Compound Bow Comparator

The Hoyt Avenger Plus was a one-year refinement done right: it kept everything that made the 2007-2008 Avenger the value "sleeper" of the Hoyt line - the TEC aluminum riser, XT1000 split limbs, quiet damping, and very wide fit range - and upgraded the cam to Cam & 1/2 Plus for a firmer, more defined wall, all at period dealer pricing of around $599 in camo (target-color risers ran roughly a hundred more). It holds a 309 fps IBO rating and a genuinely light 4-pound mass, and its 40-to-80-pound, 22.5-to-30.5-inch range means one bow fits a whole household. On today's used market it is the most polished version of this platform to own, provided a buyer confirms the draw-length module is present and freshens the strings. Shooting it back-to-back with the original Avenger, the firmer wall is the difference I notice first. An excellent bow for the value-minded whitetail or hog hunter who wants a calm, composed shot and one adjustable bow to share across the family. Buyers who want the widest possible growth range should also look at the Diamond Razor Edge, while those chasing the most speed for the dollar can consider the PSE Bow Madness. Read full review...

Designed with small to medium archers in mind, the Diamond Razor Edge is a universal bow known for a great blend of speed, forgiveness, and quietness. Ideal for the youth and women, this bow is also a great choice for many small to medium men. Experts say many shooters will grow with this bow without spending extra money. Read full review...

Being in the mid-price range, the PSE Bow Madness is a great quality bow that can easily outperform more expensive competitor bows with similar characteristics. Outfitted with a highly efficient single cam system, this bow is smooth to draw and hold. With the pre-loaded limbs and comfortable grip, this bow has minimal shock and vibration and is nice to shoot. While being lightweight and stable, this bow is a great choice for those shooters who cover a lot of ground or who prefer light and stable rigs generating fast speeds. Read full review...

• Updated Cam & 1/2 Plus cam keeps the platform's easy, hold-all-day draw while tightening up the full-draw wall
• Quiet, low-vibration shot from the Dual RizerShox damping and Hoyt's LimbSaver-based vibration control - owners of the platform consistently note how little it kicks
• Light 4-pound mass and 32-inch axle-to-axle length that carries easily and points naturally in the field
• Wide 40-to-80-pound, 22.5-to-30.5-inch fit range makes one bow work for a whole household of shooters
• Three factory finishes including a Realtree-and-black combo - more cosmetic choice than most value bows of its year offered

• great universal bow for the youth or small/medium frame archers
• forgiving bow with low shock and vibration
• draw length can be adjusted without a bow press
• enormous application range - from training to serious hunting
• excellent value for money

• low hand shock and vibration
• no bow press is required to adjust the draw length
• comfortable grip
• great value for money

• The 40-pound floor makes it a teen-and-up bow rather than a small-child starter - young beginners need a dedicated lighter youth bow first
• A single-year 2009 model, so modules and factory spares are scarce now; a used buyer should budget a fresh string set and confirm the draw-length module is present before purchase

• not suitable for large frame shooters

• standard strings could be of better quality