For the best archery gear in 2024, I recommend the PSE Mach 30 DS, Hoyt RX-8 HBX Xact, and Mathews Lift for bows. They all offer impressive accuracy and efficiency. Regarding arrows, Easton 5mm Axis, Black Eagle X Impact, and Victory RIP XV Xtreme Velocity Elite are your top picks due to their precision and durability. For accessories, consider the HHA Tetra Max RYZ X3 bow sight, CBE Defy arrow rest, and Nock On Checkmate quiver, known for versatility and user-friendly designs. There’s a wealth of knowledge here to help make you a formidable archer. Shall we dive deeper?
Best Bow for 2024
Let’s turn our attention to the top bows for this year. We’ll be looking at the PSE Mach 30 DS, Hoyt RX-8 HBX Xact, and Mathews Lift. These bows have excelled in our rigorous testing, setting a high standard in performance metrics, build quality, and design.
PSE Mach 30 DS
Revealing the PSE Mach 30 DS, the clear standout and best bow for 2024. With an axle-to-axle length of 30 inches and a weight of just 3.6 pounds, it’s a compact powerhouse. The draw length ranges from 24.5 to 30 inches, with a let-off of 80 to 90 percent and draw weights of 50, 60, 70, and 80 pounds.
What sets the PSE Mach 30 DS apart is its remarkable accuracy. During testing, three different archers shot consistent groups smaller than 2 inches, with a day-two average of an incredible 1.5 inches. Even an archer who’d not shot a bow in three weeks managed a sub-2-inch group.
The secret? PSE’s Full Draw Stability. At full draw, the brace height increases to about 7 inches, reducing torque and making the bow more forgiving. Every archer who tested the Mach 30 DS noted how easily the pin stayed on target. Priced at $1,799, it’s a worthy investment for any serious archer. This bow truly holds steady and delivers where it counts.
Hoyt RX-8 HBX Xact
Shifting our focus from the exceptional PSE Mach 30 DS, we now turn to another strong contender for the best bow of 2024 – the Hoyt RX-8 HBX Xact. This bow stands out with a smooth draw and zero hand shock, making it a delight to shoot. It has an impressive draw cycle, akin to an easy rocking chair movement.
The RX-8’s draw cycle builds up gently to the peak before making a smooth shift to let off. At full draw, the stops feel like they’re stuck in place, a feature that’s beneficial when you’re holding at full draw awaiting the perfect shot. However, the bow’s grip is its Achilles heel. It’s wider than most target-style grips and is shaped more for comfort than precision.
In our tests, the RX-8 delivered good accuracy with a 3.23-inch group average at 50 yards. However, consistency was an issue, with wide groups often following tight ones. This inconsistency may be partly due to the grip. The solution? Consider Ultraview’s aftermarket grip option. Despite this flaw, the RX-8 HBX Xact remains a worthy contender for 2024’s best bow.
Mathews Lift
Despite its departure from the traditional Mathews smoothness, the Mathews Lift emerges as a top contender for the best bow of 2024. It’s true, the Lift doesn’t have the signature Mathews draw, but despite this, it still manages to impress. Yes, there’s some vibration post-shot, but it dissipates quickly, and the bow is incredibly quiet, a highly sought-after feature in the field.
The Lift shines in its innovative design and impressive specs. Here are some key features:
- Fastest bow in the test at 283 fps with a 406-grain arrow, 60-pound draw weight, and 29-inch draw length
- Second lightest bow at 3.9 pounds, notable for an aluminum riser
- Unique design with moved axles, resulting in shorter limbs for a faster, lighter bow
- Compatibility with Shot Sense for diagnosing form issues
In terms of speed, weight, and design innovation, the Lift checks all the boxes. It’s not just a bow; it’s a step forward in archery technology. The Lift may not have the traditional Mathews feel, but it more than makes up for it in other areas, solidifying its spot as one of the best bows of 2024.
Best Arrows for 2024
Now, let’s move our focus to the best arrows of 2024. We’ll be examining the Easton 5mm Axis, the Black Eagle X Impact, and the Victory RIP XV Xtreme Velocity Elite arrows. Each of these options brings unique qualities to the table, and I’m here to help you understand what makes them stand out.
