Like all products on the market, the compound bow has its advantages and disadvantages. In both makes of the bow and final outcome when the product is in use, there are positives as well as negatives.

Advantages of the Structure of the Compound Bow

Drawing the bow causes the weight of the draw to peak and then "let off". The term "let off" is used to describe the events surrounding the cam as it rolls completely over. Let off is most often 65%-80% of the peak weight with one exception. Concept Archery, a compound bow manufacturer, produces 99% let off. When "let off" occurs, the drawn string causes the cam to turn which results in the bending of the limb. When the cam turns completely around then less force is needed to keep the limb crooked...the "let off". The better the "let off", the easier it is for the archer to draw the bow as far back as possible and take the time to aim properly at the target.

Another advantage of the compound bow over the long bow is its ability to hold up to the elements. Because it is make of man-made materials it can better withstand changes in temperature and humidity.

Compound bows also contain rubber blocks that that provide a wall for the archer to draw up against. Called draw-stops, these rubber blocks can be modified to suit the archer's most effective draw length. As a result, a consistent force can be placed on the arrow that exactly the same for every shot. This increases accuracy.

The way cams are designed can also control the speed at which the arrow accelerates. A "soft cam" causes a slower acceleration of the arrow. It is better for beginners to start out with the "soft cam" and slowly graduate up to a "hard cam" which shoots arrows out at a very high rate of acceleration.

There is a pulley mechanism that uses one cam at the bottom of the bow and a simple balanced wheel at the top. As a result, cables are not needed and a single string can be used. The advantage of this single string bow is its speed, up to 100-m/sec./315 fps.

Disadvantages of the Structure of the Compound Bow

While there is no better bow made, to a purist or a naturalist, this mechanical monstrosity ruins the concept of archery as it as been know throughout history. The purist sees nothing more beautiful than a long bow made out of natural wood. Its form is truly back to nature, and how the ancients themselves manufactured this simple hunting tool.

Advantages of Using a Compound Bow

There is a special release mechanism that can be used in conjunction with the compound bow that provides a steadier release than one's fingers. This release device attaches to the bow near the arrow. Using a trigger on this device, the archer is able to release the string with a stead pressure and motion.

If you compete in tournaments with the compound bow the official rules allow the use of a target scope. The scope will magnify the target allowing for a more accurate shot. With the standard long bow this device is not allowed during competition.

Because of stabilizers attached to the compound bow, the archer is able to shoot the arrow with less movement of the shaft.

Disadvantages of Using a Compound Bow

Due to the materials used on the compound bow, it is very lightweight. As a result the compound bow is more sensitive to and archers stance and draw on the string. A minimal fault in the archer's form can result in a twisting of the bow when the arrow is released. This will result in movement of the arrow from left to right.

Holles Wilbur Allen invented the compound bow in 1967 in his home state of Missouri. This bow uses pulleys and cables that form a leverage system to bend the limbs or ends of the bow. The long bow, also known as the recurve bow, has limbs that are much more flexible than the compound bow. The compound bow stores more energy than most other bows but that results in very stiff limbs. It is virtually impossible to pull the bow back with the single string. This problem is solved with the pulleys and cables. A string is attached to a pulley with a cable attached to the opposite limb. The pulley will turn when the string is pulled back. The pulley, in turn, pulls the cable which bends the limbs and voila! ...stored energy ready to send an arrow flying.

Compound Bow Advantages

One of the advantages of a compound bow is its resistance to severe temperature changes and atmospheric moisture. As a result the accuracy and speed of the arrow as well as how far the arrow will travel makes this bow much more effective than your standard long bow.

Compound Bow Strength

What gives these bows added strength is not only the pulleys and cables but also the make up of the shaft and limbs. The main shaft of the compound bow, also known as the riser, is composed of either magnesium or aluminum; both strong but lightweight materials. As a matter of fact, the top performing compound bows are made of and aircraft quality 6061 aluminum. The reason for using this material is to keep the rise as unbending as possible. You want the riser to be very stiff so you can add other pieces of equipment to bow such as quivers, sights, or stabilizers.

The limbs are made of a mixture of alloys and are built for strength. They have to be able to withstand the high tensile forces from the drawing of the string. They store all the energy the bow generates.

The Cams and Strings

Usually at the end of the bow is a wheel also called the cam. There are many different ways to use the cam to store energy depending on the bow design. There are also different types of cams that store the energy in the limbs. These different cam types are knows as bow eccentrics. The Binary Cam, Hybrid Cam, Dual Cam and Single Cam are the 4 most often used but some prefer the Hinged Cam and Quad Cam.

The strings and cables are made of polyethylene and should be strong yet flexible as they need to stretch when the bow is drawn. This moves the energy from the bow to the arrow when the string is release resulting in maximum distance. The cables, on the other hand, are made of steel surround by a clear plastic.

Arrows for the Compound Bow

The arrows used with the compound bow do not vary very much from the arrows used by a standard long bow. The arrow shafts are composed of either carbon or aluminum. However, because of the force a compound bow produces the user is ill advised to try launching an arrow with a wooden shaft, as it will probably break due to the strength of this bow. The manufacturers of arrow do produce arrows of different lengths and rigidity to work with the different styles of compound bows. Matching the stiffness of an arrow to the correction style of compound bow will greatly increase accuracy.