Best Compound Bows for 2022

Upgrade your bow for the upcoming season with one of these hot new models.

July 22, 2022 By Alan Clemons

In the market for a new compound bow? When trade shows roll around, bow season takes on new meaning as manufacturers roll out new and upgraded models.

Deer seasons may be winding down, but hunters are thinking about being in the stand the next opening day, possibly with a new bow in hand.

The annual Archery Trade Association show in January is when new products in the archery industry grab the spotlight. Here are some of the best new compound bows coming this year.

Bowtech SR350

Bowtech’s new SR350 offers hunters a variety of options that join its smooth draw and speeds hitting 350 fps. Among them are the company’s DeadLock Technology to help with consistent accuracy along with improved noise and vibration reduction, thanks to specifically placed Orbit dampers. The bow has an axle-to-axle length of 33 inches and a 6-inch brace height. You can adjust from 25- to 30-inch draw lengths, 50- to 70-pound draw weights and five camo patterns or four solid finishes.

$1,299 | bowtecharchery.com

Prime Inline

Hunters shooting Prime compounds are familiar with its parallel cam system. Get ready for changes this year, though, with the new Prime Inline series of bows. Named Inline 1, Inline 3 and Inline 5, the numbers correspond with axle-to-axle lengths of 31, 33 and 35 inches. Prime engineers created its Inline Cam System that puts the cable track in-line with the string track for perfect alignment. The result is improved accuracy and a smoother draw, with speeds of 332 fps, 337 fps and 343 fps, respectively. You also will find a new grip that features Aerogel, which was designed by NASA and has a wide range of properties and uses. Aerogel will help keep your hand from getting cold while gripping the bow. Limb dampers on the Inline series are positioned to most effectively reduce vibration and noise during the shot.

$1,199 (Inline 1 and 3) and $1,299 (Inline 5) | g5prime.com

PSE Carbon Levitate

PSE’s Carbon Levitate captures its flagship banner and has a lot to like, starting with the PSE E2 cam. It has its roots in the popular Evolve cam of years ago, which hunters appreciated for its smooth draw and adjustability. The E2 cam has a wider base so the yokes lean less, and the bow’s Precision Buss Tuning System lets you make micro adjustments for cam lean. In all, it helps create a more accurate, smoother bow. The Carbon Levitate is a light 3.6 pounds, has a 32.25-inch length, brace height of 6 inches, 80- to 90-percent let-off and adjustable draw lengths from 27.5 to 31.5 inches. Max draw weight is 60, 70 or 80 pounds. The bow hits speeds of 348 fps.

$1,899 | psearchery.com

Mathews V3X, V3X 33

Mathews grabbed a lot of attention in 2021 with its VX model, and this year it tweaks the popular bow with the V3X that has a long riser and is available in 29- or 33-inch axle-to-axle lengths. The V3X has a 6-inch brace height and draw lengths from 25.5 to 30 inches. The longer V3X 33 sports a 6.5-inch brace height, with draw lengths from 27 to 32.5 inches. Both offer the new Mathews Bridge-Lock Sight Technology that eliminates the need for an external mounting bracket. Mathews teamed with Axcel to produce the BL Fixed 5-pin Sight that allows for micro adjustments for elevation, windage and better precision. Both bows are compatible with the redesigned LowPro Quiver. They also come with the Stay Afield System for emergency repairs. Multiple camo patterns and solid colors are available.

$1,199 (V3X 29) and $1,299 (V3X 33) | mathewsinc.com

Bear Refine EKO

Bear’s new flagship bow is the Refine EKO, which is 33 inches long and has speeds to 342 fps. Bear claims the Refine EKO is the most quiet and dead-in-hand bow in its class, thanks in part to the updated Vibration Reduction System and Killerwave dampers that reduces more vibration and noise. The Refine EKO weighs 4.4 pounds, sports the new ergonomic GRIZgrip for better comfort.

$999.99 | beararchery.com

Hoyt’s flagship compound, the Redwrx Carbon RX-7, got a substantial overhaul for 2022 including a reduction in noise, reduction of weight, streamlined accessory system and smoother cams. Two versions are available, in 30- and 34-inch lengths. Hoyt reduced a half-pound by slimming and squaring the carbon frame. That also reduced vibration by 29 percent and cut noise by 24 percent. The new HBX pro Cam is easier to tune, draw and offers speeds up to 343 fps. The addition of a Picatinny rail offers more versatile mounting options. Other upgrades include a Short Stop stabilizer, adjustable quiver mount, Vital Point grip and Integrated Rest Mounting System.

$1,849 | hoyt.com

Bowtech CP28

If you’re looking for a compact bow with a more stable riser design, the Bowtech CP28 may be on your target list. It is 28 inches in length and sports a 6.75-inch brace height and Bowtech’s optimized cam size for such a diminutive bow. The CP28 has an Integrate Mounting System dovetail for use with arrow rests with the IMS system, along with the Orbit damper system and DeadLock Technology for improved arrow flight. Draw lengths are 24.5- to 30-inches, draw weights from 50 to 70 pounds, and it’s available in five camo patterns and four solid finishes.

$1,199 | bowtecharchery.com

Hoyt Ventum Pro 30, 33

Hoyt’s premier aluminum bow, the Ventum Pro, also got put through the wringer and came out with upgrades for 2022. Those include the new Hoyt HBX Pro Cams and Vital Point grip, both of which help with smoother and more consistent draws. New Shock Pod locations and Short Stop stabilizer greatly reduce felt vibration and noise. The addition of a Picatinny rail machined into the riser offers more options for mounting accessories. It’s available in two lengths, 30 and 33 inches.

$1,349 | hoyt.com

Elite EnVision

Elite Archery’s flagship is the new EnVision, which combines the top aspects of a target bow with a compact hunting bow. That includes wider limbs, a longer and straight riser and balanced weight. The EnVision has a 7-inch brace height. Its ASYM Tri-Track Cam System with Versa Performance Mod gives you the chance to make quarter-inch micro draw length adjustments. Let-off is 70 to 90 percent. Elite’s Vibration Reduction Technology combined with VibeX reduces noise and felt vibration. Multiple finishes and a 75-pound limb option are available.

$1,199 | elitearchery.com

Bear Resurgence RTH

Bear’s new Resurgence RTH is “ready to hunt,” with an 80-percent let-off and new DHC hybrid cam system that helps produce more smooth draw cycles and consistent shots. The bow spans 32 inches axle-to-axle, has a 6.25-inch brace height and hits speeds up to 335 fps. As with Bear’s Refine EKO bow, the new Resurgence RTH features the new GRIZgrip and Killerwave limb dampeners.

$629.99 | beararchery.com