By Paul Rackley, GunBroker.com Editor

Bowhunting might be a small segment of the overall outdoor world, but it is still a multi-million-dollar industry. Bowhunting is becoming a very popular sport. It is also a very gear-oriented sport. As such, getting into bowhunting can be quite expensive, considering all the necessary equipment, such as arrows, broadheads and scent elimination, in addition to the bow. Bow hunting can be expensive on the front, middle and back ends; it is just expensive. However, those willing to look around can find some nice deals on arrow flingers. Here are five entry-level compound bows to get started in bowhunting; all cost less than $500.

5 Entry-Level Compound Bows

Bear Cruzer G3 RTH

Few people who have ever flung arrows haven’t heard of Bear, both the man and the company. Bear Archery is, in fact, celebrating 90 years of producing quality archery products. This includes introducing an updated version of one of the companies longest running compound bows, the Cruzer G3. Available in both right- and left-hand models, the lightweight G3 features a 30-inch axle-to-axle length and a 6.5-inch brace length. It also comes with an adjustable draw weight range from 10 to 70 pounds. Add the 75 percent let off, and this bow does the job for all ages. It is even available in a ready to hunt version that comes with a Trophy Ridge sight, arrow rest, quiver, stabilizer, wrist string, D-loop and no-tie peep sight.

Bear Cruzer G3 Specs

• Axle-to-Axle Length: 30 inches
• Brace Height: 6.5 inches
• Draw Length: 14 to 30 inches
• Draw Weight: 10 to 70 lbs.
• Let Off: 75 percent
• Speed: 315 fps
• MSRP: $449.99

Diamond Archery Edge 320

Adaptability has long been the mantra of entry-level bows. This is mostly because a lot of beginner archers are younger. Companies, like Diamond, design compound bows to grow with shooters’ size and skill. However, these same bows work for older bow shooters who don’t want to spend thousands of dollars just to fling arrows. The Diamond Archery Edge 320 is extremely adaptable. It offers 16 inches of adjustability in draw length and more than 60 pounds in draw weight. And this entry-level compound bow does all this with an 85 percent let off and up to 320 fps in speed.

Diamond Archery Edge 320 Specs

• Axle-to-Axle Length: 32 inches
• Brace Height: 7.25 inches
• Weight: 3.6 lbs.
• Draw Length: 15 to 31 inches
• Draw Weight: 7 to 70 lbs.
• Let Off: 85 percent
• Speed: 320
• MSRP: $499.99

Mission by Mathews Switch

Using Fast Fit Cam technology, the Mission Switch allows user to easily obtain the perfect fit. It also allows the bow to be easily adjustable for draw weight without a bow press . It’s 31-inch axle-to-axle measurement provides a stable platform for shooting, as well as a generous string angle. Because of all this, the Switch works for pretty much all shooters. In fact, it grows with shooter’s size and skill. Young shooters can’t just outgrow this bow like last year’s shoes.

Mission Switch Specs

• Axle-to-Axle Length: 31 inches
• Brace Height: 7 1/8 inches
• Weight: 3.84 lbs.
• Draw Length: 18 to 30 inches
• Draw Weight: 11 to 70 lbs.
• Let Off: 80 percent
• Speed: 305 fps
• MSRP: $449

PSE Stinger ATK

When many hear entry-level, they can’t help but think cheap. That’s not the case with the PSE Stinger ATK. This budget bow provides a whole lot of features that hunters want, many of which typically come on higher-priced bows. With its 32-inch axle-to-axle length and 6 5/8-inch brace, this bow fits most shooters. It also provides an adjustable draw length from 20.5 inches up to 30, along with three different draw weight adjustments. All this is possible through PSE’s “Grow with You” SS cam system that allows it to fit almost any size shooter. It also comes available in two different ready to shoot bow packages.

PSE Stinger ATK Specs

• Axle-to-Axle Length: 32 inches
• Brace Height: 6.6 inches
• Weight: 4 lbs.
• Draw Length: 21.5 to 30 inches
• Draw Weight: 50, 60, 70 lbs.
• Let Off: 80 percent
• Speed: 312 fps
• MSRP: $499.99

Quest Radical

Despite being considered quite affordable, the Quest Radical is an excellent entry-level compound bow for hunting. It’s light, fairly quiet and user friendly. In fact, it is extremely easy to adjust via a small bolt and a rotating module. To make it even easier, the company etched draw length with the corresponding hole on the module. It even comes with enough accessories to start flinging arrows on day one. 

 Quest Radical Specs

• Axle-to-Axle Length: 29.25 inches
• Brace Height: 7,125 inches
• Weight: 3.25 lbs.
• Draw Length: 17.5 to 30 inches
• Draw Weight: 15 to 70 lbs.
• Let Off: 75 percent
• Speed: 295 fps
• MSRP: $399

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