8 of the Fastest New Bows for 2022
Posted 2022-01-19T00:42:00Z by
If you're in the market for a high-speed compound, then check out this crop of new models
What qualifies as a "speed bow?" The answer is relative. About a decade ago, any bow that broke 300 fps was pretty quick. Archers expect more than that today. Some brands go all-out, too, chasing top-end velocities of 350 feet-per-second plus. Others settle on a number that's plenty — say, anything over 330 — and then work on further bow refinements, like reducing vibration and noise, or adding on innovative tuning systems. Whatever your preference, you'll find something to like in this lineup of eight new bows for 2022.
(Read: Why Speed Bows Don't Suck)
Hoyt's new carbon riser Twin Turbo really scoots, with an ATA speed rating of 350 fps. This 33-inch axle-to-axle bow has a short, 5.875-inch brace height, but's smooth, too, thanks to the Short Stop stabilizer, Shock Pods, and other vibration-absorbing features. The Twin Turbo has adjustable mods for draw lengths of 25 to 30 inches, and is available in weight ranges of 40 to 70 pounds. The bow itself weighs 4.5 pounds. It's packed with other features, too, including the perks of a carbon build like a warmer grip, increased durability, and more.
Available in Realtree EDGE
MSRP: $1,899
Are you a big guy with a long draw length? Or maybe you prefer a long axle-to-axle bow with a longer brace height? The Highline is Hoyt's new long-draw option that, at 345 fps, is still plenty fast. It's 36.5 inches axle to axle and has a 7.875-inch brace height. The draw length is adjustable from 29 to 34 inches, with limb weights of 50 to 70 pounds.
Available in Realtree EDGE
MSRP: $1,399
You came here for the speed, and the new limited-edition Smoke by Xpedition Archery delivers. It's the fastest bow they've produced, and one of the fastest-rated hunting bows ever, at a meteoric 370 fps. IBO. The Smoke has a 32-inch axle-to-axle length and a 5.375-inch brace height. It has either 60 or 70 peak draw weights, and weighs 4.4 pounds. The Smoke's hybrid cam system is draw-length specific, available in ranges to suit shooters of 28 to 30 inches, with adjustable let-off of 75 to 80%. Get one while inventory lasts.
MSRP: $1,099
The V3X 29 is plenty fast at 340 fps (IBO), and performance wise, is much like last year's V3, with a 6-inch brace height, 4.47-pound mass weight, 25.5-30-inch draw length, and a weight range of 60, 65, 70, or 75 pounds. But the real story on this bow is in the integrated accessory system including a sight that mounts through the bow's riser, eliminating the need for an external quiver bracket, and a LowPro quiver system that makes for a truly compact hunting package. Furthermore, the new Stay Afield System (S.A.S.) allows hunters to safely remove or repair strings and cables in the field without using a bow press. All that's needed is a small, lightweight emergency kit.
Available in Realtree EDGE
MSRP: $1,199
The new Inline 5 replaces Prime's parallel cams with the innovate Inline cam system, which helps balance the cams throughout the draw cycle. It's speedy, too, with a 6-inch brace height and IBO rating of 342 feet per second. The Inline 5 is available in peak weights of 30 to 80 pounds, and is draw length adjustable (26 to 30.5 inches). The series includes the 33-inch Inline 3 and the 31-inch Inline 1 as well, both of which give up just a little speed because of their longer brace heights.
Available in Realtree EDGE or Realtree EXCAPE
MSRP: $1,249
Bowtech's new SR350 clocks a blistering 350 fps IBO, but is a smooth shooter with minimal vibration. The 33-inch, 6-inch brace-height bow sports the DeadLock Cam system, which allows you to adjust the bow's cam lean with a couple wrenches, and then "lock in" the perfect tune. The system also has the PowerShift, which allows you to customize the draw cycle to your liking. The SR350 has a draw length range of 25-30 inches and peak draw weights of 50, 60, or 70 pounds.
Available in Realtree EDGE
MSRP: $1,299
Those who shoot Bear know these bows are durable and dependable, and the new Refine EKO is fast, too, at 342 fps. This model is 33 inches axle to axle and has a 6.375-inch brace height. Draw length ranges from 26.5-30.5 inches and draw weight ranges include 45-60 or 55-70 pounds. The bow weighs 4.4 pounds. The Refine EKO also offers increased let off adjustability of 75, 80, 85, or 90%. This one's a great shooter, and it's tough to beat the price.
Available in Realtree EDGE
MSRP: $999.99
Elite bows are known for being smooth, and the new Envision is no exception. Although it's not as fast as others on this list at 334 IBO, it has plenty of other advantages, including a portable 31-inch axle-to-axle length and micro adjustability. The draw length can be changed in increments of just one quarter inch, from 23.5 to 30.5 inches. The Envision has a 6.875-inch brace height, and is available in peak draw weights of 40 to 75 pounds.
MSRP: $1,199.99
Available in Realtree EDGE or Realtree EXCAPE
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