Compound bows

Buy Compound Bows: Precision, Power, and Control

The compound bow is the most technically refined bow type in archery. The cam system, short stiff limbs, and let-off combine into possibilities no other bow delivers in quite the same way. High arrow speeds of up to 340 fps, a noticeably reduced holding weight at full draw, and a repeatability that makes the difference in competition as much as on the 3D parcours. If you want an overview of all bow types from recurve to horsebow, take a look at our bows category.

How a Compound Bow Works: Let-Off and Cams

The heart of the bow is the cams, the rotating wheels at the ends of the limbs. They are eccentrically shaped and connected to the string and cables. As you draw, this creates a non-linear force curve. The draw weight rises at first, then drops sharply at a certain point. That point is the let-off. At full draw, depending on the model, you hold only 10 to 35 percent of the actual draw weight on the string. On a 60 lbs bow with 75 percent let-off, that's just 15 pounds you have to actively hold while aiming.

The energy stored in the limbs is transferred fully to the arrow on release. The result is high arrow speed combined with calm, controlled aiming. Today, 75 to 85 percent let-off is the standard range. If you want steadier aiming, reach for models at the upper end.

Cam Systems at a Glance

Not every compound bow works the same way. The single-cam system with just one cam is easy to maintain, since there's no need to synchronize two cams. It delivers good precision and a solid wall at full draw.

The twin-cam system with two identical cams is regarded by many competitive archers as the most precise system and offers high arrow speeds. It does, however, need regular synchronization, otherwise the tuning suffers.

The hybrid-cam system combines a power cam at the bottom with a control cam at the top. A good compromise of speed, calm shot behavior, and easy tuning.

The binary-cam system connects the cams not to the limbs but to each other. Timing issues correct themselves almost automatically, which makes maintenance considerably more relaxed.

What Really Matters When Buying a Compound Bow

The most important factor is your draw length. It decides whether the bow fits you and influences precision, comfort, and arrow speed. Here's how to find it: measure your arm span in centimeters, divide by 2.5 and then by 2.54. The result is your draw length in inches. Shooting a bow with the wrong draw length is roughly like permanently wearing shoes in the wrong size.

Draw weight is the second key point. For men starting out, 35 to 45 pounds is a good range, for women 25 to 35 pounds. The let-off makes holding at full draw comfortable, but the draw itself still takes strength. Start conservatively. A cleanly shot arrow at 40 pounds is worth more than a shaky shot at 70 pounds.

For getting started, ready-to-shoot sets are particularly well suited. They include the bow, sight, arrow rest, peep sight, and often a release right away. These complete systems with a wide adjustment range typically run between 250 and 800 euros, depending on the bow and accessories. If we may suggest something, it's this, because that way you don't have to worry about every single part from the start.

Release, Sight, Arrows: What Belongs on the Bow

A compound bow alone won't get you to the target. For clean shooting you need at least a release, a sight, and an arrow rest. The release is a trigger mechanism attached to the string that ensures a controlled, even shot execution. Wrist releases are the classic choice for beginners, while back-tension or hinge releases come into play for more advanced archers.

The sight is mounted on the riser and allows precise aiming at defined distances. In the sport segment, scopes with a magnifying lens are often used. The peep sight is a small ring set into the string that you look through to line up sight and eye. Stabilizers reduce vibration and improve balance.

When it comes to arrows, there's hardly any way around carbon. Because of the compound bow's high energy transfer, arrows have to be suitably robust and durable. The ideal arrow weight depends on the draw weight. As a guideline, the IBO standard calls for at least 5 grains per pound of draw weight, so around 300 grains at 60 lbs and 350 grains at 70 lbs. Going below this minimum risks damaging the bow and voids the manufacturer's warranty.

Care and Maintenance: What a Compound Bow Really Needs

A compound bow is never relaxed, it stays under tension permanently. What it needs is attention. Check the string and cables for fraying, cracks, or wear every time you use it. You can lightly lubricate the moving parts of the cams as needed. A string change should always be left to a specialist with a bow press, because a compound bow cannot be safely disassembled without this tensioning device. Simple adjustments like draw weight and draw length can be made on most modern bows without special tools.

You should run the paper test regularly, above all after every tuning or string change. It shows you at a glance whether your arrow is flying cleanly or whether you're putting torque into the shot.

Brands and Models at BogenSportWelt

At BogenSportWelt you'll find compound bows from Hoyt, Bear Archery, DRAKE Archery, Mathews, PSE, and Diamond. That puts you among one of the largest ranges in Europe. Hoyt stands for top-tier build quality and performance, from the Concept X to the RX-10 Ultra. Bear Archery offers versatile hunting bows with the Adapt series and the Gamekeeper that also work well on the parcours. DRAKE Archery delivers fair value for money with the Pathfinder range and is an honest recommendation for anyone who wants to get into compound shooting without taking a big risk.

You'll find the matching accessories in the shop too. Releases, sights, stabilizers, bow cases, replacement strings, arrows. If you're not sure which bow suits you, give us a call or drop us a line. We shoot ourselves, and we'll also tell you when a model isn't the right one for your use case.