Of the millions of archers in America, most of them use compound bows: 71% of target shooters and 83% of bow hunters prefer a compound bow.
What’s so special about compound bows?
In this article guide, we’ll check out recurve vs compound bows to show you why the majority of archers prefer the newer technology.
A Quick History of Archery
People have been using archery since the Stone Age, but what we think of as archery was first used by the Ancient Egyptians about 5,000 years ago. But like any technology, archery was often being improved; the Mongolians are credited with using the first recurve bows.
Before that, archers relied on the longbow. The recurve bow was more compact and could be used from a chariot or while on horseback. The longbow retained its popularity, though.
In the twentieth century, archery was forever and radically changed when, in 1966, Holless Wilbur Allen applied for a compound bow patent. It was granted three years later, and since then, archery has become more powerful and more accurate.
Recurve vs Compound Bows
Power and accuracy are the major differences between these two bows. We’ll look at why compound bows are more powerful and accurate, then we’ll talk about some other differences between these two types of bows.
Compound Bow Are More Powerful
Before we can dive into discussing where power comes into the recurve vs compound argument, you need to have a basic visual of each of these bow types. You can spot a recurve bow by the curve of the limbs and the way that their tips curve away from the archer. Compound bows are easily spotted by the cams and pulley system.
It’s that pulley system that gives the compound bow its power. Because the strings are longer, you can draw the bow back farther, which adds to the power of the shot. The cams and pulley system also help with control, which improves arrow acceleration.
Because it’s a more powerful bow, the compound is great for hunting large prey.
Compound Bows Are More Accurate
In addition to boosting power, those longer strings on a compound bow make each shot more accurate by increasing stability.
Compound bows have what’s known as a let-off point, which means while you’ll feel the draw weight when drawing, you reach a point when you can hold the draw with less effort. The mechanics of the limbs, which pull toward each other horizontally when you draw the bow, and the string length, is what allows for this.
A secondary benefit of the let-off point is that you can hold a compound bow in the drawn position. If you’re hunting, this is especially helpful as it allows you to wait for the right shot. If you were using a recurve bow, you might have to take a less favorable shot or relax the bow and start again.
In the recurve vs compound decision, if accuracy is important to you, remember that compound bows can be used with a scope. Scopes allow for more accuracy at greater distances.
Another handy addition is the mechanical release aid. This improves accuracy as well, and can only be used with a compound bow.
Because a compound bow can fire an arrow with a flatter trajectory, it produces more accurate shots. In contrast, a recurve bow might require a shooter to use an arched trajectory to get a greater distance.
Other Benefits of the Compound Bow
If you’re just starting to explore archery, a compound bow can give you more satisfaction for your efforts for a couple of reasons:
- It’s more comfortable to use
- You don’t have to practice as much
Compound bows offer more comfort to the archer because they don’t have as much recoil or vibration. Both recoil and vibration can frustrate beginner archers because they can make it less comfortable to fire the bow at first.
With a recurve bow, the primary focus is on the physical elements of shooting: the stance, the posture, the draw, and the breathing, for example. These are still important when shooting a compound bow, but the cams and pulleys place less emphasis on physical shooting style.
For this reason, archers who use recurve bows have to practice more, and they have to practice consistently. Fans of recurve bows love this, because that physical focus is what they tend to love most about archery. But for beginner archers, or for archers who can’t devote that time on a regular basis to build muscle memory, the compound bow is a fantastic way to get into the sport of archery.
Because the compound bow has longer strings and accessories, it can be more expensive. However, recurve bows can rise in price depending on the bow–especially if it’s an artisan item. Finding the right compound bow brand for you can help mitigate budgetary concerns.
Draw weight isn’t as important with a compound bow. With a recurve bow, draw weight is a concern because of the actual strength required to draw the bow, but also because the archer usually has to hold that weight to hold the shot. Because of the let-off point, compound bows don’t have this concern.
And draw weight can be a concern. If your bow requires too much strength to operate, you can do permanent damage to your muscles and tendons. That’s why it’s important to start with a lighter draw weight and then increase as you get more practice.
Recurve vs Compound Bows: Final Thoughts
Your archery priorities will determine which bow is best for you. But if power, accuracy, and comfort are important to you, or if you plan to hunt — especially larger game — then a compound bow is the way to go.
If you have questions, or if you would like to get your archery recommendations out there via a guest post, we welcome you to reach out to us today.
