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 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.
So, the current prices of compound bows startled you and you wonder what makes them so costly. Dont worry! We got you. Here we have everything to discuss that makes them pricey and why they are worth it.
From high-quality materials such as premium wood, and carbon fiber, to very fine horse hairs, limb pockets, and risers, every single thing that is used in the preparation of compound bows requires great craftsmanship. Also, great effort followed the tremendous amount of time for continuous experiments, combined to make them expensive.
What makes Compound bows Expensive?
Read More: How Much Does It Cost to Tune a Compound Bow?
Why are compound bows so expensive? Well, Compound bows are made to be compatible with modern archery demands. They are built with advanced and complex technology enabling faster and more reliable shooting. Keep in mind that the faster, more durable, and more advanced bows will cost higher than traditional and less credible bows.
A compound bow that combines power, portability, and faster firing has a massive advantage to win in every department, the features that lead to its big budget. To understand this concept in a better way, let’s consider the working mechanism of a compound bow and compare it with rockets as both have the same job.
The manufacturing of compound bow just like that of rockets requires in-depth research, infinite funding, and repeated tests and trials making the end product quite expensive. For instance, unlike other bows, in the early compound bow, the strings and cables were made of plastic-coated steel.
However, after ceaseless research and lots of funding, they are now specifically designed with high-modulus polyethylene that ensures maximum tensile strength and stretches to deliver an efficient and durable transfer of energy. But the process in return makes the compound bow pricey enough.
Both compound bow and rocket store energy, the compound bow stores physical energy, and the rocket stores high-pressure gasses. They then convert this stored energy to kinetic energy.
In a compound bow when an archer draws the bowstring, the energy is stored in the limbs while in rockets the fuel and oxidizers react to produce energy in the form of extreme-pressure gass which is stored in its propellents.
When the archer releases the arrow, it’s that stored kinetic energy pushing the arrow. The same mechanism happens in a rocket. When the rocket is ignited, the stored high-pressure gases create a thrust, pushing forward the rocket.
Though compound bows and rockets have an entirely different purpose, their mechanism is what makes them the same. In both, the control is in the hands of the one releasing them.
Along with that, with its flatter trajectory, easy reload, and wider range, the compound bows rightly surpass the traditional bows in all terms. They have comparable draw weight and can shoot farther with great accuracy.
Now, let me explain this.
Primitively used traditional bows were handmade with wood with silk or sinew strings. They require direct draw weight and the correlated force applied to the arrow makes their short less accurate and less powerful and could throw arrows only up to 180 yards.
While compound bow on the other hand compound bows are made of durable and reliable modern fiberglass and cotton fiber material, setting the record range of shooting arrows at APPROX 320 yards.
A mid-range compound bow can throw up to 300 plus fps while a higher-end compound can throw up to 400 plus fps.
When talking about arrows, the typical medieval arrows were made of iron instead of steel and were unable to pierce through the armor. While on the other hand, modern compound bow arrows with their superior steel arrowheads and force multiplication of compound bow working mechanism can easily pierce through the full European armor or little the “TARGET”.
You might be interested in: Discover why many archers prefer compound bows over traditional ones in our article on Advantages of Compound Bows.
What Is The Average Price Of A Compound Bow?
Compound bows prices vary according to the features offered by them. For example, some bows come with high draw weight that will be stable which is great for hunting while other comes with less draw weight to practice consistent shooting but will make more noise on releasing the arrow.
Though most of the compound bows cost over $1000, you can get medium-quality compound bows for $300-$500 too.
So, think twice and write down your preferred feature and then look for the most affordable now according to those features.
Read More: How to Adjust the Draw Weight on a Compound Bow
Where Is The Best Place To Buy A Compound Bow?
You can either go to a physical archery shop in your area or buy them online from our recommended stores like
Amazon
Arrows that come with compound bows from Amazon are very affordable and decent. Dragon X8 is a great bow for beginners and also a fantastic bargain in terms of price. Their customer service is superb and are responsible for customer questions and reviews.
Cabelas
Cables have a huge section of archery containing a wide variety of compound bows. If you are planning on a hunting trip in Canada, then we suggest you search for your favorite compound bow with its truest range on Cabelas. Not only that, but you will also find other hunting accessories from camps to cameras in this store.
You might be interested in: Learn about the costs associated with tuning a compound bow in our article on Tuning a Compound Bow.
