The best new compound bows of 2023 are hitting the deck, with speeds in the 350s and new technology to reduce noise and vibration. See the latest from these companies introduced at the 2023 ATA Show. (Photo courtesy of PSE Archery)
January 11, 2023
By Alan Clemons
More options for hunting situations is a good thing, from color to speed, when it comes to the best new compound bows of 2023. Companies are rolling out their new arrow-flingers, with some new technology and other features making waves.
Here's a look at some of the new compound bows from the 2023 ATA Show, the archery industry’s biggest trade show.
APA Black Mamba APA Black Mamba 33 The versatile, twin-cam Black Mamba series from APA Archery includes the Air, BM 29, BM 32, BM 33, BM 36 and BM 38, with corresponding lengths to the numbers. Need or want a 38-inch bow that hits 340 fps? The BM 38 might be your huckleberry. Speeds, weights and other stats vary for the six bows. The BM 29, to pick one, weighs a scant 3.55 pounds and hits speeds of 355 fps in testing. The compact speedster offers draw weights from 40-70 pounds, draw lengths from 24-30 inches, has up to 80 percent let-off and comes in 10 riser color options. Starting at $1,192 | apaarchery.com
Athens Elevate Athens Elevate The new Athens Archery Elevate includes new Rev 2 mods in the RT-X cam system, giving shooters easier ability for customization of draw lengths and draw weight. You’ll also find a new low-profile molded trip, picatinny rail mount for a sight as well as the QAD Integrate dovetail system for the arrow rest. The bow weighs 4.2 pounds and is 32 inches long, with a brace height of 6 inches. Draw length is 24.5-30.5 inches, draw weigh ranges from 40-70 pounds, and let-off is adjustable from 70-90 percent. The Elevate hits speeds up to 345 fps. $1,199 | athensarchery.com
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Bear Execute 30, 32 Bear Execute 30 Bear’s updated EKO cam system is one of the top highlights of the new Execute 30 and 32 bows. EKO stands for Equalized Kinetic Orientation, which is how Bear makes its cam system be smoother and more forgiving during the draw cycle. The 30- and 32-inch bows hit speeds of 340 fps in tests, each sporting a 6.5-inch brace height. Draw lengths and weights are adjustable from 26-30.5 inches and 45-70 pounds, with let-offs of 75, 80, 85 and 90 percent. $1,199 | beararchery.com
Darton Veracity 35 Darton Veracity 35 Darton is more than 70 years old, with a vast bank of knowledge poured into its bows each year. The new Veracity 35 is no different. Shooters will find a long bow, at 35 inches, that is easy and comfortable to shoot. Draw lengths are adjustable in quarter-inch increments from 26-31.5 inches, draw weights range from 40-80 pounds, and let-off is 85 percent. Once you get this bow set up, you can hit speeds of 339 fps, thanks in part to the custom-made bowstring created by Darton. $1,049 | dartonarchery.com
Elite Omnia Elite Omnia Elite’s new SP Cam System on the new Omnia lets shooters customize the bow more easily to get things dialed in completely. The SP Cam has a V2 Micro Let-Off Adjustment that slows the holding weight to be set single digits in the 70- to 90-pound range. Quarter-inch draw length adjustments allow more specific tuning, all of which can lead to sizzling speeds of almost 350 fps. Draw lengths can be adjusted from 24.5-30 inches and draw weights from 40-70 pounds. $1,199 | elitearchery.com
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Martin MTX 29 Martin MTX 29
Massive adjustability comes with the Martin MTX 29, a compact bow at 29 inches loaded with features. The MTX has dual limb stops or mod stops — whichever you prefer — along with two mod systems for your draw length. To get the bow’s balance correct for your preference, use Martin’s adjustable weight system in the riser. More on top or bottom? Set it up. If you can’t get this bow tweaked and tuned and dialed in, something’s wrong. It comes in 10 colors or patterns, has a draw weight of 45-75 pounds, draw length of 25-30 inches and 90-percent let-off. The MXT is among Darton’s new lineup that includes the DSX One, DSX One Pro, DSX 33 and DSX 33 Pro bows. $1,199 | martinarchery.com
Mathews Image Mathews Image Bowhunters will find many of the same features of the flagship Phase 4 in the new Image, but the latter is designed and set up for lower-poundage archers. The Image has four different mods with peak draw weights of 40, 43, 47 and 50 pounds, and is adjustable for draw lengths of 25.5-30 inches. Bridge-Lock Technology allows setup of the new stabilizers and sight. The bow hits speeds of 335 fps, weighs 4.27 pounds and has let-off of 80 or 85 percent. $1,299 | mathewsinc.com
Prime Revex Prime Revex The Prime Revex is available in 32-, 34- and 36-inch lengths for different shooters and comes with the new Core Cam System draw length mods. These specific mods are available for draw lengths of 26-31.5 inches. The new Core Cam still features Prime’s cam balancing technology that brings the strings and cables in line with each other. Prime also partnered with TightSpot to offer the tightest-fitting yet adjustable quiver on the market, thanks to a special bracket that attaches directly to the Revex riser. Prime teamed with Hamskea for a new limb-driven arrow rest integrated into the riser. Other features on the Revex include a new carbon string stop and Prime’s Nano grip, and other options are available. Starting at $1,299 | g5prime.com
PSE Fortis 30, 33 PSE Fortis 33 PSE’s new Fortis comes in two options: the Fortis 30 and Fortis 33, denoting axle-to-axle length, and each coming with a host of features. Both include PSE’s Full Draw Stability system, the new EZ220 Spacer System, Kill-Shot mounted dampers, Traxion tech grip, picatinny sight rail, Hamskea/QAD Integrate rest mount. Each is available in E2, EC2 and S2 cams. The bows hit speeds of 335-345 and 340 fps, Draw lengths are adjustable to 31.5 and 32.5 inches, with draw weights adjustable from 50-80 pounds. psearchery.com
