Deadly Dozen: The Best Budget Bows on the Market

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After nearly 35 years of bowhunting, I still remember the first bow I bought with my own, hard-earned cash — a Martin Firecat. I loved that bow, hunting with it for more than a decade. I don’t recall every compound I’ve toted over the years, but I’ll never forget that Martin, or the excitement I felt when I handed the pro shop employee several hundred dollars I’d saved up over a year so I could finally take that bow home with me after placing it on layaway.

Well, times have certainly changed. Everything — and I mean everything — has gone up substantially in price over the past quarter century. Compound bows are certainly no exception, with most brands’ new “flagship” models now costing $1,500 or more, a far cry from the “several hundred dollars” mentioned above.

So, what’s a bowhunter on a budget to do? Well, don’t fret, as there are still plenty of excellent hunting bow options for $850 or less. Some, such as the new Bear Whitetail INT RTH and Elite Basin RTS, come as fully accessorized packages that make it easy to hit the range and head afield. Other models, such as the Diamond Pro MAX by Bowtech, Mission MXR by Mathews and Hoyt Torrex, feature many of the same, game-changing technologies these industry leaders developed over the years for their higher-end models.

Whether you are searching for a starter bow for a family member who wants to give bowhunting a try or you’re on the hunt for an awesome yet affordable new rig for yourself, here are a dozen options we recommend.

Bear Whitetail INT RTH

My first bow was a Bear Whitetail handed down to me by my uncle Stash. So, I’ve always had a soft spot for Bear Archery and this iconic model. This year, Bear continues the legacy with the new Bear Whitetail INT that offers a variety of bowhunter-friendly features and is also available as a Ready To Hunt (RTH) package. For starters, the Whitetail INT sports Bear’s EKO cam system and new roller cable-guard system, resulting in a super-smooth draw cycle and advertised IBO speeds up to 339 fps. Plus, KillerWave limb dampeners help with vibration and noise.

The Whitetail INT measures 31 inches between the axles, comes in 45-60 and 55-70-pound draw-weight options, has a 6.5-inch brace height, adjustable draw length of 26-30 inches and adjustable letoff from 75-90 percent. It’s available in right- and left-handed models in five solid-color and camouflage finish options, including Mossy Oak Bottomland. Opting for the RTH package gets you a Trophy Ridge IMS V-Biscuit rest, Picatinny-mounted 4-pin sight, 5-arrow quiver, stabilizer, peep sight and wrist sling, allowing you to get fully set up for less than the cost of your yearly vehicle insurance.

$629.99 (bow only), $729.99 (RTH Package) | beararchery.com

Hoyt Torrex

A new Hoyt for less than $800? You bet, with the lightweight, fast-shooting Torrex. Capable of reaching advertised IBO speeds of up to 327 fps, this wallet-friendly model features Hoyt technologies such as the Cam & ½ System, where the top and bottom cams are harnessed together to ensure they always fire at the same time for superb consistency and accuracy; Hybrid Split Limb technology with limbs that are wider for increased accuracy; a cast, machined, durable magnesium riser design; and Hoyt’s X-Act grip to promote proper form and enhance accuracy and comfort. The Torrex measures 30.75 inches between the axles and weighs 3.8 pounds, with a 26-30-inch draw-length range (adjustable in half-inch increments), 7-inch brace height and peak draw-weight options of 40, 50, 60, 65 and 70 pounds.

Available in right- and left-handed versions, the Torrex comes in nine solid-color and camouflage finish options, including Mossy Oak Bottomland and Realtree APX and APX Bone Collector. Plus, for only $100 more, you can add a Fuse Accessory Package with ProFire 5-pin Sight, Flextorch 5-inch Stabilizer, Maxxis 4-arrow Quiver and choice of QAD Hunter or Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit rest.

$799 (bow only), $899 (accessorized) | hoyt.com

Diamond Pro MAX

Available exclusively at archery pro shops, the new Diamond Archery Pro MAX by Bowtech is designed to combine easy tunability, accuracy and performance at a solid price point, making it ideal for both new hunters and experienced archers who appreciate a great value.

Weighing 3.7 pounds, this bow measures 31 inches long from axle to axle and has a 7.125-inch brace height. Attaining the proper fit is easy, since the Pro MAX also has an adjustable draw-length range from 16-31 inches and adjustable draw-weight range of 20-70 pounds, making it capable of meeting virtually any bowhunter’s profile.