Walmart
Walmart starter kits are excellent and Allen wrench comes with the set, although bows are adjustable you would rarely need any adjustments in the existing ones. The bow frame is strong and comes with at least 5 aluminum arrows.
Archery Pro Shops and Specialty Retailers:
These shops are generally filled with all the necessary tools and pieces of equipment that you require to revamp your compound bow.
Sporting Goods Stores:
Such stores are one of the most common and easy places to find your hunting gear. However, getting a reliable compound may not be possible in your small sporting goods store. So you have to find a superstore for that.
Read More: Can You Hang a Compound Bow by the Cam?
Expensive Parts of a Compound Bow
What makes a compound bow more expensive than its counterparts is the tools and types of equipment used in it. Since these parts are laid out in a pretty complex way, you need to have explicit knowledge of how and where to assemble them.
Cam System:
A Cam is the rotating part of the bow that works similarly to a tackle on a crane and is responsible for the conversion of rotary motion into linear motion. On pulling the strings wheels on the cam rotate which transfers force to the cables resulting in pulling the limbs as they are connected to limbs. Hence force is stored and on releasing the string the force is spread across the bow.
Compound bows have either a single cam or double cam, a single cam has only one cam for proper balance in addition they produce less sound and vibration in the string whereas dual cam as shown by its name has two came on top and back of limb.
If you are looking to buy a compound bow cam, then you must know that its price varies a lot. There are both cheaper and more expensive versions and the price of a dual cam compound bow is higher than a single cam compound bow.
Limbs:
Fiberglass or composite material is used to make limbs. They can be one piece solid or can be “split,” with a gap in the center on each side of the upper and lower limbs. Limb bolts are adjustable which means tightening or loosening them will directly increase or decrease the draw weight of the compound bow.
Limbs of a compound bow are attached to the riser, they store energy when the string is pulled back to its full draw length and on string is released. The material and exclusive working mechanism of limbs make them more costly than other types of bows.
Riser:
The riser is located near the limb and stabilizer, it is one of the most important parts of the bow. The cost of the riser mainly depends on its following features.
- Size: The standard size for the riser ranges from 21 to 27 inches. A small bow roser will create high limb tension whereas a larger one will produce low power.
- Weight: Riser weight affects the stability of the bow and a heavy one will also make you feel strong. the ideal weight of a bow riser is around 1.5kg to 2kg.
- Material: Now risers are made with different materials but carbon is the most lightweight as well as durable whereas Aluminum is heavier and Wood is light but wood can bend very easily.
- Grips: it is attached to the bow handle and can be made of plastic or wood and can be thin, wide, or non-slip.
- Thread: Thread is a must-have feature for some highly efficient bows to increase their stability. The number of threads directly affects the amount of weight that can be applied to the bow.
Bowstring and Cables:
Bowstrings and cables are the most crucial part of the compound bow, with time you might need to change or replace them as bow strings are stretched over time and affect your shooting.
A stretched bowstring will become too long and will eventually cause changes in draw weight resulting in inaccuracy. Regular waxing will prevent it from drying and with proper care your bow string might last 2 to 3 years or more.
Keep in mind that this regular upkeep will also cost you.
Sight:
Compound bows come with two types of sights, single-pin sights, and multi-pin sights. Single-pin sight has only one pin for aiming while multi-pin sight has 3 to 5 fixed pins for aiming.
Multi-pin sight is also known as fixed pin sight as they are difficult to adjust and remove, each pin shows a different distance for aiming. Repairing and replacing sights will cost you a fortune too. Some compound bows already have manufactured holes for attaching sights.
Stabilizers:
Stabilizers on a cam bow are designed to decrease webbing and increase the bow’s balance to absorb the vibration of the arrow after release.
After releasing the arrow a bow shakes terribly and it can only be seen in a slow-motion video a stabilizer can be long, short, heavy, or light but all of them has the same two function.
Release Aid:
Release or releasing aid is used to hold and release the bowstrings. It is a small mechanical device that helps the archer to hold the arrow and fire it.
A release is not very necessary but professional archers use it as it is more precise in aiming.
Read More: Choosing the Perfect Bow: How to Choose a Compound Bow Like a Pro
Advantages of Using Compound Bow
We all know that compound bows reduce your physical strain while shooting and are more accurate than other bows. So, let’s take a look at what other benefits we have on the list that make them so expensive.
