The 8 Best Bows for Women

July 17, 2017 By Emily Kantner

The 2017 archery season will be here before we know it, so if you ladies are intending to purchase a new rig, now is most certainly the time. Here's our list of eight of the best bows for women in today's market.

PSE's popular DriveR is now available in a short-draw model — the DriveR SD ($499.99). More compact than the original, the new version has a 6 1/4-inch brace height, a 30-inch axle-to-axle length, and features peak weights all the way down to 40 pounds. Additionally, draw lengths can be set from 23 to 28 inches. Mass weight is 3.8 pounds, and the DriveR SD also showcases a 75-percent letoff. If you choose, the pro package includes an Amp pro sight, Phantom drop-away rest, Spire stabilizer, Raven quiver, PSE neoprene sling, red aluminum peep and nock loop.

Weighing in under 4 pounds and measuring just 30 inches axle to axle, the Mathews Avail ($999) is perfectly compact for female shooters. Available with draw weights up to 60 pounds and draw lengths ranging from 22-28 inches, this bow delivers ultimate performance with speeds up to 320 fps. The Avail features Mathews' CROSSCENTRIC Cam, AVS technology and a true center nocking point for a smooth draw and consistent accuracy. Finish options include Black, Stone, Optifade Elevated II, Lost Camo XD, Ridge Reaper Barren and Optifade Subalpine.

The Centergy Air ($1,099) sports the accuracy-enhancing features of Prime's flagship bow but with a lighter riser and more streamlined grip for female shooters. The TRK Parallel Cam System combined with the Balanced Targeting System offers a smooth draw and sustained stability. At 4.1 pounds and 33€‰¼ inches axle to axle, the Centergy Air is available in draw weights up to 60 pounds and draw lengths from 24€‰1„2-31 inches. It has an IBO speed rating of 333 fps. Finish options include Optifade Elevated II, Recon Grey, First Lite Fusion and Black.

The Elite Impression ($999) features a two-track cam system to maximize dynamic energy while minimizing shock and vibration. Featuring Elite's Riser Cage design for increased strength and stability, the bow measures just under 32 inches between the axles and weighs 4.1 pounds. With 20 color options, the Impression is available in draw lengths from 24-28 inches and draw weights up to 60 pounds. A 7-inch brace height allows for speeds up to 305 fps.

The Bowtech Eva Shockey Signature Series ($849) wasn't just created for women — it was designed by a woman with plenty of bowhunting experience. Draw weights up to 60 pounds and draw lengths from 23€‰1„2-28€‰1„2 inches make this bow a great option for any female hunter. It features Bowtech's revolutionary PowerShift Technology, OverDrive Binary Cams and a carbon riser. This lightweight bow is just 3.3 pounds but boasts an IBO speed rating of 332 fps. The Eva Shockey Signature Series is available in Micro Carbon and Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage.

The Bear Prowess ($499) is an affordable, Ready-to-Hunt package that includes a Whisker Biscuit rest, sight, quiver, stabilizer and more. The bow features EnduraFiber Limbs and an ultra-smooth, single-cam system for controlled power. At just 3 pounds, the Prowess measures 29€‰1„8 inches axle to axle and offers an IBO speed rating of 290 fps with a 6€‰3„4-inch brace height. Available with draw lengths from 23-28 inches and draw weights up to 50 pounds, the Prowess is finished in Realtree Xtra Green Camo.

The Obsession Huntress LX ($899) is quick and compact, weighing 3.9 pounds at 30 inches axle to axle and offering speeds up to 336 fps. Obsession's PerFX System and Anti Torque Guard Slide reduce cam lean during the smooth draw cycle and provide deadly accuracy. With draw weights from 30-70 pounds and draw lengths from 23-29€‰1„2 inches, the Huntress LX is designed to fit any female hunter and is available in dozens of color combinations.

