Top Compound Bows

As voted on in Field & Stream, we've listed the best compound bows for the money. As with all reviews/ratings, they are subject to people's opinions so don't take these recommendations as the final say. There are many great bows available that we list every day.

BowTech - The General (check availability)

The General is a great bow that lets you shoot accurately, consistently, and with good speed. Felt recoil was pretty much nonexistent. For tree stand hunters, the General is deadly.

It's a bit heavy at 4.5lbs., but for those of you that like to shoot a great natural feeling bow, there's nothing better.

Weight: 4.5 lb
Length: 31 3/16"
Brace Height: 8.25"
Speed: 267 fps
Noise: 47dbA
Draw Cycle: 6.75
Vibration: 10
Back Wall: 8.5
Balance/Grip: 8
Wow Factor: 8.25

Fred Bear - The Truth 2 (check availability)

The Truth was a great value when it came out and now with the Truth 2 there are enough improvements to make it even a better buy.

Weight: 3.9 lb
Length: 33"
Brace Height: 7"
Speed: 270 fps
Noise: 48.3 dbA
Draw Cycle: 7.7
Vibration: 7
Back Wall: 8.2
Balance/grip: 5.5
Wow Factor: 6

PSE - X Force Dream Season HF (check availability)

Easily one of the fastest bows tested. It has a solid back wall and very good balance. On the downside however, the draw cycle is a bit rough and the noise level is kind of high.

Weight: 4.1 lb
Length: 33"
Brace Height: 7"
Speed: 291 fps
Noise: 67 dbA
Draw Cycle: 5.5
Vibration: 5.7
Back Wall: 7.5
Balance/Grip: 7
Wow Factor: 6.5

Hoyt - Katera (check availability)

Another very fast bow, the Katera offers a very good draw and shoot. That's not an easy combination to pull off, but it does a good job at both. Its main drawback is its weight.

Weight: 4.5 lb
Length: 33"
Brace Height: 6"
Speed: 284 fps
Noise: 60.6 dbA
Draw Cycle: 7.25
Vibration: 8
Back Wall: 8
Balance/Grip: 7.2
Wow Factor: 7.2

Mathews - DXT (check availability)

On par with The General from BowTech, the DXT has a smooth draw, balance, and speed. Great combination in a bow that weighs under 4lbs.

Weight: 3.75 lb
Length: 29.75"
Brace Height: 7"
Speed: 276 fps
Noise: 47.3 dbA
Draw Cycle: 8.25
Vibration: 8
Back Wall: 8.5
Balance/Grip: 8.5
Wow Factor: 8