Easton 5mm Axis
In the domain of archery, having the right arrow can make or break your hunting experience. The best arrow for me strikes a balance in all performance characteristics. It isn’t too heavy, nor too light, and it isn’t the skinniest or fattest. One arrow that fits this description perfectly is the Easton 5mm Axis.
Here are some key features of the Easton 5mm Axis:
- It has a micro diameter that aids in wind resistance.
- It’s durable and can withstand the most challenging hunting scenarios.
- It offers both .003 and .001 straightness, catering to different budgets and precision requirements.
- Easton provides a variety of point inserts, allowing customization for different hunting needs.
The Easton 5mm Axis is an all-carbon arrow that’s perfect for hunting various game, from elk in the West to impala in Africa. Its versatility and durability make it a top choice for bowhunters worldwide. Pair it with Iron Will impact collars for an even more durable setup. Above all, it’s priced reasonably, making it a top contender for the best arrow in 2024.
Black Eagle X Impact
Steering through the diverse world of archery, one arrow distinctly stands out for long-range shooting – the Black Eagle X Impact. This arrow’s standout features include its .001 straightness and a micro diameter, which are significant factors in long-range shooting.
Constructed with high-modulus carbon, the X Impact demonstrates a straightness tolerance of .001 inches, meaning its deviation is minimal. This attribute guarantees enhanced accuracy and consistency, essential in long-range shooting. The small diameter of the arrow, at .165 inches, allows it to slice through the wind effortlessly and maintain its course even in windy conditions.
Weighing 8.1 grains per inch, the X Impact falls into the category of light arrows. While light arrows are preferable for long-range shots due to their flatter trajectories, the X Impact isn’t the lightest on the market. This is a good thing as some weight is necessary to keep the arrow on target.
Black Eagle’s specific construction system allows for the addition of special inserts and weights to increase the arrow’s F.O.C. value, enhancing both penetration and long-range accuracy. To summarize, the Black Eagle X Impact is a top choice for those seeking precision in long-range archery.
Victory RIP XV Xtreme Velocity Elite
When you’re in the market for a super light arrow that doesn’t compromise on durability, the Victory RIP XV Xtreme Velocity Elite is a game changer. This high-modulus carbon arrow is designed for speed, with a lightweight design that’s nearly unheard of in the arrow world.
Key features of this arrow include:
- Micro diameter of .204, qualifying it as a micro-diameter arrow. This tiny diameter helps maximize speed downrange.
- Lightweight carbon shaft, with the 300-spine version weighing just 7.1 grains per inch, and the 400 spine version a mere 5.9 grains per inch.
- Victory’s patented Nanoceramic ICE coating, making the arrows “slippery” in the air and upon penetrating game.
- The Shok Outsert, an innovative feature that protects the shaft from hard impacts.
The arrow’s straightness tolerance of .001 inches guarantees it’s super straight, and each shaft is spine aligned at the factory. This means the stiffest part of the shaft faces up, an ideal feature for compound-bow hunters. With the Victory RIP XV Xtreme Velocity Elite, you get a lightweight arrow without compromising on durability or precision.
Best Bow Sight for 2024
As we shift our focus to the best bow sights for 2024, I’m enthusiastic to share my top picks. The HHA Tetra Max RYZ X3, Ultraview UV Slider, and E-Tac ELS4 are standout choices, each with unique features that cater to different archery needs. We’ll explore the specifics of each, examining their unique selling points and why they should be considered for your archery gear.
HHA Tetra Max RYZ X3
In the domain of precision and functionality, the HHA Tetra Max RYZ X3 emerges as the best bow sight for 2024. This sight is an all-rounder, offering both speed and precision with its three individually adjustable, horizontal sight pins.
This robust system boasts a solid gear mechanism with no slack, ensuring utmost precision. Its built-in rheostat allows you to tweak the amount of light hitting the pins, giving you ideal visibility. The sight can be mounted in three ways – standard, Bridge-Lock dovetail, or picatinny mount, catering to different archer preferences.
Here are some key aspects that make HHA Tetra Max RYZ X3 stand out:
- Three fixed pins for quick aiming at 20, 30, and 40 yards
- A movable adjustment wheel connecting the scope and pins for precise aiming at any distance
- Vertical movement of the scope during calibration without affecting the second axis
- Robust and precise gear system
However, some might find this sight a tad heavy. But given its precision and versatility, the HHA Tetra Max RYZ X3 is certainly the best bow sight for 2024.
