Compound Bow Comparator

The Mathews No Cam HTR launched in 2015 at $1,099 and carried into 2016 as one of the most distinctive hunting bows the brand ever made - a flagship that deliberately walked away from the speed race. Its numbers tell the story plainly: up to 330 fps IBO but closer to 303-310 fps with real hunting arrows, offset by straight, level nock travel, a firm back wall, and a shot that measures in the mid-50s dBA and dies in the hand. The 32-inch frame holds like a longer bow, the concentric-wheel draw is as smooth as anything in its class, and the three RockMod let-off options let a hunter tune the hold to the way they like to wait out an animal. What I keep coming back to is how little the HTR asks of the shooter - it does not fight your release, your grip, or your patience. It is an excellent bow for the accuracy-and-silence-first hunter, particularly strong in the treestand where a quiet, forgiving shot matters more than a flat trajectory, and it remains a smart used-market buy for that shooter today. Its compact 2016 sibling, the No Cam HTX, shrinks the same system to a 30-inch frame for tight-quarters hunters. Buyers who prioritize speed and an adjustable draw feel should also look at the Bowtech Prodigy, while those chasing a smooth draw at a lower price should consider the Elite Energy 32. Read full review...

The 2015 Bowtech Prodigy is becoming a popular bow for the serious archers. At first glance, it appears to be "just another speed bow," but at closer look, the first thing one will notice is the gold gear in the cams. Then you are forced to take a closer look. With the flexibility to alter the feel of the shot, this rig definitely will grab the attention of any shooter. This bow is average in size at 32" ATA and a 7" brace height. The max draw weight and draw length are average too. That is all that is average though. This rig boasts a 343 fps, and will hold pretty close to IBO even after adding the normal necessities. The Prodigy comes in a bare bow package, but can be purchased fully loaded, but if the shooter is spending this much on a bow, it only makes sense to add the exact components desired instead of a kit. This is a very nice shooter that will not leave the archer disappointed. One archer looking to purchase a new bow tested the Prodigy along with several others. After purchasing the Prodigy, he stated that the bow chose him instead of him choosing the bow. He said "it just felt right." Read full review...

The Elite Energy 32 is a new hunting bow that is ideal for any archery situation. It is part of the 2014 lineup and is being marketed as one of the most shootable bows ever made. The innovative Caged Riser design going to give the shooter "braggin' rights," it makes up for in a smooth, quiet, and accurate shot, time after time.With a 32" ATA, 7" brace height, 26" - 30" draw length, and a variety of peak draw weights, this bow will fit virtually any shooter. If you are looking for a rig that will "follow you into battle," this could be it. From the 3D range, target range, or any hunting situation, this rig will satisfy almost everyone. Read full review...

• Concentric-wheel draw is extraordinarily smooth and even, with no hump over the peak and no sticking point - a genuine relief for shooters nursing shoulder wear
• Dead-quiet, dead-in-hand shot straight out of the box - among the quietest bows in its class, with no aftermarket dampers needed
• Straight, level nock travel from a stiff riser with virtually no cam lean - the single biggest reason owners shoot it so accurately
• Three-position let-off via swappable RockMods (65, 75, 85%); the 85% setting nearly holds itself at full draw
• Long riser packed inside a compact 32-inch axle-to-axle frame, so it holds on target like a bow several inches longer

• Versatile; described as three bows in one
• No noticeable vibration; very quiet
• Solid shooting platform

• Fast, accurate, quiet
• Very shootable and versatile
• Solid shooting platform
• Solid back wall

• Speed is the deliberate trade-off - real-world velocity lands near 303-310 fps against the 330 IBO rating, so open-country hunters chasing a flat long-range trajectory may want to factor that in
• Some owners have noted the removable Focus Grip panel working loose over time - reseating and snugging the grip screws, or a light wrap, keeps it locked in place

• Expensive
• Retailers having difficulty keeping them on the shelf

• Draw starts off stiff, but does ease throughout the draw cycle
• Not enough in stores yet to keep up with demand