Archery is a popular sporting choice for both hunters and leisure-seekers. In fact, recent estimates indicate that almost 19 million Americans participate in archery.
Whether you are already an archery enthusiast or you are just looking to get started with the sport, it’s important to have the right equipment. Choosing the right bow will help you improve accuracy and avoid injury.
But choosing archery equipment is also a big investment. So, before you drop a significant amount of cash, it’s important to learn how to get the best compound bow. Here’s everything you need to know before making an investment.
Why Choose a Compound Bow?
Before we look at the specifics of choosing the best compound bow for your needs, let’s take a closer look at available bow options. Why is the compound bow the best choice for archers?
Types of Bows
The sport of archery is over 10,000 years old. During that time, archers have developed a variety of bows to refine their craft. Most bows fit into one of four categories: longbow, crossbow, recurve, and compound bow.
Longbows are one of the most ancient types of bows, and so they are very minimalistic. They typically consist of simply a bent piece of wood and string and don’t include features like an arrow rest or a sight. This makes them more difficult to aim.
By contrast, crossbows are operated with a much more complicated mechanism. In a crossbow, the string is attached to a trigger, making the bow operate like a firearm. For this reason, crossbows are subject to restrictions in most states.
Recurve bows are often used for teaching beginners. Recurve bows are so named because they are curved on either end. Because of this feature, they require less power to use.
Features of a Compound Bow
So now that we have looked at some other common types of bows, let’s see what makes a compound bow unique. Understanding how a compound bow works will help you make the decision about the best compound bow for you.
Compound bows are a fairly modern type of bow, first invented in the 1960s. This bow’s design contains a system of pulleys and cables that help the archer to draw the string. This helps archers to pull the bow to a full draw without overworking their muscles.
Because of these features, compound bows give users more accuracy. They can also use the bow for a longer period of time without experiencing fatigue. This makes compound bows a better choice for serious archers.
Personal Factors to Consider
One of the first places you should look when preparing to purchase the best compound bow is in the mirror. This is because many of the factors that influence which bow you should buy depend upon the archer using the bow. Here are some to consider.
Handedness
The best estimates indicate that only 10% of the population is left-handed. Because of this, many bows are designed, by default, for folks who are right-handed. If you are left-handed, you will want to choose a bow that can be altered to fit your needs.
Eye Dominance
Many new archers assume that the dominant hand is the only consideration when purchasing a bow. But it is also important to consider whether your left or right eye is dominant.
By default, your brain prefers the signal from one eye over the other. This is your ocular dominance. For most people, their dominant eye is on the same side as their dominant hand. Many people, however, experience “cross-dominance,” where the opposite hand and eye are dominant.
If you aren’t sure which eye is dominant, it’s easy to determine. Start by placing your hands in a triangle shape, and holding them out from your face at arm’s length. Then, look at an object through the keyhole formed by your hands.
Next, close one eye, then the other, while still looking at the object. For one eye, the object will stay in place; for the other, it will “jump” to the side. The eye that the object stays in place for is your dominant eye.
Whichever eye you are dominant for, you should shoot on that side. If you are cross-dominant, shoot with the side of your dominant eye.
Draw Length
Next, you will need to determine what draw length you will need for your bow. Your local archery shop will be able to measure this length for you. That said, you can also do this yourself at home.
The first step is to measure your wingspan. This is the distance from the tip of one middle finger to the other when you hold your arms out at your sides.
Once you have the length of your wingspan, divide that number by 2.5. This number will estimate your draw length.
If you are unsure, double check your measurement with an archery professional. This will ensure that you do not accidentally purchase a bow with a draw that is either too long or too short.
Axle to Axle Length
One of the most important features of a compound bow is the cams. These are the devices that help power the bow and make it easier to draw. The axle to axle length is the distance between the cams on the bow.
The measurement you will need for the axle to axle length depends on the type of archery you plan to do. For instance, if you plan on going bow hunting in the woods, you will probably want a shorter bow. By contrast, if you plan on shooting at long distances, a longer bow will work better.
Draw Weight
The draw weight is how many pounds of force you will draw your bow. If you are new to archery, you should choose a bow with a lighter draw weight to get started.
If you are looking to make a long-term investment, look for a compound bow with an adjustable axle to axle lengths and draw length. This way, the bow will grow with you as you advance in your practice of archery. The best compound bow for a serious archer is one that will be flexible as they improve in archery.