The Hoyt PowerMax with Vicxen Custom Limbs ($649; www.hoyt.com), available in draw lengths from 24-30 inches and draw weights up to 70 pounds, offers adjustability without the need for a bow press. At just 3.8 pounds and 31 inches axle to axle, the PowerMax is the perfect size for female hunters, and Vicki Cianciarulo-inspired custom limbs add a feminine touch. Stealth Shot, Limb Shox and the Cam & ½ System deliver quiet speeds up to 328 fps. The Vicxen model is available in full Blackout or Realtree Xtra camo with carbon limbs and pink or purple accents.

Browning Pro Scout Max with AI Technology

Gear

Browning Pro Scout Max with AI Technology

Curt Wells of Bowhunter TV stops by the Browning Trail Cameras booth to discuss the new AI technology on the popular Pro Scout Max with Chief Design Officer John Traywick. What this essentially means is that users can now control which pictures they'll see and which pictures they won't by telling each cameras what images it should transmit. Gone are the days of having to sort through every picture that features a squirrel, raccoon, crow or any other critter that you don't wish to view. They also take a look at some new accessories — a solar panel with a built-in lithium cell, as well as a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack.

Gear

QAD Archery: Integrate Mounting System Updates

Gear

QAD Archery: Integrate Mounting System Updates

Bowhunter TV's Curt Wells stops by the QAD booth at the 2025 Archery Trade Show for his annual visit with Kevin Fry. By now, most bowhunters know all about the integrate mounting systems that nearly every bow manufacturer has incorporated into their flagship rigs. QAD has a pair of rests to fit those molds — the Ultrarest Integrate MX2 with micro-adjudt capabilities, as well as the Ultrarest Integrate R2. For archers that still wish to shoot an Ultrarest on an older bow that doesn't feature the integrate mounting system, fear not — QAD still offers a full lineup of Berger Button mounted models, including the Ultrarest HDX among others.

Gear

Bowtech's 2025 Bow Lineup

Gear

Bowtech's 2025 Bow Lineup

North American Whitetail's Blake Garlock stops for a chat with Bowtech's Bryan Hodakievic at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. The brand launched the Virtue on the first day of the show, which features the AeroMag magnesium riser — resulting in a mass wright of just 3.7 ounces. DeadLock Technology also returns, allowing for cam adjustments without the need for a bow press. This bow will hit the market with a price tag of $1,999. Additionally, the pair also discuss the other new Bowtech models for 2025 — the Proven 34 and the Solution LS.

Gear

The Technology Behind BLOCK & GlenDel Targets

Gear

The Technology Behind BLOCK & GlenDel Targets

Curt Wells of Bowhunter TV visits with Chris James of FeraDyne Outdoors at the 2025 Archery Trade Show in Indianapolis, where they discuss the innovative technologies behind two of the most well-known target brands on the market — BLOCK and GlenDel. BLOCK, of course, features layered foam technology, essentially stopping arrows with friction instead of force. Not only is that easier on your arrows, but also results in easier arrow removal. What's not as known by archers is that the same layered technology is also used in the GlenDel 3-D targets under an added overmold.

Gear

Ripcord Arrow Rest Options for 2025

Gear

Ripcord Arrow Rest Options for 2025

Ripcord's Jeff Baker talks through their latest arrow rest lineup for 2025 with North American Whitetail's Black Garlock at the 2025 Archery Trade Association show in Indianapolis. There are three options to choose from this year, inlcuding the RAK — a cable-driven rest with standard adjustment — as well as the Ratchet line, which comes in either a cable-driven or limb-driven design. This line comes available in standard or micro-adjustable options, and the limb-driven Ratchet also feature the whale tail launcher.

