The 7 Best Compound Bows Under $200 – Top Models Reviewed

1. Best Overall: Bear Limitless Dual Cam Compound Bow

Bear Archery is renowned for creating some of the best compound bows on the market, and the Limitless Dual Cam compound bow isn't any different.

In terms of accuracy, the Limitless truly surpasses nearly all other compound bows in its price segment. Thanks to its compact form factor, the bow offers impressive maneuverability.

Pairing that with the adjustable draw length of 19 to 29 inches, this compound bow is suitable for most archers, irrespective of their height.

Draw cycles are quite smooth as well, and the dual-cam system with 50% let-off makes it effortless to hold at full draw.

With a modest shooting speed of 265 FPS, you'll easily penetrate through targets with each shot.

The Bear Archery Limitless comes in an attractive 'God's Country' camouflage color. While it looks visually appealing, it will still help archers to stay hidden in most outdoor scenarios.

Another great feature of this compound bow is its weight; 3.7 lbs. is light enough for most archers, and its lightweight nature also aids in accuracy.

The shots are pinpointed precisely until about 20 yards, beyond which the shots start to widen. But since it is an entry-level compound bow designed for new archers, this isn't a deal breaker.

Good Sides:

• RTH package means you can shoot arrows with it right out of the box
• Easily adjustable draw weight of 25-50 lbs.
• High-quality Trophy Ridge accessories
• Dual-cam system makes for smooth draw cycles
• 50% let-off makes it forgiving to hold for young archers

Drawbacks:

• The frame is a bit fragile, and it can break apart if not handled properly
• The compact form factor may not be suitable for exceptionally tall archers

2. Runner Up: SAS Outrage ATA Compound Bow

The SAS Outrage is a well-built compound bow that can withstand years of use. It offers great specs for an entry-level bow, but its impressive performance makes it suitable for archers of all skills.

Built with durable components all around, the bow itself is very sturdy, and its construction is reliable; it can withstand prolonged usage if used with proper care.

It comes with a dual-cam system that makes for surprisingly smooth draw cycles. Moreover, the shots are quite powerful at 270 FPS. 

With adjustable let-off from 75-80%, the bow isn't very demanding when fully drawn. 

Combining it with its axle-to-axle length of 35 inches, the Outrage offers impressive stability.
The Outrage excels in terms of accuracy as well. Although shots start to widen after around 25 yards, that is one of the compromises you'll have to make when looking for affordable compound bows.

However, the SAS Outrage is relatively heavy. While it enhances overall stability, holding the bow for prolonged periods may get difficult. 

On the bright side, the heavy nature of the bow also makes for very silent shots.

Good Sides:

• Powerful shots at 270 FPS makes for a great hunting experience
• The big form factor makes it comfortable to hold and forgiving for beginners
• Well-built, durable compound bow can easily withstand years of usage
• Dual-cam system makes for smooth draw cycles and great shooting speeds
• Comes with drilled holes for attaching additional accessories

Drawbacks:

• With a weight of 4.4 lbs., it is quite heavy for beginners
• The Grip isn’t comfortable enough

3. Top Rated: Sanlida Archery Dragon X8 RTH Compound Bow

The Sanlida Archery X8 comes with the great build quality and offers plenty of adjustability for its price.

As it comes with an RTH package, you can start shooting arrows with it right out of the box. And you'll probably not require to tune the bow as it is an incredibly accurate shooter.

The bow itself is very lightweight, thanks to an aluminum die-cast riser and Gordon limbs. With a weight of just 3.8 lbs., the Sanlida Archery X8 is very comfortable to hold.

One of the key selling features of this bow is its sophisticated yoke cam system. It helps by preventing cam lean and increasing power and accuracy.

With a brace height of 6.6 inches and a draw length of 18-31 inches, the Sanlida Archery X8 is suitable for archers of all heights.

Combining the bow's shooting accuracy with its shooting speed of 310 FPS, the hunting experience is impressive.

The only issue with the Sanlida Archery X8 is that it doesn't come with any dampening on the string and limbs. It shoots with relatively more noise, but that can be reduced by installing additional noise dampeners.

Good Sides:

• Die-cast aluminum riser and Gordon limbs are hard to find in other bows within its price range
• The yoke cam system offers smooth cycles and prevents cam lean
• The impressive shooting speed of 310 FPS makes it easy to shoot through targets
• Impeccable accuracy gives similarly priced bows a run for their money
• The lightweight form factor is easy to hold as well as to carry while traveling
• Comes with an RTH package, so you can shoot arrows right out of the box

Drawbacks:

• Lack of sufficient vibration dampening causes relatively louder noise

4. Best for Kids: Genesis Original Compound Bow Kit

Easily one of the best compound bows under $200, this compound bow is built with high-quality materials all around. It comes with a drilled aluminum riser, so you can install all kinds of accessories on the bow.

The Genesis Original is pleasantly light; at 3.5 lbs., this bow is feather-like and comfortable to hold.

Although it is a full-sized bow, it is still quite forgiving for archers who are just starting out. Moreover, the Genesis Original is so simple to operate that it is virtually fit for archers of all skills.

With a single-cam system, this Genesis kit offers smooth and balanced draw cycles.

