Fall is upon us — now’s the perfect time to peruse this list of the top compound bows and bowhunting gear items that you might need to work into your hunting gear budget for the upcoming season. From bows to bags to broadheads, we've got it all.
Best Compound Bows
Bowtech Virtue Compound Bow
Backcountry bowhunters looking to cut the weight of their compound should look to Bowtech’s new Virtue, the lightest bow in its class. Its AeroMag magnesium alloy construction is responsible for the massive weight reduction. The Virtue features DeadLock Technology, billed as the easiest DIY-adjustable cam system, and its fully customizable GripLock provides shooters with the ability to fine-tune grip angle.
Specs
Mass Weight: 3.7 pounds
Draw Weights: 50, 60, 70 pounds
Axle-to-Axle Length: 32 inches
Draw Length Range: 25 to 30 inches
Speed: 341 fps
Brace Height: 6.19 inches
MSRP: $1,999
Mathews Archery Lift X 29.5 Compound Bow
Hey, need a lift in your archery game? Look no further than Mathews’ new Lift X 29.5 featuring Limb Shift Tech, which allows archers to micro-adjust their tune with the simple turn of a wrench. The Lift X also features super-durable and efficient ARC7 Limb Technology and the new shooter-customizable Bond Grip system.
Specs
Mass Weight: 3.99 pounds
Draw Weights: 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 pounds
Axle-to-Axle Length: 29.5 inches
Draw Length Range: 24.5 to 30 inches
Speed: 348 fps
Brace Height: 6 inches
MSRP: $1,359
Crossbows
Excalibur Hybrid X Crossbow
A little bit of this and a little bit of that spells Hybrid X, a merging of Excalibur’s legendary recurve durability with the new InnerDrive compound cam system. InnerDrive is a fully shielded inboard cam system built into a caged riser for maximum durability. The reverse recurve limb design keeps the crossbow sleek and highly maneuverable.
Other features include the integrated ChargerX Crank for safe and easy cocking and decocking, a streamlined stock, premium trigger and the Ceasefire anti-dry fire system.
Specs
Mass Weight: 8.3 to 10.3 pounds
Speed: 435 fps
Overall Length: 29.6 inches
Draw Effort: 14 pounds
MSRP: $2,199
Ravin LR Crossbow
Dialing long distance just got a whole lot easier with Ravin’s new LR that’s downrange effectiveness hits the 135-yard range. The LR features a longer profile with a full-length Picatinny rail and comes ready-to-rock with an adjustable turret scope, scope level, built-in silent cocking mechanism, anti-dry fire/auto safety, quiver/mounting bracket and three .001 premium arrows and field points.
Specs
Mass Weight: 8.1 pounds
Speed: 450 fps
Overall Length: 34 inches
Draw Effort: 12 pounds
MSRP: $2,549
Barnett Hyper Raptor T-Rex Crossbow
Three new Barnett crossbows are launching soon, but the new top-of-the-line Hyper Raptor T-Rex is what caught our attention. The T-Rex features the integrated Planetary cocking/decocking/safe system, Raptor Series custom step-through riser, parabolic limbs, Infinity cams, the Soft-Lok Bristle Retainer System and TriggerTech floating trigger.
Its pivoting limb pockets enhance durability, while the Halo System eliminates cable crossing and cam lean, optimizing string travel for superior precision.
Specs
Mass Weight: 8.2 pounds
Speed: 440 fps
Overall Length: 32 inches
Axle-to-axle length: 7.25 inches
Draw Effort: 12 pounds
Included: Scope, three 22 HyperFlight bolts and QD quiver
MSRP: $1,199
TenPoint TRX-26 Crossbow
Great bolts of fire! The new TRX 26’s claim to fame is that it’s the fastest compact crossbow in the world. The TRX 26 is TenPoint’s lightest and narrowest reverse-draw short crossbow ever. Features include a TriggerTech Trigger, Zero-Trac Barrel, Guide-Lock arrow rest, ACU-Lock Scope Bridge and the ACUSlide MAXX silent and safe cocking/decocking/safe system.
