Compound Bow Comparator

The Adapt 2 platform answers a question Bear has been working on across three releases: how to deliver a sub-$500 entry and a sub-$700 hybrid-cam step-up on the same chassis without forcing the buyer to choose between cost and upgrade headroom. Launch MSRPs run from $499.99 (Single Cam Adapt 2 Bow Only) up to $969.99 (DHC Hybrid Adapt 2 HP RTH+ Sync), with the most-bought RTH packages landing at $599.99 and $679.99 respectively. Headline performance numbers: 320 fps IBO on the Single Cam, 330 fps IBO on the DHC Hybrid; chronograph testing averages 278 fps on the Single Cam and 310 fps on the DHC Hybrid at typical hunting setup (29-inch draw, 70 lb peak, 350 grain arrow). The shared platform - aluminum cage riser, IMS rest mount, Picatinny sight rail, roller cable slide, Bear Paw rubber grip, KillerWave limb dampeners - is what makes the cross-version accessory swap workable: a buyer who starts on the Single Cam can graduate to the Hybrid without re-learning the accessory ecosystem. In my experience the Single Cam is the bow for shooters who can spend a long afternoon at the range without fatigue and want maximum draw-length range; the Hybrid is the bow for shooters who want a deeper-feeling valley and the headroom of an extra 32 feet per second. Excellent platform for hunters who want one accessory ecosystem across two cam options, particularly strong for households whose shooters span a 24-to-32-inch draw range. Buyers prioritizing the lowest possible draw-weight floor should also look at the Diamond Provider; buyers prioritizing the smallest draw-length accommodation should also look at the PSE Stinger Max. Read full review...

Diamond Archery is known for making a large range of compounds, from their extremely adjustable series to their mainline and flagship models alike. Their new-for-2016 Provider continues this lineup with a beneficial single cam setup to allow for ease of adjustment as well as providing tuning longevity, plus it features a very forgiving brace height and a reasonable overall IBO of 310fps. For roughly half the price (and nearly half the overall weight) of a flagship model at a $499 MSRP, any archer would be happy with a setup with such adjustability, assortment of features, and specs to fit the needs of a reliable hunting rig. 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...

• Smooth draw cycle - clean rollover and a settled back wall, especially on the Single Cam variant
• Quiet shot in the 82-88 dB band on the DHC Hybrid; Single Cam comparable
• Real-world chronograph close to published IBO - 278 fps Single Cam, 310 fps DHC Hybrid at 29"/70#/350gr
• Bear Paw rubber grip - low-torque hold, warm in cold weather, same grip Bear puts on flagships
• RTH packages arrive range-ready - Trophy Ridge accessories pre-mounted, tunable to a bullet hole

• Highly adjustable draw weight range for a mainline bow
• Easytotune and adjust single cam system
• Lightweight and easy to shoot

• 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

• Some users have noted slight compliance in the DHC Hybrid cable-stop back wall - the Single Cam variant offers an optional limb-stop for a firmer wall
• Some users have reported post-shot vibration on the Single Cam variant - aftermarket dampeners help, or the DHC Hybrid ships with full dampening

• Plastic grip / components
• Slower IBO of 310fps

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