Compound Bow Comparator

At $899 to $949 at its 2021 launch, the Athens Peak 38 is a semi-custom target bow that delivers flagship-length forgiveness without flagship money. The numbers that define it are a 38-inch axle-to-axle length, a 7-inch brace height, and a 335 fps IBO that is genuinely quick for a bow this long, all wrapped around a modular cam and a 4.6-pound mass that hangs the pin steady on the line. Across its 2021 to 2023 run the geometry never changed, but the cam grew from the MT modular to the RT-X rotating design and finally the Rev 2, and the let-off range opened up to suit target archers - so the year you choose sets how it tunes. Drawing it, what stays with me is the ease of the cycle and how little it asks of the shooter across a long session, which is exactly what a spot or 3D archer needs when the day is measured in arrow counts. Add the widest draw-length range in its class, a draw weight that climbs to hunting territory, and a color menu ordered to taste, and you have a target bow that fits archers most competitors leave out. An excellent bow for the target, 3D, and field archer who wants a long, forgiving, deeply adjustable platform - particularly the tall shooter or the one who wants a single rig that crosses from the target line to a hunting weight. Buyers prioritizing maximum brace-height forgiveness and a competition-style let-off should also look at the Bowtech Specialist. Read full review...

The Bowtech Specialist is a very high performance up and coming target bow. A long axle to axle, a good brace height and great IBO speed are all ingredients that make a great target bow that is very forgiving and capable of competing with some of the top target bows of the world. The Specialist uses a binary cam system making it a smooth drawing bow that is easy to adjust and has virtually no timing issues. Tuning may need to be done by a professional but once it is set up there should be no problems keeping it that way. With a number of color options to choose from, it's a bow that can look good while putting great numbers up on the score card. Read full review...

The 2013 PSE Supra Max is a redesign of the Supra (2011) and the Supra ME (2012). With new technologies in the riser, cams and limb pockets, this rig is a common sight at any archery competitive event. The cutouts in the riser reduce the weight by approximately 20 percent, yet continue to offer a very strong and solid platform. The redesigned limb pockets reduce the weight slightly, but not only look nice, the also provide a solid housing for the split limbs while eliminating any slippage or limb twist. The redesigned Mini Evo cams offer a shorter power stroke, smooth draw, and plenty of speed. The limbs and this new cam system will definitely perform and launch an arrow at or near IBO with the accuracy one would expect from a competition bow. This rig is commonly found at most competitions. Although the Supra Max has a 37 1/4" ATA and a very forgiving 7" brace height. The split limb system also comes in a variety of weight from 40# - 70# peak weights, and each set are adjustable in 10# increments. If the shooter is looking into getting into competition shooting, the Supra Max is affordable enough to get started, yet possesses the quality that even the most experienced completion shooters seek. Read full review...

• A genuinely forgiving target platform - the 38-inch axle-to-axle length and 4.6-pound mass settle the pin and stay put through a long spot or 3D session
• Smooth, unhurried draw that eases into the valley instead of slamming a wall, which matters when you are pulling 30, 60, or 90 arrows in an afternoon
• Fits archers other target bows leave out - draw length runs to 32.5 inches for tall shooters, and draw weight spans 40 to 70 pounds with dedicated 55 and 65 peak options
• Modular tuning without draw-specific cams - a module swap sets draw length in half-inch steps, and the rotating-cam years let you dial draw length and let-off independently
• Semi-custom and built to order in New York, with a deep riser-and-limb color menu, GAS strings, and a lifetime warranty at a launch price that undercuts premium target rigs

• No timing issues after initial setup
• Virtually no riser torque
• Minimal Vibration
• No bow press needed to adjust draw length
• Smooth drawing
• Fast IBO speed rating

• Easy to tune and shoot
• No noticeable vibration
• Quiet
• Easy to tune
• Solid shooting platform

• Built as a target bow first - the 4.6-pound mass and 38-inch length steady the shot but are deliberately heavy for the treestand, so a hunter wanting a compact carry bow should look at Athens' Summit or Vista hunting line instead
• The 2021 and 2022 versions cap let-off at 80 to 90 percent, higher than some spot shooters want for a firm back wall - target archers who like to work the wall should pick the 2023 version's 70 percent option or set the draw stops low

• Limited draw lengths (no option for longer draw shooters)
• Some shooters complain of small valley
• Limb color limited to black only

• Spongy back wall; recommend changing the factory stop and re-adjusting