ATA 2018: Top New Women's Bows

January 12, 2018 By Darron McDougal

This year's selection of women's bows offers better technology, higher performance.

Knock 'Em Out

Diamond Archery notoriously offers high-end quality bows at value pricing. The Carbon Knockout is no exception. It's 6.75-inch brace height brims with forgiveness, and its 22.5- to 27-inch draw length range is right in the wheelhouse of most women. Driven by the powerhouse Binary Cam System, the Knockout delivers, well, a knockout blow. Easily adjust draw length via rotating modules. The Carbon Knockout delivers the strength of aluminum, but at an airy 3.2-pound overall mass weight. The integrated bowstring stop reduces vibrations and bowstring oscillation, and the Carbon Knockout comes R.A.K. equipped — sight, rest, quiver, stabilizer,wrist sling, peep sight, and string loop.

MSRP: $749

Unleash the Power

Hoyt's all-new PowerMax features the aptly-named PowerMax Cam & ½ system, which can produce speeds up to 328 fps. At 3.8 pounds, the PowerMax is lightweight, and a 6 ¾-inch brace height offers superior shootability. Limb Shox and Stelath Shot deliver whisper-quiet shooting, and a Pro-Fit Grip brims with comfort and torque-free characteristics. The sleek, bridged TEC Lite riser is strong, but lightweight with excellent weight distribution. Two cam sizes offer two draw-length ranges on a rotating-module system for easy adjustability, and a 31-inch axle-to-axle length combines stability with maneuverability. The PowerMax is available in four different Vicxen color options at an additional cost. Fuse Custom Strings and Multi-Layer Laminate Limbs round out the bow.

MSRP: $599

All Hale the Avail

The Mathews Avail offers women all the outstanding technology found on Mathews' men's bows, but is designed to specifically fit a woman's needs. The 30-inch bow offers incredible maneuverability, and features a 6-inch brace height to bridge the gap between speed and forgiveness. The Avail weighs just 3.96 pounds, and its scaled-down CROSSCENTRIC Cam with AVS Technology draws smoothly, but delivers punishing downrange energy. The Avail features Mathews' proprietary technologies like Harmonic Damper and Stabilizer, Reverse Assist Roller Guard, and the Dead End String Stop. These and other technologies combine to produce an unrivaled shooting experience that empowers women to be deadly in the bowhunting woods. For 2018, the Avail is available in black, Gore OptiFade Elevated II, Lost Camo XD, Stone, Ridge Reaper Barren, Gore OptiFade Subalpine, and Ridge Reaper Forest.

Elite's Impression is a small-framed bow designed for women who take archery and bowhunting seriously. The Impression delivers Elite Shootability in a 4.1-pound bow with a trimmer profile for improved comfort and manageability. The Impression comes in draw lengths from 24 to 28 inches, and in peak weights of 40, 50, and 60 pounds. A 305-fps velocity produces plentiful energy, but the generous 7-inch brace height exudes forgiveness and accuracy. The two-track cam system maximizes dynamic energy while producing fewer vibrations and substantially less shock. The integrated Riser Cage bolsters the already-sturdy riser, which is available in 17 finishes, while the limbs are available in eight finishes.

MSRP: $999

Small Bow, Big Intentions

New to Bear Archery's Legend Series is the Sole Intent, which measures merely 29 inches from axle to axle. Its 75-percent let off makes holding at full draw for lengthy intervals possible, and its compact profile and Narogrip, combined with a lightweight, 3.65-pound mass weight, tailor the bow perfectly to women. Shockwaves and Sonicstops thwart noise and vibrations, and the time-proven HingeGuard ensures a smooth, silent draw cycle. The Sole Intent features a smooth-drawing single cam, which can be adjusted for draw length without a bow press. Bear Cage eliminates riser flex and shaves off weight while ensuring the riser's structural integrity. The BearTrap Limb Pocket is trim and lightweight with a zero-tolerance boot. Finally, Max Preload Quad Limbs maximize efficiency and evenly distribute the workload for superior consistency and accuracy. The draw-weight range is 45-60 pounds, and the draw-length range is 22-27 inches. The Sole Intent comes finished in Badlands Approach.

MSRP: $699

Drive Tacks

PSE offers affordable performance in its Drive X DM. At just 3.7 pounds and 30 inches axle to axle, most women can easily maneuver and shoot the Drive X DM — an asset in the woods where tight quarters are the norm. The bow is available in 50- and 60-pound peak weights, and its draw-length range is 23 ½-28 ½ inches. Available finishes are Purple, Muddy Girl, Kryptek Highlander, and Mossy Oak Country. Part of PSE's Vapor Series, the Drive X DM features a quality forged riser and forgiving 6 ½-inch brace height. Still, it produces a 304- to 312-fps velocity at 60 pounds and with a 28-inch draw length. And, the bow is available in PSE's Ready to Shoot Pro package.

MSRP: $649

Short and Sweet

Obsession's Huntress LX packs power and attitude into a short, lightweight platform perfect for women who hunt seriously. The 30-inch Huntress LX features Obsession's Hybrid DE SD Cam and the Anti-Torque Angled Cable Rod. Hold at full draw forever with 80 percent let off, and appreciate the smooth-drawing, yet hard-hitting characteristics of this outstanding bow. Efficiency is the name of the game, as the Huntress LX is rated to 330 fps despite a more-than-generous 7-inch brace height. Draw lengths range from 23.5-30 inches, with half sizes available between 23 ½-29 ½ inches. A rock-solid back wall and long riser with parallel limbs make this bow a shooter, and approximately 15 finishes are available. To boot, the cams are also available in three color options.

MSRP: $899

What's All the Hype About?

Mission Archery is all about making archery accessible to everyone by offering great-performing bows at affordable prices. The Hype DTX offers USA-made quality, adjusts from 19-30 inches, and provides more than 55 pounds of draw-length adjustability. The Hype DTX's Dead End String Stop tames vibrations and bowstring oscillation, providing a smooth-shooting experience. The Hype DTX's ergonomic grip exudes comfort, and the Mathews Harmonic Stabilizer reduces riser vibrations and adds stability. The bow measures 31 inches from axle to axle, and a 7-inch brace height offers plenty of forgiveness while still producing an IBO speed of 305 fps. Three accessory packages are available at additional costs.

MSRP: $399