Top 7 Affordable Hunting Bows

Choosing the best yet affordable hunting bows is crucial. Before you go into the woods, you need to equip yourself with the right weapon. If you’ve decided that a bow is better than a rifle or muzzleloaders, you’ve made the right choice. The only thing left to do is find the right hunting bow for you.

There are factors to consider before buying a hunting bow. Hundreds, if not thousands, selection for hunting bows in the market can be overwhelming. How do you find the right bow for you? Below is a list of the top 7 budget-friendly hunting bows that are worth looking at. This guide will help you to narrow down your choices into the best bow that suits your needs.

Top 7 Affordable Hunting Bows

1.    Damon Howatt Hibrido Recurve Bow

This brand has been known for generating bows with great speed and accuracy. The traditional hunting bow is elegantly hand-crafted to achieve the highest level of craftsmanship and quality. This Damon Howatt Hibrido recurve bow is not an exception.

Hunters and archers would find this bow befitting for their outdoor activities. It is made of Zebrawood, ensuring durability despite heavy use. Rest assured that it can withstand the extended periods of bowhunting season.

The bow has a riser featuring a Gail Martin coin. It is the best choice for a novice due to its lightweight and reliable handmade construction. It has an AMO length of 60 inches and a brace height of 6.75 inches – 7.75 inches. Weighing only 1.5 pounds, you can take this bow anywhere without difficulty. Best of all, it is one of the most affordable hunting bows that everyone can buy.

2. Diamond Medalist 38 Bow

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Are you new to bow hunting? If yes, then the Diamond Medalist 38 bow is your best partner in the woods. It is built for novices and beginners. Thanks to its superior technology, seasoned shooters like you have higher chances of targeting big games.

This bow is versatile and delivers quality performance. No matter your skill level, you perform precise shootings. It also features a high-quality Binary Cam system, eliminating vertical knock travel and delivering precision with every draw. Thanks to its rotating modules, adjusting the draw length in the middle of shooting a game is easy and hassle-free.

The bow itself is made of a 38-inch axle-to-axle riser that gives better stability. It also comes with multiple sight bracket threads ranging from 23 to 32.5 inches. This bow is ideal for shooters of all skill levels and an affordable hunting weapon.

3.    Barnett Raptor Pro STR Crossbow

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This elite-level hunting crossbow from Barnett Raptor will take your hunting skills to the next level. It features a fiberglass riser and built to withstand heavy-duty use. It also comes with an integrated auto-responding safety that will set the bow to safe after cocking the string.

Moreover, this bow is known for its speed. It can shoot arrows as fast as 400 fps, even if you are still a beginner. Weighing only 6.9 pounds, carrying this bow into the woods will never be a problem.

The bow has a draw weight of 187, making it one of the fastest shooting crossbow in the market. However, its power stroke is a bit longer than the standard with 16.25 inches. The bow is compatible with 22-inch arrows.

4. Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow

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Hunters who are fans of technology can now benefit from Barnett Whitetail Pro STR crossbow. It features a trigger technology that prevents dry fires. This hunting weapon is relatively fast, with 400 fps, making it an ideal choice for beginners.

Weighing only 6.9 pounds, carrying this bow into the forest to hunt games is not a problem. You can upgrade the bow and take advantage of its innovative design with a series of accessories.

It has 165 draw weight and kinetic energy of 140 ft-lbs. Compared to other bows, it offers better balance and stability. The weight is shifted to the stock from the riser when shooting. Even for a novice, it is comfortable to use.

5. Cams X330 Crossbow

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If you are looking for a durable and heavy-duty hunting weapon, take a look at the CamsX330 crossbow. It offers deadly accuracy, perfect for spending hours in the field.

When fully loaded, the bow only weighs 8.5 pounds, making it the perfect companion in the forest. It offers excellent stealth, power, and accuracy. The scope is easy to sight in, so there’s no need to adjust the velocity.

It features a micro mite riser, dual time-x cams, and Gordon glass solid limbs, all of which are lightweight items that make it easier to hold the bow. Its glass-filled polypropylene delivers toughness and thickness. This bow will improve your hunting skills in no time.

6. Centerpoint CP400 Crossbow

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The Centerpoint CP400 crossbow will introduce to you the beauty of bowhunting with its durable and rugged details. This package includes carbon arrows, roper cocker, rail lube, parallel quiver, scope, and the CP400c crossbow.

This bow can fire up to 400 fps. Its excellent compact design measures 6-inch wide and with a length of 31.75 inches. It features a CNC machine that can maintain consistent and accurate shooting.

It also comes with anti-dry fire and auto-safety features when you are in the field for your protection. The tactical stock is completely adjustable, and it also comes with a folding stirrup and aluminum rail. Now you can level up your hunting game with this crossbow!

7. Excalibur Micro Axe 340 Crossbow

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The Excalibur Micro Axe 340 crossbow is the revolution of lighter, powerful, and faster crossbows in the market. This crossbow has a minimalist design and is perfect for novices. It is also lightweight, making it the perfect companion for hunting big games in the forest.

