About the Author: Austin Murphy is a skilled hunter with a passion for archery. With 17+ years of experience, he possesses extensive knowledge of various archery equipment, including the compound bow, recurve bow, and crossbow. His expertise in these accessories allows him to pursue his love for archery while honing his hunting skills with precision and finesse. As participant in NFAA and ASA competitions, Austin own around 8 Recurve Bows, 6 Compound Bows, and 2 Crossbows.
If you are searching for a compound bow, and are wondering about, “How to choose a Compound Bow”, then look no more. There are tons of varieties and types of bows in the market that are made by specific brands or companies.
In this article, I have discussed and explained all the main components required to choose a bow. I have enlisted the things to consider, factors, and different occasions to keep in mind before choosing a compound bow.
A compound bow is marked with specific features, specifications, and a unique design that is different from other types of bows.
These bows in the field of archery are very famous and are used by people from around the world. This type of bow is used for different purposes on different occasions like Hunting, target shooting, bow shooting competitions, 3D archery, and outdoor practices.
Read More: How to Tune a Compound Bow
How To Choose A Compound Bow in 2023
Before Choosing or selecting a compound bow, below I have explained “How to Choose a Compound Bow” to help you find the perfect bow.
Draw Length
Draw Length refers to the range the bowstring can be drawn back. The draw length should not be very short or very long, compound bows have a limit to which string can be drawn back, and if you draw it back very much the string will stop drawing back.
| Age Range | Wingspan (inches) | Draw Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| 6-8 years | 40-44 | 14-18 |
| 9-11 years | 45-49 | 18-22 |
| 12-14 years | 50-54 | 22-26 |
| 15-17 years | 55-59 | 26-30 |
| 18+ years | 60-64 | 28-32 |
Anchor Point
Anchor Point is the point where your hand rest when you have fully drawn the arrow on the bow. It is to some extent personal choice, as some shooter anchors the fully drawn bow to their neck and some shooters rest it at the side of their mouths.
Draw Weight
Draw weight means the weight and tension the arrow will produce when stretched and released. Many archers prefer more heavy draw weight for faster arrow travel, but it can cause shakiness and precision issues. The optimum draw weight for compound bows is around 40 lbs.
| Age Range | Recommended Draw Weight Range (lbs) |
|---|---|
| 6-8 years | 10-15 |
| 9-11 years | 15-25 |
| 12-14 years | 25-35 |
| 15-17 years | 35-45 |
| 18+ years | 40+ |
Read More: How to Adjust Cam Timing on a Compound Bow
Let-Off
Let Off is the percentage of the draw weight of the compound bow when fully stretched at the point where the shooter holds it while the string is fully stretched. The higher the Let Off, the less weight you will hold at full draw.
| Age Range | Recommended Let-Off Range |
|---|---|
| 6-8 years | 0-50% |
| 9-11 years | 0-50% |
| 12-14 years | 50-70% |
| 15-17 years | 65-80% |
| 18+ years | 65-80% |
Brace Height
Brace Weight is the distance between the deepest part of the bow curve to the bowstring. The Brace Height has a huge effect on the firing speed of a compound bow, the shorter the draw height the faster the bow can shoot.
| Age Range | Recommended Brace Height (inches) |
|---|---|
| 6-8 years | 5-6 |
| 9-11 years | 5-6 |
| 12-14 years | 6-7 |
| 15-17 years | 6-7 |
| 18+ years | 6-7 |
You might be interested in: Explore the top brands known for producing high-quality compound bows in our article on Best Compound Bow Brands.
Eye Dominance
Every person has a dominant hand and a dominant foot, but we also have a dominant eye. Many people have the dominant eye on the side of the dominant hand but it is not always the case and you should check out which one of your eyes is dominant.
Axle-To-Axle Length
Each Limb of a compound bow has a cam which is the pulley system that holds the bowstring. These pulleys have axles attached to each of them. The distance between these two axles is called “Axle to Axle length”.
| Age Range | Axle-to-Axle Length (inches) |
|---|---|
| 6-8 years | 26-28 |
| 9-11 years | 28-30 |
| 12-14 years | 30-32 |
| 15-17 years | 32-34 |
| 18+ years | 34-36 |
Read More: How Long Does a Compound Bow Last?
Feet Per Second (Fps)
FPS refers to Feet Per Second it is the unit in which the firing speed of a compound bow is measured and it is mostly written on a compound bow when you are buying it. IBO (International BowHunting Organization) and ATA (Archery Trade Association) measure the FPS of compound Bows.
| Age Range | Recommended FPS Range |
|---|---|
| 6-8 years | 150-200 |
| 9-11 years | 200-250 |
| 12-14 years | 250-300 |
| 15-17 years | 300-350 |
| 18+ years | 350+ |
Noise/Sound Quality
Compound bows are like machines and contain a mechanism on which it shoots arrows at almost 400 fps. The cams and bowstring of the compound bow can make sounds and sound is an important factor while hunting.
Bare Vs. Ready-To-Shoot Compound Bows
Bare compound bows are bows that do not come with any accessories, it is bought as a compound bow only and you have to buy the accessories. Ready to Shoot Bows comes along with all the accessories.