Ultraview UV Slider
Moving onto another fantastic bow sight for 2024, we have the Ultraview UV Slider. What sets it apart is its combination of fixed pin/slider sight. It comes with a scope that has three horizontal pins, plus a bonus vertical pin at the bottom. Two of these horizontal pins can be adjusted, while the middle pin remains fixed.
The UV Slider features a UV cartridge system, allowing you to retain the sight and scope body, and adjust your aiming references by changing the scope guts. The sight also comes with a light kit installed, which can be swapped for a simple sight ring.
The Ultraview UV Slider shows impressive attention to detail with an ergonomic wheel and lever combo for easy locking/unlocking. Its solid gear system guarantees precision dialing with zero slop. Plus, it’s available in standard mount, Bridge-Lock dovetail, and picatinny mount.
However, it’s not perfect. The pins can be a bit dim without the light, and it comes with a hefty price tag. Still, it’s a versatile sight that’s well constructed, offering various modification options without needing to buy a whole new sight.
E-Tac ELS4
After exploring the notable features of the Ultraview UV Slider, let’s shift our focus to the E-Tac ELS4, which has garnered the title of “Best Bow Sight for 2024”. This bow sight light kit is an aftermarket product that fits most sights, especially the high-end ones. It’s powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that has been vetted by tournament pros for its impressive longevity. Under regular use, the battery will last for months after a single charge.
Here are some standout features:
- 15 brightness levels: Adjust the light from a faint glow to a blinding brightness with a simple button press.
- Long-lasting battery: The rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts for months on a single charge.
- Auto-shut off and motion sensor: The light automatically turns off after a set period of inactivity, and turns back on when it senses motion.
- Rain resistant power pack: The power pack stands up to rain, ensuring your light works in all weather conditions.
The E-Tac ELS4 is not only a tournament favorite but also a perfect choice for bowhunters due to its durable, adjustable, and long-lasting features.
Best Arrow Rest for 2024
Moving on to arrow rests, the top picks for 2024 are certainly worth discussing. The CBE Defy, Hamskea Epsilon, and Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit V have all proven to be strong contenders in the market. Each has unique features that set them apart and could potentially be the perfect fit for your archery needs.
CBE Defy
The CBE Defy is set to redefine the standards of archery with its new drop-away rest, poised to be the best arrow rest for 2024. Introduced in 2023, this beast of a rest is constructed entirely of metal, promising durability and longevity. The rest is cable-driven, meaning the activation cord is attached to the bow’s down-traveling cable, snapping free at the shot to cause the rest to drop.
What sets the CBE Defy apart are:
- Its anti-bounce brake: This guarantees a clean shot by preventing any bounce back.
- The gravity lock: This keeps the launcher upright, preventing any unintentional drops.
- The micro-adjust controls: This feature allows for precise adjustments in elevation and windage.
- The low profile design: This provides a clear line of sight for the archer.
However, it’s worth noting that the CBE Defy is a side mount only. There’s no integrated version, which may be a disadvantage for some. Nevertheless, with its strong construction, foolproof launcher lock, and micro-adjust controls, the CBE Defy offers excellent value for its price.
Hamskea Epsilon
How about considering the Hamskea Epsilon as your top choice for the best arrow rest in 2024? This limb-driven arrow rest is trusted by some of the world’s best target archers and for good reasons. Its micro-click adjustments for windage and elevation, full containment arm, and wide ‘whale-tail’ launcher make it a standout in the archery gear.
The Hamskea Epsilon can be adjusted to fit risers of different thicknesses, providing versatility. The genius of the ‘whale-tail’ launcher is its ability to grab the arrow anywhere on the shelf and center it during the draw. Its rubber coating on possible arrow contact points keeps the rest quiet, a plus for hunters. The rest pulls down super fast when the bowstring is released, thanks to the rebound dampener that eliminates the need for a spring connecting the draw cord to the rest.
However, it’s not perfect. The launcher can’t be locked in the up position, which might be a downside for some, and the long cord could potentially catch brush. Despite these minor setbacks, the Hamskea Epsilon remains a top contender for the best arrow rest in 2024.
Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit V
Shifting our focus from the Hamskea Epsilon, another impressive choice for the best arrow rest of 2024 is the Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit V. This arrow rest stands out for its simplicity, effectiveness, and affordability. It’s a reliable choice for bowhunters who prefer to keep things straightforward, without compromising on quality.
