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Best 20 Left Handed Bows: Choosing the Right One
A curated guide to the best left-handed bows, featuring detailed reviews of popular models.
Archery is a sport that demands precision and balance, which is why finding the right equipment can make or break your performance. For left-handed archers, selecting a bow that matches their natural stance is crucial. In this article, we'll compare the top left-handed bows on the market, considering factors like draw weight, stability, and accuracy to help you choose the perfect bow for your style of shooting.
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Reviews
Bear Resurgence LD Bow
This reliable compound bow from Bear offers hunters a generous draw length range of 25 to 32 inches, making it an excellent choice for big and tall archers who need that extra reach. It weighs just 3.9 pounds and features smooth 80% let-off, while the simple design and easy adjustments make it a practical option even for new shooters. The lightweight construction and quiet performance combine to create a versatile bow that handles everything from hog hunting to long-range deer shooting.
Bear Archery Royale RTH Bow
This left-handed Bear Royale RTH bow combines versatility with affordability for young archers or beginners. The fully adjustable mechanism allows users to tailor the draw length between 12 and 27 inches and the draw weight from a manageable 5 pounds up to 50 pounds, making it a grow-with-you solution. With its lightweight design and generous speed rating, it handles like a much pricier bow while coming equipped with all the necessary hunting accessories.
Darton Bow
The Species LD offers a generous draw length range of 25" to 32" through its dual-cam system, allowing shooters to fine-tune their setup for perfect form. With a lightweight 4.0-pound frame and powerful 55-70-pound draw, it strikes a remarkable balance between performance and ease of use. The included Trophy Ridge accessories, including a 4-pin sight and 5-arrow quiver, help you hit your targets consistently at longer ranges.
Yescom 54" Recurve Bow
This well-regarded takedown bow combines beginner-friendly specifications with durable construction. Weighing just 2.2 pounds, the 54-inch recurve handles comfortably with its 30-inch draw length and 28-pound draw weight. Reviewers particularly praise its smooth shooting and portability, with many recommending it for both casual practice and competition use.
Genesis Original Left Hand Yellow Bow Kit
This left-handed Genesis bow kit features yellow coloring and an adjustable draw length from 15" to 30". At just 3.5 pounds, it's lightweight and easy to handle, making it perfect for both beginners and kids. The zero let-off single cam technology allows smooth shooting at any draw weight between 10 and 20 pounds, comparable to a 35-pound recurve bow.
Diamond Prism Left-Handed Bow
The Diamond Prism bow demonstrates remarkable versatility through its adjustable draw weight ranging from 5 to 55 pounds and its extensive draw length capability of 18 to 30 inches. Crafted with a lightweight 3.2-pound mass, it combines smooth shooting characteristics with solid performance, making it suitable for both beginners and growing athletes. The 80% let-off and 55-foot-pound kinetic energy deliver efficient arrow launch while maintaining an extremely manageable 7-inch brace height.
Bear Archery Legit RTH Left Hand
At 3.6 pounds, the Bear Archery Legit RTH has remarkable lightness for its performance. The dual cam system ensures a smooth draw cycle, while the wide 14-30" draw length range makes it adaptable for shooters of all skill levels. With up to 315 fps speed and adjustable power from 10 to 70 lbs, it handles like a more expensive compound bow while keeping installation simple with Allen wrench adjustments instead of a bow press. The included Trophy Ridge accessories, including the 4-pin sight and V Whisker Biscuit rest, make it a solid choice for both hunting and target practice.
Vista Monarch Left-Handed Bow
The Vista Monarch delivers surprisingly good performance for its budget-friendly price point, with a solid wood riser and durable fiberglass limbs that stack well within the draw length. While it's not without minor manufacturing quirks—like the adjustable arrow rest placement and slightly off-center design—it holds up well to regular use and tuning. The 29-pound draw weight makes it accessible for new archers while still providing a decent challenge, especially with the included arrow rest that streamlines setup and shooting.
Bear Archery Legit RTH Extra Package Left Hand Shadow 10 70lbs
The Bear Archery Legit RTH combines adjustable draw length and smooth shooting characteristics in a lightweight package suitable for archers of all skill levels. The dual-cam system provides a consistent draw cycle, while the included Trophy Ridge accessories and 29-inch arrow kit make it a comprehensive choice for beginners and experienced bowhunters alike.
