We’re off and running in the much-anticipated 2021 year and bowhunters across the country are finally getting the chance to lay hands on the best of the best in new bow designs for the year. We can honestly say, the 2021 lineup of bows did not disappoint. Bow technology and design continues to improve with each passing year, delivering some of the finest shooting machines on the planet. You’ll see it as you take a quick look at the bows below. In no particular order, here’s a closer look at the best new bows for 2021.
Mathews V3 27
Speed:336 fps Axle-to-Axle:27″ Mass Weight:4.29 lbs Brace Height:6″ Draw Length:25″-29 1/2″ Draw Weight:60,65,70,75 lbs Let-off:80 or 85% MSRP:$1199 Website:mathewsinc.com
Mathews continues with their V series of hunting bows for 2021. It’s the series that began with the Vertix in 2019 and continued with the VXR in 2020. The V3 is the 3rd generation, building upon those platforms, with some new features and design improvements for 2021. The V3 is available in 27 and 31 in options. The most notable physical changes to the V3 include new limb cups, new limbs with a more aggressive limb angle, and a redesigned riser. The limb cups on the V3 provide the same stability as before, in a more compact design that helps save some weight. With the new limb cup design comes a new limb with a more aggressive angle, and slightly more pre-load as seen by the curved design of the limb while at rest. This new design allowed Mathews to increase the length of the bow’s riser, while keeping the axle-to-axle length similar to previous offerings. The increased riser length provides a more stable, accurate platform to shoot from.
Elite Enkore
Speed:340 fps Axle-to-Axle:33″ Mass Weight:4.55 lbs Brace Height:6″ Draw Length:23″-30″ Draw Weight:40,50,60,65,70 lbs Let-Off:70% – 90% MSRP:$1099.99 Mfg Website:EliteArchery.com For 2021, Elite has released a follow up to their popular KURE bow with the introduction of their new Elite EnKore. It’s got the same great features that shooters loved about the KURE, with the addition of a newly designed mod system to satisfy any shooter’s need for speed. It’s got an even longer axle-to-axle length at 33 inches, and the company says the bow is built to deliver more performance than anything in its class. The EnKore features a newly designed Versa Performance Mod System which offers 90% let-off and generates increased speed. Offering the best of both worlds, the EnKore features the comfort and shootability that Elite is known for, but with added performance. The Performance mod comes standard on the EnKore, but there are other mod systems available, including the Standard Versa Mod and the 75% Versa Mod. Other features that we’ve seen in the past from Elite are packed into this bow, including the popular S.E.T. technology for making the tuning process easier than ever, as well as the ASYM Tri-Track Cam system.
Prime Nexus 2
Speed:341 fps Axle-to-Axle:32″ Mass Weight:4.2 lbs Brace Height:6″ Draw Length:25″-30″ Draw Weight:40,50,60,65,70,80 Let-Off:80% MSRP:$999 Mfg Website:g5prime.com Prime bows are known as some of the most balanced bows in the world, however, their desire for 2021 was to make a good thing even better, delivering an even more comfortable shooting experience in their latest series of bows. The all-new Prime Nexus series has 50% less vibration and is now faster, and more comfortable than ever before. The Nexus comes in 3 different sizes, Nexus 2 (32″ ATA), Nexus 4 (34″ ATA), and Nexus 6 (36″ ATA) The lineup was built for speed, comfort, and shootability. The bow also features a factory let-off on the R2 Roto Cam set at 80% with complete let-off adjustment and the ability to shoot the bow with higher or lower holding weights Tuning and setup is made all the easier with an Easy-Tune Shim system that allows for .030″ cam adjustment left or right within the limbs for quick and simple setup and tuning.
Hoyt RX-5 30
Speed:342 fps Axle-to-Axle:30″ Mass Weight:4.4 lbs Brace Height:6 1/4″ Draw Length:25″-28″ / 28.5″-30″ Draw Weight:30-80 lbs Let-Off:80% or 85% MSRP:$1699 Mfg Website:hoyt.com
It seems like when every bow company comes out with a new flagship bow, they offer it at 2 different axle-to-axle lengths. The new Hoyt RX-5 is no different in this way. When looking at the RX-5, you can get either the 30″ axle-to-axle bow, or the RX-5 Ultra at 34″ axle-to-axle. The RX-5 feature a new, redesigned cam system, specifically made for unparalleled performance. The HBX comes in one cam size that can cover the full range of draw lengths by using 2 different module sizes. And it can also go from 80% let-off to 85% in seconds by simply using an allen wrench to adjust a screw. Another big change to the 2021 lineup is the addition of the option to use an In-Line picatinny rail mount for your sight. These bows still have the regular holes to mount your sight on the side, but the new in-line mount offers better bow balance. Mounting your sight in-line with the riser presents the proven reliability of a picatinny rail, and better balance by having the weight of your sight out in front, as opposed to the side.