Specs
Mass Weight: 7.3 pounds
Speed: 460 fps
Overall Length: 26.5 inches
Axle-to-axle length: 11 to 5.75 inches
Included: 100-yard scope, three CenterPunch HPX carbon bolts, bow hook, and quiver
MSRP: $3,049
Best Bowhunting Gear
Speed Broadheads
Are you feeling the need for speed? We are, and that’s why we’re proud to introduce Speed Broadheads brought to you by the original inventors of Rage Broadheads and Ravin Crossbows. Speed’s initial launch includes four mechanical broadheads: a 100-grain Titanium, a 100-grain Crosscut Aluminum, a 100-grain Titanium Crossbow, and a 125-grain Steel Crossbow.
Each product is driven by Speed Reactive Technology, which has a micro piston at its core. That piston eliminates the need for rubber bands, collars, etc. When the arrow is released, the piston regulates the dynamic forces of the blades, locking them during flight. The faster the shot, the tighter the blades lock for perfect aerodynamic flight every time. MSRP: $99/3 pack
Sevr Broadheads
Making the cut in the big-game woods just got easier with Sevr’s expansion of its Hybrid broadhead line. The two new four-bladed models are the Ti 1.75 and Ti 2.0, which feature a rear-deploying mechanical main blade paired with a fixed 0.75-inch bleeder blade.
All Hybrid heads are built with a one-piece machined titanium ferrule and precision-ground tip along with stainless steel blades. Available in 100- and 125-grain. MSRP: $19.99/each
Easton 5.0 Arrows
Looking to lighten things up? Look to the new Easton 5.0 lightweight and versatile hunting arrow built on a micro-diameter 5mm Acu-Carbon platform. The 5.0 arrows are designed to reduce friction, enhance penetration and decrease wind resistance for greater accuracy and higher velocity downrange.
Available in six spine sizes—200, 250, 300, 340, 400 and 500—the 5.0 features Easton’s new 5mm Microlite Nock System, which includes a more compact nock body and a redesigned throat for better string fit and enhanced tunability. They’re available in standard and Match Grade versions. MSRP: $109/6 pack
Buck Commander Buk Ops Buknoculars
Seeing game in low-light situations is paramount to success afield. Primetime Color Vision technology is key to what you see through the Buknocs! Features include a 25mm objective lens, easy manual focus adjuster, 1-5x zoom range and a 2.9-inch HD viewfinder.
The unit also features 4K high-resolution recording capabilities to capture the hunt and memories for later. The Buknoculars package includes Bukskin, a premium neoprene protective skin in Veil Tac Black Camo that keeps the optic looking as good as new. MSRP: $549
SPYPOINT FORCE-24 Non-Cellular Trail Cam
The new FORCE-24 delivers the perfect balance of performance and value. Ideal for scouting areas without cellular coverage, the FORCE-24 features 24 MP photos, 2K video with sound and customizable settings.
The FORCE-24 captures crisp, detailed photos that rival more expensive models, and the Low-glow LEDs deliver clear nighttime images without spooking wildlife. Advanced capture options include five-photo bursts in Multi-shot mode, Time-Lapse and Time-Lapse+. MSRP: $49
Moultrie Edge 3 Cell Cameras
Bucks, camera, action—when and how you want it delivered! Meet Moultrie’s new Edge 3 Series. Moultrie A.I. extends battery life by filtering content to deliver your most important content at the cadence that you want it. If you want photos of all your deer delivered once per day, but photos and videos of bucks delivered immediately after a photo is captured, Moultrie A.I. filters the content and delivers your most important captures immediately.
