New Bows for 2026

Flagship bows have always represented the pinnacle of each manufacturer’s engineering, and the 2026 lineup is no exception. With advancements in riser design, cam efficiency and at-home tunability, this year’s top-tier hunting bows offer more speed, better balance and greater customization than ever before.

Bowtech Alliance & Alliance 33

With an all-new riser design, the next generation of DeadLock cam-tuning technology and host of other innovative features, the Alliance and Alliance 33 from Bowtech Archery are designed for bowhunters who demand the best from their rigs.

“The Alliance represents everything Bowtech stands for,” said Bowtech Brand Manager Todd Snader. “We set out to build a platform where performance, balance and confidence come together in a way that feels natural the moment you draw it. Hunters expect more today, and the Alliance delivers more in every aspect, with no compromises.”

Both the Alliance and Alliance 33 feature new, caged risers that maximize strength, balance and shooting stability while also minimizing excess weight. The Alliance weighs 4.09 pounds, measures 30.5 inches between the axles, has a 6.4375-inch brace height, accommodates draw lengths from 26-31 inches and has an IBO speed rating of 338 fps. The Alliance 33 weighs 4.25 pounds, measures 33 inches between the axles, has a 6.0625-inch brace height, accommodates draw lengths from 27-32 inches and has an IBO speed rating of 334 fps.

Alliance bows are home to a new version of Bowtech’s DeadLock Cam System that allows for simple tuning without a bow press, along with easy adjustments of draw length and even the feel of the draw cycle and letoff (83 percent in Comfort mode and 80 percent in Performance mode), thanks to rotating modules and FlipDisc technology. This latest version of the DeadLock system has been optimized for increased efficiency and energy transfer. It also features easier, more precise cam-tuning capabilities thanks to larger locking and tuning screws and laser-etched reference marks that let you see exactly where you are moving the cam along its axle.

Alliance bows also have GripLock technology for easy customization of the grip angle and new grip-panel inserts for increased comfort. Bowtech has also included a variety of additional features designed to improve the overall balance and stability of the bows, including an integrated lower stabilizer/dampener, upper stabilizer-mounting hole, second-generation CenterMass Sight System bowsight mounting that places weight along the centerline of the bow and an Integrate dovetail mount for compatible arrow rests.

Alliance bows are available in peak draw weights of 60, 65, 70 and 75 pounds in seven solid-color and camouflage finish options, including the new-for-2026 Red Dirt (pictured). $1,499 | bowtecharchery.com

Hoyt Carbon RX-10 & Alpha AX-3 Series

When it comes to flagship hunting bows, Hoyt aims to offer something for everyone. For 2026, the company took its latest, high-tech shooting advancements and built them into a pair of base offerings — the Carbon RX-10 and aluminum Alpha AX-3 — with four options each, giving bowhunters their choice of eight models based on preferred riser material, axle-to-axle length, draw length, arrow speed and more.

Evan Williams, Hoyt’s marketing coordinator, said the goal is to give customers options to “create your bow and your shooting experience,” whether that be a nimble, 30-inch carbon bow for hunting in the tight confines of a cold, late-season blind, a 33-inch aluminum bow for added stability when taking longer shots at Western game or a fast yet forgiving do-it-all bow that’s as comfortable to shoot while competing in the local 3-D league as it is pursuing game in the field.

Another advantage to offering multiple options across two base risers, Williams said, is that it allowed Hoyt to incorporate its latest technological advancements in all eight models, starting with the all-new, patent-pending XTS Tuning System that is so easy to use, Hoyt says, “If you can turn a wrench, you can tune this bow.” The XTS Tuning System is built into the bows’ limb pockets and allows for paper-tuning both horizontal and vertical tears, as well as simplified bare-shaft tuning, broadhead tuning or even making slight draw-weight adjustments. This system offers a ton of versatility for shooters, and Hoyt has poured significant resources into preparing detailed, step-by-step instructions to help its customers take advantage of all its benefits.

