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Compound bows are one of the few gear categories with new flagship models each year. That's why, on a year-to-year basis, we don't see too much ground-breaking technology that revolutionizes the bowhunting world. However, bow manufacturers are still developing new ways to fine-tune and improve on existing models. This is the case for this year's lineup of new compound bows.
While there are some new short axle-to-axle bows, most manufacturers launched models between 33 and 34 inches. Other trends include creating cam and limb designs that allow for no-bow-press needed tuning—get an Allen wrench and micro-tune from home or afield. With archer customization at the forefront, grip technology continues to evolve, and draw-weight options continue to increase. Here's a first look at the latest flagship compound bows for 2025.
Top New Bows of 2025
Hoyt RX-9 Ultra
Specs
Axle to Axle Length: 33-1/2"
Weight: 4.3 lbs
Brace Height: 6-3/8"
Available Draw Lengths: 26-32"
Available Draw Weights: 40-80 lbs
Speed: 340 ATA
Price: $2,149
Hoyt says its new flagship bow is faster and more compact than last year's RX-8 Ultra. With 33-1/2 inches between the axles, Hoyt shooters could see an increase of 19 feet per second over the RX-8 Ultra. This is possible via the all-new HBX GEN 4 Cam. With the HBX, bowhunters still get a trio of let-off (70, 75, and 80 percent) settings, a choice of Hard or Xtra Hard back wall, and 1/4-inch draw-length adjustability. For 2025, Hoyt created the GEN 4 in a five-module system instead of three. Now, each inch of the draw is optimized for speed and efficiency while reducing torque and increasing the archer's natural point of aim. Having tested and hunted with the RX-9 Ultra, I can attest to the bow's speed and tack-driving ability.
Bowtech Proven 34
Axle to Axle Length: 34"
Weight: 4.7 lbs.
Brace Height: 7" Long Cam; 6.625" Medium Cam
Available Draw Lengths: 27.5-30" Long Cam; 25-30" Medium Cam
Available Draw Weights: 50-70 lbs
Speed: 331 IBO Long Cam; 336 IBO Medium Cam
Price: $1,449
Bowtech goes long in 2025 with its 34-inch axle-to-axle Proven 34. With more length between the axle pins and CenterMass Technology, which aligns the sight with optimizing stability, shot-to-shot consistency increases. The DeadLock Cams feature a rotating 1/2-inch draw-length module for no-bow-press needed adjustment. Bowtech created a Long and Medium Cam, which fit various draw lengths. TimeLock lets archers make finite tuning adjustments in seconds at home or in the field, and GripLock requires only an Allen wrench to customize the grip's position to the shooter's preference. The bow is smooth to draw, transitions to a let-off that is not abrupt, balances well, and holds on target.
Mathews Lift X 29.5 & Lift X 33
Specs
Axle to Axle Length: 29.5 and 33"
Weight: 3.99 and 4.25 lbs.
Brace Height: 6 and 6.5"
Available Draw Lengths: 24.5-30" and 26-31.5"
Available Draw Weights: 55-80 lbs
Speed: 348 IBO and 343 IBO
Price: $1,359 and $1,469
In true Mathews fashion, the bow-maker gives archers a pair of aluminum flagships—one to appease the short axle-to-axle crowd and one that stretches the tape measure 3.5 inches further. Both rigs are light and feature all-new patented Limb Shift Technology (LST). According to Mathews, LST allows archers to tune their bow without taking it to a pro shop or pressing the limbs via a wrench turn. Mathews has crafted some ultra-efficient limbs over the years but dubs its new ARC7 Limb Technology its best. Mathews brands the limbs as rugged, durable, and more efficient. The tired-and-true Switch Weight X Cam produces solid speeds, and the Switch Weight Mods ensure maximum shooter versatility. Staying with the shooter customization trend, the Bond Grip System customizes hand contact for every shooter.
Elite Artus
Specs
Axle to Axle Length: 30"
Weight: 4.7 lbs.
Brace Height: 6.875"
Available Draw Lengths: 25-30.5"
Available Draw Weights: 40-75 lbs
Speed: 340 IBO
Price: $1,299.99
Elite's Artus is a compact bow wearing all-new SP2 Cams with VX Performance Mods. It is available in a slew of camo, solid colors, and peak draw options. The VX Performance Mods let the archer fine-tune exact holding weight and draw length to match their shooting style, and the cam system is adjustable across a 5.5-inch range. Let-off is adjustable between 70 and 90 percent, and S.E.T. Technology lets the archer micro-adjust the limb pivot angle to ensure perfect arrow flight.
