Compound bows being together the ingenuity and technology of the 21st century to the tools of the stone age. Few things reflect how far we’ve come and how right we were in the past.
Selecting the right compound bow for your needs similarly combines the problems of many options and price point. Shopping at a store often lacks in-depth information, just technical jargon.
While many options exist for 2018 compound bow choice, some rise above the others. We’ll give you a rundown on what features excel, and which run into diminishing returns territory.
We understand that no one product will fit every user. So in that spirit, just like last year, we will list the compound bow for each of three categories.
- Best Beginner
- Best Pro
- Best for Women
Now, let’s have a look.
2018 Compound Bow Offerings
Each year companies tweak their designs and manufacturing processes to improve the quality of products. Some staple components and features need to be understood to find the best 2018 compound bow.
Generally, a compound bow’s performance gets judged on a few key elements.
- Portability
- Speed
- Draw Weight
- Quality/Durability
- Price
- Purpose
These ordering of these elements isn’t so important, different people will care more about one than another. Read on for full descriptions.
Portability
Firing off a big Japanese style yumi may feel impressive, but it doesn’t lend itself to hunting in tough terrain.
A compound bow offers superior performance in a small package. Look for the smallest bow that offers the features and power desired.
Also, keep in mind the dimensions and accessories. A great bow that gets hung up on a tree won’t do a lick of good in taking down a target.
Speed
Cams on a 2018 compound bow transfer power allowing for a better draw.
Two considerations need to be made about what performance you want out of a cam. One is speed, the other is draw weight.
The speed of an arrow leaving the bow effects accuracy, drop, and spin. Getting the right bow involves knowing what purpose the bow will be used for. Target shooting requires better speed than hunting.
Knowing what arrows will be used and their performance also helps.
Draw Weight
Much like speed, this feature comes from the performance of the cams. Draw weight reflects the maximum draw force. More force on the draw will put more force on an arrow.
Heavier draw weights aid in hunting, where the power of the impact matters. Target shooting and exhibition relies more on speed than draw weight.
Keep in mind arrows when selecting draw weight, a bow with too much power will warp or break weaker arrows.
Quality/Durability
A 2018 compound bow should last more than one season. The quality and durability of the materials should hold up to years of wear and thousands of shots.
While the cams may need to be serviced, and the string replaced on occasion, the frame should last for years. Look for common materials such as carbon fiber, aluminum, and titanium in the frame.
Price
The best 2018 compound bow won’t’ come at the highest price. Price point doesn’t reflect quality, it sometimes just reflects branding or new features without a tried and true history.
When shopping for a bow remember that the majority of compound bows come in under a $400 price point.
Purpose
Finally, consider what your 2018 compound bow will be used for. Don’t pay for features that you can’t use, or won’t assist with your purpose Stay mindful that some features help a lot, but not in a lot of situations.
Best Beginner
The Bear Archery Cruzer reflects the best in beginning archery features. This pick for best 2018 compound bow for beginners earns its place from its versatility.
An adjustable draw weight between 5-70 pounds provides a solid upgrade and learning curve. The adjustable length feature gives room to grow and change. Finally, the let off provides the ability to utilize a variety of different arrow sizes.
Price points hover around $300. The frame material uses aluminum for durability and portability. The double cams give a smooth draw and provide a lot of power for a starter kit.
The biggest drawback of this compound bow is that it doesn’t have the next level features that experienced and pro archers look for.
Best Pro
The Diamond by Bowtech Core wins out over close competition to be the best pro use 2018 compound bow.
Ironically, one of the selling points of the bow is the RAK package which allows out-of-the-box use with no extra set up. Most pros will immediately reset to their preference, but it is a nice touch if you don’t have time to tweak and set up before a hunt.
The draw weight adjusts between 40-70 pounds. The draw weight and length both can be adjusted without changing out the cams, which allows better on-the-fly shifts.
The arrow speeds can clock in at over 310 feet per second for accuracy.
The largest drawback of the bow comes from the arrow rest, which can be tricky to use. This won’t bother most pros but can cause frustration.
Best for Women
Finding the best 2018 compound bow for women has never been easier. Every year companies are seeing the potential and market growth of women entering hunting and archery fields. So more bows now have a female or ‘sister’ equivalent coming down the line.
This year, the Bowtech Carbon Rose reflects the best in tech.
The draw weight adjusts between 30-60 pounds providing the right amount of power in a shorter draw length. Arrow speeds top out just over 300 feet per second.
The axle to axle length fits better for women’s reach and height. The grip works comfortably for smaller hands.
This bow works great for beginners or pros with adjustability and a power curve. The manufacturer also supports a variety of kits to get the bow from bare to loaded quickly.
More Reviews
Check out our site for more reviews and information on the exciting world of compound bows and archery. We are always looking for stories and recommendations. Drop us a line and see if you have what we are looking for.
Don’t just shop around, get the best in reviews and information before you get lost in the woods.
