Compound target archery. It is the pinnacle of precision in modern sport, where the smallest of mistakes can be the difference between topping the podium and watching from a distance. The never ending pursuit of perfection, and repeating that perfection, necessitates to many the need for the only the best the market has to offer. The use of that top-tier equipment means that, for those not in the know, compound target archery is not always for those with frugal hearts. Put simply, it can get expensive.
Many of the compound bows that were designed and built specifically with competition in mind can cost multiple hundreds more than their hunting-focused counterparts. The heavier focus on shot feel and stability, combined with the sheer size of the risers, means the research and production costs are bound to be higher.
Could you traditionally get into target archery without splurging on a market-leading target compound? Sure you could. You could realistically use any compound bow on the market and participate in target competitions. Would that start you off with an inherent equipment disadvantage, though? Essentially, yes.
I am not claiming that elite shooters wouldn't still be elite with a budget hunting bow in their hands, but rather that, if your equipment is creating a skill ceiling, being talented can only take you so far. Certain bows truly can only take you to a certain point, and the top professionals in the game know that to be true.
For most, this begs an important question - am I going to settle for budget performance or shell out thousands for high-end gear? Well, whether you are aware of it or not, there is now a third option. Enter Bear and PSE.
PSE released their Lazer compound target bow a few years ago now, and earlier this year they gave us the updated Lazer X. They took everything they learned from the original Lazer and, coupled with feedback from professionals, brought us a true precision instrument in the new X.
Bear Archery saw an opportunity in the market and released their Paramount compound target series earlier this year, too. They have been releasing quality, American-made budget compound hunting bows for quite some time now. They took their intimate knowledge of compound bow design and brought out the Paramount and Paramount Pro.
For the traditional high-end target bows, you are looking at average customer costs between $1,700 and $2,200 for just the base bow - the bow before any accessories are added. Now, with the Bear and PSE bows sitting in the intermediate range, you can get into a high-quality compound target bow for $770, $900, and $970. That would be the Bear Paramount, PSE Lazer X, and Bear Paramount Pro, respectively.
Bear Paramount:
With a swift kick to the head of the target archery market, Bear brought us all their Paramount Compound Target Bow. Built on an approachable and tunable platform, and utilizing their famous EKO2 cam system, the Paramount includes a host of useful features that would aid in precision and accuracy on the line.
Bear's proprietary Muscle Limbs are balanced out by integrated limb and riser vibration dampers to effectively kill vibration at the shot, while the three dedicated stabilizer mounting bushings allow you to build out your tuned stabilizer setup.
The Paramount also includes picatinny sight mounting and IMS rest mounting capabilities. This aids in keeping the bow steady and balanced during your draw, hold, and shot.
Paramount Specifications:
- Axle-to-Axle: 35”
- Brace Height: 6.5”
- Let-Off: 80%, 85%
- IBO Speed: 328FPS
- Mass Weight: 4.45lbs
- Draw Length: 25.5” – 30.5”
- Draw Weight Range: 35-50, 45-60, 55-70lbs
- Cam/Mod: Bear EKO2 Cam system
Click here to view the Bear Paramount
PSE Lazer X:
With a longer axle-to-axle than the Paramount bows, the PSE Lazer X brings refined stability and performance at a fraction of the cost of PSEs flagship target bows. The NF cam system, 1/4" axles, stiff riser, and wide track limbs provide exceptional stability and precision from shot to shot.
The factory equipped 4-degree modular grip allows for a natural force line and reduced wrist tension - this promotes consistency and accuracy through long days of shooting.
Lazer X Specifications:
- Axle-to-Axle: 37”
- Brace Height: 7-3/8”
- Let-Off: 75%
- IBO Speed: 327FPS
- Mass Weight: 4.4lbs
- Draw Length: 24” – 30.5”
- Max Draw Weight: 40, 50, 60lbs
- Cam/Mod: PSE NF cam system
Click here to view the PSE Lazer X
Bear Paramount Pro:
Take everything above that I wrote about the Bear Paramount and add that here. Now, I can get to what the 'Pro' stands for in the title. The following upgrades come with the Pro version of the Paramount:
Upgraded Bear Flagship QPC-Quad Pocket Control: Fine-tune your cam timing and nock travel with micro-adjustable rockers in the limb pocket. Better tuning means tighter groups, smoother shots, and more confidence in the moment of truth – all without a bow press.
Updated Gordon Glass Wide Target Limbs: The wider Gordon Glass target limbs come with a proven record of consistency and quality. This ensures repeatable, target level precision with every shot without unnecessary noise or vibration.
Paramount Pro String Suppressor: The upgraded string stop on the Paramount Pro adds increased string suppression for an even smoother shooting experience.
Integrated Pro Dampening: The enhanced shot dampening system is integrated into the riser to effectively remove vibration and shock at the moment of release.
Paramount Pro Specifications:
- Axle-to-Axle: 35”
- Brace Height: 6.5”
- Let-Off: 80%, 85%
- IBO Speed: 328FPS
- Mass Weight: 5lbs
- Draw Length: 25.5” – 30.5”
- Draw Weight Range: 35-50, 45-60, 55-70lbs
- Cam/Mod: Bear EKO2 Cam System
Click here to view the Paramount Pro
So there you have it - you can get your hands on a high-quality target compound for a fraction of the price of those bows at the top of the market. It has already been proven that pros can shoot perfect scores with bows like these, so what is stopping you from chasing your dream of standing on the top of the podium? Now, nothing.
While you're checking out those awesome bows, make sure to stop in and see the great assortment of compound target accessories we carry. You wouldn't want your new target bow to arrive without all the gear you'd need for it. Click the links below to view those competition-focused collections.