Draw weight

[Cupid]

newbie question.

I have started out on a recurve bow, however i am thinking a compound may be the way i will go. can you please tell me is it the draw length that dictates the draw weight...or is there different compound draw weights. ie due to length of the bow/ cams/ ect.

thanks in advance.

[Stace]

Although draw length may have an effect on draw weight with a compound, it doesn't work in the same way as a recurve.

Compound bows have a 'set' draw length and cam type, limb position, strings and cables will be matched to create a particular draw weight. Quite a few bows do have adjustable draw lengths that are adjusted via the cams, some bows also allow adjustment of draw weight by adjusting the position of the limbs.

My advice would be to get advice on which bow would suit/fit you whilst actually shooting a few different types, preferably in a shop. This is far more important for a compound than a recurve in my opinion.

I think for the majority of compound archers, their draw length for a compound tends to be a touch shorter than the equivalent on a recurve, so be aware of that too.

Originally Posted by Cupid

newbie question.

I have started out on a recurve bow, however i am thinking a compound may be the way i will go. can you please tell me is it the draw length that dictates the draw weight...or is there different compound draw weights. ie due to length of the bow/ cams/ ect.

thanks in advance.

Hi Cupid,

Unlike a recurve bow, draw weight on a compound bow has nothing to do with the draw length, but draw length does influence arrow speed, but I don't want to over complicate things just now. And is not relivant as you simply can't change the length of your arms Getting the right draw length is of upmost importance to shooting a compound bow with any level of accuracy.

When you buy a compound bow you buy one with a given range of adjustment in power. The draw weight is normally adjustable over a 10lb range, ie 30 -40, 40-50 or as high as 50-60. 60lb is the max bow weight allowed in competition in this country. 50-60 lb bows are very popular with adult males and I guess the lower power bows are more suited to lady archers.

Not all compound bows are adjustable for draw length. Hoyt bows are very popular as the cam & half cam system allows an adjustment range of about 3". Other bows such as a Mattews, Merlin or Bowtec need "modules" to alter draw length, however thay are all very good bows, just take a lot of care when choosing one, get advice and get your draw length checked by an archery shop.

Almost all compound bows let off a great deal of there draw weight as they come over the cam to the draw stop. On a 65% let off compound you will end up holding about 20lb on your release aid/fingers.

Hope this helps

[Cupid]

Thanks for the replys very helpful indeed. Is the (65% let off compound) the draw weight that is reduced ie...... 40 / 50lb weight -65%= actual holding draw weight.(20lb approx)

and is there a compound make/ model that a newbie should be looking at for a first bow that will do for a while/long time.

again i thank you for your time in helping me.

[GeoffT]

Originally Posted by Cupid

and is there a compound make/ model that a newbie should be looking at for a first bow that will do for a while/long time.

Cupid, To be fair there isn't really a "bad" compound out there. Any one in the hands of a top archer will yeild excellent results. The things to look for as a newbie compounder are :

- Don't go for ultra fast cams (e.g. Hoyt spirals). The valley will be too short and slight reduction in push-pull at full draw will rip your arms off (not literally)

- Choose cams that have plenty of draw length adjustment - it will probably be a while before you settle on the correct draw length.

- More importantly read a good book on how to shoot a compound. I like Bernie pellerite's "Idiot Proof Archery"

Hope that helps.

[Cupid]

Thank you. it does help lots.

[Marcus26]

Plenty of bad compound bows out there, problem is identifying them.

The aggressive cams are not too bad, even for beginners. We have a women at my club shooting my wife's old Ultratec with Spirals with a back tension after only a few month in the sport and she is shooting great (285 Vegas round last week)
The issue with that kind of cam system is that it is not adjustable.

My advise is:
Develop a budget and work within that budget
Buy the most adjustable bow within that price range.
Get something with good pockets and a decent cam system. (single cam or Binary cam. Hybreds are OK. )
Lean towards a machined riser

Depending on your budget it would be hard to go wrong with anything by Bowtech, Mathews, Diamond or Hoyt

[Cupid]

I have been told/advised that i should continue with my recurve for a while longer.....not to go for a compound yet....or ever.!! person says they are more difficult to shoot.!
there is not many to help in the club with compound so i would be on my own really.....not that bothers me to much. what do you guys think about this type of thinking are they right or should i just go for it.!!!!

i think i might go for a Mathews apex......if i do.

[Marcus26]

I think it's ignorant.
Compound is a great shooting form and very very enjoyable. Many old crusty recurvers don't like it because frankly, they aint very good, and it would take a new compounder a few days to kick their butts.

The Apex is a massive bow and not a goo choice unless you have a 29-32" draw length (even though they make it smaller). The Apex 7 is a good bow (but heavy) and the Switchback is excellent.

Compound archery is vastly easier than recurve archery and in the end, depending on whether you have a masochistic personality or not, will prove to be more enjoyable than recurve.

They are wonderfully accurate and here in Australia compound is probably the most popular choice.

Don't get me wrong - recurve is OK. Hell I have one, but it's hard work and never seems to get any easier.

Don't allow yourself to be put off by the traditionalists. It's your money and your fun - not theirs.