So, you’re in the market for a bow and want a recommendation of the 3 best compound bows for beginners?

I’m going to give you my recommendations based on my personal experience, but before you even start looking for a beginner compound bow, there are some things you need to consider.

Buying a compound bow is a REALLY personal purchase.  There are so many factors that go into the purchase and all different archery bow types to consider.  I want to make sure you make a well-informed decision that’s right FOR you before you drop that much cash!

Set aside a few minutes to read through this article and make sure you go into this purchase with the knowledge you need so you don’t waste your time and money on the wrong bow.

Here are the main factors to consider when you go bow shopping.

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Budget

Bows can range from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars. 

And there are costs associated with buying a bow that doesn’t include the cost of the bow itself, such as the gear you need to get started. 

Other than the bow itself, you need:

• Arrows
• Field tips
• Sight
• Rest
• Release
• Bow case
• Quiver to hold arrows

You’ll also likely want a target and if you’re hunting, you’ll need broadheads for your arrow and a good quality rangefinder.

This is just the bare minimum.  Depending on what type of hunting you intend to do, you may also want to get extra gear for that specific type of hunting.  If you never intend to hunt, you may want to invest in a variety of targets.

Make sure you take all of these extra costs into consideration when you purchase a bow.

Maintenance Costs

You will likely need annual maintenance on your bow, depending on how much you use it.  The cost depends on where you take it and if you need to have your compound bow string replaced or not.   

Intended Use of the Compound Bow for Beginners

What you intend to use your bow for will have a huge impact on what type of beginner bow you buy. 

Give some consideration to what you want to do with it.  Will you be hunting or just shooting targets.  If you ARE hunting, what sort of game do you intend to hunt?

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Don’t Buy Used Compound Bows Online

Do not buy used compound bows online unless you have tried it out and are 100% certain it’s what you want.  Even then, you’ll want to have it tweaked to your specs and unless you have the know-how and the equipment to do it yourself, you’ll have to take it to a bow shop anyway.

Call your local bow shop and arrange a time to try out some bows.  Then it’s only fair that if they take the time to show you all of that, then you should buy your bow from them. 

You can’t expect a bow shop to set up your beginner bow for free if you bought it somewhere else, so you might consider if you are saving any money buying it online.

And, if you buy from and work with a pro shop, you build a great relationship that is invaluable to your long-term needs.

In the future, when you’re more experienced, you can start buying bows online, but until you know how to test it and make sure you’re not getting scammed, you’ll want to talk to an expert.

Also, you’ll probably be relying on your local bow shop for things like:

• Yearly maintenance
• Replacement of bow strings
• Advice
• Gear recommendations
• And more

So, you’ll want to get familiar with your local experts.

When you go to a bow shop, they’ll teach you things like:

• How to shoot a bow
• All different types of bows
• The best bow for women
• The best compound bow for the money – quality vs. budget
• How to get started
• The best hunting bow
• The best bow for target shooting
• Parts of a bow and arrow
• Compound bow reviews from other customers
• And more…

They will also fit your bow to your specifications.

Don’t Rush Your Way Through This Process

Buying a bow is a long-term investment and you want to make sure you get the right equipment for you and your body.  When you’re looking for the best compound bow for beginners, don’t rush through this process.  Take your time and get the right equipment the first time.

What to Look For in a Beginner Bow

Here’s what you (and your local bow shop) will be looking at to fit you into the right bow.

Draw Length

The draw length is essentially how far you can pull it back before it stops.  This is an important factor in fitting a compound bow to your body, so you’ll want to get this right the first time.

Draw Weight

Draw weight is how much poundage it takes to draw the bow back.  It’s generally a range of about 10lbs. (ex. 50lbs to 60lbs, 60lbs to 70lbs, etc…).

Bow Weight

If you are dealing with high winds, you’ll want a heavier bow, but if you are traveling quite a bit with your bow, you may want a lighter carbon fiber model. 

This is, again, why it’s important to consult with your local bow shop

Beware of Buying Used

When you’re first starting, be cautious when you’re looking for a used bow online.  You don’t know what you don’t know. 

I recommend you call up your local bow shop and ask them when you could come in and shoot a few bows.

Do Brands Matter?

In all cases, across every industry, some brands produce better quality than others.

That being said, it is WAY more important to get a bow that fits you properly than it is to buy a bow based on the brand alone.

There are so many different styles of bows, it’s best to go try a few out.

Best Compound Bows for Beginners – My Recommendations

The following are my recommendations for women’s bows for beginners.  I haven’t used all of them, but based on my experience, if I was starting all over, these are my top choices.

But remember, you want to get yourself into a bow shop, make a relationship with the experts, and get properly fitted.  When you go in, you can ask about these specific models to see if they are a good fit.

My Favorite Bow – Bowtech’s Eva Shockey Signature Series bow

This is the bow that I’m currently using, and it’s been my favorite to date.

It’s one of the lightest bows available, just barebow is 3.3 pounds. It has a smaller grip, a very smooth draw, and an easy break-over.

If you intend to travel with your bow you’ll be thankful for the lighter weight and easy it is to carry around.

I have noticed that if it’s windy and I’m trying to shoot, it’s sometimes difficult to settle in due to being so light. That’s why I’ve added a bit of weight to mine. But overall, I love this bow.

Since buying my Eva Shockey bow a few years ago, Bowtech has come out with the Eva Shockey Gen 2 bow. If you get your hands on one you won’t want to let it go.

A Popular Compound Bow for Beginners – Bowtech Diamond Infinite Edge Pro Bow Package

A less expensive bow that has gotten good reviews is the Bowtech Diamond Infinite Edge Bow.

It’s extremely adjustable from 5-70 pounds. Nice size for women and/or kids, a lighter weight, and smaller grip. This bow would make a great starter bow for a new archer.

The Elite Ember: Another Great Compound Bow for Beginners

The Elite Ember is another bow I’d recommend for a newbie. This bow is also lightweight with a smaller grip. I shot this bow a while back when a friend, Camron, was looking for a new bow.

She had her choice narrowed down between my bow (Shockey – mentioned above) and this one. For her, the Ember felt better and fit her better. I have to agree with her because it did have a very smooth draw. I would certainly consider this one if I were looking for another bow.

How to Pick the Best Compound Bow for Beginners That’s Right for You

Listen to your gut when you’re shopping for a bow.  Call your local bow shop and ask them when you can come in to see the different types of bows.  They will show you the best bow for women that they have, fit you to the right bow, and help you get all the right equipment. 

If you aren’t sure while at the bow shop, jot down what they recommend, go home, and check out some compound bow reviews online. 

You’ll want to make sure you get a bow that can last you a long time.  It’s a big investment and you’ll want to be sure you give careful thought to every aspect of it before you jump in headfirst. 

When you do finally make the investment and get yourself the perfect compound bow, leave a comment and tell me what you ended up getting.  I always love hearing from you!

Happy shooting!