The best compound bow under 500 is liked by many because one, it is affordable and two it is effective to use. It is, therefore, advisable that whether you want to be a legend in archery or the best shooter the world has ever, you should consider them.
Because of their designs and features, these bows tend to be more effective than their recurve counterparts. But again, not all of them will meet your meets. That’s why it is recommended that before you buy one, you should do a little research. And there is no better place to do that than here.
List of Top 10 Best Compound Bow Under 500 in 2024 Reviews
#1. Southland Archery Supply Compound Bow – 70Lbs 30”
Southland Archery Supply Compound Bow at a Glance:
- Net weight is 4.4 pounds
- Let off is 70-percent
- Axle to axle is 35”
- Draw weight ranges from 55 – 70 pounds
- Draw length varies from 25” – 31”
Developing your talent and skills in archery needs a high-performance compound. And that’s where this 30-inch compound bow comes into play. It is equipped with a strong piece layered limb that can draw weights up to 70 pounds. Furthermore, this compound bow launches arrows at an amazing speed of 270 feet per second. Another interesting feature of the compound bow is the lightweight construction.
At only 4.4 pounds, this cheap compound bow is very easy to carry and to use. Ideally, we like the fact that the draw weight of the bow can be adjusted by 5 pounds. Well, to increase the draw weight by 5 pounds, simply loosen the bolt and if you want to decrease the draw weight by 5 pounds, tighten the bolt. The compound bow is available in two colors; Black and Autumn Camo Green.
Best For: Because of the high draw weight, we can confidently say that this compound bow makes a great purchase for grown men.
#2. Leader Accessories 50 – 70lbs Compound Bow
Leader Accessories Compound Bow at a Glance:
- Has a net weight of 4.4 pounds
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
- Hand orientation is right
- Draw weight ranges from 50 – 70 pounds
- Launches arrows at a speed of up to 310 feet per second
Leader Accessories provide their customers with a wide range of hunting equipment and accessories. Well, one of these products is the Leader Accessories 50 – 70lbs Compound Bow. It is backed by a 1-year warranty that protects it against defects in material and workmanship.
Moreover, this compound bow comes in a plethora of colors, including Autumn Camo, Black, Autumn Camo with Full Accessories, Black with Full Accessories, Black with Kit, Green Camo, Green Camo with Full Accessories, and Green Camo with Kit. To adjust the draw length and draw weight of this compound bow, simply enclose the Allen Wrench. You don’t need a bow press.
Best For: Anyone looking for a quality compound bow at an affordable price.
#3. Leader Accessories 30-55lbs Compound Bow
Leader Accessories 30-55lbs Compound Bow at a Glance:
- Launches arrows at a speed of up to 296 feet per second
- Draw weight ranges from 30 – 55 pounds
- The draw length ranges from 19 – 29 inches
Leader Accessories provide a 1-year warranty to give you peace of mind when buying this compound bow. Besides, they have designed the compound bow to deliver when it matters by equipping it with all the necessary features. For instance, they have designed it with very light materials, so you can hold it with ease and use it for an extended time without feeling any form of fatigue.
Like the other Leader Accessories Compound Bow, this one has a draw weight and a draw length, which are easy to adjust. Furthermore, its hand orientation is right, and this means it is suitable for most people. The compound bow is available in several colors; hence, you will be able to easily find what meets your needs.
Best For: If you are hunting for fun and looking for a well-designed and safe compound bow, this product is for you.
#4. Predator Archery RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow Kit
Predator Archery RAPTOR Compound Bow Kit at a Glance:
- Draw weight ranges from 30 – 70 pounds
- Draw length is adjustable from 24.5 – 31 inches
- Cams are fully machined aluminum
- Axle to axle length is 30 inches
We are impressed with this compound bow because it is designed in such a way it allows for 75-percent of the weight to be let off. This means, for example, if you pull 70 pounds, you will only hold 17.5 pounds. It is a top-quality yet cheap compound bow that will make you the ultimate predator. Moreover, this compound bow is very lightweight, given that it weighs just 3.6 pounds.
