Over 13 million Americans hunt annually. Of those, a third use or have used a bow.
Whether you plan to track and slay a buck or even if you just want to get your Legolas on, purchasing a compound bow is a complicated process if you desire the perfect one. It requires foresight, planning and an understanding of everything a compound bow offers.
For beginners, the process is intimidating. Where do you start and what do all those funny terms mean? Here, we’ll take you through each step in purchasing a bow so you can let those arrows fly from your perfect match.
History
The bow and arrow was one of man’s most useful hunting weapons for thousands of years. In fact, artifacts place the first use of bone arrows to 61,000 years ago in South Africa.
In battle, the development of the crossbow and the English longbow made bow and arrows formidable weapons. The fact that this weapon of choice has been utilized by so many cultures is a testament to its usefulness in war, defense and necessary hunting for food. From the Eskimo people to the Africans and Japanese, it appears in varying forms throughout history.
It wasn’t until 1966 when the compound bow entered the picture. That year, hunter Holless Wilbur Allen decided to modify a recurve bow so deer couldn’t dodge the slow-moving arrows of past bows. His crude, wooden model was the prototype from which compound bows were created.
What Is a Compound Bow?
Compound bows contain stiffer limbs that the recurve or longbow, which is why its system of pulleys and levers are so useful. This system makes arrows shoot faster and with greater force. It is considered the most recent advancement in archery.
The compound bow is made up of several parts you’ll be sure to hear about when shopping for your first one:
- Riser – the center of the bow to which the limbs are attached
- Grip – the area where the bowman holds the bow
- Cables – the strings attached to the pulleys
- String – the string you pull back to shoot
- Cams – the pulleys
- Axle – the part that attaches the cam to the bow
- Limbs – the near-horizontal pieces at each end of the riser
Unlike recurve or longbows, a compound bow remains strung when not in use.
Why Purchase One?
Many hunters or shooters wonder why someone would prefer a bow over a gun. According to a study by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, there are a variety of reasons.
The most commonly cited reason is the challenge a bow offers. Learning to use a compound bow requires patience, strength and practice. Additionally, it requires a skill set that emphasizes composure at a close range.
The hunting season is also longer for those who hunt with a bow. Most seasons begin earlier and the times usually coincide with plentiful game.
Other reasons to use a compound bow include the peace and quiet it offers, the exercise and the ability to give prey a fighting chance.
What to Consider Before Buying
There are a number of factors to consider before purchasing a compound bow. We’ll walk you through each of them here.
Ocular Dominance
The very first thing a potential consumer should think about is ocular dominance. Which is your shooting eye?
Knowing this will determine if you need a right-handed or left-handed bow. Typically, the dominant eye parallels the dominant hand, but cross-dominance (in which the dominant eye and hand do not match) is not uncommon.
To discover which eye is dominant, extend your arms in front of you. Using your thumbs and forefingers, create a triangle.
Next, point the triangle at a specific object in the room. Pick something relatively small, about the size of your first or slightly larger.
Once the object is in the center of the triangle, close one eye. You’ll notice the object “shifts” to the left or right. Your dominant eye is whichever one keeps the object in the triangle.
Unfortunately, if you are cross-dominant, this means you may have to fine-tune either your non-dominant eye or motor skills. A left ocular dominant person who is right-handed, for instance, should shoot left-handed. Consequently, it may take extra practice to strengthen the motor skills in that hand.
Keep in mind in archery, right-handed means the bow is held in the left hand. The bowstring is pulled back with the right hand.
A left-handed bow requires the archer to hold the weapon in his or her right hand. The string is pulled back with the left hand.
Think of your hands as triggers and it’s easy to remember.
Bare or Ready-to-Shoot
In your search for a bow, you will find some are “bare” and others are “ready-to-shoot.”
To shoot a compound bow, several accessories are required, including an arrow rest, sight and quiver. Bare bows allow individuals to choose their own accessories to build their bow to their specifications. While this allows an archer to create their perfect weapon, it requires knowledge of the different accessories and what’s right for you.
Consequently, we recommend ready-to-shoot bows for beginners. These come equipped with all the necessary components to start shooting as soon as the compound is out of the box.
For a beginner, ready-to-shoot is an excellent introduction to the basic types of accessories one could have.
Draw Length
The draw length is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a bow. Your arm’s draw length and the bow’s should match up, otherwise, you’ll never be able to shoot like Katniss Everdeen.
The draw length is the length you are able to pull back on the bowstring before firing. Most bows have adjustments of only a few inches, so it’s integral you measure your draw length before purchasing.
To find your draw length, stand comfortably with your arms outstretched. Have someone measure the distance from the tip of one middle finger to the other. Don’t stretch during this process.
Divide that number by 2.5 and you’ll have an approximate draw length.
Although this is a useful trick, you may find you shoot better at a slightly shorter or longer draw length. If possible, test different lengths to find your preference before buying.
