10 of the Fastest Hunting Bows for 2020

Hoyt has two models that break the 350 mark. The aluminum-riser Helix Turbo and lightweight Carbon RX-4 tie for the company’s fastest 2020 hunting bow. Sub 6-inch brace heights and cams optimized for draw length increase both energy and speed. 

Axle-to-Axle: 31 inches (RX-4 Turbo and Helix Turbo)
Brace Height: 5.875 inches (RX-4 Turbo and Helix Turbo)
Draw Weight: 40, 50, 60, 65, and 70 (RX-4 Turbo and Helix Turbo) 
Draw Length: 26 to 28 inches; 28 to 30 inches (RX-4 Turbo and Helix Turbo)
Let-Off: 85% (RX-4 Turbo and Helix Turbo)
Weight: 4 pounds (RX-4 Turbo) / 4.4 pounds (Helix Turbo)

MSRP: $1,249 (Helix Turbo) / $1,749 (Carbon RX-4 Turbo)

The Crosscentric cam technology from Mathews has been wildly popular, and the TX-5, with its 5-inch brace height, is the brand’s speediest option. Like other bows in the line, you can still expect this one to be plenty smooth, accurate, and quiet.  

Axle-to-Axle: 28 inches
Brace Height: 5 inches
Draw Weight: 50, 60, and 70 pounds
Draw Length: 23.5 to 29.5 inches
Let-Off: 75% or 85%
Weight: 4.58 pounds

MSRP: $1,099

The Xpedition MX-15 is a scorcher, but it won’t rattle your bones. It’s crafted with precision forging, a caged riser design, and a new limb pocket system that remains aligned throughout the power stroke. It’s powered by the new Hybrid Duel Stop (HDS) cam, which allows bowhunters to choose between a limb stop, cable stop, or both.

Axle-to-Axle: 32.75 inches
Brace Height: 5 inches
Draw Weight: 40, 50, 60, 65, and 70 pounds
Draw Length: 25 to 30 inches
Let-Off: 80%
Weight: 4.2 pounds

MSRP: $1,099

While the Kure isn’t as fast as other bows on this list, it’s one of the smoothest and best-shooting compounds I’ve ever held — while still being plenty fast enough. It’s easy to tune, thanks to Elite’s new S.E.T. Technology, and ultra-quiet. 

Axle-to-Axle: 32 inches
Brace Height: 6.5 inches
Draw Weight: 40, 50, 60, and 70 pounds
Draw Length: 23 to 30 inches
Let-Off: 90%
Weight: 4.6 pounds

MSRP: $1,099.99

If an aggressive, shoot-through riser design sounds appealing, the Bear Perception just might be the bow for you. While it rockets arrows downrange, the ShockWaves limb dampening device greatly reduces vibration. The Roller HingeGuard reduces lateral torque and friction, and the Hybrid Cam System ensures a smooth draw cycle that doesn’t sacrifice speed.

Axle-to-Axle: 33 inches
Brace Height: 6 inches
Draw Weight: 45 to 60 pounds or 55 to 70 pounds
Draw Length: 25.5 to 30 inches
Let-Off: 75%
Weight: 4.3 pounds

MSRP: $1,499.99

Prime’s Black series is stout, and the Black 5 is the burner of the bunch. It’s a quick bow, quiet and smooth, and sports a long axle-to-axle length. For taller hunters, and anyone who prefers a heavier, steadier bow, this thing is magnificent. 

Axle-to-Axle: 35 inches
Brace Height: 6 inches
Draw Weight: 40, 50, 60, 65, 70, and 80 pounds
Draw Length: 25.5 to 31 inches
Let-Off: 80%
Weight: 4.5 pounds

MSRP: $1,099

PSE crafted a new and improved bow by using designs and technologies from both the Xpedite and AVO NXT models. The result is a lightning-fast bow with reduced vibration and noise. This is another longer axle-to-axle bow, with a lower stabilizer mount location than its predecessors. 

Axle-to-Axle: 33 inches
Brace Height: 5.5 inches
Draw Weight: 60, 70, and 80 pounds
Draw Length: 24.5 to 30 inches
Let-Off: 80% to 90%
Weight: 4.74 pounds

MSRP: $1,099

Want a really fast bow with a super-smooth draw? The Realm SR6 fills that order. It features Bowtech’s OverDrive Binary Cam System with strategically placed perimeter weights for maximum punch. A CP Dual Lock Pocket helps eliminate limb movement, and the FLX-Guard minimizes riser torque. 

Axle-to-Axle: 32 inches
Brace Height: 6 inches
Draw Weight: 50, 60, and 70 pounds
Draw Length: 25.5 to 30 inches
Let-Off: 80%
Weight: 4.3 pounds

MSRP: $1,099.99

The Lawless is aptly named because it’s wicked fast. It’s outfitted with the new adjustable 4-Track Cam System, which improves tuning and arrow flight. It sports rotating mods for adjusting draw length without a press. 

Axle-to-Axle: 33.25 inches
Brace Height: 5.125 inches
Draw Weight: 40, 50, 60, 65, 70, and 80 pounds
Draw Length: 24.5 to 30 inches
Let-Off: 90%
Weight: 4.1 pounds

MSRP: $999.99

Both the ADX6 and ADIX 31 rock the charts at 348 fps. They have smooth draw cycles and solid back walls and are quiet despite the speed. The ADIX 31 is one of the few bows out there made to fit shooters with extra-long draw lengths. 

Axle-to-Axle: 32 inches (ADX6) / 31 inches (ADIX 31)
Brace Height: 6 inches (ADX6) / 7.75 inches (ADIX 31)
Draw Weight: 45 to 55, 55 to 65, or 65 to 75 pounds (ADX6) / 50 to 60 or 60 to 70 pounds (ADIX 31)
Draw Length: 26 to 30.5 inches (ADX6) / 27.5 to 32 inches (ADIX 31)
Let-Off: 85% (ADX6 and ADIX 31)
Weight: 4.55 pounds (ADX6) / 4.5 pounds (ADIX 31)

MSRP: $1,097 (ADX6) / $1,069 (ADIX 31)