And when it is at the maximum setting and used with a 350-grain arrow, the compound bow will launch the arrow at 315 feet per second. Ideally, this thoughtful bow comes with several accessories so you can use it to the fullest. These accessories include a 5 pin sight with level and light, string stop, stabilizer, 4 arrow quiver, and biscuit-style rest.
Best For: This versatile, fast shooting and the smooth-pulling compound bow is perfect for youth and adults alike; thanks to the draw weight 30 – 70lbs and draw length 24.5 – 31”.
#5. Southland Archery Supply Compound Bow – 55 Lb 29”
Southland Archery Supply Compound Bow at a Glance:
- Launches arrows at speeds of up to 260FPS
- Draw weight ranges from 30 – 55 pounds
- Draw length is adjustable from 19” – 29”
- Brace height is 7-1/2”
- Axle to axle is 28”
What we like about this compound bow is that it comes with a 7-year limited warranty. The warranty protects the compound bow from damages and defects. And it is to give you peace of mind knowing that you are not taking any risks when you buy this compound bow. The let-off of this compound bow is 68-percent, and although this may not be the highest, it is an admirable percentage.
Besides, the compound bow only weighs 3.3 pounds. As such, carrying it and using it will not be hard. The compound bow is available in several colors, which are AC Camo w/Accessories Kit, Black, GC Camo w/Accessories Kit, GC Camo w/Camo Accessories Kit, GC Camo, and Black w/Accessories Kit.
Best For: If you want to be an excellent shooter, this compound bow is for you. It is let weight to help improve accuracy.
#6. Bear Archery Cruzer Lite Compound Bow
Bear Archery Cruzer Lite Compound Bow at a Glance:
- Shooting speed is up to 290 feet per second
- Draw length is adjustable from 12 – 27 inches
- Weighs 3.2 pounds
- Hand orientation is left hand
The Cruzer Lite Compound Bow comes with a nock loop, sight, peep sight, whisker biscuit, stabilizer, and quiver. It is a versatile and high-performance that can be used by everyone from kids to legends. Its draw weight starts at an easy pull of 5 pounds to a serious 45 pounds, making it one of the most versatile compound bows you are yet to come across.
This compound bow also has an advanced grip design that helps improve accuracy by ensuring a firm grip. All the adjustments of this compound bow are made using an Allen wrench with no need for a bow press.
Best For: If you want your kid to become the undisputed archer, then getting them a compound bow like this one is a good idea. It is lightweight, and its draw weight starts at 5 pounds, which is easy enough for kids to pull. In a nutshell, the compound bow is perfect for kids.
#7. Bear Archery Species RTH
Bear Archery Species RTH at a Glance:
- Available in multiple sizes and color options
- Comes with lots of accessories
- Shoots arrows at a blistering speed of 320 feet per second
You get a lot of accessories when you buy this cheap compound bow. These include nock loop, trophy ridge 4-pin sight, trophy ridge whisker biscuit, peep sight, and trophy ridge 5-arrow quiver. Despite being one of the cheapest compound bows you will ever come across, the RTH (Ready To Hunt) launches arrows at an amazing speed of 320 feet per second. Well, this definitely puts it up there with some of the best compound bows in the market.
The compound bow is packed with features, and one of these is the lockdown pocket system, which incorporates 4 components that offer one of the most accurate rise-to-limb alignments in the archery industry. Also, there are endurafiber limbs that offer unrivaled rigidity and flexibility as well as allowing for maximum weight adjustability for a personalized fit for any shooter. The limb has a unique shape, which enables it to create a reliable distribution of load.
Best For: This compound bow makes an excellent option for a recreational shooter or first-time adult.
#8. XGear Right Hand 50 – 70lbs Compound Bow
XGear Right Hand 50 – 70lbs Compound Bow at a Glance:
- Axle to Axle is 31.5 inches
- Weighs 4.4 pounds
- Maximum speed is 310 feet per second
- Draw length is adjustable from 25” – 31”
XGear is dedicated to bringing its customers well-designed and safe products to make sure that they are able to hunt freely. That being said, we are pleased to introduce this compound bow to you. It is very easy to operate so you can focus more on your hunting or archery and less on how to customize such features as the draw length and draw weight. For instance, to adjust the draw length and draw weight, all you need is an enclosed Allen Wrench. You don’t need a bow press.
