Compound bows

Buy Compound Bows: High-Tech Precision in Archery

The compound bow is the most technically sophisticated bow in archery. Its cam system, short stiff limbs, and let-off effect combine to deliver what no other bow can match: high arrow speeds, outstanding precision, and a dramatically reduced holding weight at full draw. Whether you're shooting competitively on a target range or tackling a 3D field course, compound bows set the benchmark when it comes to repeatability and raw performance. For an overview of all bow types from recurve to horsebow, check out our bows category.

Let-Off and Cams: The Mechanics Explained

At the heart of every compound bow are the cams, rotating eccentric wheels made from metal or composite material at the tips of the limbs. They connect to the string and cables and create a non-linear force curve as you draw. The draw weight rises steadily at first, then drops sharply at a certain point: that's the let-off. At full draw, depending on the model, you're only holding 10 to 35 percent of the actual draw weight. On a 60-pound bow with 70 percent let-off, that's just 18 pounds in your hand. All the energy stored in the limbs is transferred to the arrow on release, resulting in high arrow speeds combined with a stable, controlled aiming position.

The Different Cam Systems

Not all compound bows work the same way, as there are several cam systems with different characteristics. The single-cam system uses one cam and is the easiest to maintain, since no cam synchronization is required. It delivers solid precision and a reliable wall at full draw. The twin-cam system, with two identical cams, is preferred by many competitive archers for its high precision and excellent arrow speed, though it requires regular synchronization to stay in tune. The hybrid-cam system pairs a power cam at the bottom with a control cam at the top, offering a good balance of speed, quiet shooting, and straightforward tuning. The binary-cam system links the two cams to each other rather than to the limbs, which self-corrects timing issues and simplifies the tuning process considerably.

What to Look for When Buying

Before buying a compound bow, you need to know a few key parameters. The most important is your draw length. It determines how well the bow fits you and directly affects your comfort, precision, and arrow speed. You can calculate your draw length by measuring your arm span in centimetres, dividing by 2.5, and then dividing again by 2.54. The result is your draw length in inches. Shooting a bow with the wrong draw length is like wearing shoes in the wrong size.

Draw weight is the second critical parameter. For beginners, 35 to 45 pounds is a solid starting point for men, and 25 to 35 pounds for women. While the let-off effect makes compound bows surprisingly comfortable to hold at full draw, the effort required to draw through the peak weight is not trivial. Starting conservatively is smart. A well-executed shot at 40 pounds is worth far more than a shaky shot at 70. For beginners, ready-to-shoot sets are an excellent choice. These complete packages typically include the bow, sight, arrow rest, peep sight, and often a release as well, with a wide adjustment range. Sets of this kind typically cost between 550 and 800 euros.

Release, Sight, Arrows: What Else You Need

A compound bow on its own is not enough. For target shooting, you'll need at minimum a release, a sight, and an arrow rest. The release is a trigger mechanism that attaches to the string and produces a smooth, consistent shot execution. Wrist releases are popular with beginners, while back-tension and hinge releases are preferred by more experienced archers. The sight mounts to the riser and allows you to aim precisely at set distances. In competitive archery, scopes with magnifying lenses are common. The peep sight is a small ring inserted into the string that you look through to align your eye with the sight pin. Stabilizers reduce vibration and improve the bow's balance during the shot.

When it comes to arrows, carbon is the clear choice for compound shooting. Given the high energy transfer involved, carbon shafts are far more durable than aluminium under compound loads. As a general rule, minimum arrow weight should be at least 5 grains per pound of draw weight per IBO standard, meaning at least 300 grains at 60 pounds and at least 350 grains at 70 pounds.

Care and Maintenance

A compound bow does not need to be unstrung and stays permanently under tension. What it does need is regular inspection. Check the string and cables before every session for fraying, cracking, or signs of wear. Lubricate the cam axles and other moving parts as needed. String replacement should always be carried out by a professional using a bow press, since a compound bow cannot be safely disassembled without the correct equipment. Basic adjustments such as draw weight and draw length can usually be made on modern compound bows without specialist tools.

Brands and Models at BogenSportWelt

At BogenSportWelt you'll find compound bows from leading manufacturers including Hoyt, Mathews, PSE, and Diamond, with one of the largest selections in Europe. From compact beginner sets to professional competition systems, we stock bows for every level and budget. You'll also find all the accessories you need: releases, sights, stabilizers, bow cases, and replacement strings. If you're unsure which compound bow matches your draw length and draw weight, our team is happy to help. Browse our range and find your bow.