Hoyt Ventum 30
Speed:342 fps Axle-to-Axle:30″ Mass Weight:4.6 lbs Brace Height:6 1/8″ Draw Length:25″-28″ / 28.5″-30″ Draw Weight:30 – 80 lbs Let-Off:80% – 85% MSRP:$1199 Mfg Website:hoyt.com
Aside from the bow build and layout, both the Ventum and RX-5 share many of the same design and technology features, just packed in different sizes. You’ll find the Ventum available in the Ventum 30 and Ventum 33 (33″ ATA).
Like the RX-5, the Ventum shares features like the In-Line Picatinny sight mount, HBX Cam, Integrated arrow rest mount, SL Sidebar attachment, and one of the most noticeable, the In-Line Short Stope Stabilizer.
By moving the stabilizer location to a lower position on the bow, Hoyt lowered the center of gravity on these new bows, increasing the effectiveness of the stabilizer. Better yet, with the attachment point farther forward, a 2-inch stabilizer in this location has the same reach as a 6-inch stabilizer in the typical location, so you get improved stabilization from a shorter, lighter weight stabilizer.
Bowtech Solution
Speed:346 fps Axle-to-Axle:32″ Mass Weight:4.3 lbs Brace Height:6″ Draw Length:25″-30″ Draw Weight:50, 60, 70 lbs Let-Off:80% MSRP:$1099 Mfg Website:Bowtecharchery
Bowtech designed the Solution to be a 346 FPS bow with a silky smooth draw that shows the company’s no-compromise commitment to comfort. What powers the speed built into this bow? The Bowtech team strategically engineered the DeadLock cam on the Solution to produce a significant boost in speed from what we’ve seen in previous bow models, yet maintained a super smooth draw cycle. The bow is built on a 32″ axle to axle platform that’s well suited for the treestand, ground blind, or spot-n-stalk in the field. You’ll find some of the best of the best technology from Bowtech carried over and built into the Solution, including the Deadlock Cam system. Bowtech says the Deadlock cam is not only the quickest and simplest way to achieve perfect arrow flight, but the surest way to maintain it throughout the season as well.
PSE EVO EVL 32
Speed:345 fps Axle-to-Axle:32″ Mass Weight:4.5 lbs Brace Height:6 1/4″ Draw Length:25″-30 1/2″ Draw Weight:50,60,65,70,80 lbs Let-Off:80-90% MSRP:$1099 Mfg Website:PseArchery.com
The all-new EVO EVL is what PSE is calling the most stable, dead-in-hand, and tunable hunting bow they’ve ever engineered. The bow was designed with PSE’s widest limb stance ever, along with their popular Evolve Cam that now features a Precision Buss Tuning System, a system that allows the 2021 EVO EVL to be custom-tuned to unmatched precision. The bow also features multiple sight locations allowing you to customize your setup, in addition to the new QAD Integrate arrow rest mount that has become popular with a number of bow manufacturers in recent years. The bow also incorporates PSE’s Quick Disconnect barrel mounts, giving you more accessories mounting options than ever before.
Xpedition X30
Speed:350 fps Axle-to-Axle:30″ Mass Weight:3.6 lbs Brace Height:6.25″ Draw Length:25.5″-30″ Draw Weight:50, 60, 65, 70 lbs Let-Off:80% MSRP:$1399 Mfg Website:Xpedition
The Xpedition crew has been working on the X Series of bows for the past two years and they’ve built in some slick new features to take their bow line to the next level. First, proprietary material known as X-Loyby Magnite – A blend of alloys, infused with carbon, to make a bow that is lighter than many of the carbon bows on the market and stronger than aluminum. This material is forged, and CNC machined to create the best of all worlds – light, strong, and streamlined. The company’s LVR cam is designed to be more efficient than anything they’ve produced yet. The company says the design allows archers to push kinetic energy and momentum to unprecedented levels. This latest offering from Xpedition reveals that good things can still come in a light and compact package.
Gearhead Disruptor Pro 24
Speed:330fps Axle-to-Axle:24.6″ Mass Weight:4.2 lbs Brace Height:6.5″ Draw Length:26″-30″ Draw Weight:50-75 lbs Let-Off:80% MSRP:$824 Mfg Website:Gearhead Archery
Gearhead Archery is the maker of what is easily the most unique compound bow on the market. But it’s also the most compact bow on the market. But don’t think it’s small size means it can’t pack a punch, as well as deliver some impressive downrange accuracy. Maneuverability is the selling point of these bows. From backpack hunts to slipping and sneaking in a spot-n-stalk mission, the bows certainly have their niche. The Disruptor Pro 24 is compact option that you’ll want to consider if you’re wanting to tighten up the load you carry in the field in 2021.