Another thing to say about this compound bow is the fact that its let off ranges from 75% to 80%. Besides, the compound bow is available in multiple colors, including Black With Kit, Black, Autumn Camo with Kit, Autumn Camo, Green Camo with Kit, and Green Camo. The many color options mean you will be able to easily settle for what goes well with your personal style.
Best For: If you want to have happy hunting experience, this compound bow is for you.
#9. Diamond Compound Bow – Infinite Edge Pro
Diamond Infinite Edge Pro Compound Bow at a Glance:
- The draw weight can be pulled from 5 pounds to a serious 70 pounds
- Draw length is adjustable from 13 – 31 inches
- Brace height is 7 inches
- Axle to Axle is 31 inches
A lot is going on in this compound bow. Diamond has improved almost all of its features to ensure that you get what will meet your needs. For instance, the manufacturer has extended the draw length to 31 inches, and this allows shooters with longer draws to use the bow. Another feature that makes this compound bow stand out is the solid back wall, which greatly improves its performance.
The compound bow comes with several accessories such as Tru Fire Patriot Release, comfort wrist sling, hostage extra-large arrow rest, BCY string loop, 5-inch ultra-lite stabilizer, Three-Pin tundra sight, tube peep sight, and DeadLock octane quiver. The compound bow also comes with an Easton case and 6 carbon arrows.
Best For: This is the best compound bow for those looking for a premium, feature-packed, and versatile bow.
#10. Diamond Edge SB-1 Compound Bow
Diamond Edge SB-1 Compound Bow at a Glance:
- The draw weight can be pulled from 7 pounds to 70 pound
- Draw length can be adjusted from 15 – 30”
- Comes with a soft case
- Axle to Axle is 31 inches
- Let off is 80-percent
- Maximum speed is 318 feet per second
We are pleased by the fact that this compound bow comes with a soft case, which helps improve its portability. Needless to say, if you want to go hunting with it, simply put inside the case and then carry it to the hunting ground. The case also provides an excellent place to keep the compound bow.
Another good thing about this compound bow is the fact that it comes with a lot of accessories. It comes with Apex Three-Pin Fiber Optic Sight, Octane 5” Quiver, Octane Hostage Arrow Rest, Octane Five Arrow Quiver, and D Loop, etc.
Best For: The fact that this compound bow boasts a draw weight that widely ranges from 7 lbs to 70 lbs means it is ideal for both adults, kids, and the youth. Therefore, if you are buying a compound bow with the intention of sharing it with your child, it is a perfect choice.
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Compound Bow
Even with the above compound bows, it can still be confusing on what bow to pick. That’s why we have gone the extra mile to provide you with the following factors.
Arrow Speed
Arrow speed is an indicator of the power of a bow. That being said, bows that launch arrows at blistering speeds are more powerful than those which shoot arrows at a somewhat slower speed. Ideally, it is important to note that the speed at which a bow releases an arrow is affected by the weight of the arrow. So, if you want your bow to shoot at a terrific speed, then working with lighter arrows should not be overlooked.
Let Off
Let off in a compound bow ensures that you do not have to deal with all the draw weight when shooting an arrow. For instance, if you have pulled a draw weight of 70 pounds in a compound bow that has a let-off of, let’s say, 80%, you will only deal with 20-percent of the actual draw weight, which in this case is 70 pounds. From this explanation, we can conclude that the higher the let off, the less weight you will have to deal. You should, therefore, consider compound bows with incredibly high let off.
Weight
Weight is very important whether you are looking for a compound bow for hunting or developing your archery skills. When hunting, we don’t just stand in one place the whole day, do we? We move around in search of the game. Now imagine this; you have a super heavy compound bow to carry along throughout the hunting adventure, sounds like a punishment, right? With all that said, ensure that your bow is as light as possible for easy carry.
Conclusion
Compound bows are feature-packed and are no doubt more effective than recurve bows. However, they are also more expensive than ordinary bows. This means if you are on a budget, then you may find it a bit tricky to purchase one. Luckily, we have done research and noted that there are some cheap compound bows, which fairly well. They are here and all you need to do is to pick one – or even two.