How Much Does A Compound Bow Cost? » What Is A Good Price?

So, you’re thinking about buying a Compound Bow. Whether you’re new to archery or just looking for a new bow style to use, the purchase of a Compound Bow is always an exciting one. With a Compound Bow, you don’t need to exert as much strength to use it compared to others. This means it can fire arrows with more power and accuracy from a longer distance. But there are a lot of factors to consider when buying one. Let’s face it; archery is not the most inexpensive hobby. So, let’s find out about the prices for Compound Bows.

So, how much does a Compound Bow cost? A Compound Bow can cost anywhere between $25 to $1,200, although the average price is around $350. You may want to budget for additional compound bow accessories too, which can cost upward of $100.   

Of course, I would never advise you to buy a Compound bow priced as low as 25 bucks. But at the same time, paying an unreasonable amount of money doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get the right bow for you.

Equally, while the range of prices for Compound bows is quite vast, ideally, you’ll want to find one priced somewhere in the middle.

And course, the true cost of archery doesn’t stop at the bow.

And in fact, you may even have other expenses in fine-tuning your bow and maintaining it too.

We will be looking at some of those other costs shortly.

But first; how much does the average archer pay for a compound bow and how does this differ from the cost of a “good compound bow”. Let’s find out!

What Is The Average Price Of A Compound Bow?

The average price of a Compound Bow is between $250 to $500.

When purchasing a Compound Bow, what matters is whether you find it comfortable to use, appropriate for your skill level, and fun to fire! 

You’ll find that many Compound Bows are priced at $1000 plus. That being said, the vast majority of Compound Bows for sale are between that 250 to 500 bracket.

These are high-quality Compound Bows we’re talking about here.

So as I’ve said, a super high price doesn’t necessarily guarantee you’re getting the best bow for you. 

In fact, if you’re a beginner, the more expensive bows will probably come with more downsides for your development in the skill of archery.

It could be much harder to fire, for example, which is only going to kill your passion for practicing archery before it’s pretty much just begun.

This is because the most expensive bows are designed for much more advanced archers. 

The average price is, therefore, between 250 to 500 because this is the most competitive price bracket for Compound Bows that appeal to archers at different levels.

How Much Is A Good Compound Bow?

If you’re a beginner, then you can get a good Compound Bow to start with for around $300. If you’re not just starting out, and have some experience behind you, a good compound bow will likely cost around around $500 to $1000. 

Let’s go through some price ranges to find out where the good Compound Bows at an affordable price are—starting from the top. 

Bows $800 plus are often flashy designs that really appeal to those who don’t think about a budget. Lucky them, hey?

The reality is that they are not actually getting much more for their buck when you compare these bows to the ones in the price range below.

This leads us onto…

$600 plus Compound Bows are often the specialist types.

These include those that are treestand bows, bows with heavyweight limbs, and extra long draw lengths.

Within this price range, a Compound Bow should offer additional amenities with its purchase. 

Then we get to the $400 to $500 bracket. This, for me, is the sweet spot.

This is where you get the most bang for the least buck. So this is where you’d find the best Compound Bows at the lowest price for the average archer.

These bows are not just high in quality but also incredibly safe. They’re fantastic for whatever you’re using them for.

Whether it be targeted shooting or hunting, for this price as well, you’ll also probably get some accessories with the bow, such as integrated dampening gadgets. 

As I said earlier, you’ll be able to get a good beginners Compound Bow for around 300 bucks.

But hopefully, you won’t be a beginner for too long, so you need to ask yourself, ‘do I really want to spend this much on a bow when I might need something more advanced quite quickly?’

Because the reality is that you can use a $400 to $500 Compound Bow when you’re just starting out. That’s how versatile they are.

Buying Second Hand

You might be looking to save a buck by buying second-hand.

And it’s not a bad idea. You’ll definitely find good bows at a reduced price when bought second-hand.

Personally, I would say that you should avoid doing this if you’re a first-time buyer. 

If you stick with archery for a while, you’re going to obtain more than one bow.

So, when you’re a much more experienced buyer and you’re looking to add to your armory, then this is when I advise you to think about buying second-hand, whether that be from a fellow archer or off the internet. 

Just be sure that wherever you buy it from, it still fits you!

Where Is The Best Place To Buy A Compound Bow?

The two places that I believe are the best for buying Compound Bows are Amazon.com and BassProShops.com 

Amazon

Of course, Amazon sells Compound Bows. They sell everything else, don’t they?

Amazon offers a great range of Compound Bows to purchase. Not only this, but they also sell various bundles that come with accessories and even targets for practice.