Since it’s brought to you by Bowtech, you know it is backed by exceptional quality and technology. Case in point, the Pro MAX is driven by Bowtech’s Synchronized Binary Cam System that allows for easy tuning and solid downrange accuracy. Plus, the strategically engineered riser design enhances stability while improving accuracy. The Pro MAX is available in Black, Mossy Oak Bottomland and Sandstone finish options. And for an extra $100, you can get it will a complement of Octane and Diamond accessories that include a bowsight, quiver, stabilizer and arrow rest.

$549 (bow only), $649 (accessorized) | diamondarchery.com

Barnett Vortex Hunter G3

Designed for ages 15 and older, the Barnett Vortex Hunter G3 is a solid starter bow for teens and young adults who are just getting into bowhunting. At less than $300, it’s unbelievably affordable, plus it comes as a ready-to-shoot package complete with pre-installed nocking loop, brush-retainer arrow rest, fast-action quiver, front-mounting stabilizer and 3-pin fiber-optic sight. Yup, all you need to do is purchase some arrows to hit the range.

The Vortex Hunter checks in at 6 pounds fully accessorized and measures 34 inches long, with a 45-60-pound draw-weight range, adjustable 60-70 percent letoff and 26-30-inch adjustable draw-length range. If you want to start your children or grandkids out in archery or bowhunting at an even younger age, there’s also the Vortex G3 ($229.99), with customizable draw weight from 29-45 pounds, 60-70 percent letoff and adjustable draw length of 22-27 inches. It comes in black and is also available as a ready-to-shoot package.

$299.99 | barnettcrossbows.com

Mission MXR

As one of the top names in the bowhunting world, Mathews is known for its exceptional quality and performance. So, when you purchase one of its Mission bows, you know you can expect a compound that will be built on the company’s tried-and-true technologies and attention to detail. Take the Mission MXR, for example — it’s a high-performance bow offering the accuracy and speeds usually associated with much higher-priced models. Powered by Mathews’ Crosscentic Cam Technology, the MXR is capable of achieving IBO speeds up to 324 fps. The 7-inch brace height is designed to enhance forgiveness and accuracy, while the MXR’s grip sports a thinner, more ergonomic design to promote consistent hand placement, reduced torque and improved comfort.

The MXR is 30 inches long axle to axle, weighs 4.02 pounds and offers 80 percent letoff, with a 40-70-pound draw-weight range and 23.5-29.5-inch draw lengths. It comes in Realtree Excape and Black color options. Looking for even better news? You can outfit this bow with a Bowhunter accessory package that includes QAD Hunter Rest, Apex Reactor 5-arrow Quiver and Tru-Glo Carbon XS XT 5-pin Sight for just $199, giving you a dynamic, efficient bowhunting rig backed by legendary Mathews quality for less than $750.

$549 (bow only), $748 (accessorized) | missionarchery.com

Prime Ronan

We all want to hit the sweet spot where we get the best possible performance from our bow while saving as much money as we can. Enter the Prime Archery Ronan.

Built off Prime’s popular Revex 4, the Ronan features many of the company’s top technologies, highlighted by the inline Core Cam System that Prime says is the most tunable and accurate system it’s ever produced, and the Center Riser Grip that results in more bow weight lower in the riser to improve aiming and stability for enhanced accuracy. The bow features fully machined riser, limb pockets and cams, with a 34-inch axle-to-axle length and 4.5-pound weight. Prime says the bow can achieve IBO speeds of up to 334 fps, with the bow having a 6.25-inch brace height and 26.5-30.5-inch draw-length range. It comes in peak draw weights of 50, 60 and 70 pounds. Available riser colors include Morel, Black, Recon Gray, Kings XK7, Realtree Edge and Sitka Optifade Subalpine.

$799.99 | g5prime.com

Xpedition Reflexion 32

Originally developed to celebrate Xpedition Archery’s 10th anniversary in 2023, the Reflexion 32 has all the hallmarks of an Xpedition bow, including a solid fit, Xpedition’s XB2 dual cam system to deliver a smooth draw throughout the cycle and dead-in-hand shooting experience. The bow offers a draw-length range from 24.5-30 inches, adjustable in half-inch increments (no bow press needed), and 50-, 60-, 65- and 70-pound peak draw weights, with up to 80 percent adjustable letoff. It’s 32 inches long from axle to axle, has a mass weight of 4.3 pounds and is capable of IBO speeds advertised at up to 340 fps.

Available in right-hand only, the Reflexion 32 comes in Molten Black, Ops Green, Tactical Sand, Graphite Gray and Mossy Oak Bottomland, along with two limb-color options and four string color options.

$799.99 | xpeditionarchery.com

Elite Basin RTS

Elite Archery has long prided itself on the “shootabilty” of its bows, and the Basin is certainly no exception, with the bonus of coming as a Ready To Shoot (RTS) package that checks in at just $749.99.

