Women have been using hunting bows for thousands of years. In recent decades there have been significant developments in the technology and build of compound bows designed for women.
Traditional compound bows for men have often been uncomfortable for women to operate due to their size, length and handling. However as women, you deserve to be able to hunt and train comfortably with well built equipment.
You can avoid being ill equipped with poorly fitting bows that are difficult and frustrating to use by getting some of the best compound bows on the market.
We’ve searched for the best compound bows for women that offer good quality and are comfortable to use for all your hunting needs.
Do Women Need A Special Bow Construction?
This is a question that lots of people have an opinion on and there’s no right answer. If a bow fits you comfortably, that is the right bow for you. However, if you are a woman who just hasn’t found luck in finding the right bow, this article is for you. We want to be as helpful as possible to those women who do find men’s compound bows uncomfortable or frustrating to use as everyone deserves to find a right fit.
Some of the reasons that women may feel they need a special bow construction include:
Power
Obviously this varies dramatically between individuals and there are many women who are much stronger than men. However, for women unable to generate as much power as men, a special bow construction could be helpful in order to hunt efficiently.
Many women have used bows designed for younger adults or children which are often more suitable than those designed for men. However with the recent growth in the market for compound bows specially constructed for women, this is no longer as necessary.
Size
Generally, women are smaller than men. In particular, height can become an issue when it comes to the question of whether women need a special bow construction.
With men generally being taller, it means that they have longer arms – which equates to draw length when talking about archery. Women typically have a shorter draw length and can really benefit from using a special bow construction that accommodates this.
Draw Length
This refers to the distance (at full draw) from the nocking point (where the arrow is kept in place) on the string to the pivot point of the bow grip, plus 1 ¾ inches.
If the draw length is too short, it is hard to anchor the arrow. If it’s too long, it’s hard to use the full power of the bow.
Draw Weight
This is the amount of force that is required to pull a bow. It is measured in pounds. Different types of bows have different draw weights. A minimum draw weight of 40lbs is recommended for hunting.
Speed
When looking at the speed of compound bows it can be a fine balance. Generally a good bow speed is 260-270 FPS as any faster can be difficult to control.
Let Off
This is the percentage of the draw weight that the archer holds on a fully drawn compound bow. If you have a higher let off it means you hold less weight on a full draw.
Brace Height
This is the distance between the deepest part of your bow riser, and the string set in its loose position. With modern compound bows, the manufacturer will set the brace height and it’s advisable to leave it set at this height.
Axle To Axle
Often referred to as ATA, this is the distance between each axle of a compound bow. Each of the cams operates on an axle and the length between those two axles is the ATA measurement.
You can get bows with long, short or mid range ATA depending on your needs.
Bow Weight
The right bow weight for you will depend on your size and strength. You’ll also want to think about what you’re using the bow as some types of hunting may require you to have a bow that weighs a certain amount.
The Best Compound Bows For Women
Let’s dive into the world of compound bows for women with a look at some of the best options for you to get the best shot possible
Best Compound Bow for Hunters with Longer Draws
There have been many updates to the Diamond Archery Infinite Edge bow to improve it to make it into one of the best available options for women hunting in 2023.
The Diamond Archery Infinite Edge is a high-quality and versatile bow that has multiple features to help you get the best possible shot. This really suits hunters with longer draws and the draw cycle is amazingly smooth thanks to the redesigned cam system.
Best Compound Bow for Hunters with Longer Draws | ||
Draw Length | 13-31” | |
Draw Weight | 5-70lbs | |
Speed | 310 FPS | |
Axle To Axle | 31” | |
Let Off | 80% | |
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Most Value For Money Compound Bow For Women
This Sino Art Recurve Bow is stylish looking compound bow made from high quality Canadian hard maple and glass fiber.
The bow has a unique release mechanism which makes shooting easier and helps you to aim more accurately with less effort.
Most Value For Money Compound Bow For Women | ||
Draw Length | 30” | |
Draw Weight | 30-50bs | |
Speed | 270 FPS | |
Axle To Axle | 31” | |
Let Off | 80% | |
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Best Entry Level Compound Bow For Women
This is a brilliant entry level bow for women. The Supply SAS Outrage Bow is quiet and ideal for hunting. It has a solid, durable design.
The bow can be dropped from a height of up to 30 feet which can be useful if you plan to shoot from an elevated platform or tree stand. It also has one of the best US Based warranties available (3 year warranty).
Best Entry Level Compound Bow For Women | ||
Draw Length | 26-30” | |
Draw Weight | 55-70lbs | |
Speed | 270 FPS | |
Axle To Axle | 35” | |
Let Off | 75-80% | |
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Best Light Weight Compound Bow For Women
This bow is super lightweight and good for petite women who want the lightest compound bow possible. The Diamond Carbon Knock Out Bowis suitable for any level of archer and both beginner and advanced hunters.
