For the past 15 years, I've been fortunate to test most new-for-the-year compound bows. I've seen fantastic innovations during that testing tenure, from carbon risers to rubber strips separating eight limbs to Allen-wrench tunable cams.
My mind gets blown every year, and while I cannot take every vertical bow build afield, I spend lots of time behind risers on the range sending carbon.
Starting in June, my social media inbox and email get flooded with anticipation for the new crop of bows. The most popular question is: What do you know about this year's new bows? The second most popular question is: Who do you think will have the best bow of the year? The excitement is palpable.
While I've yet to drop the string on a new 2025 model, I can testify that 2024 was another banner year for compound manufacturers. From FPS jaw-droppers to customizable 1/4-inch adjustable draw length cams to a sub-four-pound aluminum make, 2024's bow crop is nothing short of spectacular thanks to these time-tested compound bow brands.
Hoyt
We've come to expect greatness from Hoyt. This compound kingpin delivers, producing a pair of aluminum and carbon flagship models yearly. Hoyt is also one of the leaders in compound bow innovation.
To date, one of my all-time favorite Hoyt models was the AlphaMax 32. Hoyt's darling in 2009, the bow's modular XTR Cam & 1/2 eccentric system, TEC riser, and 5-layer laminated limbs combined to create speed, forgiveness, a quiet shot, and undeniable downrange accuracy. I may be partial to this 32-inch axle-to-axle compound because in 2009, I released six arrows at big-game animals, and all six critters ended up in my freezer.
For some, models like the Carbon Element, Carbon Defiant, RX-4 Ultra, RX-7, Nitrum 34, Helix, or Vector Turbo forever pulled them into the Hoyt vortex.
For 2024, we love Hoyt's Alpha X 33 and Carbon RX-8. The Alpha X 33 hits an axle-to-axle sweet spot for many bowhunters—not too long or short—and the HBX Xact Cam is draw-length adjustable in 1/4-inch increments. Archers can select letoff settings of 75, 80, or 85 percent, and an integrated kickstand in the top and bottom cams protects the string from excess wear and tear. The In-Line System allows for more balanced, streamlined accessory attachment, and Hoyt engineers bill the bow to be up to 18 percent more vibration-free and 25 percent quieter than last year's VTM.
The Carbon RX-8 is a 4-pound, 342 fps tack driver. The 6-1/8-inch brace height is short enough to help with speed but long enough to be forgiving, and at 30 9/16-inches axle-to-axle, this bow is ideal for sit-and-wait and spot-and-stalk hunters alike. Like the Alpha X 33, the RX-8 wears a pair of easy-to-tune HBX Xact Cams. The carbon riser boasts a just-right strength-to-weight ratio. Hoyt bows are heralded for being tough, and the RX-8 is ready for any terrain in any weather condition. Made from Versaflex, the VitalPoint Grip was placed at an optimal angle to deliver shot-to-shot consistency. New WireWRX Bow Strings and Holeshot V2 Silencers combine to reduce post-shot string vibration by up to 25 percent.
Mathews
My first compound bow was a Mathews. That model was the Outback, and that bow was responsible for my love of archery. I harvested my first pronghorn, whitetail buck, and cow elk with it.
Since the Outback, I've wrapped my bow hand around the riser of models like the Switchback, 2010 Z7 (which I loved), the Traverse, and many others. Mathews does accuracy in a way few bow makers can. Every Mathews rig I've ever sent carbon from was smooth to draw, balanced, and tranquil at the shot, both in bow-hand oscillation and quietness.
Mathews is credited with many industry-leading technologies, such as the Solocam, Harmonic Dampener, No Cam Technology, Grid Lock Riser, and Crossentric Cam System. Like any top-tier compound bow maker, Mathews continues to push limits and break down barriers to make each bow model better than the last.
Enter the 2024 Lift 29.5 and Lift 33. Naturally, the numbers following the name refer to the axle-to-axle length of each compound. In typical Mathews fashion, we find an under-30-inch axle-to-axle model and a rig that will appeal to shooters who demand more space between the cams' axle pins.
We never imagined we'd handle an aluminum riser bow with a sub-4-pound weight rating, but Mathews gives us one in the 3.99-pound Lift 29.5. The Lift 33 has a no-accessories-attached weight of just 4.26 pounds. Archers are excited about the efficiency of the new-for-2024 SwitchWeight X Cam, compatible with SwtichWeight mods, which accommodates draw lengths from 24.5 to 31.5 inches on the 29.5 model and 26 to 31.5 inches on the Lift 33. Both bows are draw-weight adjustable from 55 to 80 pounds without changing limbs, which shows the ridiculous efficiency Mathews is capable of. The Lift duo also sports a new top-mounted axle system that maximizes the working surface area of the limbs while reducing weight and boosting stability across the entire platform. And, of course, the legendary Bridge-Lock System streamlines accessory attachment.
