It takes a lot of work and research to get a well-made compound bow that shoots with accuracy and precision. Once you’ve selected a bow that fits you well and you’ve tuned it up properly, you just need to get some compound bow accessories.
There are a variety of great accessories and tools out there made by brand name retailers and aftermarket businesses. It can be confusing to look at all of the accessories if you aren’t sure what you’re after.
However, once you know and understand your options, it will be a piece of cake! Let’s take a look at the different types of accessories you can purchase and how they will improve your hunting experience.
Compound Bow Accessories
There are a bunch of accessories you can choose from including a bow sight, peep sight, bow quiver, arrow rest, and more. If you’re doing research, reading forums about the performance track record of these accessories is helpful.
Bow Sights
The sights for bowhunters on compound bows are different than shotgun or rifle sights. Most high-quality bow sights include a fiber optic sight pin. This allows the hunter to see in dim or low light.
Most sights for bows have three to five sight pins. They can be set at different distances. If your sight does have fiber optics, having a pin guard is necessary to protect it.
You can get a single pin sight as well. These sights allow you to figure out the distance of your target and adjust the sight to match. Single pin sights are more adjustable than multiple pin sights.
Peep Sights
Bow sights are not the only available as compound bow accessories. Peep sights are common and used by most bowhunters. Having the right aperture on your peep sight is the first thing you need to consider.
An aperture of at least a quarter-inch in diameter is going to let a sufficient amount of light in. This is needed if you’re going to be shooting in low light or dim conditions.
There are two types of peep sights you can consider when you’re shopping for one. The first type of peep sight doesn’t use tubing and relies on the peep to center between the bow and bowstring strands. The second type of peep features rubber tubing that stretches when you draw the bow and pulls the peep back into the correct alignment.
Arrow Rests
Arrow rests are crucial compound bow accessories. There are two types of arrow rests for compound bows. They include the full capture and the drop-away.
The full capture arrow rest keeps the arrow in place by using a circle of stiff bristles around the shaft. The bristles do wear out over time and will need replacement in the future as this affects accuracy. Full capture arrow rests are best for shooting medium or short distances.
The drop-away arrow rest holds the arrow in arms that rise and drop. These arms launch the arrow by rising when the bow is drawn and falling away quickly so it doesn’t get in the way of the fletching. These types of arrow rests don’t erode, are more expensive, but have a long lifespan.
Bow Releases
A bow release is an important addition to your compound bow accessories. A release helps to fire arrows with precision and accuracy. There are several different types of these releases.
One type is a handheld release. These use your thumb or pinky finger to release the trigger while the other fingers are used to draw back the string and hold the bow.
The handheld releases are typically smaller and more difficult to maneuver. Many hunters are wary of buying this release because of the learning curve, but once mastered, they are pleased with the system.
Another type of release is the caliper release. This release is also known as the wrist release and is the most popular type. Attaching to your wrist, it is similar to the trigger on a shotgun or rifle and is shot using your index finger.
The ability to use the wrist keeps the shot sturdy and secure because it supports the draw weight. Your index finger and thumb get to relax as they aren’t holding any of the weight.
Quiver
Another important tool to add to your compound bow accessories arsenal is the quiver. You may not need this if your compound bow came with a quiver attached. There are manufacturers that allow you to purchase with your bow or to purchase a detachable quiver.
When hunting from a tree stand, a detachable quiver provides benefits. You can remove it from your bow and hang it on the tree or off of your stand. It will be out of your way and you don’t have to hold it on your bow. If you aren’t a tree stand hunter, using a quiver attached to the bow will be better.
There are different sizes of quivers, but be sure to select one that holds at least four arrows. The best hold four to six arrows. Any more than that and it begins to weigh your bow down.
Stabilizer
Having a good compound bow stabilizer can make or break your hunt. They help to balance the bow and prevent vibration from occurring. Stabilizers come in all shapes and sizes but are typically 4-6 inches. Some of them are up to a foot long.
They are helpful because the less vibration you have, the better your shot will be. Accuracy is a major benefit of purchasing a stabilizer.
Choose Your Accessories
This isn’t all of the compound bow accessories you can use, but now you know a bit more about a few common ones.
These accessories can help enhance your shooting, accuracy, precision and overall compound bow experience. Whether you’re performing in a competition or going out for a hunt, having these accessories will benefit you. If you’re interested in learning about how to find the best compound bows, read this article now!