Mechanical Advantage:
Compound bows are designed in such a way that it increases the arrow speed, trajectory, and accuracy at the same time. In terms of mechanical advantage, these bows allow you to increase or decrease draw weight or poundage according to your personal choice.
They are designed by the laws of physics and have a mechanical system of wheel-and-axle. When a bow string is pulled these wheels rotate and store that potential energy which is then transferred to the arrow in the form of kinetic energy. This KR increases the arrow velocity.
Speed And Accuracy:
Due to accuracy and speed compound bows are preferred over traditional bows. They are easy to use and allow the archer to concentrate more on aiming and shooting. Along with that, they are a great option for beginners as of their lightweight and put less stress on muscles.
Compound bows also have a high accuracy rate because of cams and pulleys which create tremendous power with less physical effort. That’s why it’s great for practicing daily to improve accuracy and consistency.
Consistent Performance:
Compound bows allow you to change draw weight according to a person’s ability. Once a person becomes consistent in aiming and shooting with less poundage, he can then gradually increase it, this prevents an archer from physical fatigue.
Compound bows have back walls that improve performance and are extremely high-speed as compared to traditional bows. The speed reduces string jump and increases the trajectory of an arrow which as a result decreases the chances of a misaligned shot.
In short, compound bows enhance the speed, consistency, performance, and accuracy of the bow.
Adjustability and Customization:
Compound bows are very adjustable and easy to customize. Their draw weight or poundage can be changed according to the archer’s physical ability, age, and experience. Compound bow poundage adjustments vary between 10 lbs to 50 lbs while Draw lengths range from 7 inches to 15 inches of adjustment.
This means an archer can grow with them from their child to a professional adult as with proper care and maintenance they can last for years because compound bows can be customized and new features can be added to them to improve their performance.
Compound bows functional accessories like risers, bow sights, slings, stabilizers, and arrow rests are easily available in archery shops.
Reduced Archer Fatigue:
Compound bow features like draw length, poundage, limb bolts, grip, risers, and stabilizers not only help with the accuracy and consistency of shots but also reduce the chances of muscle injury or fatigue.
Adjustments can be made according to the physical conditions, gender, and age of the archer. A beginner can start from a very low poundage and can increase it gradually while a professional can make adjustments according to his need and preference.
Versatility and Adaptability:
Old parts can easily be replaced by new improved accessories and the bow will easily adapt to the new part and their features, while poundage and draw length can be changed easily at any time and gives the archer a comfortable solid feel, which makes the compound bow a lot more versatile and adaptable than other tradition bows.
Read More: Can A Compound Bow Get Wet – Compound Bow 101
COMMON QUESTIONS REGARDING COMPOUND BOW
How much should I spend on a bow?
If you are a beginner then you should spend at least $100 -$200 on a compound bow and if you’re good at using a bow then you can get a good one for $500 -$600. You should try to spend on a bow which is good for you.
What do you really get from an expensive bow?
Expensive bows usually have the latest designs and newest innovations. Their limbs are made up of carbon and the riser is usually made of metal so with these features expensive bows feel more sturdy. Their shots are accurate and faster and they also last longer.
How far can a bow shoot accurately?
The modern bows that we use can shoot up to 400 yards with a speed of 200 mph. The accuracy of the shots depends on the type of bow you are using.
Should I shoot my bow every day?
Shooting your bow every day is not a good idea. If you use it too much then it’ll wear out. You will have to replace cables after every 3 or 4 months. Not only that it will also affect your muscles resulting in shoulder pain. So, in my opinion, it is better to shoot once or twice a week.
How many fps is a good compound bow?
Though it depends upon the hunter’s skill and experience, the range for a good compound bow is from 300 to 340 fps.
Is a more expensive bow better?
Both cheap and expensive bows can shoot accurately if they are tuned precisely and the archer is also a professional. But what makes the experience bows more useful is their quality and durability. Expensive bows are mostly made of fine materials which increase their longevity. They also shoot faster.
How fast do arrows fly?
Arrows of most compound bows can fly at a speed of 300 fps.
Ending Note on Compound Bows Being Expensive
Not only the parts and accessories themselves but their high-quality manufacturing process itself requires highly professional skilled labor to keep a close eye even on a minor detail. The end result is a highly capable bow that surpasses its counterparts making it more expensive than other comparable bows in the market.