Highlights of this highly adjustable bow include the caged riser that promotes stability and balance by reinforcing areas that are prone to flexing; all-aluminum cams, mods and pockets; integrated limb stops for a solid back wall; adjustable draw module that can be changed to fit draw lengths of 16-30 inches, in half-inch increments; and a draw-weight range that spans 20-70 pounds, making it perfect for a growing bowhunter. The bow measures 32.375 inches between the axles, weighs 3.9 pounds, has a 6.6875-inch brace height, letoff of up to 80 percent and can produce IBO speeds up to 315 fps. Available in right- and left-handed models, it comes in four color options with a rest, quiver, sight and stabilizer, making it easy to get started in archery and bowhunting.

$749.99 | elitearchery.com

Bear Legend 30

With an adjustable draw-weight range of 14-70 pounds and the ability to change draw lengths from 18-31 inches thanks to the DHC-XR Hybrid Cam, the Bear Archery Legend 30 is a bow that truly fits every bowhunter, from those just starting out to more seasoned veterans who want a dependable yet affordable rig. The 6.5-inch brace height and more compact, 30-inch, axle-to-axle length strike the perfect balance between maneuverability and forgiveness, making it ideal for a variety of hunting situations, while the Mossy Oak Bottomland and Veil Whitetail camouflage pattern options (solid colors are available as well) help you stay concealed afield. Other highlights of this perfectly priced compound that comes in both righty and southpaw models include the comfortable and secure Bear Paw Grip, Cable Roller System for smooth, consistent draw and easy, streamlined accessory mounting. Advertised to hit IBO speeds up to 320 fps, the Legend 30 is also sold as a RTH kit packaged with Bear’s Trophy Ridge IMS V-Biscuit rest, Picatinny-mounted 4-pin sight, 5-arrow quiver, stabilizer, peep sight and more.

$529.99 (bow only), $629.99 (RTH Kit) | beararchery.com

Darton Consequence 2

Customization, smooth handling and accuracy are the name of the game when it comes to Darton Archery’s Consequence 2. Released in 2024, this bow sports a new riser design made from forged aluminum, BBS Dual Sync Cams, quarter-inch axles and .870-inch-wide limbs and limb pockets for enhanced stability. Plus, two sets of rotating mods — Standard and Performance — allow you to customize the bow to your liking. Available in several camo and solid-color options, the Consequence 2 measures 29.5 inches long from axle to axle, weighs 4.3 pounds, has a 7.5-inch brace height, offers draw lengths from 26-31.5 inches and comes in 40-50, 50-60 and 60-70-pound draw weights. The bow, which is available in both right- and left-handed options, is advertised to reach speeds of up to 331 fps in the Performance Mod and 325 fps in the Standard Mod and has an adjustable letoff from 75-84 percent.

$849.99 | dartonarchery.com

Diamond Edge XT

Perfect for youth, women and those with shorter draw lengths, the Diamond Archery Edge XT offers 50 pounds of draw-weight adjustment (from 20-70 pounds) and a draw length that can be adjusted between 19 and 31 inches, allowing it to fit any bowhunter. It also comes fully accessorized right out of the box, minimizing the number of accessories a bowhunter needs to purchase.

The Edge XT’s strategically engineered caged riser and quad limb design work together to enhance stability and accuracy, with the bow is capable of generating IBO arrow speeds up to 300 fps. The Edge XT has a 6.75-inch brace height, measures 31 inches between the axles and weighs 3.7 pounds. It comes in Black, Mossy Oak Break-Up Country, Mossy Oak Teal Roots and Mossy Oak Hot Green Roots.

$429.99 | diamondarchery.com

Bear Gamekeeper RTH

A collaboration between Bear Archery and Mossy Oak Gamekeepers, this new-for-2025 bow and accessory kit is designed to honor the legacy of Fred Bear and the stewardship and conservation focus of the Gamekeepers.

The Gamekeeper RTH has a forgiving, 6.5-inch brace height and compact, 30-inch axle-to axle length that combine to deliver speed and precision accuracy. The bow can launch arrows up to 330 fps, offers 80 percent letoff, has a draw-length range of 27-32 inches and comes in two draw-weight options: 45-60 and 55-70 pounds. It’s available in Mossy Oak Bottomland in right- and left-handed options. A Trophy Ridge IMS V-Biscuit rest, Picatinny-mounted 4-pin sight, Mossy Oak Bottomland 5-arrow quiver, stabilizer, peep sight and wrist sling are included.

$679.99 | beararchery.com

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