The
Compound Bow
A basic look at the compound
bow, including components and equipment.
Related Articles:
The Beginners
Guide To Archery
Starting
Archery
- Compound bows can vary in
length from 840mm to 1220mm (33 to 48 inches) measured from axle to
axle. (Hunting model pictured at left.)
The smaller lengths are for juniors and the larger lengths are for
adults.
- The riser is usually made from
aluminium alloy for strength. The limbs are fitted with an eccentric
wheel. (The axle is off-set from the centre of the wheel).
- The bowstring is attached to
'tear-drops' at the ends of the plastic-coated steel cables, with
the cables fitted from top to bottom wheels.
- The cable guard holds the
cables off to one side for the arrow and fletch clearance.
- The draw weight of a compound
bow is usually adjustable within a 7 kilogram (15 lbs.) range by
turning the adjustment bolts in the limbs.
- The compound bow has a peak
draw weight and a let-off percentage. For example, the peak draw
weight for a particular bow could be 14kgs. (30lbs) with a let-off
of 50%. This means that the maximum draw weight of 14kgs. will
occur at approx. 3/4 of the draw length and as the eccentric wheels
roll over, the lever effect will give a 50% less weight at full
draw. So at full draw, the archer will be holding a draw weight of
only 7 kg's. (15lbs.)
- This type of bow is becoming
more popular, as the archer is able to use a stronger bow with less
effort
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