrows at a fast speed of up to 300 feet per second. The speed depends upon how much deviation the wind causes and how flat the flight trajectory is. 



My name is Caleb and I am obsessed with hunting, fishing, and foraging. To be successful, you have to think like your prey. You have to get into the mind of your target - and understand Big Game Logic. If you have any questions, or just want chat about your latest hunting score or big catch, you can reach me at admin@biggamelogic.com. Read more about Big Game Logic.