Choosing a compound hunting bow might sound simple. You just go pick up one off the shelf and take it home, right? Absolutely wrong. It’s crucial to understand the nuanced journey of finding the right bow. Here's how to choose a compound bow that fits your needs best as a bowhunter, with 10 new bows available for the 2025 hunting season to choose from.
How to Choose a Compound Bow: By the Numbers
Axle-to-Axle Length
The axle-to-axle length of a bow varies from one to the next. That said, most fall somewhere between 29 and 33 inches. A small percentage are just above or below that range. Generally, longer bows are preferred by taller people, and shorter bows are preferred by shorter shooters. Of course, axle-to-axle length also impact maneuverability — a longer bow is more cumbersome when on the move.
Therefore, treestand hunters are more likely to use longer bows, and those hunting from the ground, such as spot-and-stalking or within a ground blind, tend to use shorter axle-to-axle lengths.
Why Brace Height Matters
Depending on where on the brace-height spectrum a bow falls impacts how much “forgiveness” it offers. A taller brace height offers more forgiveness, whereas a shorter brace height maximizes speed, but will offer less forgiveness for the shooter, so be sure your form and mechanics are dialed in.
What Is a Draw Cycle?
The draw cycle is the process including everything that takes place when a shooter comes to full draw on a bow. Some bows offer smoother or rougher draw cycles. For example, the back wall feels different from one bow model to the next. Thus, it’s important for hunters to go to archery dealers and try different bows.
How to Choose a Compound Bow: Draw Length
People are different sizes and wingspans. Therefore, bows have different draw length ranges. Bowhunters must select a bow with a draw length range that fits their size. Not using the proper draw length is a recipe for a lot of mistakes. The easiest way to measure your own draw length is to use a method literally called the wingspan method.
Get a tape measure, hold your arms straight out to your sides, have someone measure the distance from your fingertips on one hand to the fingertips of the other, and then divide that measurement by 2.5. That number is your draw length in inches.
How to Choose a Compound Bow: Draw Weight
Draw weight is the poundage of required force necessary to bring a bow to full draw. Various big game species, like elk or moose, can require greater draw weights and more kinetic energy than smaller deer-size animals.
That said, the same draw weight won't necessarily "feel" the same to the shooter on every bow. Some designs create draw cycles that will make the weight feel heavier or lighter when drawing the bow. Likewise, different bows will have a different let-off at different draw weights. Let-off is the reduction in draw weight, measured in a percentage, that a shooter experiences at full draw, which is achieved by the cam and cable system.
This is, again, why you have to try out a bow and be prepared to adjust the draw weight from what you might be used to. All that said, select a draw weight range that you can pull smoothly and without maxing out your physical capabilities, and that align with your hunting plans.
How to Choose a Compound Bow: Fit and Feel
The fit and feel of a bow incorporates all of the factors above, but it also includes more nuanced elements, such as the grip, overall design, line of sight for the aiming system, and much more.
Shooting a bow is the only way to determine if you like (or at least can live with) each aspect when it comes to fit and feel. Once again, shoot different bows before buying one and be honest with yourself about what feels the best.
Top Bows of 2025
It’s vitally important, as a hunter, to understand how to choose a compound bow. Take the proper measurements for draw length. Examine your strength capabilities for selecting a reasonable draw weight. Consider your other biggest needs. Shoot various bows. Then, choose the right one for you, because that and your skills as an archer will be all you have to lean on when that buck is in your sight.
If you're in the market for a new bow this year, consider these 10 new offerings for 2025. Of course, you'll find plenty of other options out there, both new and used. Consider these as starting points, and branch out from there:
Bear Persist 33
The Bear Persist 33 comes with the EKO cam system, which improves on efficiency. It has the Integrated Mounting System rest and picatinny sight mounting locations. It also has an integrated pull-up rope attachment point. The Persist 33 measures 33 inches axle-to-axle.
Brace Height: 6.25 inches
Axle-to-Axle: 33 inches
Draw Weight: Adjustable from 45 - 60 pounds or 55 - 70 pounds.
Draw Length: 26.5 - 30.5 inches.
Let-Off: 75%, 80%, 85%, or 90%.
Speed: Up to 340 fps.
Bear Whitetail INT RTH
The Bear Whitetail INT RTH is a “ready-to-hunt” bow. Because it’s setup and ready to hunt, it comes with the Trophy Ridge IMS V-Biscuit rest, picatinny-mounted four-pin sight, good stabilizer, peep sight, wrist sling, and fiver-arrow quiver. It also comes with the EKO cam system.
Brace Height: 6.5 inches
Axle-to-Axle: 31 inches
Draw Length: 26 - 30 inches
Draw Weight: 45 - 60 pounds or 55 - 70 pounds
Let-Off: 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%
Speed: Up to 339 fps
Bowtech Proven 34
The Proven 34 by Bowtech comes with CenterMass Technology, which aids in sight stability and accuracy. The bow measures 34 inches axle-to-axle, which benefits stability and maneuverability. Furthermore, with the med cam, it has a 6.625-inch brace height, 25- to 30-inch draw length, and shoots 336 fps.