When purchasing, also consider the draw length as an indicator of speed. The longer the draw length, the greater force behind the arrow.
Draw Weight
The draw weight is just as important. This is the amount of force required to pull the string back. Generally, adult males stick around the 60-pound range and adult females stay around the 40-pound range, but it’s vital you find where you’re comfortable.
When drawing a compound bow, you’ll notice the most “pull” about three-quarters through rather than at the end. This is the draw cycle, which is comprised of three shifts in weight. To shoot accurately, an individual must be comfortable managing and holding this weight until it is time to release.
The draw rate is determined from several factors, including the bow length, material, cams and shape. Generally, manufacturers include draw weights in 10-pound increments. For instance, a weight of #60 usually indicates the bow has a draw rate of 50 to 60 pounds.
Always double check the draw rate. Companies may include only one number when the bow has several adjustable weights.
For beginners, a bow with adjustable weights is ideal. It allows them to begin at a comfortable level and work their way up.
Keep in mind when testing a product that you should be able to hold the string somewhat taught for an extended period of time. Additionally, a “heavier” weight increases the arrow’s speed.
Axle-to-Axle Length
Next comes investigating the axle-to-axle length. This is the length from the center of one cam (where the axle attaches the cam to the bow) to the other.
There is no agreed-upon definition of what constitutes a short-axle or long-axle, but you will notice most bows come with about 30 to 33 inches of axle length.
As with the other characteristics, it’s best to try the lengths out before purchasing. Further, hunters should always consider their personal height, too. What’s comfortable and what you shoot best with is what’s right.
When browsing products, keep in mind a shorter bow is harder to aim and control, making accuracy difficult for beginners. Because of this, a long-axle is advised for beginners. It provides a stable base that helps accuracy.
For starters, longer and heavier is optimal.
Cams
There really isn’t much to consider with the varying cam types, as advancements have made them all very similar. However, hunters and archers should contemplate upkeep.
A single cam bow comes with a long string that is expensive to replace. However, they are easy to tune.
A twin cams bow is difficult to tune, making it ideal for professionals but no so much for beginners. A cam-and-a-half takes the best of both worlds. Although it requires tuning, if the string is out of sync it won’t affect performance as much as a twin cams.
Binary cams are excellent for beginners, as all the cams work together so that, even if something is out of tune, it doesn’t affect shooting.
Brace Height
The brace height is the distance between the string and the grip. This height impacts the draw stroke, which affects speed and power.
A shorter height means you must pull the bowstring back further, boosting the speed and power. A taller height means there is less length to pull the string back.
Consider, too, the effect on accuracy. A short height is harder to control while a tall height is more stable.
Most bows offer a height between six and seven inches. It’s a good spot for beginners.
Speed
We all want warp-speed arrows slinging out of our compound, but we have to take into consideration the factors that influence speed: draw length, draw weight and arrow density.
“Fast” is considered over 320 feet per second (fps). Do yourself a favor and worry less about speed and more about the other characteristics.
Speed is important, but you’ll find as you grow as a bowman, you’ll be able to use bows with greater draw lengths and weights, which equates to better speed. You don’t need an arrow to shoot at 218 miles per hour (the equivalent of 320 feet per second) to strike your prey.
With that being said, it’s also significant to note manufacturers advertise speed based on a 70-pound draw weight and 30-inch draw length. So unless you shoot with these same characteristics and a super lightweight arrow, you might never reach the speed advertised.
Bow Weight
Next, consider the bow weight, which is usually referred to as “bow mass” or “mass weight.” Heavier bows are easier to handle while lighter ones are ideal for professionals or those with prior archery.
But honestly? You may not even notice the difference. Hold a few differently weighted bows out at arm’s length to see how you feel. If you think your arms will get tired, consider a lighter compound bow.
Most on the market are about four pounds.
Material
Your bow is only as good as the material it’s made from. Because of the draw weight put upon it, the riser in a compound bow must be strong. For this reason, many companies today make bows with machined aluminum, carbon-fiber or carbon-composites.
If you purchase a bow, check the riser for sturdiness and always take the time to look at customer reviews.
Hunting Style
Match the bow with your hunting style. Long-distance hunters, for example, may prefer something lightweight. If you’re hunting a specific game, there is usually an optimal draw weight. Still other hunters are specific about release noise.
Assess your uses and match them up to the appropriate dimensions.
Accessories
Finally, research to see if you would like additional accessories. Some are very useful in hunting or in archery as a sport.
A release aid, for instance, allows for a smooth release with high accuracy every time. Other accessories include:
- A clicker
- A sight
- A quiver
- An arrow rest
- A case
Choose Your Weapon
Finding the perfect compound bow requires understanding the elements each bow contains and each part’s importance. By assessing your needs and comforts, you’ll be able to find your perfect match in no time.
But if you do need a little help, we’re here. We’ve compiled a list of the three best compound bows. Take a look and see if your next bow makes our list.
