Compound Bow Comparator

Athens launched the Ridge 34 in 2019 at a $799 base MSRP - small-shop, direct pricing for a hand-built bow that shoots far above its cost. For that money the buyer gets a 34-inch, 335 IBO do-all whose real chronograph numbers hold up - 325 fps with a 350-grain arrow at a 70-pound setup - a smooth, classic-feeling draw into a generous valley, a machined grip shooters single out as the best part of the bow, and the twin rear-bar mounts and long riser that let it shoot 3D and spot as seriously as it hunts. The 2020 MT-cam version adds adjustable draw and let-off in the firmer 6.5-inch geometry, while the 2019 keeps the wider 25-to-32-inch draw range. What stays with me is how planted the hold feels - the length quietly steadies the pin in a way a shorter bow has to work for, which is why owners keep shooting it out to distances well past where a hunting bow usually stops. This is an excellent bow for the long-draw shooter or the hunter who wants one bow to hunt in the fall and shoot foam in the summer, particularly strong on a 3D stake or a spot line where the length and back-bar balance pay off. Buyers who want premium draw feel and tunability from a major brand should also look at the Elite Kure, while those wanting a forgiving major-brand hunter should also weigh the Bowtech Experience. Read full review...

The Kure adapts to each shooter, without the need for a bow press, to match exactly how shooters like their rigs to feel. The 31 13/16- inch axle-to-axle is somewhat compact, while still maintaining some stability. The mass weight is a bit heavy, but the Kure carries the weight well, and never feels unbalanced or uncomfortable. For those wanting a solid performing hunting bow, the Kure is competitively priced with other flagship hunting models, and offers more customization than elite has ever provided on a hunting bow. It would be nice for Elite to offer some additional camo patterns, although the three included look great. It may take some getting used to seeing the cable in the sight picture. The bow may be too slow for some shooters, and may be too heavy for others. However, all these are personal preference items. The Kure is a flat out shooter, and that is not based on personal feeling. For those on the market for a flatout hunting bow, the Kure has a comfortable shot and is easy to hold on target. For an MSRP of $1099, the 2020 Elite Kure is worth a test shot for anyone interested in a top end hunting bow with interest in tinkering to get the desired set up personally outfitted to each shooter and their equipment. Read full review...

From a shooting standpoint, it is hard to find flaws with the Bowtech Experience. Everything feels great, and the bow performs very well. Hopefully Bowtech has corrected the limb peeling issue for 2013, which would take away a major reason for shooters being hesitant on making the purchase. With a $999 suggested MSRP tag, the archery market definitely offers less expensive bows for shooters on a budget. However, if budget is not a concern, it will be tough to beat what the Experience has to offer. Read full review...

• The long 34-inch riser holds a pin like a target bow - owners get pure arrow flight and tight groups well past hunting range, so it doubles as a 3D and spot rig
• Smooth, consistent draw with a generous valley and a solid wall - shooters liken the cycle to a classic Obsession rather than a stiff speed cam, and it rolls through peak without a hump
• The machined grip is the standout - a narrow throat with a small swell that seats the hand the same way every shot and takes torque out of the release
• Quiet, well-behaved shot with LimbSaver limb dampeners and a factory string stop - calm in the hand for a bow this long and fast
• Loaded for the money - GAS strings, dual sight holes, dual rest bolts, twin rear-bar mounts and an adjustable roller guard, plus a lifetime transferable warranty, on a $799 bow that handles like a four-figure rig

• Newly designed cam system
• Everything is adjustable
• Compact 31 13/16 - inches axle-to-axle measurement
• Great looking finish options
• MSRP of $1099 is competitive for flagship hunting rigs

• Forgiving seven inch brace height
• Easily hits IBO speeds of 335 feet per second
• Module draw length adjustment from 26.5-31-inches
• Quiet and shock free

• Dialed to its highest let-off the top end can feel loose on the let-down, which some shooters find a little spooky - backing the let-off off a step firms the hold and settles it
• Set up target-style with weights it gains mass and the 34-inch length is less nimble in a tight treestand - a hunter who wants a compact, quick-handling bow should look at the shorter Ridge 32

• The top cable can be seen in the sight picture
• 4.6-pounds bare bow weight is a bit heavy for a compact bow

• MSRP price of $999
• Bowtech limbs have been known to peel in the past relatively easily