The highlight of this crossbow is the stock. It is built to reduce the overall weight of the AXE 340. It only weighs 5.5 pounds even when paired with the main aluminum frame. Even the limb and overall length have been reduced, sitting at only 22 inches.

It has a velocity of 340 fps, making it an ideal tool for beginners. It is made for hunting and can withstand heavy-duty use. All of these premium features at an affordable price! You could never go wrong with the Axe 340 crossbow.

Tips for Buying the Best and Affordable Hunting Bows

Now that you know the most affordable hunting bows in the market, it’s time to decide which one to buy. If you’re still on the fence about purchasing a hunting bow, here is our guide. It will help you come up with a wise investment decision that would serve you for years to come.

1. Set a Budget and Stick to it

Before you start browsing online for possible bows to buy, you need to set a budget first. In this case, you are targeting affordable hunting bows that are below $1000.

Most of the high-end bows yield too much speed that can’t be good for a beginner. Hence, stick to decent 500-dollar hunting bows that are forgiving and easy to use.

But make sure that you include a stabilizer, sights, wrist straps, and an arrow rest. It might be sold at a low price, but that doesn’t mean the quality is bad. There are lots of “ready-to-shoot” packages in the market. Over time, you can upgrade your bow into more complex and reliable as your skills continue to develop.

2. Consider the Draw Length

Draw length refers to the force needed to draw back the bowstring. As a hunter, you should find the perfect draw length for you. It shouldn’t be too long nor too short. As much as possible, you need to buy a hunting bow that allows you to adjust the draw length, so it is comfortable when you’re shooting.

Hence, it is essential to ask for guidance from an archery pro about the draw length. When you are in the shop, allow them to help you measure the most suitable draw length.

Too short of a draw length will increase the bow torque that can result in an accurate shot. Too long of a draw length makes it hard to see, resulting in an improper shooting. You need to find the right draw length for you to ensure your shots’ accuracy each time you release the strings.

3.  Consider the Draw Weight

Many hunters opt for the heaviest draw weight available, hoping that they can experience faster shooting speeds. However, do you know that a heavy draw weight will make you uncomfortable and lead to stress while shooting? It can result in shakiness and makes it difficult to concentrate.

Fortunately, many compound bows are lightweight, allowing you to hold the string at full draw. It helps to save power and force when drawing the string.

If you don’t know the appropriate draw weight for you, all you need to do is choose a draw weight that matches your strength. When you are in the shop, testing the bows is crucial. Hold it for at least 30 seconds. You shouldn’t be shaking and maintain a good grip of the bow for the entire duration. If you notice that your hands are shaking, you need to find another bow with a lower draw weight. Or you can invest in a hunting bow with adjustable draw weight. That way, you can experiment with different bow weights to find what fits you the best.

4. Determine Your Dominant Eye

Determining your dominant eye will help you to choose the right bow for you. The dominant eye is your brain’s preferred visual input. As a rule of thumb, your dominant eye is on the same side of your writing hand. However, some cases of cross-dominance are uncommon between archers. Many right-handed archers use their left hand when shooting because their dominant eye is left.

In determining your dominant eye, you can form your fingers into a triangular opening then center it on something. Both of your eyes should look into the triangle before closing one eye and then the other. The eye that keeps the “doorknob” still and unmoving is your dominant eye. If your left is your dominant eye, then you should shoot with your left hand. But if it’s the right, then you should use your right hand.

5. Consider the Speed and Noise

The speed and noise of the bow are also crucial. Modern hunting bows nowadays have a standard of 350 fps and more. If you target big games such as elk or deer, you should opt for bows that can shoot heavy arrows faster. With this weapon, you have higher chances of penetration through the animal’s thick skin.

Aside from the speed, noise is also crucial when you’re buying a hunting bow. You shouldn’t make any noise that will startle other creatures in the forest. It is wiser to use a quiet bow that produces no sound when fired. Some bows in the market use accessories such as vibration dampeners, absorbing vibration that causes noise to the bow.

6. Choose Between Ready-to-Shoot and Bare Bows

When you’re purchasing bows, you usually have to choose between a ready-to-shoot bow and bare bows. Know that the package comes with a bow sight, arrow rest, and bow quiver in a ready-to-shoot bow. Right from the box, you can start using the hunting bow.

On the other hand, a bare bow requires you to buy accessories that you want to outfit, allowing you to personalize it. However, it will take a little time and money before you can use your barebow. It is only recommended for professional shooters who know what they want to use in their bows. Beginners are more likely to benefit from a ready-to-shoot bow.

Conclusion

Finding the right affordable hunting bows will help you prepare for the hunting season and target big games. Now that you know a couple of budget-friendly bows available in the market, you can consider several factors when purchasing.

A basic understanding of purchasing a bow can help you choose the right model that will suit your needs. Hopefully, your hunting bow will last for years to come.

What is your favorite pick from the top 7 affordable hunting bows and why?