The Bear Species EV compound bows packs a lot of features for under $450. (Photo courtesy of Bear)
January 07, 2022
By Alan Clemons
Editor’s note: Check back for updates from ATA Show 2022.
When your budget is a concern but your bowhunting itch needs to be scratched, you’re in luck thanks to a nice selection of price-friendly compound bows. Manufacturers know bowhunters look for a range of options and try to pack various features into their bows with different price points. That’s good for the consumer who may not need the Ferrari package but still wants good speed and handling.
The annual Archery Trade Association show in January is the launching pad for new products in the archery industry. Here are some of the best new budget compound bows coming this year.
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Elite Basin Elite Basin compound bow. Bowhunters looking for a solid compound should consider the Elite Basin, which offers a 16- to 30-inch draw length and 20- to 70-pound peak weight. The Basin hits 315 fps with up to 80 percent letoff. At a light 3.9 pounds thanks to its aluminum components, the Basin has a 6.68-inch brace hight and 32.375-inch axle-to-axle length. With an affordable price point of $599 it’s a solid consideration for new or veteran hunters.
$699 | elitearchery.com
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Bear Whitetail Legend Pro Bear Whitetail Legend Pro compound bow. Hold as long as you need at full draw with the Whitetail Legend Pro, which features Elite’s EKO Cam design that has four letoff settings from 75-90 percent. New KillerWave dampers help reduce vibration during the shot. The Whitetail Legend Pro offers 26- to 30-inch draw lengths, draw weights from 45-60 pounds and is just 30 inches axle-to-axle. This compact crusher is available in six finishes and has a 6.25-inch brace height. Cost? A friendly $599.
$559.99 | beararchery.com
Bear Species EV Bear Species EV compound bow. If you’re a fan of single-cam bows, Bear’s new Species EV offers up to 80 percent letoff and either 45-60 or 55-70 pound limbs. You can adjust the draw length from 23.5 to 30.5 inches. The bow weighs just 3.8 pounds and has a 6.75-inch brace height with a 30-inch axle-to-axle length. It’s a compact design in a ready-to-hunt package that includes a Trophy Ridge Joker 4-pin sight, Whisker Biscuit V arrow rest, Blitz stabilizer and wrist sling, 5-Spot quiver, D-loop and peep, all for just $449.
$449.99 | beararchery.com
Elite Terrain Elite Terrain compound bow. Elite Archery’s bowhunter-friendly Terrain features a compact design that’s comfortable to draw, stable to shoot and powerfully accurate. With an IBO speed rating of 325 feet per second, the Terrain uses a hybrid cam system for performance that is smooth and comfortable to draw, with 25 ½” to 31 1/2” draw lengths. At less than 4 pounds, the Terrain’s Riser Cage aluminum riser is stable and steady while the slim Precision Grip helps balance the bow for quick shots. VibeX Blocks and integrated string stop combine to stifle dynamic vibration for a quiet shot.
$699.99 | elitearchery.com