Bowtech
I have a Bowtech tattoo. No, I'm not kidding. Years ago, Bowtech hired a tattoo artist at an ATA Show and gave away free tattoos in their booth. Bowtech has always been excellent at drawing attention to its brand. The good news is that even if this compound bow maker stopped throwing rock concerts, holding special events, and having who knows what at their show booth, they'd still have a growing, faithful following.
Why?
Simple: Bowtech produces compound rigs with purposeful, can't-be-ignored technologies that make the shooting experience accurate and enjoyable. Some unforgettable examples of Bowtech's willingness to push the technology envelope include FlipDisc, Orbit Dampeners, FLX-Guard, Powershift Technology (one of our favorites), the crazy-easy-to-tune OverDrive Binary Cam System, and DeadLock System.
My favorite Bowtech rig was the Admiral—I'm old-school and know it. I was shooting Bowtech models when the manufacturer was branding its rigs with Navy terms. I also did freezer-filling with the Guardian, Carbon Knight, and Insanity CPX.
As the manufacturer always does, Bowtech will provide archers with multiple models for 2024. From the 326 fps Justice to the 337 fps Core SS to the Eva Gen 3, Bowtech has you covered.
We like the blend of forgiveness and speed archers obtain when they opt for the 4.5-pound, 31.5-inch axle-to-axle Core SS. The SS stands for "Super Smooth," and this bow delivers smoothness in spades from when you clip on your D-loop to when you drop the string. CenterMass Technology aligns the sight to optimize shot-to-shot consistency, and the DeadLock Technology system makes no-bow-press needed tunability ultra straightforward. TimeLock allows for quick and easy cam position. FlipDisc technology—which we are so pleased Bowtech hasn't strayed from—enables you to customize the draw cycle from Comfort to Performance based on your preferred shooting style.
Ladies will love the 326 fps Eva Gen 3, available in peak draw weights of 40, 50, and 60 pounds. The Eva Gen 3 ensures maximum adjustability, and the dovetail IMS Mounting System means you can take advantage of direct-riser-mounted rests like QAD's new Integrate MX2. GripLock allows grips to be custom positioned, which is an excellent feature. The grip is everything in archery, and tuning the grip to your specific hold is a win. My bride of 20 years shoots and loves the Eva Gen 3, and at 3.9 pounds, this compound is a joy to tote. With only 28 inches between the axles, bow maneuverability is maximized.
Bear Archery
Bear went through a rough patch a few years back. The bow-builder was on an uptick—I loved the fps-busting Carnage and balanced and forgiving Kuma 30—but things spiraled for a few years.
We are happy to report Bear is back and better than ever, producing several budget-friendly and flagship models for 2024. One of the things we've always appreciated about Bear Archery is the manufacturer's willingness to make so many new bows at so many different price points each year to appeal to the wants and needs of the archery crowd.
A pair of must-mention Bear makes include the all-new Persist and The Hunting Public Adapt RTH. The Persist is a feels-great-in-hand 31-inch axle-to-axle flamethrower with a no-bow-press needed 26- to 30-inch draw-length range. Available in draw weight options of 45 to 60 pounds and 55 to 70 pounds, the Persist features dampeners inside the riser to further squelch noise and vibration. We appreciate a bow focused on silence, and if you're a serious whitetail bowhunter, the Persist may be the bow for you. The new Silent Shelf makes errant arrow contact with the riser undetectable to the savvy ears of game animals, and the wider limb pocket and limb design ensure maximum stability on every shot. Other notable features of the Persist include up to 90 percent let-off, and built with the whitetail-goer in mind, Bear Archery added a loop to the limb pocket for rapid pull rope connection.
YouTube sensation and hardcore bowhunters The Hunting Public joined forces with Bear Archery to create a wallet-friendly bow build ready to hunt out of the box. A smooth-drawing, ultra-forgiving single-cam 32-inch axle-to-axle bow, the Adapt RTH sports an impressive (especially for a single-cam) 80 percent letoff rating and hits a top speed of 320 fps. You'll be ready to hit the woods quickly, outfitted with Trophy Ridge accessories. We like the comfortable and insulated Bear Paw Grip, and the bow is draw-length adjustable between 24 and 31 inches to fit a wide range of draw lengths. The Adapt RTH comes in 45-60 and 55-70 draw weights, providing archers with a silky draw cycle and comfortable backwall.
