Compound bows are modern archery tools that offer a powerful shot with impressive accuracy. The bows use a cam-and-pulley system to store energy when the draw is completed and are designed to be short, light, and highly adjustable to fit any size archer. Compound bows work differently than the traditional recurve and longbow, and they can be used to shoot arrows much further distances with greater accuracy.
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The Mechanics of Compound Bows
Cams
At the heart of every compound bow is a cam system, typically consisting of two cams. Cams are oval-shaped rotating discs on which the bowstring rides. The rotation of the cams cause the bowstring to travel in an arc rather than a straight line from front to back, which is why compound bows are capable of holding more and releasing more energy than other types of bows. The cams also affect the draw length and draw weight, allowing for precise tuning of the bow to fit the individual archer.
Limb Systems
The cams are attached to the limbs, which are the parts of the bow that support the string. Compound bows typically use one of two limb systems—dual cam and single cam. In a dual cam system, the cams are interconnected and spin in unison, while in a single cam system, they spin independently.
Pulleys
Compound bows use one or more pulleys, known as idlers, to optimize the performance of the cams. The idlers counter the string’s angle of pull and help keep the draw length more consistent throughout the draw. As a result, compound bows can hold more energy, allowing for a faster shot and greater accuracy.
Let-Off
Compound bows use a let-off mechanism to reduce the amount of work an archer needs to do to hold the bowstring at full draw. Let-off can typically range from 65-95%, reducing the force the archer must hold by that percentage. This allows for more accuracy, as well as a steadier aiming point.
Bow Sight
All compound bows are fitted with a bow sight, which helps the archer align and aim the bow toward the target. Bow sights can be adjusted for windage, elevation and distance. They also typically feature light-gathering pins and lenses that offer superior visibility in low-light conditions.
Release Devices
At the full draw, an archer will release the arrow by pressing the trigger on a release device attached to the bowstring. Compound bows usually require a mechanical release device, as opposed to a traditional tab or glove, in order to reduce the amount of torque applied to the bowstring when releasing the arrow.
Compound bows offer a more powerful and accurate shot than traditional bow types and can be tailored to fit each archer’s preferences. The cam-and-pulley system that powers compound bows helps to store energy when the draw is complete and the bow sights, limbs, and release devices all help to maximize the accuracy of the shot. With a little practice, the user can learn to use a compound bow like a pro and enjoy the thrill of accurate and powerful archery.
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Last update 2021-01-05. Price and product availability may change.