---
title: "Best Bows for Under $400"
date: "2007-09-18"
modified: "2021-04-20"
authors:
  - name: "Todd Kuhn"
    link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/todd-kuhn/"
url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/articles/gear/2007/09/best-bows-under-400/"
categories:
  - "Bow Hunting Gear"
  - "Gear"
  - "Hunting Gear"
---

# Best Bows for Under $400

![](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/22/P7VJYOMVCB6IRVTMKCNRJ64FQU.jpg>)
*Outdoor Life Online Editor*

Shopping for a bow? Whether you're new to the sport or an arrow-flinging vet, some pros would have you think a good rig will run you a grand or more. Don't believe 'em. These bows and the accessories that follow (page BB8) will have you completely set up for much less.

**1. Alpine Impact X-treme** Cost: $339
Weight: 3.3 lb.
Axle-to-axle: 34 in.
Draw wt.: 50-70 lb.
Draw length: 26-30 in.
Brace height: 6½ in.
Color: Realtree Hardwoods Green HD
Let-off: 65-80%
IBO Speed Rating: 290 fps
Comments: Attention to detail and design innovation make this short bow a true mid-range performer. *(208-746-4717; alpinearchery.com)*

**2. Diamond Rapture**
Cost: $399
Weight: 3.6 lb.
Axle-to-axle: 33 in.
Draw wt.: 50-70 lb.
Draw length: 26-31 in.
Brace height: 7½ in.
Color: Mossy Oak New Break-Up
Let-off: 65-80%
IBO Speed Rating: 300 fps
Comments: Impresses with speed, adjustability and quality of construction at a reasonable price. *(877-269-2776; diamondarchery.com)*

**3. Fred Bear Realtree Vapor**
Cost: $299
Weight: 4.4 lb.
Axle-to-axle: 34¼ in.
Draw wt.: 40-70 lb.
Draw length: 28-30 in.
Brace height: 7¼ in.
Color: Realtree Hardwoods HD
Let-off: 65-75%
IBO Speed Rating: 302 fps
Comments: A truly sweet shooter. The perimeter-weighted cam and finish add to this bow's unique appeal. *(866-556-2754; fulldraw.net)*

**4. Martin Jaguar Mag Dyna Cam**
Cost: $279
Weight: 3.9 lb.
Axle-to-axle: 32½ in.
Draw wt.: 40-70 lb.
Draw length: 25-30 in.
Brace height: 7 in.
Color: Mossy Oak Break-Up
Let-off: 65-75%
IBO Speed Rating: 300 fps
Comments: An aggressive cam system and 7-inch brace height make this bow both swift and accurate. *(509-529-2554; martinarchery.com)*

**5. Parker Buckhunter**
Cost: $269
Weight: 3.6 lb.
Axle-to-axle: 35½ in.
Draw wt.: 40-70 lb.
Draw length: 27-31 in.
Brace height: 7 in.
Color: TreBark Big Woods
Let-off: 65-80%
IBO Speed Rating: 286 fps
Comments: Distances itself from the field with quality construction and features found on high-end models. \_(540-337-5426; parkerbows.com) \_