The popularity of compound bows is due to their undeniable contribution and improvement to archery. This is made possible by the number of different features that enhance every aspect of the game.
This diversity isn’t restricted to what compromises a compound bow but also extends to the various types of different compound bows there are. Combining different sets of features that are essential to the game, as well as added bonuses, each compound bow is made to suit the different variation of users interested in archery.
From beginner archers to the experienced hunter, from young children to elderly protégés, from right handed shooters to the odd leftie, a compound bow has to suit its user’s specific needs as much as the various demands of contemporary archery.
So, step by step, how does one go about choosing a compound bow?
Know yourself, Know Your Bow.
The first step in choosing a compound bow is to identify your particular needs. If, say, you are left-handed, choosing a bow with a design that is catered to your dexterity is essential if you ever hope of hitting a target.
There are tons of those out there, so unlike the many unfortunate right handed practitioners, you would already have a filter that should limit your options helpfully. Of course, particular needs aren’t restricted to dexterity, and age is another example of one’s particular needs.
Finding a bow that is light enough to carry, and not too big, is a way to start filtering from the array of attractive looking compound bows out there. It goes without saying that if you are an adult you might not want to pick something made for the kiddies.
Your Targets
The second step in choosing a compound bow is to know your intentions with the whole affair. If for example, you plan to grow into the sport, possibly to a competitive level, then you will need to choose a bow that can grow with you.
Compound bows come with many adjustable features such as the different sets of maximum peak weight. Through their levering systems, compound bows alleviate the amount of energy you put into a draw, and as you grow as an archer, you want to keep pushing past that limit in order to let off faster and more powerful shots.
Conversely, if you are only looking for a compound bow to shoot on occasion, there is no need to burden yourself with something fanciful and you can opt for simpler and cheaper options.
Quality Search
Now that all the filtering is done, the toil of sifting through the technical specs of what has past your particular filter will be decisive in ultimately selecting that singular piece. This involves covering extensively all the essential features of a compound bow as well as that which makes it especially suitable for you.
These can be broken down into three core parts, each of which should be eyed with scrutiny before purchase:
The obvious and most essential function of a compound bow is to improve an archer’s aim.
Compound bows are fitted with leverage systems which ensure that an arrow is released steadily from its rest piece with the sufficient amount of speed necessary to stick the landing.
This is made possible by what is called a let-off; the amount of weight the levering system stores in order to alleviate the strain during a draw. Checking how well an arrow performs involves looking up its let-off percentage, which usually ranges from 65% to 80% of the weight.
A compound bow is also fitted with aides to improve eyeing your target.
These are the peep sight, located on the string, and the bow sight, a magnifying piece which brings the bull’s eye closer to you.
Finally, you need to check the overall quality of the material the compound bow is made up of.
Your compound bow needs to endure rough handling with amateurs, harsh weather conditions with enthusiastic practitioners, and safety measures for the young ones.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it all comes down to you, and what you want. Once you have familiarized yourself with the bow, all you need to do is pick the best quality from the selection that subsequently presents itself to you, and you can get started right away.