Besides, the cam is easily adjustable with an Allen wrench, so archers won't have to mess around a lot when tuning.

One downside of the Genesis Original is its 0% let-off; the draw weight must be held whenever you're aiming for targets. On the bright side, the bow shoots are similar to recurve bows, so shots can be very accurate.

Speaking of accuracy, the Genesis Original offers excellent performance with very precise shots.

However, the bow is too underpowered for anything except recreational shooting, which makes it unsuitable for hunting.

Good Sides:

• Sturdy and reliable build quality is sure to withstand rough use
• The draw length is universal for archers of all ages/skills
• Single-cam system offers smooth draw cycles and great accuracy
• Easy to adjust draw length with an Allen wrench
• Used as the official bow of NASP

Drawbacks:

• Too under powered for real hunting
• Relatively demanding for archers who are just starting out

5. Best Youth: Barnett Archery Vortex BAR1105MO Compound Bow

The Barnett Archery Vortex is a well-built entry-level compound bow suitable for young archers. It is fairly sturdy, so the Vortex can withstand prolonged usage.

Out of the box, it doesn't come with any fancy accessories. However, it is nearly ready to shoot, as you'll just have to tune it a bit first.

Its riser comes with pre-drilled holes so you can install all types of accessories. With a sturdy and well-built frame, the bow also uses tough and durable components all around.

Thanks to the slightly oversized cams, the Barnett Archery Vortex offers very smooth draw cycles. Moreover, it also shoots very accurately.

The compound bow offers a lot of versatility with a wide range of adjustability. This makes it suitable for young archers as the bow can be adjusted along with their physical growth.

For its price, the Vortex offers a compelling deal. However, the bow is slightly underpowered for hunting in the wild. On the other hand, this also makes it ideal for beginners in recreational shooting.

The Vortex is relatively noisy when shooting. The vibrations can be subdued by installing a stabilizer, though.

• A wide range of adjustability makes it great as a starter bow
• Oversized cams make for very smooth draw cycles
• Shots are very accurate
• The compact form factor makes it forgiving to hold
• Riser comes with pre-drilled holes for installing accessories
• Tough and durable build-quality sure to withstand rough use

Drawbacks:

• The stock hand grip is not very comfortable
• It needs a stabilizer to subdue vibrations/shock

6. Best Traveler: SAS Feud Compound Bow Kit

When looking for a $200 compound bow, you'd naturally have to compromise on power. But that is not the case with the SAS Feud.

With a shooting speed of 300 FPS, this compound bow offers serious power. Moreover, the draw cycles are silky smooth with almost non-existent hand shock.

You can adjust the draw weight and length easily without the need for a bow press. This makes it suitable for archers of all skill levels.

The SAS Feud performs great in terms of accuracy as well. The compound bow offers incredible maneuverability along with sharp and precise shots.

As you would expect from a Southland Archery Supply bow, the Feud offers very smooth draw cycles. Pairing that with its excellent accuracy, this bow is a sharp little shooter.

Its brace height of 7.5 inches is perfectly comfortable to hold for archers of all heights. With a net weight of 4.1 lbs., the Feud is fairly stable in hand. However, young archers may get sore arms from holding it too long.

The Feud looks very appealing with a premium, sleek finish. Pairing that with a sturdy build, you get a compound bow that can last for years.

One downside of the SAS Feud is its loud nature. Although it doesn't vibrate much, the shots are relatively louder.

Good Sides:

• A well-built compound bow that offers serious power for hunting
• The bow is very comfortable to hold and offers incredible stability
• Easy to adjust and install new accessories
• 70-80% let-off range makes it forgiving for beginner archers
• Smooth draw cycles and impressively accurate shots

Drawbacks:

• Shots are relatively loud

7. Best Versatile: SAS Scorpii Compound Bow

Another SAS compound bow has made it into this list; the SAS Scorpii is the manufacturer's take on creating a bow that offers flagship performance at an affordable cost.

The SAS Scorpii is a well-built and durable compound bow that comes with a visually pleasing design. Moreover, it has good quality components all around.

With a compact form factor, the Scorpii is incredibly maneuverable. In addition, its relatively short axle-to-axle length of 28 inches makes it ideal for hunting in ground blinds or small tree stands.

Its dual-cam system makes for smooth draw cycles with very accurate shots. All in all, the Scorpii shines bright with great overall performance.

Shots are quite powerful as well. With a rated speed of 260 FPS, this compound bow is sure to offer a satisfactory hunting experience.

However, the Scorpii does have a few caveats.

For one, the draw length may seem to limit for some archers. In addition, as its draw length can extend up to only 30 inches, people with exceptionally long arms will not feel comfortable holding it.

But since the SAS Scorpii was made for young archers at an affordable cost, these shortcomings should not be a deal breaker.

Good Sides:

• The compact form factor offers incredible maneuverability
• 28-inch axle-to-axle size makes it forgiving for new archers
• A dual-cam system makes for smooth draw cycles and pinpoints accuracy
• Well-built, sturdy compound bow can withstand years of use
• Doesn't make a lot of noise
• Ideal for hunting from ground blinds or small tree stands

Drawbacks:

• Limited draw length
• Included accessories are not of the best quality