By Josh Boyd
It goes without saying that compound bows can be quite expensive, and only look to increase in cost with each passing year. At times, this can deter new archers who wish to join the ranks of bowhunters nationwide, yet do not have the resources available to spend $1,000 or more on the purchase of a new compound bow. Luckily, several economically priced bows have made their way to market in recent years, which provide superior value without sacrificing performance.
If one knows where to look, and what they are looking for, a quality compound bow can be purchased for $500 or less, with many such bows being offered in a package form, including all necessary accessories to hit the woods or the range.
The following are 5 of the best budget compound bows for 2020.
PSE Stinger MAX
Specs:
* Speed: 312 FPS
* Draw Length: 21 ½”- 30”
* Draw Weight: 55-70 lbs.
* Brace Height: 7”
* Axle To Axle: 30”
* Effective Let-Off: 80%
The Stinger MAX has been a favorite of many in the PSE lineup for quite some time. However, in the last few years, PSE has updated the Singer MAX’s limb and cam design to improve shootability, and to minimize the bow’s overall profile. In total, the Stinger MAX measures only 30” axle-to-axle, making it ideally suited for use in tight confines, such as when hunting from a ground blind.
Another key feature of the PSE Stinger MAX is its relatively generous brace height of 7”, which provides ample forgiveness in the face of less than ideal form. This is an attribute that should be helpful to beginning archers, who are still working to pin down the fine details of proper stance and technique. The Stinger MAX is also no slouch in the area of performance, as it carries an IBO speed rating of 312 FPS.
Diamond Infinite Edge Pro
Specs:
* Speed: 310 FPS
* Draw Length: 13”-31″
* Draw Weight: 5-70 lbs.
* Brace Height: 7″
* Axle to Axle: 31″
* Effective Let-off: 80%
The Diamond Infinite Edge Pro features a level of adjustability that is second to none, ensuring proper fitment for archers of any age and stature. This bow offers an adjustable draw weight range of 5-70 pounds, and a draw length range of 13”-31”. This allows the Infinite Edge Pro to “grow” with young archers, serving them from their youngest days afield, well into adulthood, with little more than a few minor adjustments.
Another noteworthy attribute of the Diamond Infinite Edge Pro is its lightweight composition. Weighing in at only 3.2 pounds, arm fatigue should be of little to no issue. This bow is also moderately fast, propelling arrows downrange at IBO speeds of 310 FPS, which is plenty quick enough to take on game of any perceivable size and type.
Mission MXR
Specs:
* Speed: 324 FPS
* Draw Length: 23 ½”-29 ½”
* Draw Weight: 40-70 lbs.
* Brace Height: 7”
* Axle To Axle: 30”
* Effective Let-Off: 80%
The Mission MXR is well known for its utilization of the Crosscentric Cam system, which is also used by the Mathews Vertix and Triax, which both command a much higher purchase price. As a result, the Mission MXR features a lightning-quick 324 FPS IBO speed, and a notably smooth draw, throughout the extent of its cycle.
Also of note is the Mission MXR’s significant range of draw weight adjustment. This bow features a draw weight range of 40-70 pounds, making it quite easy to shoot, for both adults and children alike. Additionally, the Mission MXR has a 7” brace height, which provides a greater deal of forgiveness than is typically offered by bows with shorter brace height measurements.
Diamond Edge SB-1
Specs:
* Speed: 318 FPS
* Draw Length: 13”-31”
* Draw Weight: 7-70 lbs.
* Brace Height: 7”
* Axle-to-Axle: 31”
* Effective Let-Off: 80%
The Diamond SB-1 is another highly adjustable bow offered as of late by Diamond Archery. This bow features an adjustable draw weight range of 7-70 pounds, and a draw length range of 13”-31”. Additionally, the SB-1 features the same Synchronized Binary Cam system that is used in conjunction with the bulk of Bowtech compound bows, many of which sell for much more than the asking price of this particular Diamond model.
Another key characteristic of the Diamond SB-1 is its above-average speed potential. This bow carries a rated IBO speed of 318 FPS, which is greater than many bows that are priced much less conservatively. The addition of a 7” brace height ensures that the SB-1 is not just fast, but forgiving as well.
Blackout Epic
Specs:
* Speed: 340 FPS
* Draw Length: 26”-30”
* Draw Weight: 45-60/55-70 LBS
* Brace Height: 6”
* Axle-to-Axle: 32”
* Effective Let-Off: 75%, 80%. 85%, 90%
While the Blackout Epic retails for slightly more than the other bows on this list, it is still priced economically enough to be considered a budget bow by most. However, one should also know that the Epic is likely the most advanced bow available, on the budget end of the spectrum.
The Epic is one of the only compound bows on today’s market to offer an adjustable let-off factor. Archers can select between 4 individual let-off settings, which range from 75%-90%, and all adjustments can be made on the fly, using only basic hand tools.
Another significant characteristic of the Blackout Epic is its remarkable performance. This bow carries an IBO speed rating of 340 FPS, which few bows at any price point can beat. If you are a fan of speed bows, who is currently minding a budget, then the Blackout Epic is the bow for you.
Buying a Bow, Without Breaking the Bank
As illustrated above, you do not need to take out a second mortgage on your house to afford a compound bow rich in performance and features. In fact, manufacturers seem as if they are becoming increasingly aware of consumer needs, and have been quick to provide quality bows to the masses, at a price point that excludes no one.
If you are in the market for a new bow, but have a budget to keep in mind, any of the above mentioned bows are sure to provide you with excellent service for years to come.
