As archery seasons across the country get ready to pop, check out our top three picks in the hunting compound bow and hunting crossbow categories.
Bowtech Ascend
The Bowtech Ascend is a compound bow that features all the bells and whistles most hunters want, yet still comes in at under the $1,000 mark.
Built for hunters and target archers who want high-end performance and easy adjustability at a midrange price, the Ascend offers an adjustable draw length of 24.5 to 30 inches, draw weights from 45 to 70 pounds, a 31-inch axle-to-axle length, a 6.5-inch brace height and speeds up to 340 feet per second (fps).
The bow’s DeadLock Lite cam system allows precise tuning, and the FlipDisc technology lets users switch between comfort and performance settings.
Bowtech Ascend Specifications:
| Physical Weight | 4.2 lbs. |
| Draw Length | 24.5-30 inches |
| Draw Weight | 45-60 or 55-70 pounds |
| Speed | 340 fps |
| Axle-to-Axle | 31 inches |
| Brace Height | 6.5 inches |
| MSRP | $999 |
Bear Archery Alaskan Pro RTH
The Alaskan Pro RTH is a stable, balanced, hunt-ready bow from legendary Bear Archery. One of the biggest selling points of the Alaskan Pro RTH is the included Trophy Ridge Ready to Hunt package, which includes the core accessories a bowhunter needs to get started, including a Trophy Ridge rest, sight, quiver and stabilizer.
The 33-inch axle-to-axle platform gives the bow a stable aiming feel, which newer shooters will appreciate as they learn to settle their pins. Available in draw weights 45-60 and 55-70, Bear says the bow flings arrows at 339 fps.
Bear Archery Alaskan Pro RTH Specifications:
| Axle-to-Axle Length | 33 inches |
| Brace Height | 6.25 inches |
| Draw Length | 25.5-30.5 inches |
| Draw Weight | 45-60 or 55-70 pounds |
| Let-Off | 80% or 85% |
| MSRP | $759.99 |
Mathews ARC 30
Mathews is a top maker of quality bows, and the ARC 30 is certainly no exception to that rule. The compact 30-inch axle-to-axle length gives it a maneuverable profile that feels comfortable in hand, and at 3.99 pounds, it’s noticeably lighter than many flagship bows.
Engineered for speed (it tops out at 348 fps) and refined for archers who demand more, the 2026 ARC combines enhanced stability, efficiency and versatility in a lightweight, high-powered platform.
The ARC 30 is built on Mathews’ most advanced riser design, the new SWX-2 Cam with perimeter weight technology and a redesigned limb cup and limb geometry.
Mathews ARC 30 Specifications:
| Brace Height | 6 inches |
| IBO Rating | Up to 348 fps |
| Axle-to-Axle | 30 inches |
| Draw Weight | 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or 80 pounds |
| Draw Length | 25-30.5 inches |
| Let-Off | 80% or 85% |
| Physical Weight | 3.99 lbs. |
| Cam | SWX-2 |
| MSRP | Starting at $1,459 |
Excalibur Suppressor CRT
Built for hunters who demand reliability in real-world conditions, the Suppressor CRT delivers ultra-quiet technology, compact maneuverability and rugged simplicity without compromise.
Top features include a sound-deadening system, Limbsaver SlipLox, a full-length scope mount, premium trigger for cleaner breaks and High Output (HO) limbs.
The package comes complete with a Tact Hunter Scope, R.E.D.S suppressors, a Rebolt four-arrow quiver, four 16.5-inch ProFlight arrows with 100-grain field points and a Ceasefire rope cocking aid.
Weighing 6.2 pounds bare, the Suppressor CRT reaches speeds up to 370 fps.
Excalibur Suppressor CRT Specifications:
| Speed | Up to 370 fps |
| Overall Length | 31.7 inches |
| Physical Weight | 6.2 lbs. |
| Weight With Accessories | 8.7 lbs. |
| Draw Effort | 180 lbs. |
| Draw Type | Rope Aid |
| MSRP | Starting at $1,199.99 |
Ravin R10X PRO
I tested the Ravin LR crossbow last year and found it to be the best crossbow I’ve ever used. The new Ravin10X, especially the new Pro model, might be even better.
The R10X Pro brings together every premium feature that Ravin is known for. Equipped with Silent Cocking for stealth operation in the field, an adjustable stock for a truly custom fit and a full-length scope rail that delivers added stability and enhanced efficiency, the R10X Pro is built for the shooter who demands it all. It features a Soft Touch nylon fiber stock and flings arrows at 420 fps.
Ravin R10X Pro Specifications:
| Speed (400-grain arrow) | 420 fps |
| Kinetic Energy | 156 ft.-lbs. |
| Physical Weight | 7.95 lbs. |
| Length | 32.5 inches |
| Draw Force | 12 lbs. |
| Powered By | Helicoil Technology |
| Limbs | Quad Limb Composite |
| Riser | Aluminum CNC |
| Width Axle-to-Axle | 6.5 inches cocked / 10.5 inches uncocked |
| Stock Style | Ambidextrous / Soft Touch |
| Stock Material | Nylon Fiber |
| MSRP | $1,849.99 |
TenPoint TX Ultra 29.5
If you’re looking for a super-fast crossbow in a small package, look no further than the TX Ultra 29.5 from Tenpoint.
At only 6.5 inches wide when cocked and measuring a scant 29.5 inches in length, this crossbow still shoots arrows at a whopping 460 fps.
The Trigger Tech precision trigger ensures a consistent break shot to shot. Even better, the package includes the ACUslide MAXX cocking and de-cocking system, a 100-yard EVO-X Marksman Elite scope, a three-pack of TenPoint ACU-X 20 Premium Carbon crossbow arrows, an integrated string stop, a quiver, a bow hanger and a bubble level.
TenPoint TX Ultra 29.5 Specifications:
| Length (Without Foot Stirrup) | 29.5 inches |
| Width Axle-to-Axle | 11 inches uncocked / 6.5 inches cocked |
| Power Stroke | 13.5 inches |
| Physical Weight | 8 lbs. |
| Cocking Device | ACUslide MAXX |
| Scope | EVO-X Marksman Elite |
| Draw Style | Forward Draw |
| Safe De-Cocking | ACUslide MAXX |
| Speed | 460 fps |
| MSRP | Starting at $2,549.99 |