Another significant advancement on these bows for 2026 is the HBX Gen 4 Cam System that has been optimized to maintain the arrow speed gains Hoyt has achieved in recent years while also boosting smoothness and comfort. As a result, Williams said, many customers are reporting that drawing a 70-pound bow feels like drawing 60.

“We’ve redesigned a couple things to give us the performance while producing the smoother draw cycle,” Williams said. “The biggest thing I’ve heard from guys is, ‘It’s got the same cam. Why does it feel like a different bow?’ That’s why.”

Taken as a group, the new Carbon RX-10 and Alpha AX-3 bows cover a wide draw-length range of 23-33 inches, making them available to everyone from youths and small-framed women to the burliest bowhunters in the woods.

The Carbon RX-10 measures 30.5 inches between the axles, has a 6.125-inch brace height, weighs 4.1 pounds, accommodates draw lengths from 25-30 inches and has an ATA speed rating of 342 fps. The Carbon RX-10 is also available in an Ultra model that measures 33.5 inches between the axles and has an ATA speed rating of 340 fps, an RX-10 Ultra LD (long draw) that accommodates draw lengths up to 33 inches and an RX-10 SD (short draw) that accommodates draw lengths from 23-27 inches.

For those who prefer an aluminum riser, Hoyt offers the Alpha AX-3 29 and 33, both of which have an ATA speed rating of 340 fps. The Alpha AX-3 29 measures 29.5 inches between the axles, has a 6.375-inch brace height, weighs 4.4 pounds and accommodates draw lengths from 25-30 inches, while the Alpha AX-3 33 measures 33.3125 inches between the axles, has a has a 6.375-inch brace height, weighs 4.75 pounds and accommodates draw lengths from 26-31 inches. There’s also an Alpha AX-3 SD (short draw) that accommodates draw lengths from 23-27 inches and an Alpha AX-3 33 LD (long draw) that accommodates draw lengths up to 33 inches.

For both the carbon and aluminum bows, short-draw versions have an ATA speed rating of 310 fps, while long-draw versions have an ATA speed rating of 355 fps.

Other highlights of the Carbon RX-10 and Alpha AX-3 bows include: Hoyt’s In-Line Accessory System for more secure, better balanced mounting of bowsights, arrows rests, quivers and more; Hoyt’s integrated Short Stop 2.0 Stabilizer mounted low and forward on the bow to maximize bow balance and aiming stability; custom Hoyt WireWRX bowstrings and cables designed to maximize system efficiency and performance; and legendary durability that includes passing Hoyt’s 1,500 dry-fire torture test.

As if all that weren’t enough, Hoyt also offers these bows in your choice of 11 solid-color and camouflage finish options, including two new-for-2026 solids — Georgia Clay and Sandstorm. $1,499-$1,599 (Alpha AX-3 Series) and $2,149-$2,199 (Carbon RX-10 Series) | hoyt.com

Mathews ARC 30 & ARC 34

For many manufacturers, advertising that its products aren’t tested on animals is considered a selling point. But for Mathews Archery, it’s just the opposite! In fact, Mathews is so committed to the deadly effectiveness of its hunting rigs the company conducts an annual series of “Proving Ground” hunts to demonstrate it before a single bow hits the hands of a retail customer.

Prior to releasing the new-for-2026 ARC 30 and ARC 34 to its legions of loyal fans, Mathews employees and pro staffers used the bows to fill an impressive 71 tags across 19 locations, taking everything from whitetails and mule deer to elk and moose and even bighorn and Marco Polo sheep while capturing many of the hunts on video for a popular, digital series of the same name. Like the bowhunters in those videos — which you can watch on the Mathews website and YouTube channel — Mathews shooters everywhere will benefit from a plethora of new, high-tech features and refinements built into the ARC platform.

For starters, the ARC is powered by Mathews’ new SWX-2 Cam system that incorporated Perimeter Weight Technology to both reduce felt recoil and maintain arrow speed. Mathews says the speed claim here isn’t just about numbers on a chronograph but designing the entire system to maximize arrow speed for bowhunting setups, with nocking loops, peep sights and other accessories installed on the bow. The end result is real-world benefits such as a flatter arrow trajectory and added shooting forgiveness. A new cam customization option for 2026 is the SWX-Z Mod that offers the ultimate in shooting comfort, rounding off the draw-force curve for added smoothness in exchange for a modest reduction in arrow speed.