Genesis Archery Left Handed Compound Bow Kit
The Genesis Archery left-handed compound bow kit brings a new level of accessibility to the sport with its innovative single-cam design and adjustable architecture. Built for longevity with machined 6061-T6 aluminum construction, these bows combine precision and quiet performance while eliminating the need for specialized tuning.
Bear Archery Super Kodiak Left Hand Bow
Crafted from brown and black Dymondwood with clear maple limbs and high-strength black fiberglass backing, the left-handed Super Kodiak delivers powerful performance with a smooth draw. The handcrafted black and white fiberglass tips and crowned shelf add both style and functionality to this classic hunter's bow. After 17 years of production, it remains a trusted choice for archers seeking Fred Bear's signature blend of authority and accuracy.
Genesis Original Bow Left Hand
This left-handed bow from Genesis is a standout choice for young and adult archers alike, with its innovative single-cam technology that simplifies setup and maintenance. The adjustable draw length and weight make it an ideal companion for growing archers, while its durable aluminum riser and composite limbs ensure lasting performance. Built to USA standards, it delivers exceptional energy storage and release, making it a top pick for both new and experienced archers.
TheLShop Left-Hand Compound Bow
This left-handed compound bow, featuring adjustable draw weight and length, comes with everything you need to get started in archery - including 12 carbon arrows and target paper. The aluminum riser provides the strength you need for consistent shots, while features like the 4-pin sight and peep hole help improve your aim. The bow's compact design makes it suitable for both hunting and target practice, while the included wrist sling and string wax help keep you shooting smoothly session after session.
57" G5 Recurve Bow
This durable black recurve bow handles both left and right-handed shooters with its ambidextrous design. At 57 inches long, it's built for beginners with draw weights ranging from 20 to 40 pounds, though actual pull can vary by 2-5 pounds. The basic kit includes everything needed to start archery - 12 arrows, wrist guard, finger tab, and even a practice target - making it a solid choice for young archers or casual shooters testing their interest in the sport.
Bear Royale RTH Package Strata LHS
At just 2.7 lbs bow-only, this Bear Royale left-handed compound bow packs impressive power with its 75% let-off draw and 290 fps speed rating. The adjustable draw length and weight system makes it perfect for growing archers, starting at just 5 lbs, with options up to 50 lbs. Built-in accessories like the Trophy Ridge sight and 5-Spot quiver make it ready to hunt straight out of the box.
Genesis Mini Bow Black Left Hand
The Genesis Mini Bow combines a lightweight 2-pound frame with adjustable draw weights from 6 to 12 pounds, making it ideal for young archers who can't quite handle heavier bows. At just 6.8 inches tall, the compact design fits easily in a backpack. The machined aluminum riser and USA-made components offer durability while keeping the overall weight under 2 pounds.
Diamond Alter RAK Bow
This Diamond Alter bow blends powerful performance with versatile adjustability, featuring a smooth shooting Synchronized Binary Cam System and Powershift technology for customizable draw length and weight. Whether you're a seasoned archer upgrading your setup or a new shooter looking to grow into your equipment, this bow delivers precise tuning potential and durable construction at an impressive value point.
Diamond Edge 320 Bow Package
This durable left-handed bow packs a powerful punch with its 70-pound draw weight and 320 fps arrow velocity, yet remains incredibly smooth to shoot thanks to Bowtech's Synchronized Binary Cam System. The fully adjustable 15-31 inch draw length and 7-70 pound pull weight range makes it versatile enough for archers of all skill levels. The included accessories get the bow ready to shoot right out of the box, though some users recommend upgrading the low-quality sights and string for improved performance.
Bear Archery Cruzer G3 Left Hand Compound Bow
At just 3.6 ounces, this Bear Cruzer G3 compound bow feels surprisingly nimble for its impressive 315 FPS arrow speed. The dual-cam system handles draw lengths from 14 to 30 inches and weights from 5 to 70 pounds, making it a versatile choice for archers of all skill levels. The RTH package includes a Trophy Ridge 3-pin sight, peep sight, and quiver right out of the box, streamlining your setup process.
Diamond Infinite 305 Left Hand Bow
The Diamond Infinite 305 delivers impressive performance with its smooth draw and quiet release, making it suitable for shooters of all skill levels. With adjustable draw length and weight, it's equally at home in the hands of a beginner as it is in the field with experienced hunters. The lightweight design and responsive cam system contribute to its accuracy and handling, while the included accessories like the Furnace quiver and Stryker sight make it a comprehensive package for both youth and adult archers.
