The 8 Best Bows for Women

July 17, 2017 By Emily Kantner

The 2017 archery season will be here before we know it, so if you ladies are intending to purchase a new rig, now is most certainly the time. Here's our list of eight of the best bows for women in today's market.

PSE's popular DriveR is now available in a short-draw model — the DriveR SD ($499.99). More compact than the original, the new version has a 6 1/4-inch brace height, a 30-inch axle-to-axle length, and features peak weights all the way down to 40 pounds. Additionally, draw lengths can be set from 23 to 28 inches. Mass weight is 3.8 pounds, and the DriveR SD also showcases a 75-percent letoff. If you choose, the pro package includes an Amp pro sight, Phantom drop-away rest, Spire stabilizer, Raven quiver, PSE neoprene sling, red aluminum peep and nock loop.

Weighing in under 4 pounds and measuring just 30 inches axle to axle, the Mathews Avail ($999) is perfectly compact for female shooters. Available with draw weights up to 60 pounds and draw lengths ranging from 22-28 inches, this bow delivers ultimate performance with speeds up to 320 fps. The Avail features Mathews' CROSSCENTRIC Cam, AVS technology and a true center nocking point for a smooth draw and consistent accuracy. Finish options include Black, Stone, Optifade Elevated II, Lost Camo XD, Ridge Reaper Barren and Optifade Subalpine.

The Centergy Air ($1,099) sports the accuracy-enhancing features of Prime's flagship bow but with a lighter riser and more streamlined grip for female shooters. The TRK Parallel Cam System combined with the Balanced Targeting System offers a smooth draw and sustained stability. At 4.1 pounds and 33€‰¼ inches axle to axle, the Centergy Air is available in draw weights up to 60 pounds and draw lengths from 24€‰1„2-31 inches. It has an IBO speed rating of 333 fps. Finish options include Optifade Elevated II, Recon Grey, First Lite Fusion and Black.

The Elite Impression ($999) features a two-track cam system to maximize dynamic energy while minimizing shock and vibration. Featuring Elite's Riser Cage design for increased strength and stability, the bow measures just under 32 inches between the axles and weighs 4.1 pounds. With 20 color options, the Impression is available in draw lengths from 24-28 inches and draw weights up to 60 pounds. A 7-inch brace height allows for speeds up to 305 fps.

The Bowtech Eva Shockey Signature Series ($849) wasn't just created for women — it was designed by a woman with plenty of bowhunting experience. Draw weights up to 60 pounds and draw lengths from 23€‰1„2-28€‰1„2 inches make this bow a great option for any female hunter. It features Bowtech's revolutionary PowerShift Technology, OverDrive Binary Cams and a carbon riser. This lightweight bow is just 3.3 pounds but boasts an IBO speed rating of 332 fps. The Eva Shockey Signature Series is available in Micro Carbon and Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage.

The Bear Prowess ($499) is an affordable, Ready-to-Hunt package that includes a Whisker Biscuit rest, sight, quiver, stabilizer and more. The bow features EnduraFiber Limbs and an ultra-smooth, single-cam system for controlled power. At just 3 pounds, the Prowess measures 29€‰1„8 inches axle to axle and offers an IBO speed rating of 290 fps with a 6€‰3„4-inch brace height. Available with draw lengths from 23-28 inches and draw weights up to 50 pounds, the Prowess is finished in Realtree Xtra Green Camo.

The Obsession Huntress LX ($899) is quick and compact, weighing 3.9 pounds at 30 inches axle to axle and offering speeds up to 336 fps. Obsession's PerFX System and Anti Torque Guard Slide reduce cam lean during the smooth draw cycle and provide deadly accuracy. With draw weights from 30-70 pounds and draw lengths from 23-29€‰1„2 inches, the Huntress LX is designed to fit any female hunter and is available in dozens of color combinations.

The Hoyt PowerMax with Vicxen Custom Limbs ($649; www.hoyt.com), available in draw lengths from 24-30 inches and draw weights up to 70 pounds, offers adjustability without the need for a bow press. At just 3.8 pounds and 31 inches axle to axle, the PowerMax is the perfect size for female hunters, and Vicki Cianciarulo-inspired custom limbs add a feminine touch. Stealth Shot, Limb Shox and the Cam & ½ System deliver quiet speeds up to 328 fps. The Vicxen model is available in full Blackout or Realtree Xtra camo with carbon limbs and pink or purple accents.