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Sportsman Authority

479 researched picks · 69 gear types

What are you setting up?

Bows · crossbows · setup support

Build an archery setup that fits your draw and your day.

Compare bows, crossbows, releases, broadheads, and supporting archery equipment by fit, tuning, intended use, and serviceability.

Research catalog updated

Fit, compatibility, and service path

Start with the archer, not the speed number.

An archery setup only works when the bow, draw length, draw weight, release, arrows or bolts, rest, sight, and broadheads agree with the person using it. Start with fit and the way you plan to practice, then price the tuning and service that keep the whole system usable.

Archery seasons, legal methods, broadhead requirements, crossbow permissions, and transport rules vary by state, province, unit, and property. Check the current rules for the exact place and species, and use a qualified shop for measurements and tuning when you need it.

  1. 01

    Fit the archer before comparing speed

    Measure draw length, confirm handedness and eye dominance, and choose a draw weight that can be drawn smoothly without changing posture. A bow that fits the person is easier to practice with than a faster bow that fights the draw cycle.

  2. 02

    Match every component

    Confirm the bow's arrow or bolt requirements, nock style, insert or rail system, release aid, rest, sight, stabilizer, quiver, and broadhead compatibility as one system. Read the current manual instead of assuming every accessory is interchangeable.

  3. 03

    Budget for tuning and service

    A complete setup includes a paper or walk-back tune, sight-in time, spare strings or cables when applicable, arrow or bolt replacements, broadhead practice, a case, transport, and a local shop or warranty path. Put the practice and maintenance plan in the quote before choosing a headline feature.

01

Adjustable compound starter

Bear Cruzer G4 RTH package

A broad 14 to 30 inch draw-length range and 10 to 70 pound draw-weight range make the Cruzer G4 a practical first comparison when one bow needs to fit more than one archer. Confirm the exact setting and finish the setup with a shop tune.

02

Short-draw compound fit

Bear Prowess RTH package

The Prowess centers a 23 to 28 inch draw length and 35 to 50 pound range for archers who want a more focused fit than a fully open adjustment window. Measure first, then confirm the draw cycle and grip in person.

03

Crossbow format

TenPoint TX 440 or Ravin R470 system

A crossbow changes the cocking method, bolt specification, scope, case, service, and storage plan. Compare the TenPoint ACUslide or Ravin setup only after confirming that the format and current regulations fit the season and property.

Official manufacturer resource

Bear Cruzer G4 RTH

Use Bear's current product page to confirm the 29-inch axle-to-axle length, 14 to 30 inch draw range, 10 to 70 pound range, let-off, and included Ready-To-Hunt accessories.

Check Bear specifications

Official manufacturer resource

Diamond Archery manuals and charts

Check the current owner-manual library and timing, string, and cable charts when an adjustable Diamond platform needs exact setup or service information.

Check Diamond resources

Official manufacturer resource

SEVR Titanium 2.0 broadhead

Review the official 100-grain and 125-grain options, rear-deploy blade design, Practice-Lock feature, and manufacturer compatibility notes before adding a broadhead to an arrow or bolt setup.

Check SEVR details

Manufacturer resources checked August 9, 2026.

Three places to start

Price is only one part of the decision.

Line up fit, strengths, limitations, and useful specifications before you open a retailer page.

Swipe sideways to compare every model.

Side-by-side comparison of 3 researched archery gear models
CompareRage Hypodermic NC broadhead with two blades openLower price range

Rage Hypodermic NC Broadhead

Rage
Bear Cruzer G4 Ready to Hunt Compound Archery Bow, 70lb. Draw WeightMiddle price range

Bear Cruzer G4 RTH Compound Bow Package

Bear Archery
RAVIN R470 Stealth Gray Crossbow PackageHigher price range

Ravin R470 Crossbow Package

Ravin
Price rangeUnder $50$300-600Over $1000
Best forWhitetail hunters who prioritize maximum wound channels and easy retail availability.The one-bow answer for a household where multiple people of different sizes will hunt with it.Hunters who want the fastest, most compact crossbow technology and will pay flagship money for it.
Strong pointDevastating entry wounds and short blood trails on whitetailsOne bow grows from a first-season shooter to a 70 pound hunting rigRifle-like downrange accuracy from the HexCoil platform
Watch forBlades can open in a quiver or pack when handled roughlyUltra-wide adjustability costs some efficiency versus dedicated single-cam hunting bowsAmong the most expensive hunting crossbows sold
SpeedNot listedUp to 310 fpsUp to 470 fps
Next stepCheck at ScheelsProduct details Check at AmazonProduct details Check at AmazonProduct details

We chose one lower, middle, and higher-priced model from products we researched and matched to a current retailer page. This is a useful starting point, not a ranking.

What to compare

Start with these three questions.

Once you know how and where you will use the gear, the specifications become much easier to compare.

  1. 01

    Shooter fit

    Draw length, draw weight, grip, eye position, and control reach should fit the individual rather than an assumed body type.

  2. 02

    System compatibility

    Confirm arrow or bolt specifications, release style, broadhead fit, optic setup, and manufacturer limits as one system.

  3. 03

    Setup support

    Local tuning, replacement parts, warranty, and clear manuals can be more valuable than one extra headline feature.

Sportsman Authority picks

Compare all 8 researched products.

Every card tells you who it fits, what it does well, what to watch for, and where to check the current price.

Category FAQ

Before you choose.

How do I know my draw length?

Use a qualified archery shop when possible. A shop can measure your arm span and posture, then confirm the setting while you draw without reaching, collapsing, or lifting the bow shoulder. A manufacturer range is only a starting point, not proof that every setting feels right.

What draw weight should I start with?

Choose a weight you can draw smoothly, hold briefly, and repeat without changing your posture. Start lower than the maximum you can force, then increase only when the movement stays controlled. Follow the bow maker's adjustment limits and use a shop or coach when you are unsure.

What does a ready-to-hunt bow package include?

Package contents vary. Look for the rest, sight, quiver, stabilizer, peep, sling, and any included arrows or accessories, then budget for a release, case, tuned arrows, practice points, broadheads, and a shop setup. A package is not a finished system until the draw, sight, arrow spine, and rest are matched.

Can I use any broadhead or arrow with a compound bow or crossbow?

No. Match arrow or bolt length, spine, diameter, nock, insert, grain, and broadhead design to the bow or crossbow maker's specifications. Confirm the broadhead's approved use, practice instructions, and current local rules before putting it into the field setup.