The ARC also features a redesigned, reinforced riser that is stronger than ever while also eliminating as much materials as possible where not needed for a lower mass weight that’s just 3.99 pounds for the ARC 30 and 4.3 pounds for the ARC 34. Of course, the riser also accommodates Mathews Bridge-Lock sights and stabilizers and Integrate rests and has a new, integrated V-bar mounting port and machined Silent Connect System mounts for compatible bow slings and pull-up ropes.

Also new on the ARC are a redesigned limb cup and limb assembly, featuring a parallel configuration for maximum efficiency and reduced post-shot vibration. The split limbs also incorporate Mathews’ Resistance Phase Dampening technology for additional reductions in shot noise and vibration, along with patented Limb Shift Technology that allows shooters to easily tune the bow for perfect arrow flight without a bow press.

The ARC 30 measures 30 inches between the axles, has a 6-inch brace height, adjustable letoff of 80 or 85 percent, accommodates draw lengths from 25-30.5 inches and has an IBO speed rating of up to 348 fps. The ARC 34 measures 34 inches between the axles, has a 6.5-inch brace height, adjustable letoff of 80 or 85 percent, accommodates draw lengths from 26.5-32 inches and has an IBO speed rating of up to 343 fps. Both models are available in peak draw weights of 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or 80 pounds and in 13 solid-color and camouflage finish options, including the new-for-2026 Kodiak Brown. $1,459 (ARC 30) and $1,569 (ARC 34) | mathewsinc.com

Bear Redeem

When your name is Bear Archery, you have a pretty high standard to uphold. Founded in 1933 by the legendary Fred Bear, aka “The Father of Modern Bowhunting,” Bear is a company that remains committed to the core mission that began 93 years ago.

“Fred’s key message was to make archery accessible to everyone,” said Ryan Shutts, Bear’s category manager for compound bows. “We work very hard to stay true to that.”

Bear’s enduring commitment to that mission can be seen in the company’s broad compound bow lineup that includes a wide variety of options, from youth bows and entry-level, fully outfitted adult bows right up to the 2026 flagship Redeem, a hunting rig that competes favorably with competitors’ top-tier offerings at a price hundreds of dollars lower than other options.

The Redeem’s performance specs are nothing short of impressive, starting with an IBO speed rating of 340 fps from a compact, 30-inch axle-to-axle platform that weighs 4.7 pounds, has a 6.25-inch brace height and letoff that’s adjustable at either 80 or 85 percent.

Beyond the numbers, however, Shutts said the Redeem is all about delivering a top-notch shooting experience, along with a host of user-friendly features. For starters, the Redeem features Bear’s new EKO 2 cam system that has been refined for improved efficiency and a more comfortable draw cycle at both letoff options. Bear also improved the laser engraving on the cams, making it simpler and easier for shooters to adjust leftoff and draw length throughout the 25-30-inch range simply by moving some set screws and without any need for a bow press.

Similarly, Bear introduces an all-new bow-tuning technology on the Redeem called Quad Pocket Control. QPC allows for small position adjustments in each of the Redeem’s four limb pieces with the simple turn of a screw, allowing shooters to paper tune the bow for their personal shooting form and achieve perfect arrow flight without a bow press or a trip to the local pro shop.

Rounding out the Redeem package is a feature-rich, machined aluminum riser that includes: an integrated bow sling and pull-up rope attachment loop; a section of Picatinny rail for compatible bowsight mounting; an Integrate dovetail mount for compatible arrow rests; a full complement of noise- and vibration-dampening accessories, including a gel-filled, rubber string stop; and even a built-in bubble level to help in bow setup and when shooting angled shots. “It’s a super cool feature if you are a guy who likes to work on bows, especially if you are adjusting the third axis on a sight,” Shutts said.