Gear

New Easton FMJ Max & 5.0 Arrows

Gear

New Easton FMJ Max & 5.0 Arrows

Gary Cornum, Marketing Director for Easton Archery, shows Bowhunter TV's Curt Wells some exciting new offerings for the new year at the annual Archery Trade Show in Indianapolis. It all starts with the latest version of the popular Full Metal Jacket arrow — the FMJ Max. Built on a lighter-weight platform than regular FMJ's, you can now get the heavy-hitting benefits of the FMJ while going a bit lighter in the form of the FMJ Max. Additionally, the new Easton 5.0 is an all-carbon arrow built on the lightest-weight platform the company has every produced.

Gear

Prime Form Hunting Bow

Gear

Prime Form Hunting Bow

One of the most innovative products at the 2025 ATA Show came from the G5 Outdoors booth. In this video, Bowhunter Editor Chirsitan Berg gets the lowdown on the 2025 Prime Archery Form from Brand Manager Brian Anderson. The Form is the world's first hybrid carbon/aluminum bow, essentially aiming to place the right materials in the right places. In other words, Prime created a lighter, stiffer rig by placing both carbon rods and aluminum exactly where it needs to be. This method increased overall stiffness by 47.5 percent, while decreasing weight to just 4.1 ounces — the lightest bow Prime has ever taken to market.

Gear

Saddle Hunting Era Set to Begin at Hunter Safety System

Gear

Saddle Hunting Era Set to Begin at Hunter Safety System

Hunter Safety System, long known for their top-notch safety harnesses and lifelines for traditional treestand hunters, has made a big leap into the saddle hunting world for 2025. Here, Bowhunter Editor Christian Berg talks to Michael Wydner of HSS about that transition at the Archery Trade Show in Indianapolis. He also gives us and in-depth demonstration of the new individual products, such as the Defender Saddle, Legend Platform, and the SlapStrap system.

Gear

Kenetrek Elevated Extreme Saddle Hunting Boots

Gear

Kenetrek Elevated Extreme Saddle Hunting Boots

Bowhunter Editor Christian Berg visits with Joe Jacks of Kenetrek Boots at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. For the new year, Kenetrek has launched the new Elevated Extreme boots, specifically with the saddle hunter in mind. With a 7mm full-length midsole, these boots are built to neutralize platform soreness so that you can stay comfortable all day long. Additionally, Kenetrek's Grapon outsoles give you exactly what you need for the hike out, without the worry of getting your feet caught up on your platform when in the saddle.

Gear

Rage Hypo 2 Broadhead

Gear

Rage Hypo 2 Broadhead

Chris James of FeraDyne Outdoors gives Bowhunter TV host Curt Wells an introduction to the new Hypo 2 broadhead at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. The Hypo 2 follows a long, successful tenure from the original Hypodermic. Rage fanatics will immediately notice a couple of things. First, the Hypo 2's will come in a 4-pack instead of the standard three, as well as a re-designed Shock Collar system that now allows for each collar to be shot three different times. It didn't take long to garner some attention on the show floor either, as the Hypo 2 took the hardware as the "2025 ATA Best New Broadhead."

Gear

New Traditional Bow Additions from Bear Archery

Gear

New Traditional Bow Additions from Bear Archery

Nobody takes as much pride in their traditional offerings as Bear Archery, and that's as true this year as its ever been. Here, Bear's Neil Byce visits with OSG's Lynn Burkhead at the 2025 ATA Show to discuss the what's new in their traditional world. It starts with the new Hammer Grip on the Fred Bear Take Down — the most popular traditional bow in the world. The new grip option provides a low-profile alternative for a more relaxed, comfortable hold, and is available in both A- and B-length risers. The other addition discussed is a new 64-inch option on the beloved Super Kodiak bow, which will greatly benefit taller bowhunters.

Gear

Trophy Ridge New-for-2025 Accessories

Gear

Trophy Ridge New-for-2025 Accessories

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design Engineer Andrew Hughes shows off a number of impressive bow sights, including the Digital React — available in both single-pin and three-pin models — and the SWFT Duo, a pair of models that will surely solidify Trophy Ridge's place in the industry for yet another year.