Best Bows of 2019: Top Flagship Compounds From ATA

GearJunkie staff scoured the floors of the Archery Trade Association trade show looking at the newest flagship compound bows of 2019. These are our favorites from the show.

There are a lot of great bows on the market, and this year is no exception. There were a lot of expansions on current lines and new premier series from a few different brands at the ATA show.

A big takeaway from this year’s bows is a push toward affordability. The Bear Divergent is a standout in this category, as is the Mathews Vertix. You also have some really cool advances made on the higher-end bows, like the Hoyt Redwrx Carbon RX-3 series. Read on for more info on the 2019 releases, and let us know what you’re excited about in the comments.

Check out the best bows of 2020 here!

Best 2019 Compound Bows

Hoyt Redwrx Carbon RX-3 Series: $1,699

This high-end bow is an expansion of the Redwrx series, and it brings new carbon riser technology for a rigid, lightweight shooting experience that has dampened down vibration considerably. An all-new grip system allows left-to-right adjustability for the shooter, increasing tuning ability and center shot alignment for personalized accuracy. And shock pods dampen vibration even further. This is a bow designed to be quiet, smooth, and powerful.

The RX-3 Turbo shoots up to 350 fps, making it one of the fastest bows in the lineup. Across the series, you can find bows at draw lengths from 25″ to 32″ and weights from 30 to 80 pounds. Axle-to-axle heights are available at 30.5″, 31″, and 34″. And at 3.9-4.1 pounds in hand, you’re looking at a lightweight shooting experience. This bow is the most expensive in the lineup, but the variance allows you to dial in to your specifications.

Available now at your local Hoyt retailer.

Mathews Vertix: $999

The Vertix contains some of the more innovative technology in the 2019 lineup. Unlike a typical bow, the Vertix boasts Switchweight modules that allow the shooter to change draw weights in 5-pound increments, from 50 to 75 pounds. Each additional module costs $40, and the technology allows you to change your draw weight dramatically within the mods of your bow without changing your limbs.

Field Test: 2019 Mathews Vertix Compound Bow Review

The Mathews Vertix is one of our Best Bows of 2019. We put this compound bow through its paces for this review and came away impressed. Read more…

The basics of this bow leave it at 30″ axle-to-axle, with a 6″ brace height. Additionally, the Engage Grip reduces torque, providing a smooth, quiet shot from beginning to end. The integrated dovetail rest is also a new addition, providing stability and less opportunity for movement.

Available now at your local Mathews retailer.

Bear Divergent: $700

Bear’s Divergent brings a high-performance angle to a midpriced bow. At 28″ axle-to-axle, the Divergent is a shorter bow with high maneuverability. It weighs in at 3.9 pounds and hits the target at 338 fps. A 6.5″ brace height allows for stability, and the Bearcage design cuts back on weight while eliminating riser flex.

This bow offers draw lengths of 25.5-30″ and two weight options in 45-60 and 55-60 pounds, respectively.

Available now at your local Bear retailer.

Bowtech Realm SS & SR6: $1,099

Bowtech adds to its Realm line with the SS and SR6. The SS stands for “Super Smooth,” and Bowtech took to the laboratory to cut down on breakover and vibration for this particular model. At 32″ axle-to-axle with a brace height of 6″, this bow provides a stable but packable platform for treestands or spot-and-stalk. The 337 fps is quick, and three available draw weights (40-50, 50-60, and 60-70 pounds) plus a 25-31″ draw length provides variability for a multitude of shooters.

The SR6 is “Speed Redefined,” and it adds a new level of speed and power to the Realm line. A speed of 352 fps is fast, fast, fast, and it’s also a 32″ axle-to-axle with a 6″ brace height. The same three draw weights are offered in the SR6, but the draw length is 25.5-30″, so a little less variance there. Weighted overdrive binary cams combined with a front-heavy draw cycle allow for an increase in speed and power while remaining smooth on the draw.

Available now at your local Bowtech retailer.

Prime CT Series: $999

The Prime Logic CT series has two new offerings for 2019. The CT3 and CT5 both offer a raised grip via Prime’s Centergy technology to level your nock and balance your hold. And the aluminum riser’s 6.5″ brace height is a rigid and forgiving platform for your shot.

The CT3 comes in at 33″, and the CT5 is 35″. The longer axle-to-axle lengths provide more forgiveness and a more stable foundation to begin your shot. And with draw lengths from 24.5-30″ and a weight range from 30 to 80 pounds, this is a bow that can fit a wide variety of archers at a decent price.

Available now at your local Hoyt retailer.

Elite Ritual 35: $1,049

The Elite Ritual series also expanded into a 35″ bow as more archers move toward a longer, steadier platform. The Ritual was well-received in 2018, and this expansion provides the same 88 percent efficiency rating from Elite as the rest of its series.

This 6.5″ brace height provides stability and forgiveness, and it’s fast for a longer bow at 346 fps for its max speed. Draw lengths come in 26.5-31″, and draw weights are available from 50 to 70 pounds. You do sacrifice a bit in the weight category, as this bow comes in at 4.4 pounds.

Available now at your local Elite retailer.

Bear Perception: $1,500

With the midpriced Bear Divergent in the lineup, the limited-edition Perception also caught our eye on the floor. At 350 fps, it’s one of the faster bows of 2019. And bear has fine-tuned multiple aspects of this bow for a quicker, quieter, minimal-vibration shooting experience. The new roller hinge guards decrease friction, and max preload quad limbs evenly distribute weight across the shot.

Another longer bow at 33″ axle-to-axle, it has a 6″ brace height and a 75 percent letoff. It comes in 25.5-30″ draw lengths and draw weights of 45-60 and 55-70 pounds, respectively.

Available now at your local Bear retailer.

PSE Carbon Air Stealth 35″: $1,499

PSE added the 35″ to its line at the request of its customers, and it’s a badass-looking bow. This is the lightest 35″ bow in the lineup, with the carbon adding up to a featherweight 3.5 pounds. The upgraded carbon monocoque riser is not only light but stiff and strong for a smoother shooting experience. It features the Evolve cam system.

This bow shoots at 342 fps, with a 90 percent letoff. The draw length measures out at 26.5-31.5″, and it’s offered in 60- and 70-pound versions.

Available now at your local PSE dealer.