PSE Nock On Embark
Speed:327 fps Axle-to-Axle:31″ Mass Weight:4.3 lbs Brace Height:7″ Draw Length:23 1/2″-30 1/2″ Draw Weight:60, 70 lbs Let-Off:80% MSRP:$799 Mfg Website:PseArchery.com
If you, a friend, or family member are preparing to jump into the sport of archery or bowhunting, you may want to consider the the new PSE Nock On Embark compound bow. The bow was inspired by John Dudley and delivers the perfect combination of performance and price.
Dudley knows the ins and outs of archery like few other people on earth. And that’s why you can hunt with confidence when you’ve got a bow with the Nock On name on it. Dudley’s design input paved the way this heavy hitter budget bow that is perfectly suited for a variety of shooters, both young and old.
The Embark is compact in size with its 31″ frame, yet it’s super forgiving with a 7″ brace height. And at 327 fps, you have all the speed you need.
Bear Redemption EKO
Speed:342 fps Axle-to-Axle:31″ Mass Weight:4.1 lbs Brace Height:6.25″ Draw Length:26″-30″ Draw Weight:45-60 / 55-70 lbs Let-Off:75%,80%,85%,90% MSRP:$999 Mfg Website:Bear Archery
The bows Bear Archery is building these days leave no doubt, the company is back and better than ever. Their all-new flagship bow – the Redemption EKO is a testament to the company’s desire to build a bow that hits the sweet spot for maneuverability and deadly accuracy. The bow is well suited for the treestand, ground blinds, or any spot-n-stalk endeavor you find yourself in. Bear’s all-new Vibration Reduction System (VRS) helps stabilize and reduce lingering riser vibration by up to 25% from the motion of shooting an arrow allowing for a smooth and quiet shot. The bow is powered by Bear’s EKO Cam System for greater adjustability and plenty of downrange performance with speeds up to 342 feet per second. One nice addition you’ll find build into the Redemption EKO is the Align Lok level. It’s positioned within the riser and works in conjunction with any bow sight to aid in aligning second and third axis levels.
Darton Spectra-e
Speed:330-335fps Axle-to-Axle:32 3/4″ Mass Weight:4.2lbs Brace Height:6″ Draw Length:25″-31″ Draw Weight:40-70 lbs Let-Off:85% MSRP:$1019 Mfg Website:Darton Archery
The new Equalizer Cable System introduced on the Spectra-e is the closest thing you can get to a totally balanced shooting system, next only to the Darton Vegas. The adjustable draw module, positive limb stops, and assortment of draw stop tabs gives the shooter complete control of their draw length.
The split yoke system that anchors on the axles, outboard of the limbs, totally equalize/stabilize the limbs and reduce the load on the cam bearings. Couple all of this with the very successful riser and limb design used with the Maverick II you have a bow that deserves your attention.
Mathews Prima
Speed:321 fps Axle-to-Axle:30″ Mass Weight:3.93 lbs Brace Height:5 1/2″ Draw Length:21.5″-27.5″ Draw Weight:40, 50, 60 lbs Let-Off:80% MSRP:$1099 Mfg Website:Mathewsinc.com
Mathews has delivered some really impressive bows for the ladies over the years, but it’s been a few years since their latest offering. For 2021, they introduced the all-new Prima. It’s light, compact, and has plenty of performance built in. At just 3.93 pounds, with a 30 inch axle-to-axle and a 5 1/2″ inch brace height, the Prima is designed to give women a comfortable shooting experience, with no compromise in performance. It’s Crosscentric cam produces a smooth draw and consistent accuracy while delivering massive downrange energy, delivering speeds up to 321 feet per second at a 27.5″ draw.
Mathews’ new patent-pending CenterGuard cable containment system that we’ve seen on the new V3 is built into the Prima as well. It optimizes cam timing while creating additional vane clearance. It also includes the all-new Nano 740 to reduce post shot vibration and noise. It’s a sweet little shooter that any lady will love.
Bowtech Eva Shockey Gen 2
Speed:323 fps Axle-to-Axle:30″ Mass Weight:3.9 lbs Brace Height:7″ Draw Length:23.5″-28.5″ Draw Weight:40, 50, 60 lbs Let-Off:80% MSRP:$1099 Mfg Website:Bowtech Archery
Another great compound bow option for the ladies is the 2nd generation of the Eva Shockey bow from Bowtech. The bow was designed to be smooth, hard-hitting, and deadly accurate. At 3.9 pounds it’s a lightweight bow that packs all the punch the ladies will need as they step into the woods this fall. The Gen 2 features the addition of Bowtech’s most reliable cam system that delivers plenty of comfort, speed, and performance.
By Brodie SwisherJanuary 20, 2021 Source Bowhunting.com