Bows for Made for You
When shopping for the best compound bow, you might want to consider options that are specially made for archers like you. These customized bows will better suit your specific needs.
Best Compound Bow for Women
For centuries, archery was considered an exclusively male sport. But more and more women are adopting archery as a pass time. For female archers, it is important to choose the best compound bow that meets their unique needs.
In general, women usually need bows with a shorter draw length and lower draw length. That said, it is important to find a bow that has these features without sacrificing the performance that comes with a full-size bow.
Luckily, thanks to increased popularity of archery with women, many manufacturers have started producing smaller bows that are still efficient. To learn more about these options, check out this review of the best compound bow for women.
Bows for Kids and Beginners
If you are just getting started, or if you are looking to buy a bow for a younger archer, you will have some specific needs. Most beginners and young archers prefer to start off with smaller, and more inexpensive options. These bows tend to be simpler to use than higher-end ones, which have more settings and features.
That said, you still want to choose a bow that is affordable without sacrificing quality. Luckily, there are many of compound bow options available that meet these specifications.
Commonly Asked Questions about the Best Compound Bow
When shopping for the best compound bow, there are a few questions that frequently come up. Let’s take a closer look at some of the common ones.
How Much Should I Spend on a Bow?
If you are new to archery, it can be hard to determine how much you need to spend to get the best compound bow for your needs. This is especially complicated because the prices of compound bows can vary widely. Inexpensive models may only cost around $30-$50, while higher end bows can cost more than $500.
It may be tempting to assume that, to get the best compound bow, you need to pay top dollar. While more expensive bows do have more features and options, there are many affordable bows that can be a perfect option for many options.
If you are just getting started, and aren’t sure yet whether archery is for you, a less expensive bow is a good place to start. These bows tend to be easier for beginners to use, and require less of an up-front investment. By contrast, if you have been practicing archery for a while, spending at least $300 will get you a higher quality piece of equipment.
What Materials are Best?
One of the most important factors in choosing the best compound bow is buying a bow made of the best material.
When considering material, archers sometimes assume that the material of the bow itself is the most important feature. In reality, the material of the string has a significant impact on the bow’s performance.
Archers should choose a bow with string made from a strong fiber. This will improve the speed of the arrow when shot from the bow. Of course, keep in mind that the string can also be replaced later with a higher quality material.
Accessories Archers will Need
Once you get the best compound bow, it’s important to get the right accessories. These will help you use the bow more efficiently, and to keep the bow in good condition.
Arrow Rest
Every archer with a compound bow should always have at least one arrow rest. This will keep the arrow level, making it easier for the archer to aim. Additionally, keeping the arrow level will prevent you from hurting yourself when drawing the boat.
Some archers prefer to use what are called drop-away arrow rests. These rests literally drop away after shooting the arrow, which cuts down on the friction.
Release
Drawing the strings of your bow with your bare hands can be painful, and lead to cuts or calluses. That’s why a good accessory for archers to have is a bow release. These accessories clamp onto the string, making it easier to draw the bow with full force.
Bow Sights
Another accessory to help archers aim more effectively is a bow sight. Hunters often use sights that have lights on them, which makes it easier to see at night. Other sights have pins in them, which help the archer to estimate how many yards the arrow will travel once it is shot.
Quiver
One of the most important accessories for an archer is a quiver. The quiver attaches to the bow, and provides an easy way to carry several arrows. Some archers, however, prefer a quiver that attaches to the hip.
Silencers and Stabilizers
For hunters, it is important to have a quiet shot when shooting their arrow. The vibrations made by the string can alert prey to the hunter’s presence.
For this reason, many hunters place string leeches on their bow. These absorb the shock of pulling on the string, which minimizes the sound of the vibrations. It’s important to choose a lightweight silencer so that it will not impact the traveling of the arrow once it is shot.
In addition to silencers, stabilizers also help to absorb the vibrations caused when the bow is shot. By absorbing the vibration, the stabilizer will help the arrow to stay stable while it is drawn, making the aim more accurate.
Buy the Best Compound Bow Today
With these tips in mind, you will be on your way to purchasing the best compound bow at the right price. With a new bow in hand, you will be ready to hunting, target practice, or any other archery needs.
What factors do you look for when choosing the best compound bow? Let us know in the comments below!
