Introduction
We can divide the best bows for hunting in the market into four main categories. But for most archers, compound bows prove to be the most suitable ones. This is because these are versatile, durable, and offer flexibility. Moreover, compound models guarantee results during both hunting and target shooting. You can use them for long-distance shooting and competitive sports as well. However, there is a catch.
With so many diverse models in the market, finding the best bows for hunting can be a very daunting task. Things like draw lengths, draw weights, and speed influence the performance of the unit. However, there are also other things like eye dominance and noise of the model that should influence your decision.
For this article, we chose the most important factors that you need to consider before you make your next investment. A quick look at these will ensure you get your hands on only the best bows for hunting.
Eye Dominance
Ocular dominance or the more commonly known term, eye dominance is the most important aspect to consider before you buy the best bows for hunting. This means that everyone has one dominant eye that their brain trusts more. This is why you should invest in a bow that supports your dominant eye.
One easy way to know more about your dominant eye is to follow a few simple steps. First, stretch your hands in front of you and make a triangle with your forefingers and your thumbs. Then place this triangle on your eye and look through it. Now repeat this with your other eye.
The eye that keeps the target in place will be your dominant eye. Having a dominant left eye means you will have to buy a hunting bow that allows you to shoot from the left hand as well.
- Draw Length
This is the second most important point to consider. Draw length refers to how far you can drawback your bowstring. The problem with most compound bows is that they come with a limit on the draw length. But most importantly, a lot of bows also offer good adjustability. You can easily change the range according to your preference.
If you want to invest in a good design, all you have to do is compare your draw length to the one offered by the bow. If you have a wingspan of 60 inches; the draw length that will suit you will be around 24 inches max.
An archery store usually has the means to assess your draw length easily. You can also ask your friend to help you with this.
Draw Weight
Draw weight and draw lengths both need to be considered before you go on to your next hunting excursion. The mistake most archers make is that they go for the heaviest draw weight. This may result in faster speeds, but this also results in a greater strain on your body. Moreover, you may also feel fatigued and your body will lose focus after some time.
One of the best things about compound bows is that they don’t require you to hold the string for very long. This means that you can buy a model with a higher draw weight as well. It is recommended that you choose the draw weight that matches your natural strength.
While testing for your compound bow, you can pick a draw weight and then try holding it in position for at least 30 seconds. If you don’t quiver, or lose your focus during this time; then you are good to go.
Speed
When it comes to archery, almost everyone wants to shoot at higher speeds, but this is not always possible. We measure speed in FPS, which translates into feet per second that your arrow travels during every shot. The biggest contributor to speed is the draw weight. If you use a higher draw weight, you will get to experience a better speed as well.
However, multiple other things will determine the speed. Before investing in the bow, you will have to assess your speed, the conditions in which you will shoot, and the draw length of your preferred bow. Moreover, some bows come with quick arrows that ensure an overall higher kinetic energy. This guarantees better speeds during both target-shooting and hunting.
Noise
The worst kinds of bows are the ones that produce the most noise. This is because you don’t want to scare off your prey as soon as you shoot in the sky. So the quieter the bow, the greater will be your chances of succeeding at your sport. However, for people looking forward to only target shooting practices, a loud bow is no problem at all.
This noise is mainly produced when the stored energy in the bow is released. However, the best crossbows for hunting guarantee that there is minimal loss of energy. This thus ensures that the shot is as quiet and as unnoticeable as it can be. Moreover, you can also invest in vibration dampeners that will further minimize the noise produced.
Brace height
A lot of people are unfamiliar with the importance of this during bow shopping. Brace height is the actual distance between the bow grip and the string. The bow grip will be different for each individual. You need to choose the right kind of brace height. This is because a lower height will guarantee better speeds, but it will also result in a less stable shot.
So if you are an experienced archer and can hold your ground easily, then we suggest you invest in a smaller brace height. However, if you lack practice or just want a good bow for target shooting practices, then we recommend you choose a slightly longer brace height.
Conclusion
In this article, we mentioned only the most important aspects to consider before you buy the best bows for hunting. However, apart from the points mentioned above, you also need to consider things like the type of cams installed, the price of the bow, and the axle length. Moreover, things like bow material and durability should also influence your decision.
But regardless of the model you choose, rest assured that a compound bow will prove to be a good choice in any scenario.