Brace Height: Long cam: 7 inches; Med cam: 6.62 inches
Axle-to-Axle: 34 inches
Draw Length: Long cam: 27.5 - 33 inches; Med cam: 25 - 30 inches
Draw Weight: 50, 60, or 70 pounds
Bow Weight: 4.7 pounds
Speed: Long cam: 331 fps; Med cam: 336 fps
Bowtech Solution LS
The Bowtech Solution LS incorporates DeadLock Technology, which makes great, accurate arrow flight even more repeatable. Additionally, it has Dual Limb Pockets (to create an accurate, rigid platform), FlipDisc (to customize draw cycle), Orbit Dampeners (to reduce noise and vibration), and more.
As for specs, the bow measures 30 inches axle-to-axle, brace height is 6.375 inches, draw weight is 50-, 60-, or 70-pounds, and draw length is 24.5 to 30 inches. It shoots 330 fps. The bow weighs 4.2 pounds.
Brace Height: 6.375 inches
Axle-to-Axle: 30 inches
Draw Length: 24.5 - 30 inches
Draw Weight: 50, 60, or 70 pounds
Bow Weight: 4.2 pounds
Speed: 330 fps
Hoyt Alpha AX-2 Series
The Alpha AX-2 series from Hoyt is now an excellent line of bows. They all feature the company's HBX Gen 4 cams, and this year, the bow is offered in a series of models, including the Alpha AX-2 29, AX-2 32, and AX-2 SD.
Axle-to-Axle:
AX-2 29: 29.5 inches;
AX-2 32 32 5/16
AX-2 SD: 29.5 inches
Brace Height:
X-2 29: 6 3/8 inches
AX-2 32: 6.5 inches
AX-2 SD: 6 inches
Draw Weight:
X-2 29: 40 - 80 pounds
AX-2 32: 40 - 80 pounds
AX-2 SD: 30 - 70 pounds
Draw Length:
X-2 29: 26 -31 inches
AX-2 32: 26 - 31 inches
AX-2 SD: 23 - 27 inches
Speed:
X-2 29: 340 fps
AX-2 32: 336 fps
AX-2 SD: 310 fps
Bow Weight:
X-2 29: 4.25 pounds
AX-2 32: 4.5 pounds
AX-2 SD: 4.1 pounds
Hoyt Carbon RX-9 Series
Building on the other RX bows before it, the Hoyt Carbon RX-9 is the latest in the carbon bow lineup. This bow also comes as the RX-9 Ultra and RX-9 SD.
RX-9
Brace Height: 6 1/8 inches
Axle-to-Axle: 30.5 inches
Draw Length: 25 - 30 inches
Draw Weight: 40 - 80 pounds
Bow Weight: 4 pounds
Speed: 342 fps
RX-9 Ultra
Brace Height: 6 3/8 inches
Axle-to-Axle: 30.5 inches
Draw Length: 26 - 32 inches
Draw Weight: 40 - 80 pounds
Bow Weight: 4.3 pounds
Speed: 340 fps
RX-9 SD
Brace Height: 5 5/8 inches
Axle-to-Axle: 30 5/16 inches
Draw Length: 23 - 27 inches
Draw Weight: 30 - 70 pounds
Bow Weight: 3.9 pounds
Speed: 310 fps
All are available in 15 colors, including nine camo patterns and six solid colors.
Mathews LIFT X
The Mathews LIFT X delivers excellent tuning and customization. It features Mathews’ patented Limb Shift Technology (LST), the LIFT X allows archers to micro-adjust their tune with a wrench (no bow press needed). ARC7 Limb Technology delivers durable and efficient limbs.
Plus, the BOND Grip System customizes the point of contact for every shooter.
Brace Height: 5 5/8 inches
Axle-to-Axle: 29.5 or 33 inches
Draw Length: 24.5 - 31.5 inches
Draw Weight: 55 - 80 pounds
Bow Weight: 3.99 pounds
Mathews LIFT RS
The Mathews LIFT RS brings Mathews’ latest flagship technology to shorter draw lengths or those who prefer a shorter axle-to-axle bow. Overall, the LIFT RS is quite customizable and can fit a large variety of archers. It’s optimized to provide performance at shorter draw lengths.
Brace Height: 5.5 inches
Axle-to-Axle: 27.75 inches
Draw Length: 23.5 - 29 inches
Draw Weight: 41 - 80 pounds
Bow Weight: 3.92 pounds
Let-Off: 80 or 85%
Speed: 353 fps
Mathews LIFT XD
The LIFT XD by Mathews is built with long-draw archers in mind. It boasts draw lengths of up to 33.5 inches. the all-new, oversized SWX+ Cam brings LIFT technology to long draw archers in the same lightweight, heavy-hitting profile the LIFT is known for. The 2025 LIFT X lineup is available in eleven finish options, including Mathews’ newest options – Kuiu Verde, Shale, and Shale Fade-to-Black.
Brace Height: 6.75 inches
Axle-to-Axle: 33 inches
Draw Length: 32 - 33.5 inches
Draw Weight: 50 - 75 pounds
Bow Weight: 4.31 pounds
Let-Off: 80 or 85%
Speed: 363 fps
PSE Mach 33 DS
The Mach 33 DS by PSE comes with Dead Frequency Carbon, and thus, it is faster, stiffer, and crisper. It features integrated sight and rest mounting options. Get it in one of 10 different color variations. The bow weighs 3.9 pounds. Made in the U.S.A.
Brace Height: 6 5/8 inches
Axle-to-Axle: 33 inches
Draw Length: 25.5 - 31 inches
Draw Weight: 50 - 80 pounds
Bow Weight: 4.31 pounds
Let-Off: 80 or 90%
Speed: 335 fps
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