PSE Archery
Founded in 1970 by archery legend Pete Shepley, Precision Shooting Equipment has become one of the leading archery equipment manufacturers. Of the five bow brands mentioned in this article, a PSE is the only brand I've never hunted with. I have no reason why. I shot several of the PSE Drury Bow Madness rigs remarkably well, and my all-time favorite PSE, the Carbon Air Stealth EC, had a fighting weight of just 3.3 pounds and sent my Easton Axis 340s at 318 fps set at a draw weight of 70 pounds and a draw length of 28.5. That's crazy fast.
Known for producing speed demons like the Omen Pro, which was a member of the manufacturer's X-Force series, PSE still holds a reputation for delivering fast rigs. Still, now you'll hear arches in PSE circles use words like "smooth" and "forgiving" as well.
PSE, like Bear, has a reputation for producing bows for every archer at every price point. The manufacturer does all of this while setting new standards in bow technology, such as X-Force, Carbon, Speed Nock, Stinger, and others.
For 2024, we pay homage to a pair of sure-to-be legends—the Mach 30 DS and Evolve DS 33. The Mach 30 DS features a 6-inch brace height and measures 30 inches between the axles. Max speed is a respectable 338 fps, and the bow is an ultralight of 3.6 pounds. The Full Draw Stability System enhances the bow's rigidity at full draw, reducing flex and torque. A new EZ.220 Snap Spacer System means quick bow tuning and cam lean adjustment. Cam shifts in precise .020-inch increments are possible via the easy-to-remove spacers. The Limb Vise Pocket System also deserves praise. Limb pivots tighten against the handle surface to keep the limb pocket centered over the riser regardless of the limb-bolt position.
Many bow manufacturers built 33-inch axle-to-axle models this year, and we aren't complaining. We love this ATA length. It offers the perfect blend of maneuverability and bow balance. Fitted with the smooth and accurate EC2 Cam, PSE's Evolve DS 33 is worth a test drive at your local pro shop. Available in peak draw weights of 50, 60, 70, and 80 pounds, this 7-inch brace height bow is a joy to shoot. Our only advice is not to shoot groups with it if you value your fletchings and carbon.
The Rest of the Best
Does a bow have to be branded Hoyt, Mathews, Bowtech, Bear, or PSE to be worthy? Not at all. We love the Prime 2024 RVX Series. Prime gives archers a top-tier threesome every year, and this year, the RVX models come in ATA lengths of 32, 34, and 36 inches. All sport the Core Cam and Quik Tune Technology.
Another bow brand we think highly of is Xpedition. Its Xlite 35 promises a balanced, smooth-shooting nature you must drop the string on to appreciate fully. What's hard to wrap our brains around is that its mass weight is under 4 pounds, despite being on the longer side of hunting bows (35 inches axle-to-axle). Xpedition is turning heads and will continue to do so.
What To Consider When Choosing A Compound Bow
Because modern-day compounds are so good, there's less to think about than ever when making your selection. When picking a bow, we advise you to avoid getting caught up in social media or advertising hype. And while groundbreaking technologies are incredible, what really matters is how the bow feels in your hand the first time you pick it up and how it shoots for you. I've praised bows that my bowhunting brothers despised, and vice versa.
We also recommend considering what you plan to use the bow for and how often you shoot it. For example, if you plan to shoot several times a week, pursue multiple species across the country, and have aspirations of dropping carbon in target 10 rings from extended distances, a pricy flagship loaded with top-end bow accessories is a logical choice.
On the flip side, if you plan to dust your bow off a few weeks before whitetail season and again in the spring when turkeys start gobbling, you should consider a budget bow with solid accessories.
FAQs
Q: How do you measure the draw length for a compound bow?
Stand with your back against a flat surface and extend both arms out to the side. Have someone put a light pencil mark at the end of each middle finger. Now, take a tape measure and measure the distance between the two marks. Divide that measurement by 2.5.
Q: How much is a compound bow?
It's not uncommon to spend over $1,500 for a racy flagship. Budget bows are typically priced between $500 and $850.
Q: What size compound bow do I need?
Smaller shooters tend to like shorter axle-to-axle bows in lower draw weights. Taller shooters may go with a shorter axle-to-axle bow, but many prefer an ATA over 32 inches. The best way to determine what size bow will fit you is to shoot various sizes.
Q: Do you need an expensive bow?
Not at all. To prove a point, I won a local 3-D archery tournament several years ago with a $600 bow.
Final Thoughts
Bow season is right around the corner. If you're in the market for a new bow, head to your local pro shop, ask questions, and spend time shooting arrows with any of the models in this article.
Why Trust Us
For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.