The Redeem is available in draw weighs of 45-60 or 55-70 pounds. Finish options include Olive, Stone, Mossy Oak Bottomland or Emerge 2.0. $1,299.99 | beararchery.com

Prime Archery Divide Series

Prime turned lots of heads — and raised a few eyebrows — last year when it introduced the Form, the industry’s first bow featuring a hybrid riser that melds machined aluminum and carbon rods using the company’s Advanced Structures Technology (AST). Despite some early skepticism regarding the bow’s one-of-a-kind look, the Form proved a peak performer, demonstrating the benefits of a unique bow design that sheds significant weight while dramatically enhancing stiffness and shooting stability.

For 2026, Prime is doubling down on AST with the new Divide, a bow that takes advantage of the modular design by offering eight models across your choice of four axle-to-axle lengths — 31, 33, 35 or 37 inches — and two brace heights — 6 or 7 inches. The point, says Prime Brand Manager Brian Anderson, is to let archers get the bow exactly the way they want it, without compromise. “We’re giving you the options,” Anderson said. “Whether you like a short bow or a long bow, or if you’re a crossover target guy, you can build whatever it is for your style of hunting.”

Thanks to AST, Prime can use virtually all the same components to build the Divide across its multiple configurations simply by varying the lengths of the carbon-fiber rods that join the three aluminum riser sections. The X Weld bonding process results in a pull strength of 8,000 pounds per carbon/aluminum joint, something that delivers real benefits for shooters. “It’s the most consistent riser we’ve ever built, and we feel like it’s the most consistent, riser to riser, of any brand,” Anderson said. “We can tell you, from one bow to the next, they are exactly the same.”

AST’s weight savings also mean that the 37-inch axle-to-axle Divide weighs a surprisingly light 4.3 pounds, a mere three tenths of a pound more than the 31-inch Divide that weighs 4 pounds.

Of course, the Divide offers a lot beyond AST. Powered by the same Core Cam system as the Form, the Divide has an IBO speed rating up to 339 fps (depending on configuration) when using the optional Performance Mods. Similarly, it accommodates a wide range of draw lengths from 25.5-32 inches and is available in peak draw weights of 40-80 pounds. Available in eight solid-color and camouflage finish options, the Divide also comes with such proven Prime features as: a Center Grip Riser that places the grip in the physical center of the bow for enhanced aiming and accuracy; a Nano Grip with Aerogel technology for maximum comfort and warm feel in cold weather; and a host of integrated accessory-mounting options such as a Pictatinny rail for sights, Integrate dovetail for compatible arrow rests and Prime-exclusive options such as the new TriLite Kickstands and SherpaLite Quiver. $1,699-$1,799 | g5prime.com

Xpedition Nexlite Series

Xpedition Archery is a company that stands out because it does things a bit differently, starting with the material used to build its rigs. Like the Xlite bows before them, the all-new Nexlite 30 and Nexlite 33 feature risers made with Magnite, a metal alloy Xpedition says is 30 percent lighter than 6061 aluminum and stronger than carbon while offering significantly better noise- and vibration-dampening qualities than both those materials. The end result is a pair of fast, lightweight hunting rigs — 336 fps IBO and 3.6 pounds for the Nexlite 30 and 330 fps IBO and 3.75 pounds for the Nexlite 33 — that also boast a host of other hunter-friendly features.

Both Nexlite models are powered by the NXB Cam system that offers quarter-inch draw-length adjustments and adjustable letoff of 75, 80 or 85 percent. The Nexlite also features Xpedition’s Xlok Tuning System that allows for easy cam tuning via a series of limb-mounted modules users can easily swap themselves, using just an Allen wrench and without a bow press. Other highlights include a section of Picatinny rail for compatible bowsights and a dovetail for Integrate-compatible arrow rests, along with three stabilizer-mounting locations, America’s Best Bowstrings string and cables and a full complement of noise- and vibration-dampening accessories.