Buyer's Guide
Choosing the right left-handed bow requires careful consideration of several key factors. This guide will help you understand the important aspects to evaluate when selecting a left-handed bow, ensuring you find one that matches your shooting style and preferences.
Draw Weight and Length
Left-handed bows typically have different draw weights and lengths compared to their right-handed counterparts. The draw weight determines how much force is needed to pull the bowstring, while the length affects your shooting mechanics and comfort. Consider your strength and shooting distance when selecting these specifications.
Limbs and Design Features
The limbs (the bendable sections of the bow) should be specifically engineered for left-handed use. Consider designs that optimize stability and arrow flight. Features like cable systems and riser configurations may differ between left and right-handed models, so ensure these components are tailored for your shooting hand.
Reflex and Cam Systems
Modern bows often incorporate reflex and cam systems that enhance performance. These systems can significantly affect your shooting experience, so it's important to choose components that match your shooting style. Left-handed bows may have different cam configurations to achieve optimal performance.
Weight and Balance
The overall weight and balance of the bow influence your shooting efficiency and comfort. Left-handed bows may need specific modifications to maintain proper weight distribution. Understanding how these elements affect your shooting mechanics will help you select a bow that feels natural and responsive.
FAQ
What makes a left handed bow different from a right handed one?
Left-handed bows are specifically designed to accommodate the natural shooting stance and aiming process of left-handed archers. The grip, string placement, and sometimes even the riser design are optimized for left-handed shooters. Standard right-handed bows need modifications to become usable by lefties, making left-handed bows specialized equipment.
The primary differences include left-handed strings that attach on the right side of the riser, left-handed limbs that have reversed wrap patterns, and left-handed grips that prevent the shooter's hand from blocking the string. These elements work together to ensure proper string clearance, accurate aiming, and comfortable shooting mechanics.
How do I determine if a left handed bow is right for me?
Finding the right left-handed bow involves several key considerations. First, visit a bow shop or shooting range where a professional can help establish your draw weight and length requirements. They should also assess your shooting stance and draw cycle to recommend the appropriate geometry and limb design.
Test shoot multiple left-handed models if possible. Proper fit is crucial - the bow should feel natural and comfortable with your dominant hand on the grip. Consider visiting during different times of day, as your shoulder flexibility can vary throughout the day.
Are left handed bows more difficult to maintain than right handed ones?
Left handed bows generally require the same maintenance as right handed ones, but with specific attention to left-handed components. The most critical aspects are regular string inspection, proper limb maintenance, and regular tuning. The unique features of left-handed bows mean you need specialized tools like left-handed tuning keys and tension gauges.
Left-handed shooters should invest in quality tools specifically designed for their orientation, as standard tools may not fit or work as efficiently. Regular maintenance is crucial for all bows, but the specialized nature of left-handed equipment means it's worth finding tools that match your setup.
What is the warranty policy for left handed bows?
Most reputable brands offer warranties on their left-handed bows similar to their right-handed models. Common warranty lengths range from 1-3 years, covering manufacturing defects. Some key aspects to check include whether the warranty covers parts, labor, and typical usage damage.
Always verify the warranty terms in writing before purchasing. Some manufacturers may have different warranty conditions for left-handed bows, particularly regarding certain components like left-handed grips or specific limb designs. Understanding the full warranty scope ensures you know what's covered in case of issues.
How do I properly store a left handed bow?
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of your left-handed bow. Hang it vertically in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity, which can damage the wood or composite materials. The bow should be secured horizontally, with the limbs parallel to the floor, to prevent unnecessary stress on the limbs.
When storing horizontally, use padded supports between limbs to prevent bow-on-bow contact. Store the bow in a protective case, especially when transporting, to prevent scratches and damage. For vertical storage, ensure the bow has something to rest against that won't damage the limbs. Always refer to the manufacturer's specific recommendations for your model.
Can I modify a right handed bow to shoot left handed?
While it's possible to modify a right-handed bow to make it work for a left-handed shooter, it is not recommended without professional guidance. Simple modifications like changing the grip or adjusting the string attachment points may not address the complex mechanics of left-handed shooting, potentially leading to performance issues or safety hazards.
The most effective solution is to purchase a dedicated left-handed bow. This ensures proper string clearance, correct limb positioning, and optimized shooting mechanics. If modification is necessary, consult a professional bow technician who can safely and effectively adapt the bow while maintaining its intended performance characteristics.
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