Edge 3 and Edge 3 Pro units have enhanced resolution that deliver super-clear 40 images. Beside Moultrie A.I., other key features include live aim, GPS, offline settings, solar reporting, battery life estimator, 0.5-second trigger speed and more. MSRP: $99-$139
Tethrd Hunting Saddle
Saddle hunters, saddle up! Tethrd’s Carnivore 2 Panel Hunting Saddle delivers the perfect blend of comfort, durability and low-drag performance. With the RAD system for silent panel deployment and the Quad Lock UtiliBridge for dialed-in fit, it’s built for all-day hunts and all-day comfort. MSRP: $329
Tethrd SABR Limb Saw
This innovative saw is a must-have tool for anyone spending time in the woods—whether you're hunting, camping or backpacking. Built for strength, portability and quick use, it easily converts from a handsaw to a pole saw using simple Limb Lock attachments. Perfect for clearing branches, opening trails or cleaning up camp, the SABR Saw packs serious versatility into a compact design that’s built to last. MSRP: $69
Millennium M8 Pro Lite Hang-On
Engineered for serious hunters, the 8.5-pound M8 Pro Lite Hang-On Stand offers lightweight convenience, durability and unparalleled portability. Constructed from rugged 6061-T6 aluminum, the 20.5-inch-wide by 20-inch-long platform sports a capacity of 300 pounds. It fits trees from 9- to 20-inch diameter. The comfy flip-up seat measures 19.5 inches wide by 10.5 inches long. MSRP: $209
Millennium Vulcan Climbing Sticks
Sold in packs of four, the Vulcan sticks are a great companion to any hang-on stand hunter’s arsenal. Vulcan sticks feature 7-foot double-loop connection straps with cam buckle for secure and easy setup, and an anti-slip design with extended standoff for better foot placement. Ladder sections stack nicely for compact carry. Stick sections are 19 inches high, while the steps are 8.75 inches wide. MSRP: $209
KUIU Ranger 2200 Pack
Hunt all-day, in all kinds of comfort. KUIU’s new rugged, ultralight 2,200 cubic inch day pack with internal frame is for those hunters who crave quality and organization. Weighing just under 3 pounds, the Ranger 2200 features an ultralight tubular aluminum perimeter frame, dual-density air mesh suspension, YKK zippers and durable Cordura and Duraflex components.
Thoughtfully designed cargo and pocketing systems offer intuitive gear organization, with dedicated compartments for hydration, small accessories and bulky gear. Available in Verde, Valo, Vias, Ash, Evergreen and Gunmetal. MSRP: $229
Fenix CL27R Lantern
This new lighting solution is ready for camp or home with its powerful 1600-lumen output and 180-meter beam distance. The CL27R features a dual-distance beam system, combining a 14.5-degree spotlight and a 105-degree floodlight that can be used separately or together.
Its 360-degree rotary magnetic handle allows easy carrying, hanging or attachment, while stepless brightness and color temperature regulation (2700K-6500K) provide perfect lighting for any situation. With a USB-C rechargeable battery offering up to 285 hours of runtime, IP66 waterproofing and drop resistance up to 1.5 meters, the CL27R is built for any adventure. MSRP: $85
Fenix HM70R Headlamp
Light the way to your stand with this all-metal headlamp that provides 1600 lumens of maximum brightness and can maintain up to 100 hours of runtime per charge.
The HM70R is built with a red and white LED light source and a red flashing mode for alerting. It is powered by a 21700 battery or an 18650 battery with an ALF-18 adapter, and is completely rechargeable with a hidden USB Type-C port. MSRP: $99
Latitude Outdoors BITE Bow Hanger
Designed to be compatible with any gear strap, the Bite Bow Hanger is made of aluminum, and its extended arm accommodates hunters who prefer to hunt with their bow’s quiver attached.
The Bite features a rotating standoff, which enhances stability on the tree. This is a great option for saddle hunters who want an ultracompact bow hook integrated into their gear strap. MSRP: $29.99
Ravin TacHeads Bi-Pod
Set up a successful shot every single time with the ultra-reliable Ravin TacHeads Bi-Pod. Designed for precision and stability in the field, this lightweight, compact bipod easily attaches to any Ravin crossbow model.
Whether you're sighting in at the range or settling in for a shot in the stand, the TacHeads Bi-Pod provides steady support without adding bulk. When not in use, it folds up neatly and stores effortlessly in your pack, making it a go-to accessory for serious crossbow hunters. MSRP: $35
SITKA Bow Sling
Adaptable to your hunting style, the modular SITKA Bow Sling features a durable four-way stretch polyester, self-tensioning padded cam covers, and sight and fletching protectors that can be deployed, stowed or removed. MSRP: $99
Kifaru Blitz Bag
This is the ultimate lightweight, versatile bag to bring along on any type of excursion. The Blitz Bag can hold up to 51.6L but can roll up to be smaller than a Nalgene when it’s not in use. It’s perfect for a weekend trip in the woods, a spontaneous overnight or a management trek around the property. MSRP: $50
This content originally appeared in the September-October 2025 print edition of Hook & Barrel magazine.
Related Articles
