The beginning of the year is the best time to update your gear or even make a switch to a bow instead of a rifle. If that’s exactly what you plan on doing, this is the article for you as you’ll find some of the best hunting bows you can get in 2021.
Other than the bows, you’ll learn more about the selection process, fitment, but also the main difference that can put many hunters in a dilemma: compound bows VS crossbows.
But one thing is for sure.
By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll be able to easily make up your mind. If not, you’ll at least leave with a lot of knowledge that will help you to keep moving forward!
Why is it Important to Find a Hunting Bow that Fits You?
Proper bow selection and fit are essential in achieving the greatest accuracy and performance when bowhunting.
Bowhunting requires skill and a lot of practice – but it all starts from the proper fit. Even only an inch can make a huge difference when you shoot the arrow.
Even though it’s recommended to consult yourself with a professional regarding the bow selection and fitment – we believe that it’s also a good idea that you learn a couple of things by yourself. This will help you to know exactly what you need to pay attention to.
When it comes down to the selection process, you should pay attention to three main factors:
- Draw length
- Bow weight
- Bow type
And if you’re testing a bow in person, you would want to test bows at the same poundage, let-off, and even draw length. This will help you decide on “the winner” by ensuring that all bows you test are on the same playing field.
Should You Choose a Compound Bow or a Crossbow?
The biggest dilemma most hunters experience is the type of bow.
Both bow types have their advantages and disadvantages and there’s no other way than to start from there when you’re making a choice.
We have covered this topic in an in-depth post so we recommend checking that out – but here’s a quick comparison between these two types so you know the main difference.
Crossbows
Crossbows are very easy to handle, they are powerful, and they’re accurate. On the downside, crossbows tend to be heavy, they release a noise upon the press of a trigger, and some states can limit the use of crossbows for hunting.
Compound Bows
On the other hand, compound bows don’t produce any noise, they’re ideal for beginners, and they’re very lightweight which makes it easy to move with a compound bow, but also makes maneuvering a lot easier as well.
On the downside, compound bows have a harder learning curve (it’ll take time practicing aim), they’re not as powerful as crossbows, and they’re not suitable for hunters with disabilities as they require both hands.
Best Hunting Bows in 2021
With hundreds of thousands of bows available on the market and many more coming to the market this year – we did our best to review hunting bows that are suitable to beginners, average, and even advanced hunters without breaking the bank.
1. Barnett Hyperghost 405 Crossbow
If you’re just thinking of starting to hunt with a bow and a crossbow is your type of bow – Barnett Hyperghost 405 is a great choice.
Barnett’s known for producing some of the fastest and hardest-hitting hunting crossbows and Hyperghost 405 is one of their most popular crossbow models.
405 is a new and updated crossbow version that is patented with Barnett’s famous step-through riser. What we like the most is that this crossbow comes ready with Hyperflite arrows that can produce great power with the .204″ diameter. This arrow type is quite small but in combination with the power of the 405 crossbow – it is more than enough to hammer through whitetail or large game.
One more patented addition that comes with the Hyperghost 405 is the RUCS which stands for retractable counterbalance support hooks. These hooks are placed under the shooter’s arm which helps counteract the weight of the riser.
As a result, this provides more balance and a secure grip when you shoulder this crossbow.
Even though these are some of the top features you’ll get to experience only when you test the Hyperghost 405 – there are some features that you’ll notice straight away.
We are a big fan of the Mossy Oak Treestand finish that comes with skull detail. Even though you’ll have to deal with the standard crossbow noise – you won’t have to hide your precious hunting weapon.
Click Here to Find the Price of Barnett Hyperghost 405 Crossbow!
2. Wicked Ridge RDX400 Crossbow
If you’re an average hunter that needs a better bow to gain more experience with a crossbow and you’re looking to upgrade – Wicked Ridge offers RDX400 crossbow which is a great choice.
RDX400 is a perfectly balanced crossbow that utilizes the full 15.5″ power stroke. On top of that, this crossbow is combined with the Reaper Cam System that has the ability to deliver consistent downrange accuracy.
At the lighting top speed of 400 FPS, RDX400 provides a great speed to price ratio suitable for the most average hunters.
Even though Wicked Ridge RDX400 is one of the pricier picks in our review post – the good news is that it comes with a package that includes everything you would need to be ready for a hunt.
This includes a cocking device, integrated string stop system, TenPoint 3x Multi-Line scope (mounted), arrow quiver, and aluminum bolts with practice tips. The draw weight is 175 lbs while the length is 33.25″.
Not only the RDX400 crossbow comes ready for hunting without any assembly requirements – another great benefit is the full camouflage finish that will ensure you aren’t seen by the game as you prey on it.
Click Here to Find the Price of Wicked Ridge RDX400 Crossbow!
3. Ten Point Vapor RS470 Crossbow
If you’re looking for the best of the best when it comes down to the crossbow – Ten Point Vapor RS470 is the best choice. It’s the crossbow for all advanced hunters that know exactly what it is they’re missing from their current crossbow.
