Athens Ridge 32 Compound Bow

Athens launched the Ridge 32 in 2019 at a $799 base MSRP - direct, small-shop pricing for a hand-built hunting bow that looks and shoots like it costs more. For that money the buyer gets a 32-inch, 340 IBO hunter whose chronograph numbers hold up honestly - 309 to 312 fps with a 350-grain arrow at a 70-pound setup - a machined grip that shooters single out as the best part of the bow, a smooth draw onto a solid wall, and a quiet, well-damped shot. Add the factory GAS strings, dual sight and rest mounts, the first free cam swap, and a lifetime transferable warranty, and the ownership case from a small maker gets strong. The 2020 MT-cam version is the one to find if you want to adjust draw length and let-off without swapping a cam. What stays with me after handling it is the composure - a quick bow that stays calm in the hand and easy to shoot well, which is exactly what turns a good range session into a confident shot on an animal. This is an excellent bow for the whitetail or mule-deer hunter who wants small-shop machining and a standout grip without paying flagship money, particularly strong for the shooter who values a repeatable grip and a quiet shot from a treestand. Buyers who want the widest adjustability at the lowest price should also look at the Diamond Edge 320, while those wanting a compact adjustable hunter from a major brand should also weigh the Bear Divergent EKO... read full review