Looking for a neat new hunting rig? Whatever your bowhunting goals for 2017, here are six stand-out compounds that deserve some serious consideration.
Elite Option 6 & Option 7. It’s always good to have options—and the 32-inch axle-to-axle Option 6 (pictured above) and Option 7, the names of which denote respective brace heights, offer two worthy of a closer look. Both retail for $1,399, and feature a 7075 T6 skeletonized riser with dual Riser Cages that provides a 65-percent greater strength-to-weight ratio than previous models. A newly engineered cam is designed to maximize performance and a new LTR (Lateral Tuning Roller) roller guard provides fine tuning. This strong, yet lightweight 4.3-pound package is rated up to 342 fps and is available in draw weights from 50 to 80 pounds, and in half-inch draw increments from 26 to 30 inches for the Option 6, and 27 to 31 inches for the Option 7.
Fleetwood Envoy2 Compound Bow. Tired of all the sticker shock that comes standard with today’s premium bows? The Envoy2 is an incredible new state-of-the-art bow designed for both entry level and experienced archers alike—both youths and adults—and it comes at a true family friendly price: $300 for the complete, ready-to-shoot package that includes the bow, sight, rest and stabilizer. This smart new design features a fully adjustable draw length from 19 to 30 inches, and adjustable draw weight from 20 to 70 pounds. This means the Envoy2 will fit most youths and adults, but even better, the wide-ranging adjustability means it will grow right along with your youngster, making it the last bow you’ll ever have to buy. It’s available in Next G1 camo, Muddy Girl camo, and Black, ideal for hiding inside a ground blind.
Prime Centergy. For its new three-bow Centergy Series ($1,200 each), Prime combined a Center Balanced Targeting System (CBTS) with TRK Parallel Cam technology and a Flexis-AR roller to create its most balanced and easy-to-aim bow yet. Built around the new center-balanced 82X aluminum riser, the CBTS incorporates a strategically designed “Swerve” into the heavier lower end of the riser to reduce lateral movement during the draw cycle for less noise and vibration, and greater accuracy. The all new TRK Cam System, the latest enhancement of Prime’s parallel cam technology, provides higher efficiency even in shorter draw lengths—reportedly sacrificing only 4 to 6 feet per second per inch of draw length vs. the standard 10 fps per inch with conventional cams. At 33 inches the Centergy is middle of the road in length, but its 333 fps speed bumps into the upper echelon; mass weight is 4.3 pounds. Also available is the Centergy Air, which weighs in at 4.1 pounds, and the Centergy Hybrid, which measures a slightly longer 35 inches axle to axle, and weighs in at 4.5 pounds. Brace heights vary from 6.5 to 7.5 inches depending on models, which are available from 40 to 80 pounds. 
PSE Evolve. The principal component of PSE’s new Evolve ($950) is the namesake Evolve Cam System (ECS) and its numerous features. For starters, its draw curve smoothly eases you from peak weight into a deep valley before resting in a consistent and relaxed pocket with a solid back wall. Its rotating cam modules allow for toolless, no-press adjustment of draw length (from 24 1/2 to 30 inches) and letoff from 80 to a whopping 90 percent with a standard module (65 to 75 percent letoff with an optional high-speed module). And, the quad-track cable design with split 3D cable grooves and a centered string tack eliminates cam lean and lateral nock travel for a more stable and accurate shot. The end result is a compact (31-inch), lightweight (4.3 pounds) speedster (346 fps) that’s very comfortable to draw, hold and shoot. 
Obsession Hemorrhage DE. Obsession has established itself as a legitimate performance bow maker over the last couple years, a reputation that will be further solidified with this year’s Hemorrhage DE ($999). The “DE” denotes a new Dynamic Energy cam, which is designed to provide a very smooth draw and 80-pound letoff while also delivering blistering speeds (up to 340 fps). All that is accomplished with a forgiving 7-inch brace height. That, combined with the 30-inch axle-to-axle length and 4-pound weight make it maneuverable and light, all definitive features of a high-performance hunting bow. And, Obsession’s PerFex system allows for easy, half-inch draw-length adjustments from 27 1/2 to 31 inches.
Mathews Halon 32. Hot on the heels of last year’s 30-inch Halon, the Halon 32 ($1,099) offers the same features as its predecessor, in a slightly longer package. Most notable is the efficient No Cam-inspired Crossentric cam system, which uses a partially concentric string payout and AVS Technology for a quieter draw and greater consistency, which translates to increased accuracy. Wider, more torsionally rigid limbs and a dual-bridged riser are specifically designed to support this powerful cam system, and a true-center nocking point ensures straight and level nock travel for even more consistency and accuracy. You can choose between brace heights of 5, 6 or 7 inches, draw lengths from 25-32 inches and draw weights from 40 to 70 pounds, with a maximum speed rating of 350 fps.