This is one of the fastest crossbows on the market that comes with a reverse-draw design and can utilize the full 17″ of the power stroke.
With such a powerful power stroke, RS470 has the ability to generate supercharged speeds up to 470 FPS. On top of that, RS470 is equipped with a new 100-yard EVO-X Marksman Elite scope and incredibly helpful ACUslide.
ACUslide will help hunters deal with the noise produced by the cocking and decocking of the crossbow in a lot smoother way that won’t tip off the game.
What makes the RS470 crossbow special is its unique cocking and de-cocking mechanism which measures 6.5-inches wide.
When it comes down to the trigger, RS470 offers the industry’s best 3.5 pounds, S1 (2-stage) trigger. We immediately fell in love with the trigger as it has the ability to deliver the crispest yet consistent break which definitely improves the hold down-range accuracy.
Such crossbows aren’t made all out of sudden and yet RS470 shows the dedication of the Ten Point but also the generations of hard-work that helped take advantage of cutting-edge technology to produce one of the fastest crossbows on the market.
Click Here to Find the Price of TenPoint Vapor RS470!
4. Quest Amp Compound Bow Package
If you’re looking for a low-entry compound bow that comes as a part of the package so you’re ready to hunt as soon as it arrives at your doorstep – Quest Amp is a great choice.
This compound bow is designed on a hybrid cam design and it includes forge machined construction that won’t disappoint you at any given time.
Along with the durable construction, Quest Amp features components such as a roller guard slide and wider limbs that improve the stability, grip, and can even provide maximum feel. On top of that, this compound bow keeps a slim design that will provide you with the comfort & control every hunter requires.
What’s great about the draw weight of this compound bow is that adjusts which is suitable for beginners or every hunter that’s just making the transition to a compound bow from a rifle. The draw weight can be adjusted from 40 to 70 lbs.
Even the draw length is adjustable from 26.5″ to 31″ which is another great benefit of this compound bow.
Since Quest Amp compound bow comes as a part of a package – you’ll also get a head-loc arrow quiver, fiber optic sight with light (tool-less), full containment rest (halo), wrist sling (neoprene), meta peep, and even a rubber stabilizer.
This is everything you would need to start hunting with a compound bow.
Click Here to Find the Price of Quest Amp Compound Bow!
5. Martin Axxon 40 Compound Bow
This compound bow is a special edition that comes from Martin and is special for a reason. The price to value ratio is very good and it’s a bow that’s ideal for average and advanced hunters that are looking for an upgrade.
It’s a compound bow that’s built using the latest balanced-bow technology to ensure proper grip location, weight distribution, and parallel limbs. On top of that, Axxon 40 is known as the most adjustable compound bow on the market that will fit every hunter’s needs.
Included in the production is the dual sync technology that ensures a smooth draw and very fast arrow speeds.
You’ll never have issues with cam lean as Axxon 40 comes with both Helix cam and Helix groove to provide balanced axle force.
The feature we like the most about this compound bow is the weight distribution. Martin used an RRAD weight distribution system that individually distributes the weight depending on the hunter’s preferences. The weight shift can be done with the riser by using a light/heavy adjustable system.
Limb options are adjustable in 5 lb increments in combination with Helix Short Draw.
Click Here to Find the Price of the Martin Axxon 40 Compound Bow!
6. PSE Ferocity RTS Compound Bow Package
If you’re on a budget and you need a great bow that will last you way past the beginner’s transition phase – the PSE Ferocity RTS package is all you will need.
This compound bow features a new (long) riser design that still ensures great compact use while being able to offer great stability without sacrifice control.
What’s worth to know is that Ferocity is a part of the Evolve series that highlights smooth drawing, and some of the highest let-offs within the series.
Ferocity happens to be one of the easiest-on-the-wallet compound bows that provide quality, stability, and accuracy.
A short limb platform in combination with the larger cams can keep the string angle in a comfortable position for the hunter’s face. We’ve noticed that this also helps in holding the bow to the target, even when smaller statures are in question.
Every shot will produce certain vibration, but we find that the vibration isn’t going to cause any harm to the accuracy. After all, you should also consider the weight of the bow to justify the vibration.
If you’re someone who often hunts in a hunting stand – you’ll love how easy it is to get the bow in and out of the hunting stand because it’s fairly lightweight.
If you’re just getting started on a strict budget and you aren’t sure if you’ll be able to make the upgrade anytime soon – this bow will get you through many months of use without a thing to worry about.
Click Here to Find the Price of the PSE Ferocity Compound Bow Package!
Conclusion
Whether you’re switching, upgrading, or being on the lookout for a possible upgrade in the future – we have reviewed picks that will fit every hunter’s needs.
However, keep in mind that you should ensure that a bow fits you and that you will first have to make up your mind between a crossbow or a compound bow (if you haven’t yet).
After that, we believe this post is everything you’ll need to make a well-informed decision.
What do you look for in your next hunting bow? Do you agree these are some of the best hunting bows you can purchase for a decent price?
Feel free to share the post with other hunters and if you have any questions – don’t hesitate to drop them down in the comments section!