The Nexlite 30 accommodates draw lengths from 24-30 inches, while the Nexlite 33 accommodates draw lengths from 24.5-31 inches. Both bows have a 6.375-inch brace height and are available in peal draw weights of 50, 60, 65, 70 and 80 pounds in Mossy Oak Bottomland camo and four solid-color options. $1,499.99 (Nexlite 30) and $1,599.99 (Nexlite 33) | xpeditionarchery.com

PSE Sicario

A name isn’t just a label; it’s an identity. In the case of the new Sicario from PSE Archery, that identity is a Spanish word that means “hitman” or “hired killer.” Billed as the fastest carbon-riser bow ever built, the Sicario boasts an IBO speed rating of 357 fps, making it an ideal partner in crime for your next takedown in the field.

PSE has a long heritage of producing some of the fastest rigs on the market, and while the Sicario will keep speed demons more than satisfied, the company wants you to know the Sicario isn’t a one-trick pony — this bow also gives you a remarkably smooth draw, solid back wall, steady aiming and a quiet shot with dead-in-hand feel thanks to the Dead Frequency Carbon riser.

Powered by the FDS (Full Draw Stability) Cam system designed to eliminate torque and small movements for better aiming, the Sicario measures 33 inches between the axles and weighs 3.9 pounds. The Sicario has a relatively short 5.25-inch brace height, but PSE says the rig has an “effective brace height” of 6.5 inches — meaning you get a bow that’s not only blistering fast for tighter pin gaps and a flatter arrow trajectory but also forgiving, thanks to the Sicario’s precise geometry. Letoff is adjustable from 70-85 percent, in 5 percent increments, while accommodating draw lengths from 24.5-30 inches in peak draw weights of 50, 60, 70 and 80 pounds.

The Sicario is also a highly tunable bow, thanks to compatibility with PSE’s EZ.220 snap spacer system that allows for cam adjustments in .02-inch increments and the PBTS (Precision Buss Tuning System) that allows for finer tuning via cable yokes.

Available in seven solid-color and camouflage finish options, the Sicario also features a section of Picatinny rail on the front of the riser and Integrate dovetail on the rear of the riser for compatible bowsights and arrow rests. $2,099 | psearchery.com

Elite Varos

Remember the days when tuning a bow was a mysterious mix of art and science, requiring a lengthy visit to the local pro shop? The bow technician would take your rig into the back room, put it in a press, make some adjustments and then have you fling a few arrows on the range. Depending on the result, this process would repeat until the bow was declared to be “dialed in.”

Although pro shops remain an invaluable resource for archery knowledge and assistance with serious bow issues, basic bow tuning is now a very straightforward process thanks to the kind of high-tech innovations found on Elite Archery’s new Varos. The Varos features Elite’s S.E.T. (Simplified Exact Tuning) Technology that allows you to make adjustments in limb angle and cam position simply by turning an Allen screw, along with all-new Micro Splitters on the cable yokes. These small, mechanical devices allow for precise shifts in yoke position with the turn of a screw, eliminating cam-timing issues. Combining proven S.E.T. Technology with the new Micro Splitters means any shooter can take a brand new Varos, shoot it through paper and achieve perfect arrow flight — customized for their shooting form and style — in a matter of minutes.

Beyond easy tunability, Elite bills the Varos as an excellent all-around hunting bow with a 32-inch axle-to-axle length, 6.625-inch brace height and an IBO speed rating of 338 fps. Powered by the SP2 Cam System and VX Mods, you get maximum efficiency throughout the 25.5-31-inch draw-length range, adjustable in quarter-inch increments, and your choice of holding weight, thanks to letoff that is adjustable up to 90 percent.

Weighing in at a relatively heavy 4.55 pounds, the Varos also features the R.A.C. (Rail Accessory Connection) System for compatible bowsights and other accessories, an Integrate dovetail for compatible arrow rests and Elite’s Delta VRT mini stabilizer that greatly reduces post-shot vibration. The Varos us available in peak draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 75 pounds in your choice of 20 solid-color and camouflage finish options, including Mountain Tan (pictured). $1,299.99 | elitearchery.com

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