Topoint Starting 36 Compound bow

Some time ago we wrote a piece on your first compound bow. Now while this smacks of heresy to our "recurve master race" editor .. we do have a duty of care to all our archers. This is why we researched a cost-effective list of items which would give you a compound that would not break the bank. We built that bow around the Kinetic Static riser/limbs/cams package which, at around £225(ish), was insanely reasonable. Adjustable, not too heavy, 36" axel to axel (ATA) which made for a fantastic first bow at reasonable cost. We didn't think we could beat that setup but our list lacked a lighter option for juniors or ladies or indeed, a left handed bow. We're still looking for a competitively priced left-handed bow .. but we now have an alternative to the Kinetic Static that ticks some more boxes on our checklists. The Topoint Starting 36.

Coming in at a frankly insane £170 or so (cams limbs riser), Topoint are doing even more to open up the compound market to the toe dippers. In the past, compound archery was only accessible by dropping a serious wad of cash. Obviously the big boys like Hoyt, Prime, PSE and Matthews look for significant margins on their bows which drives the price up. However, through Kinetic and Topoint looking to grow the compound market, we now have entire compound bows costing less than intermediate level recurve risers which is wild. One of the oft debated reasons compound isn't in the Olympics is that there is not enough worldwide engagement with this bow type and that's primarily down to cost. Problem .. meet solution.

But what do you get for your money? Weighing in at 3.65lbs, the Starting 36 is a half pound lighter than the Static and a full pound lighter than the norm. This riser definitely lends itself to smaller archers or ones without a great deal of shoulder strength. Obviously, there are kid sized compounds but they tend to be grown out of quite quickly and too small really for adults, even small ones. This is a two-cam bow (needing the cam's timing synchronized) with an ATA of 36". This is the same size as the Static giving a reasonably stable bow without impacting speed which is pretty frisky. The 7" brace height also lends itself to a stable shooting experience. Cam let off is a little more forgiving than the Static at 75% meaning a 40lbs peak draw weight would hold at 10lbs. For comparison, the Static (70%) would hold at 12lbs for a similar draw weight. Some people like a heavier holding weight so it’s very much horses for courses with the let off. Peak draw weight and draw length are fantastically adjustable meaning the same bow could (after some configuration changes) be shot by a 5-foot junior girl and a 6-foot chonky bloke who hits the gym a lot. How big is the the range? The peak draw weight can go from 19lbs all the way to AGB maximum 60lbs while the draw length can go from 20" all the way to an orangutan like 31" in 1/2" increments. How is this possible? These huge variations are done via the two circled areas in the picture left. The top area circled (the cam) allows the change in draw length simply by moving a screw (on both cams) from one numbered hole to the next allowing fine tuning as well as gross movement. This doesn't require a bow press like some compounds. The lower circled area, by screwing in the limb bolt, increases the peak weight much the same as it does on a recurve .. just with a lot more potential oof. As a result, the Starting 36 has more adjustability than the Static which was already impressive. Finally, there is even a rear bushing to protect your paintwork from chipping when using a rear stabilizer. All in all, the spec of the bow is pretty impressive and insanely good value for the money.

Aesthetically, the finish is an attractive powder coating which gives a nice expensive look to the riser and is extremely hard wearing. It’s available in 11 sensible colours. There's probably a camo option but as that's banned in competitions in the UK under AGB rules* (no, we're not kidding) there's no real point in stocking it. If you want to have a look at this puppy .. we have one in the club.

So how does it shoot? From watching YouTube videos and our club member shooting it, pretty well it seems. The valley does appear to be quite narrow, but this could be a good thing making that beneficial pull on the back wall easy to ingrain into your shot cycle. Overall, this looks to be a pretty ideal entry level bow which will take you from low poundage noob to steely eyed, dark side head honcho before you need an upgrade. As far as sights and stabs and scopes (oh my) are concerned, take a look at our previous suggestions on the My First Compound page for ideas. We still recommend, if possible, heading down to say Merlin at Bishops Auckland (remember to book 10 days ahead) to get the bow set up as we do kinda lack the specialist knowledge to fiddle with compounds. Our main kit gnu is a recurver who doesn't like to get to close to compounds in case he catches something.

To round up, if you were considering a compound, we hope the Starting 36 and the Static are of interest but always do your own investigations. Archery is an incredibly personal thing and you shouldn't be taking anyone's word for anything .. even ours. Yes, we are knowledgeable and lovely, but you need to be happy in your choices and what's good value to one archer isn't always good value to all.

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* AGB hates open toed sandals, crop tops, blue denim, olive drab and any camouflage pattern. The 1960's/Vietnam era was apparently not kind to them. (AGB Rules of Shooting Rule 307)
Topoint Website here
Topoint Starting 36 at Merlin