Best Light Weight Compound Bow For Women | ||
Draw Length | 26-30” | |
Draw Weight | 40-70lbs | |
Speed | 322 FPS | |
Axle To Axle | 36” | |
Let Off | 80% | |
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Best Adjustable Compound Bow For All Ages
The Genesis Bow is the official bow of the National Archery in Schools Program – demonstrating its position in the market as one of the best starter bows for all ages and sizes of women and girls.
High strength bow strings and strong composite limbs are included in the package and are all made within the USA. It’s extremely easy to adjust and has been designed to eliminate let off and specific draw length requirements. As a female archer develops their skill, the bow can be adjusted and adapted.
Best Adjustable Compound Bow For All Ages | ||
Draw Length | 15-30” | |
Draw Weight | 10-20lbs | |
Speed | 270 FPS | |
Axle To Axle | 35.5” | |
Let Off | 0 | |
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Best Compound Bow Package For Women
The Sanlida Archery Dragon X8 comes in an impressive beginner package which includes all of the equipment you need to start shooting. However it’s not just beginners who appreciate this well made compound bow and it’s highly rated by advanced archers too.
The standard package includes key items such as an arrow rest, a wrist sling and a 3/16” peep sight. All limbs are made in USA making them high quality and easy to replace.
Best Compound Bow Package For Women | ||
Draw Length | 17.5-30” | |
Draw Weight | 15-70lbs | |
Speed | 295 FPS | |
Axle To Axle | 29.25” | |
Let Off | 70-80% | |
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Comparison Table
Diamond Archery Infinite Edge | Sino Art Recurve Bow | Supply SAS Outrage Bow | Diamond Carbon Knock Out Bow | Genesis Bow | Sanlida Archery Dragon X8 | |
Draw Length | 13-31” | 30” | 26-30” | 25-30” | 15-30” | 17.5-30” |
Draw Weight | 5-70lbs | 30-50bs | 55-70lbs | 40-70lbs | 10-20lbs | 15-70lbs |
Speed | 310 FPS | 270 FPS | 270 FPS | 322 FPS | 270 FPS | 295 FPS |
Axle To Axle | 31” | 31” | 35” | 36” | 35.5” | 29.25” |
Let Off | 80% | 80% | 75-80% | 80% | 0 | 70-80% |
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Compound Bow In Depth Buyers Guide
Let’s look at a few of the factors you’ll want to weigh up when it comes to making the exciting purchase of a compound bow.
What is the Average Draw Weight for a Woman?
Due to the fact that all women are different shapes and sizes, it’s difficult to give a ‘normal’ draw weight.
The factors to consider when working out the draw weight for women include:
- Their size
- Their arm length
- Their overall strength
Generally women can average around 30lbs draw weight. With training and a focus on good form, they can easily draw 40lbs and above.
How to choose a proper Draw Weight
For some types of bows, the best way to get your draw weight accurate is to visit your local archery shop. Ask them to help check the best draw weight for you when using your preferred draw length.
Most compound bows will have set draw weights however so you may need to ask them for more general advice on the best bow overall.
How much should you spend on a compound bow?
The price range for women’s compound bows can vary hugely between different brands and products. You can pay anything from $100-$1000 for a compound bow designed for women and hunting.
You need to consider your personal circumstances and the amount you’re willing to spend. In addition, you’ll need to consider how much you want to invest in the product. Generally the more you spend the more likely the compound bow is to last for many years, possibly a lifetime.
You can extend the lifetime of your compound bow by ensuring that you clean it regularly and maintain it well.
Compound Bow Accessories and Adjustments For Women
Many compound bows for women come with a variety of accessories to use when you’re hunting. However you may want to buy additional accessories and adjustments to ensure your hunting experience is as comfortable and successful as possible.
Targets
Why not invest in a good quality archery target to practice with your compound bow? This straw option is durable and environmentally friendly. It will also reduce the damage caused to arrows.
Arrows
Stock up on a good amount of arrows for your compound bow so that you are always well equipped when SHTF. You want to have the peace of mind that you won’t run out or have to limit the amount of shots you take.
Sights
You might want to consider adding a high quality sight to your compound bow to help you get the most accurate shot when you’re hunting in the wild.
Quivers
Just like with a compound bow specifically designed for women, you’ll enjoy a quiver that suits your height and stature. For petite women you can opt for one designed for teenagers or young adults to carry everything you need.
Cases
This hard shell protective case is
If you’re on a tight budget, you may prefer to purchase a compound bow that comes as a package with these accessories included already.
Products Mentioned:
Conclusion
Women around the world have been finding compound bows uncomfortable and frustrating to use for far too long. With recent developments in research, technology and design there’s no reason to suffer any more.
We want to help you to find the best compound bow for you. Finding the right option could make the difference between being able to hunt successfully for food or not. Invest in one of the best compound bows for women and you’ll have the peace of mind that you can provide for you and your loved ones when SHTF.
Want a round up of all the products we’ve researched for you? Here’s our list of the 6 best compound bows for women: