Quiver Me Timbers Archery has seen a significant surge in popularity among women in recent years. This increased interest has led to a growing demand for bows tailored specifically to female archers.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your equipment, finding the right bow is crucial for comfort, accuracy, and overall enjoyment of the sport.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best archery bows for women, considering factors such as draw weight, adjustability, and performance.
We’ll also provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision when selecting your next bow. Just a heads-up: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend bows that I truly believe will help you find your perfect shot.
Understanding Women’s Archery Needs
While many women can effectively use bows designed for men, having a bow that fits properly can significantly enhance comfort, accuracy, and overall enjoyment of archery.
Women generally have shorter draw lengths and may prefer lighter draw weights compared to their male counterparts.
This doesn’t mean women can’t handle heavier draw weights. Starting with a more manageable weight allows for better form development and reduces the risk of injury.
As strength and skill improve, many women archers gradually increase their draw weight.
Key Factors to Consider
When choosing an archery bow for women, several crucial factors come into play:
Draw Length
Draw length is the distance between the nocking point on the string and the pivot point of the grip when the bow is at full draw. Women typically have shorter draw lengths, so it’s essential to choose a bow that accommodates this.
A proper draw length ensures comfortable shooting and optimal performance. Too long a draw length can lead to poor form and reduced accuracy, while too short can limit power and cause discomfort.
Draw Weight
Draw weight refers to the amount of force required to pull the bowstring back to full draw. Many women prefer lighter draw weights, especially when starting out, but this can vary based on strength and experience level.
For beginners, a draw weight between 15-25 pounds is often recommended. As skills and strength improve, many women archers comfortably move up to 30-40 pounds or more.
Remember, it’s better to start lighter and work your way up than to struggle with a bow that’s too heavy.
Adjustability
Look for bows that offer a range of adjustability in both draw length and draw weight. This allows for customization and growth as skills improve.
Adjustable bows are particularly valuable for beginners who may not yet know their ideal specifications or for those who anticipate significant improvement over time.
Many modern compound bows offer impressive ranges of adjustability, sometimes accommodating draw lengths from 15-30 inches and draw weights from 5-70 pounds.
This versatility can make a single bow suitable for years of use, even as your skills advance.
Bow Weight
The physical weight of the bow itself is important for comfort during long shooting sessions or hunting trips.
Lighter bows are often preferred by women archers, as they’re easier to hold steady and cause less fatigue over extended periods.
However, extremely light bows can be more susceptible to movement during the shot, potentially affecting accuracy. Finding the right balance between weight and stability is key.
Axle-to-Axle Length
Shorter axle-to-axle lengths can be useful for women, as they’re generally easier to maneuver and control. This measurement refers to the distance between the two wheels or cams on a compound bow.
Shorter bows (around 30-33 inches axle-to-axle) are typically more maneuverable, making them great for hunting in tight spaces or for archers with shorter arms. Longer bows (34 inches and up) can offer more stability, which can be useful for target shooting.
Let-off
For compound bows, a higher let-off percentage can make it easier to hold the bow at full draw. This is particularly useful for target shooting or when waiting for the perfect shot while hunting.
Let-off refers to the reduction in holding weight at full draw compared to the peak draw weight. For example, a 40-pound bow with an 80% let-off would only need 8 pounds of force to hold at full draw.
Higher let-offs (70-80%) are popular among many archers, especially for longer shooting sessions or hunting scenarios.
Top Picks for Women’s Archery Bows
Now that we’ve covered the key factors to consider, let’s explore some of the best archery bows for women currently on the market.
1. Bear Cruzer G2
The Bear Cruzer G2 is an excellent choice for women archers, particularly those new to the sport. This compound bow offers incredible versatility with it’s wide range of adjustability.
Key Features:
- Draw weight adjustable from 5 to 70 pounds
- Draw length adjustable from 12 to 30 inches
- Lightweight design at just 3 pounds
- Comes with six Trophy Ridge accessories
The Cruzer G2’s extensive adjustability range means it can grow with you as your skills and strength improve. This makes it an excellent long-term investment for beginners or intermediate archers.
It’s lightweight design makes it comfortable to carry and shoot for extended periods, reducing fatigue during long practice sessions or hunting trips. The included accessories provide excellent value, giving you everything you need to start shooting right out of the box.
While the Cruzer G2 may not satisfy advanced archers looking for high-end performance, it’s versatility and quality make it an outstanding choice for most women archers.
2. Diamond Infinite Edge Pro
Another top contender in the women’s archery bow category is the Diamond Infinite Edge Pro. This compound bow is known for it’s smooth draw cycle and impressive adjustability.
Key Features:
- Draw weight range of 5 to 70 pounds
- Draw length range of 13 to 31 inches
- Lightweight design at 3.2 pounds
- Compact axle-to-axle length of 31 inches
- High let-off of up to 80 percent
The Infinite Edge Pro’s wide range of adjustability makes it suitable for archers of various sizes and skill levels. It’s smooth draw cycle ensures comfortable shooting, even during long practice sessions.
The high let-off percentage allows for comfortable aiming, which is particularly useful for target shooting or waiting for the perfect shot while hunting. The compact axle-to-axle length makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, a plus for hunting situations.
While some users report occasional tuning issues, the overall performance and versatility of the Infinite Edge Pro make it a strong choice for women archers.
3. PSE Uprising
For women looking for a high-performance compound bow at an affordable price point, the PSE Uprising is an excellent option.
Key Features:
- Draw weight range of 15 to 70 pounds
- Draw length range of 14 to 30 inches
- Smooth draw cycle
- Solid back wall for improved accuracy
- Weight of 3.5 pounds
The Uprising stands out for it’s smooth draw cycle and solid back wall, which can help improve accuracy and consistency. The good range of adjustability provides room for growth and customization as your skills improve.
At 3.5 pounds, it’s slightly heavier than some other options, but this added weight can contribute to increased stability when shooting. This can be particularly useful for target shooting or in windy conditions.
The Uprising offers impressive performance at a more affordable price point, making it an attractive option for women archers looking to step up their game without breaking the bank.
4. Hoyt Eclipse
For the serious female archer looking for a premium compound bow, the Hoyt Eclipse is a top-tier choice.
Key Features:
- Draw weights from 30 to 60 pounds
- Draw lengths from 24 to 28 inches
- Hoyt’s renowned cam system for smooth draw and fast arrow speeds
- Excellent vibration dampening technology
- Premium quality and craftsmanship
The Eclipse features Hoyt’s renowned cam system, providing a smooth draw and impressive arrow speeds. While it’s not as widely adjustable as some other options, it’s designed for experienced archers who know their preferred specifications.
The Eclipse’s vibration dampening technology ensures a quiet shot, making it an excellent choice for hunting. It’s premium quality and performance justify the higher price point for serious archers looking for top-of-the-line equipment.
While the Eclipse may be overkill for beginners, it’s an outstanding choice for experienced women archers who demand the best from their equipment.
5. Samick Sage Recurve Bow
For women interested in traditional archery or looking to get into Olympic-style target shooting, the Samick Sage Recurve Bow is an outstanding choice.
Key Features:
- Available in draw weights from 25 to 60 pounds
- Takedown design for easy transport and limb upgrades
- Suitable for target shooting and hunting
- Classic, attractive wooden design
- Affordable entry into traditional archery
The Sage’s takedown design means you can easily upgrade the limbs as your strength increases, making it a bow that can grow with you. This versatility, combined with it’s affordable price point, makes it an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate archers alike.
The classic wooden design provides a warm, traditional feel that many archers appreciate. While it needs more skill to shoot accurately compared to compound bows, many archers find the challenge and simplicity of recurve bows rewarding.
The Samick Sage is suitable for both target shooting and hunting, though it may be less suitable for hunting larger game at lower draw weights. For women interested in exploring traditional archery or Olympic-style target shooting, the Sage offers an excellent entry point.
Choosing the Right Bow for You
While these bows are all excellent choices for women archers, the “best” bow ultimately depends on your individual needs, preferences, and intended use. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
Try Before You Buy
If possible, visit a local archery shop and test out different bows. This hands-on experience is invaluable in finding a bow that feels comfortable and suits your shooting style.
Pay attention to how the bow feels when you draw it, how stable it feels at full draw, and how comfortable the grip is in your hand.
Don’t be afraid to try many bows, even if they’re not on your initial shortlist. Sometimes, a bow you hadn’t considered might end up feeling perfect for you.
