Compound Bow Comparator

The Bear Code is a long-riser, single-cam whitetail bow that chose forgiveness over fps and reliability over flash - a 34-inch, 7.38-inch-brace hunter with patented quad limbs, factory Sims damping, and a 306-310 fps IBO rating that was never the reason to buy it. It launched as a value bow in Bear's Fred Bear-tradition line for 2006 and carried into 2007, and it has aged into a genuine used-market sleeper, and the owner feedback that survives describes it the same way, as a durable, accurate deer bow that shrugs off hard use and asks for little beyond fresh strings. What I keep coming back to is how well the long geometry and single cam still serve their purpose - this bow holds on target and holds its tune, which is most of what a hunting bow needs to do. It is an excellent choice for the hunter who wants a forgiving, low-maintenance deer rig at used-market money and is willing to inspect condition before buying. Buyers who want a new bow with a warranty and the widest adjustment range should also look at the Diamond Edge 320, while those prioritizing a compact, budget entry hunter should consider the PSE Stinger Max. Read full review...

The Diamond Edge 320 earned its place as one of the best-selling grow-with-you hunting bows of its run for a simple reason: it does more things well at once than a $449 launch price has any right to. It is the longest and steadiest-aiming bow in Diamond's Edge family, adjusts across a class-leading 7-to-70-pound weight range and 15-to-31-inch draw entirely without a press, and holds a high 85 percent let-off for a light, long aim. The Synchronized Binary Cam System delivers real speed to match the name - a true 320 fps at the top setting and 309 at the 30-inch IBO mark on a chronograph - and the shot is quiet and calm in the hand in a way that usually costs more. What I keep coming back to is how little this bow asks of the shooter: an even draw, a wall that holds, a light hold, and a clean release, all on a frame forgiving enough to teach good form. Produced from 2019 to 2022 and now found on the used and closeout market, it was succeeded by the current Diamond Pro 320, so the platform lives on. It is an excellent bow for the grow-with-you household, the beginner who wants a bow they will not outgrow, and the value hunter who still wants genuine speed and a steady frame. Buyers who need to start a smaller, lighter beginner should also look at the Bear Legit Maxx, and those who prefer a tall, forgiving brace at the same tier should look at the PSE Stinger MAX. Read full review...

For a fully set up bow, with a package price of $449, it is really hard to beat a rig like the Stinger Max. Although entry level models are often geared toward a younger shooter, PSE was conscious in making the Stinger Max available to all ages and shooter sizes. Almost anyone in the bow market can be set up to fit in the 30-inch axle-to-axle rig, and the single cam draw force curve is amazing for those just getting started in the world of archery. The Stinger Max shoots well, but when considering the value, the Stinger Max really shines. PSE also did a great job giving the bow enough finish options to meet the entire range of potential buyers offering patterns for anyone and any purpose. Anyone interested in getting started in archery with a frill less bow, at a great price, needs to seriously consider the PSE Stinger Max. It may be one of the best values in the compound bow market for 2020. Read full review...

• Long 34-inch axle-to-axle plus a 7.38-inch brace makes it forgiving enough to hold groups at real hunting range - accurate to 40 yards in hands-on use, with does taken cleanly at 40 and 45-50 yards
• Single-cam simplicity keeps upkeep low - no cam timing to chase, and it runs for years on little more than a fresh string set
• Holds up to hard, careless field use - an owner who admits to abusing his gear says this one simply took it and kept shooting

• The name is the speed and it nearly holds up - 320 fps IBO on paper, and a real chronograph reads 320 at the top draw setting and 309 at the 30-inch mark, fast enough for any whitetail range
• One bow spans a child to a grown hunter - 7 to 70 pounds and 15 to 31 inches, all set on the limb bolts and a rotating module with an Allen wrench, no press required
• Smooth draw into a back wall that holds - the cam rises evenly to peak and settles into a wall firm enough to anchor against, easy to let down
• Quiet and dead in the hand - minimal post-shot vibration and hand shock for a budget bow, the kind of calm shot that usually costs more
• Complete R.A.K. ready-to-hunt package plus a high 85% let-off - everything to start hunting in the box and a light holding weight at full draw

• A redesign of a popular model from previous years
• 2 limb options cover a draw weight range of 22-70-pounds
• Has an accessory package
• Decent starter bow for any shooter

• Available used only today, so condition is the whole game - buy a clean example and plan on a fresh set of strings and cables, which is typically all one ever needs to replace

• At peak weight it draws about a half-inch short of the marked length, and the 15-inch floor sits on the cam's B cable setting rather than the default A - back the draw weight off or move to the B setting and the full range opens up
• Plastic limb pockets and a barebones Tundra sight mark the price point - the whisker-biscuit rest and 3-pin sight get you hunting, but shooters who grow into the bow often swap the sight for a brighter multi-pin later

• Does not have any flagship model technology
• Not the best accessories in the package