Cams
Cams perform many functions in the bow, it manipulates the draw weight of the bow and can change the way compound bow saves and transfers energy. There are four types of cams which are Single, Binary, Hybrid, and Twin.
| Cam System Component | Bow Strings | Buss Cables | Control Cables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cam | 1 Bow String | – | – |
| Binary Cam | 2 Bow Strings (Top and Bottom) | 1 Buss Cable | – |
| Hybrid Cam | 2 Bow Strings (Top and Bottom) | 1 Buss Cable | 1 Control Cable |
| Twin Cam | 2 Bow Strings (Top and Bottom) | 2 Buss Cables (Upper and Lower) | – |
| Cam and a Half | 2 Bow Strings (Top and Bottom) | 1 Buss Cable | 1 Control Cable |
| Quad Cam | 4 Bow Strings | 2 Buss Cables (Upper and Lower) | 2 Control Cables (Upper and Lower) |
Read More: How Fast is a 50 lb Compound Bow?
Risers
The riser is referred to as the handle on your compound bow. It has many functions like increasing or decreasing Brace Height and adding comfort and accuracy to the bow. There are three types of risers which are Reflex, Deflex, and Straight.
Try, Test, And Try Again!
You should always try and test the Compound bows when buying one for your need or expertise. You should not consider what your friends like, you should take help from the Shop Keepers to guide you to pick the best option for yourself and test it again and again so you do not have a doubt later.
Read More: How Much Does It Cost to Tune a Compound Bow?
What Compound Bow Should I Buy?
Let’s Discuss the factors and reasons to keep in note before choosing a compound bow, as finding a perfect match for your skills and type of usage relies on the knowledge you have.
Buying a compound bow is not a piece of cake, but to help you out, I have discussed what compound bow should you buy.
Physical Condition
If you are wondering about what compound bow is best for you? In order to answer that, I would ask you about your physical condition. Whether you are a young hunter, a kid, an old bow lover, or a fascinating woman, there are a variety of different compound bows for each and every gender or age.
New Or Used One
There are multiple places where you can find and buy new or used compound bows. If you are a beginner and have just stepped into the field of archery, then I would suggest you consider a new compound bow that matches your requirements. But, if you are an experienced hunter or an expert in the field of archery, then you can consider used compound bows that are budget-friendly.
Budget
Before buying any product in the market, or considering any compound bow, you should always keep in mind the budget. There are thousands of compound bows that are manufactured by different companies and are marked with variable price ranges. So, you should always put an eye on your budget, and do your research before choosing a compound bow.
Read More: How to Adjust the Draw Weight on a Compound Bow
Choosing a Compound Bow for Different Occasions
Below are a few of the occasions where compound bows can be used;
How to Choose a Compound Bow for Hunting
Usually, a hunter requires a bow that is quiet, maneuverable, stealthy, lightweight, easy to use, portable, easy to carry, durable, and high-performance. All of these qualities make the bow reliable and best for hunting. The compound bows are well-known, and one of the most used hunter bows that are marked with all the hunting qualities.
How to Choose a Compound Bow for Target Shooting
If you are looking for a bow that is great for practicing aim, target shooting, or field training, then the compound bows are one of the best choices. These bows are marked with high accuracy, powerful features, and eye-catching design, making them best for target shooting.
How to Choose a Compound Bow for Bowhunting Competitions
The bowhunting competitions not only require skills, passion, or inspiration but also demand the best pieces of equipment. The compound bows are marked as one of the best bows in the market for bowhunting competitions due to their High-End features, and powerful specifications.
How to Choose a Compound Bow for Youth and Beginner Archery
Besides the experienced and expert bowhunters, there are many individuals that have just stepped into the field of archery and are looking for a starter bow. The compound bows are categorized in the bows that are great for new learners and beginners due to their easy-to-use features, and compact design.
What are Some Popular Brands of Compound Bows?
There are a variety of different brands or companies that manufacture popular compound bows, and some of them are;
- Predator Archery
- Barnet
- Bear Archery
- Hoyt
- PSE
- Bowtech
- Mathews
- Elite Archery
- Martin Archery.
You might be interested in: Learn effective aiming techniques for compound bows, with or without sights, in our guide on Aiming a Compound Bow.
FAQs
What types of arrows can I use with compound bows?
There are a variety of different arrows or arrow types that are combined with different types of compound bows. These arrows are made specifically for different bows, and for compound bows, Carbon Arrows are considered the best option.
Is a longer or shorter bow better?
The size of the bow is determined by its Axle to Axle length. This size can be different according to the user’s preference. The shorter compound bows are for those who are fast hunters and require a lightweight bow. While the longer compound bows are marked for those that are spot and stalk, bow hunters.
How do I know what size Compound bow I need?
There are two main size measurements in a compound bow that can be preferred according to your preference. The draw length and axle-to-axle lengths are two major points to consider before choosing a bow, and these can vary on the user’s age, height, or gender.
What is the best distance for a Compound bow?
Different compound bow types are marked with a specific shooting range, as they are equipped with different draw weights, draw lengths, brace heights, and axle-to-axle lengths. These specifications vary the bow setup like a compound bow with IBO-setup ranges from 63-135 yards of distance.
End Note
Finding and buying a compound bow is complicated and time-taking, whether you are a hunter, a beginner archer, or a bow lover. The field of archery is inspiring, fascinating, and courageous, requiring the right amount of knowledge and experience to find the perfect compound bow. The compound bows are equipped with lots of different accessories, attributes, and pieces of equipment, and are one of the well-known types of bows.
To End this informative discussion, I would recommend the readers consider the main points discussed in the article before choosing a compound bow. Above I have guided you about the things to consider before choosing the right bow, the types of different occasions, and different conditions that would lead you to choose the perfect bow, providing you with the best value for money.
