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The
compound bow was originally developed in the USA for hunting but is now
widely shot in target archery. Compound bows are quite amazing in
their design using a mechanical system of wheels or cams to allow the
archer to generate tremendous power in the bow and fantastic arrow
speeds. Because of the design, at full draw the holding weight is "let-off" making
the bow easier to hold and so aiming can be more steady.
Unlike recurve bows, a compound bow normally comes as a complete
assembled unit (disregarding accessories that is) and upgrading the bow
piece-wise is not usually possible. That said, the bows are generally highly
configurable to suit most users although one might typically have to
visit a pro-shop to have them adjusted. Once set-up properly there is very little tinkering necessary and the archer can concentrate on perfecting their technique.
The regulations covering
compound bows permit some extra performance- aiding devices that are not
permitted on other bow types such as magnifying scopes and mechanical
release aids. As such, the compound bow is generally the most accurate
of all bow types.
A
starter compound bow will set you back in the region of
£200-£300 and other accessories such as sights etc are a
little more expensive than the recurve bow equivalent but the range of
adjustments on the common compound bow means the bow is likely to
be able to "grow" with you as your technique or strength changes.
Ewen Reynolds
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