The R.A.C. (Rail Accessory Connection) makes mounting modern bow accessories a breeze via Picatinny-style mounting on both limb pockets and the riser. The Artus was engineered for speed and control, giving the archer the best of both worlds.
Prime Form
Specs
Axle to Axle Length: 34"
Weight: 4.1 lbs.
Brace Height: 6.25"
Available Draw Lengths: 26.5-30.5" module specific
Available Draw Weights: 40-80 lbs
Speed: 336 IBO
Price: $1,595
With some (very few) exceptions, most bow makers follow a similar year-to-year style. While new technologies happen, style, for the most part, remains the same. This is not the case for the new Prime Form. A combination of American-made carbon rods and lightweight aluminum make up the riser. Prime calls the blend AST (Advanced Structures Technology). The goal was to create a light, stiff riser that didn't compromise accuracy and durability.
The Core Cam System is highly tunable via the no-compromise draw-length specific mods that ensure maximum efficiency at precise draw lengths. A usual Prime suspect, CenterGrip Technology, was integrated into the new Hybrid Riser. CenterGrip lowers the bow's center of gravity to increase balance and stiffness. The riser sports a Picatinny rail on the front for easy sight mounting and dovetail slots on the back to accept Integrate-style rests.
Bear Persist 33
Axle to Axle Length: 33"
Weight: N/A
Brace Height: 6.25"
Available Draw Lengths: 26.5-30.5"
Available Draw Weights: 45-70 lbs
Speed: 340 IBO
Price: $1,249.99
One of five new bows in Bear's new-for-2025 Legend Series lineup, the Persist 33 hits a not-too-short and not-too-long axle-to-axle sweet spot. Between the bow's durable, short split limbs are the EKO Cams. Allowing a generous draw-length range, the cams offer let-off settings of 75, 80, 85, and 90 percent and help the rig hit a maximum top speed of 340 fps. Bear added a Silent Shelf and Integrated String Stop to maximize shooting stealth.
Following suit with most modern-day flagships, Bear gave the Persist 33 a Picatinny-rail sight mounting and IMS-compatible riser. The built-in rope attachment will simplify pulling the bow up the tree, and camo and solid color options are available.
Xpedition Xlite 32
Axle to Axle Length: 32"
Weight: 3.8 lbs.
Brace Height: 6"
Available Draw Lengths: 25-30.5"
Available Draw Weights: 50-80 lbs
Speed: 342 IBO
Price: $1,899.99
Joining Xpedition's tried-and-true Xlite lineup of compounds is the XLite 32. Xpeditions markets the bow as its most stable-shooting Xlite, compliments of the 30 percent lighter than 6061 aluminum Magnite Riser and smooth but fast XB32 Dual Cams. The cam system is a two-module system with short and long-draw modules to ensure peak performance across a broad range of draw lengths. Magnite, according to Xpedition, is stronger than carbon, provides remarkable vibration dampening, and is a trusted material in the defense and aerospace industries. Xpedition also added a Picatinny rail for mounting compatible bow sights.
PSE Mach 33 DS
Axle to Axle Length: 33"
Weight: 3.9 lbs.
Brace Height: 6-5/8"
Available Draw Lengths: 25.5-31"
Available Draw Weights: 50-80 lbs
Speed: 335 IBO
Price: $1,899
Building off the success of the 2024 Mach 30, the all-new Mach 33 DS puts three more inches between the axle pins and allows archers to shim the bow without a bow press via PSE's EZ.220 Snap Spacers. Full Draw Stability technology uses the ideal string angle to help the archer hold steady on target while boosting shot-to-shot forgiveness. The PSE Limb Vise Pocket System provides additional stability as the pivot point tightens against the handle surface, ensuring the pocket stays centered over the riser regardless of limb-bolt position. The EC2 cam system is efficient, and let-off is adjustable from 80 to 90 percent. PSE's machined dovetail plate accepts QAD's Integrate rests, and the Picatinny rail front sight mount accommodates PM sights.
