Taking a Closer Look at the Technology of Compound Bows
Bow technology has come an exceptionally long way in the past decade, let alone the past century, as witnessed by the speed at which an arrow can fire from a compound bow. From 256 Feet-per-Second recorded in 2003 to 370 Feet-per-Second recently recorded by BowTech, the technology encompassed in modern compound bows lends the question as to how they work and how they can possibly continue to get better into the future. Modern compound bows combine the history of archery with the revolutionary findings of efficiency in motion. Let’s take a look at how technology makes higher speed and accuracy possible with a compound bow.
Efficiency in Technology
As compared to a traditional long bow or recurve bow, a compound bow allows for greater efficiency in draw strength which directly correlates to enhanced accuracy and increases speed in arrow flight. The technology incorporated in a compound bow, known as cams, helps to transfer the constricted energy and tension away from arm strength. A general example of how cams, either single or multiple depending on the type of compound bow, can make bowhunting more efficient is with the release of draw weight, up to 80 percent, and allows for a hunter to focus on accuracy and timing rather than the pressure felt in the arm or shoulder holding back a draw.
The development of cams on a compound bows, ranging from single to binary, to hybrid, to twin, produce greater speed and accuracy as compared to historical-based bows such as recurve. The result in speed and efficiency in a compound bow directly relates to the benefit of hunters of all strength levels, allowing them to engage in hunting at a premium level.
Additions that Make Compound Bows Standout
Beyond the bowstrings, beyond the limbs, and beyond the cams of a compound bow, there are additional key elements that help to make a compound bow standout.
Peep Sight, Sight, and Range Finder
Taking a similar idea from the foundation of iron-sights from rifles, a peep sight gives an archer the ability to align the sight picture of the target ahead through a donut-shaped device on the bowstring. In addition to a peep sight, the sight mounted along a riser on the compound bow provides additional accuracy from either a mechanical standpoint, such as the utilization of pins, or a more technologically advanced sight system with a laser. Technology continues in efficiency and accuracy with laser or mechanically based range finders that allow for an archer to adjust to varying distances between targets. The three strategic components that are included with compound bows make deadly accuracy possible on a consistent basis.
Stabilizer
An additional tool that is incorporated on compound bows that yield accuracy is known as a stabilizer. Often optional for a compound bow, a stabilizer can be attached to either the front or side of a compound bow and help to provide a center of balance for the archer that maximizes stability and accuracy through the full motion of the bow.
Compound bows work with a combination of technology and efficiency that helps benefit each archer that notches an arrow. The ability to create enhanced speed with balance and accuracy through a compound bow provides consistency and confidence that are valuable assets in both the range and in the hunt.