The most expensive Compound Bow on their site is about $600. So, if you’re looking for bows in those higher brackets, you’ll have to go elsewhere.

But as we’ve discussed earlier, the best bows for value are certainly in the £400-$500 price brackets, many of which you’ll find on Amazon’s site.

BassProShops

Some folks love to stroll around an electronics store and gaze at the TVs. Some love to wander around the grocery store and eye up the candy on display.

What I love to do is walk through the paths of a BassProShops store.

They are my favorite specialized store when it comes to offering all goods to do with archery, hunting, and camping.

And it isn’t any different when it comes to the Compound Bows.

Just like Amazon, BassProShops offer a wide range of accessories for your bow (we’ll talk about accessories some more in a bit).

But the bows themselves? Well, man, are you in for a treat.

BassProShops offer a fantastic range of the latest and greatest Compound Bows out there.

Their price range extends a bit further than Amazon’s, stopping at $899 with the Archery Escalate RTH Compound Bow Package.

Overall, there are so many great options that fit into those ideal mid-level price brackets we were talking about earlier. 

Other Compound Bow Cost Considerations

You might get most of what you need in a bundle package. However, there’s a good chance you’ll need to go back into the market for something else. We’re talking about sights, cases, strings, and more.

The more experienced you become, the more you’ll learn about accessories.

Meaning you’ll be independently upgrading your Compound Bow as you go along.

So, let’s explore how all that upgrading might cost!

Sights

There are so many different sights for different shooting conditions and requirements. Like the bows themselves, sights will vary in price significantly. 

At the higher end of the price spectrum, you’ll find the more advanced sights that are specialized for different needs.

For example, a digital bow sight will be quite pricey, like the Burris Oracle 2 Rangefinding Bow Sight, which costs approximately $800.

If you’re going for something that’s quite durable, that too is going to be expensive.

A really durable sight is the Spot-hogg Spot Hogg Tommy Hogg Triple Stack .019″ which costs a little over $400.

Of Course, many sights are much more affordable, albeit they don’t offer the same specialized features.

Good affordable ones will be below the $100 mark, but remember, the lower you go here, the less quality you will find.

Read more: Best Peep Sights For Compound Bows » Top Picks & Buyers Guide

Bow Case

A bow case is essential, especially if you’re traveling with your bow. The average price for a bow case is probably $140.

Now, of course, there will be cheaper ones around the $70 mark and even lower, but these might not be as spacious, durable, or comfortable to move with.

Read more: How To Store A Compound Bow

Strings

Your Compound Bow will come with strings, but out of necessity or choice, you may have to get some other strings.

Luckily, strings are quite affordable. For high quality, you’re looking at $19 to $25 from BassProShops. 

At Amazon, you’ll be able to find bowstrings for $5, but the quality won’t necessarily be as good.

Read more: How Much Does It Cost To Restring A Compound Bow?

Accessories

In terms of accessories, you might fancy a Cable Slide for your compound bows. These can be found quite cheaply at $10 a pop.

Additionally, you might also like to add a folding split-limb which would set you back another $20.

Release-aids

Your release-aid will certainly aid your release, although they’re not totally necessary.

Upmarket brands like Spot Hog will sell you one for around $150, whilst a more affordable brand like Tru-smoke offers one for around $60.

Rests

Rests can pretty much be split into three pierce brackets, them being low, mid, and high end.

Low end, you’re looking at something around $80 while keeping with quality. Mid-range is about $150, and then the high end is $200 plus

Wrist Slings

Anything from $2.50 to $35. It really does depend on how much you’re willing to spend. The more you pay, the higher quality your wrist sling will be.

Quivers

Again, there’s quite a stark price difference when it comes to this accessory. Quivers can be priced anywhere between $20 to $200. Some of the more extreme prices can reach $250.

Clothing

When it comes to what to wear when out with your bow, it will depend on the type of activity you’re partaking in.

If you’re just involved with target practice, all you need is tight-fitting clothes. So, find a base layer that fits within your budget. 

But if you’re out hunting, then you’re going to need some camo.

Check out BassProShops’ clothing range here.

Finally

Make sure your Compound Bow fits your draw length. 

Don’t get one that’s too heavy for you either.

The $400 to $500 range is the sweet spot. 

But there are other ranges to be explored depending on your situation.

Whatever you decide, happy shooting!

Related Questions

Are compound bows more expensive?

Compound bows are typically more expensive than other types of bows, including both recurve and longbows. This is primarily due to all of the additional accessories you will likely need to purchase.

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