Best of 2025’s compound bows: Here’s what hunters should ‘target’ this season

Vertical bows used to almost always lead their advertising or sales pitch with how many feet per second the model pumped out arrows. Sure, the “need for speed” was, and remains important, but brands today seem content with about 350 feet per second. They emphasize, however, making their flagship models quiet, with reduced vibration, and more user-friendly.

This evolution makes a lot of sense because the models are still really fast, but a bowhunter doesn’t have to be an expert archer to shoot them.

MATHEWS

The 2025 LIFT RS brings Mathews’ latest flagship technology to shorter draw lengths for those who prefer a shorter axle-to-axle bow – in this case, an amazing 27.75-inch axle-to-axle model that still pushes arrows at a remarkable 353 FPS.

The bow weighs just 3.92 pounds, which – combined with its compactness and speed – make it an amazing hunting bow from a blind, saddle, or stand.

With draw weights ranging from 41 to 80 pounds and supporting draw lengths from 23.5 to 29 inches, the LIFT RS can be customized to fit a large variety of archers and is optimized to provide performance at shorter draw lengths.

Mathewsinc.com

MORE GEAR COVERAGE FROM OUTDOOR NEWS:

The evolution of the amazing .308 family of hunting rounds

Five budget trail camera options for diehard whitetail hunters

Practical AR-15 accessories that impact how a rifle handles, performs

GEARHEAD

In the new Gearhead P30, the P stands for “pivot,” as their designers implemented a rotational limb support system into their shoot-through riser design.

The concept was to reduce stress off the limbs throughout the draw cycle, but it surprisingly made the bow better in nearly every way. It has an axle-to-axle of 30.625 inches, a standard brace height of 6.25 inches, but has an optional adjustable brace height of 5 to 6.75 inches.

The draw length is adjustable thanks to a rotational module cam that changes the draw length in ½-inch increments over a 4-inch range, as well as multiple string posts that changes the feel of the draw cycle. The P30 blasts arrows out at 337 FPS and has a 90% let-off and, like all Gearhead bows, can be converted to left- or right-handed.

It comes with a standard hunting grip that can be upgraded to a slider grip for a custom feel.

Gearheadarchery.com

PSE

The 2025 PSE Mach 33 DS is an advanced hunting bow that PSE tweaked to produce their most reliable, and powerful hunting platform to date.

Building on the 2024 Outdoor Life 2024 Bow of the Year – the Mach 30 – the Mach 33 offers the ultimate string angle, advanced features, and exceptional feel.

Other features include: a Precision Bow Tuning System (PBTS), captured roller guards, and integrated sight and rest mounting option makes setup and tuning a breeze. The bow’s 6 5 ⁄8-inch brace height complements their Full Draw Stability System, which leads to incredible 335 fps arrow speed, while still offering forgiveness.

Hunters will appreciate the compact 33-inch axle-to axle maneuverability and 90% let-off when waiting for a buck to enter the lane.

PSE.com

PRIME

The all-new 2025 Prime FORM bow has coupled two of Prime’s most significant technologies in the industry to create a bow that is truly amazing. It uses Advanced Structures Technology (AST), which now allows Prime to use carbon where it is needed, and aluminum where aluminum is needed. By using these materials in their needed and precise placement, one of the most advanced structures the bow industry has been created.

The Prime FORM is available in a 34-inch axle-to-axle configuration with a center grip riser to provide the bowhunter with a bow that is strong, stiff, and extremely accurate. Prime’s Core Cam System allows for draw length specific mods, which delivers maximum efficiency at every draw length, and gives the shooter an incredibly smooth draw every time, with a slippery 336 FPS rating.

G5prime.com

HOYT

The Hoyt RX-9 Ultra has a redesigned riser geometry, updated limbs and limb pockets, and the highly efficient HBX “Gen 4” module system, providing a bow that is deadly accurate, scary light, and ultra stable.

The RX-9 Ultra now offers a 340 FPS bow, all while being lighter with a smoother draw cycle. These upgrades are thanks in part to the updated limbs, pockets, and riser geometry, but the main contributor goes to the HBX cam, which contains a truly optimized module system that makes certain no energy or performance is lost in translation.

The RX-9 Ultra squeezes every bit of power out of each draw length and weight that it possibly can with an axle-to-axle of 33.5 inches, brace height of 6 3 ⁄8 inches and a 4.3-pound weight.

Hoyt.com

BOWTECH

The Bowtech Virtue redefines bowhunting performance as the lightest non-carbon bow in its class.

Featuring the all-new AeroMag magnesium riser, the Virtue offers incredible strength and stiffness at a significantly lighter weight than aluminum. It’s built for maximum maneuverability and accuracy in the toughest environments.

Backed by premium titanium fasteners for reduced weight and added durability, the ultra-rugged Cerakote coating provides unmatched scratch resistance.

DeadLock Technology means tuning is fast, simple, and press-free. It has a 32-inch axle-to-axle, speeds of up to 341 FPS, and a weight of 3.7 pounds.

Bowtecharchery.com

DARTON

The Sequel 35 ST2 Fields of Honor Special Edition is a limited-edition bow that honors the sacrifices of our nation’s heroes. With each purchase, a portion of the proceeds will support the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military personnel.

It features a striking MultiCam camouflage riser and the Folds of Honor emblem on its limbs while incorporating Darton’s state-of-the-art technology. The bow has a 35 1 ⁄8-inch axle-to-axle, weighs 4.75 pounds, and offers an IBO speed of 340 FPS.

Dartonarchery.com