The Whisker Biscuit V boasts several key features:
- Nylon bristles that securely hold the arrow
- Easy adjustment to set the center shot
- V design that accommodates arrows of any diameter
- A price point under $55, offering high value
This arrow rest is ultra-light with no moving parts to fail. It’s simple to install and use, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced archers. However, it’s worth noting that it lacks an elevation adjustment feature, which may affect precision accuracy at long ranges.
Despite this, the Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit V proves to be a solid contender in the 2024 archery gear lineup. Its versatility, ease of use, and affordability give it an edge in the market. It’s certainly an arrow rest to evaluate for your archery setup this year.
Best Bow Quiver for 2024
Let’s move on to the next essential piece of archery gear – the bow quiver. For 2024, there are several outstanding options, but three in particular have caught my eye. These are the Nock On Checkmate, the Octane Furnace 4-Arrow Quiver, and the Redline RL-1 Carbon Quiver 6-Arrow.
Nock On Checkmate
While some may balk at the price, the Nock On Checkmate stands out as the best bow quiver for 2024, showcasing a perfect blend of innovation and practicality. This 19-inch quiver, a brainchild of John Dudley, is a fantastic fusion of high-modulus carbon and aluminum. It’s designed with a deep, protective hood that’s filled with dense rubber to securely hold any broadhead on the market.
The Checkmate is not just about its sturdy and high-quality construction. It’s also about its fantastic functionality. The curved hood not only protects your arrows but also deflects wind, maintaining your accuracy during those windy hunting days. To top it off, the quiver features a simple, fast quick disconnect and a retractable hanging hook, adding to its ease of use.
- It’s adjustable up and down, and left and right for perfect balance
- It can hold arrows from micro-diameter up to 23 diameter
- The quick disconnect allows for easy detachment from the bow
- The rubber arrow gripper has separate notches to accommodate different sizes of arrows
Despite its price point, the Nock On Checkmate truly delivers value for every penny spent, making it a must-have accessory for any serious bowhunter.
Octane Furnace 4-Arrow Quiver
Delivering on affordability without compromising on functionality, the Octane Furnace 4-Arrow Quiver is a standout choice for 2024. At less than $35, it’s an incredible value, with a detachable, one-piece design built to securely hold four arrows of varying diameters.
This quiver’s design incorporates two carbon rods connecting the hood to dual arrow grippers, providing three connection points for maximum stability. What’s more, the attachment point on the quiver is adjustable, allowing you to place it at the perfect height on your bow. The quick-detach feature is a breeze to use, quickly releasing the quiver from the bow with a simple lever.
The Furnace’s hood is 3 inches deep, filled with foam to secure broadheads. If you’re using field points or mechanicals, you can remove the foam to prevent them from sinking in. While the Furnace isn’t the most durable quiver out there, it’s more than sufficient for tree stand and ground blind hunters who simply need to carry their bows from their vehicles to their hunting sites. Pay a little attention to it, and it’ll serve you well for years.
Redline RL-1 Carbon Quiver 6-Arrow
Stepping into the domain of ideal efficiency, the Redline RL-1 Carbon Quiver stands out as the best bow quiver for 2024. It’s a six-arrow quiver, measuring 20 inches long but weighing a mere 9.7 ounces, thanks to its all-carbon construction.
The Redline RL-1 offers:
- A simple but secure quick disconnect feature
- A low-profile design with a deep, protective hood
- A rubber lining and dedicated broadhead seats
- The ability to adjust the quiver top to stay below the top limb, ensuring arrows don’t extend beyond the bottom limb
I found no rattling when carrying my bow or shooting, and the rubber arrow gripper held shafts securely. The long design is great for securing arrows to the bow, and the quick disconnect is fast and easy. However, the dedicated seats for broadheads are not ideal for broadheads with two large blades.
Redline might be a new player in the compound accessory market, but they’re showing they know their stuff. This quiver isn’t cheap, but it’s not overpriced either, striking a balance between quality and value.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, I’ve explored the top archery gear for 2024. From the best bow, arrows, sight, rest, to quiver, each piece plays a pivotal role in your archery experience. Remember, it’s about finding what fits you perfectly. Hopefully, this guide eases your search. Happy shooting in 2024 and may you hit your targets with precision and consistency! Stay tuned for more updates on the latest trends in archery gear.