Consider Your Goals
Are you primarily interested in target shooting, hunting, or both? Different bows excel in different areas, so choose one that aligns with your archery goals.
For target shooting, you might prioritize accuracy and a smooth draw cycle. For hunting, factors like maneuverability and quietness might be more important.
If you plan to do both, look for a versatile bow that can handle various scenarios.
Think Long-Term
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option when starting out, investing in a quality bow that can grow with you might save money in the long run. Consider bows with a wide range of adjustability, allowing you to increase draw weight as your strength improves.
Also, think about the bow’s durability and the manufacturer’s reputation for customer service. A well-made bow from a reputable company can last for many years with proper care.
Don’t Forget Accessories
Remember that you’ll need extra gear like arrows, a release aid, and potentially a bow sight. Factor these into your budget when making your decision.
Some bows come with accessory packages, which can be a good value for beginners.
Consider the compatibility of the bow with various accessories. Some bows have standardized mounting systems that make it easy to add or upgrade accessories later.
Seek Expert Advice
Don’t hesitate to ask for help from experienced archers or professional bow technicians. They can provide valuable insights and help you find the perfect fit.
Many archery shops offer fitting services where they can help you decide your ideal draw length and recommend bows that suit your needs.
Online archery forums and communities can also be great resources for getting opinions and advice from a wide range of archers.
People Also Asked
What is the best draw weight for a woman’s bow?
The best draw weight varies depending on the person’s strength and experience. For beginners, 15-25 pounds is often recommended. As skills improve, many women comfortably use bows with 30-40 pounds draw weight or more.
Can women use men’s bows?
Yes, women can use bows designed for men. However, bows designed for women often have features that better accommodate typically shorter draw lengths and preferences for lighter draw weights.
What’s the difference between compound and recurve bows?
Compound bows use a system of pulleys to reduce the holding weight at full draw, making them easier to aim. Recurve bows are simpler in design and are used in Olympic archery.
Compound bows are generally more accurate and powerful, while recurve bows offer a more traditional experience.
How much does a good women’s bow cost?
Prices vary widely, but you can find quality bows for women starting around $300-$400. High-end bows can cost $1000 or more.
Remember to factor in the cost of accessories when budgeting.
What accessories do I need with my bow?
Essential accessories include arrows, a quiver, arm guard, finger tab or release aid, and a target. Depending on your goals, you might also want a bow sight, stabilizer, and bow case.
Is archery a good sport for women?
Absolutely! Archery is an excellent sport for women, offering physical and mental benefits.
It improves focus, builds upper body strength, and can be enjoyed competitively or recreationally.
How long does it take to become proficient in archery?
With regular practice, most people can become reasonably proficient in 6-12 months. However, mastery can take years of dedicated practice and training.
Can I hunt with a women’s bow?
Yes, many women’s bows are suitable for hunting. Look for bows with suitable draw weights for the game you’re hunting and check local regulations for least draw weight requirements.
What’s the best way to start learning archery?
Taking lessons from a certified instructor is the best way to start. They can teach proper form, safety procedures, and help you choose suitable equipment.
Are lighter bows less accurate?
Not necessarily. While heavier bows can be more stable, proper form and practice are more important for accuracy than bow weight alone.
Many lightweight bows designed for women are highly accurate.
Conclusion
Choosing the right archery bow as a woman doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding your needs, considering key factors like draw weight and adjustability, and exploring top options like the Bear Cruzer G2 or Diamond Infinite Edge Pro, you can find a bow that fits you perfectly.
Remember, the best bow is the one that feels comfortable, suits your shooting style, and inspires you to keep practicing and improving. Whether you’re drawn to the cutting-edge technology of compound bows or the timeless elegance of recurves, there’s a perfect bow out there waiting for you.
With the right equipment and dedication, you’ll be hitting bullseyes and enjoying the thrill of archery in no time. So grab your bow, nock an arrow, and join the growing community of women archers making their mark in this exciting sport.
Key Takeaways
- Consider factors like draw length, draw weight, and adjustability when choosing a bow.
- Try before you buy if possible, and don’t hesitate to seek expert advice.
- Think long-term and consider bows that can grow with your skills.
- Remember to factor in the cost of accessories when budgeting for your bow.
- Whether you choose a compound or recurve bow, regular practice is key to improving your archery skills.
