What is a Compound?

In my field, this is a very common question to ask. 

So let's jump right in!

First off to best explain a Compound, Compounds are a unique bow that carries a pulley system. Very much like a cable machine at the gym. Compounds have been around for years. They started off in the early 1960s. Back in their days, they where heavy bows with lots of poundage and very little let off. They are primarily used for hunting but with today's, modern society compounds have evolved for the use of recreation target archery.

With today's compounds, each manufacturer creates each bow slightly different from one another. Each one carries a unique pulley system which are the cams of the bow. Along with function, they create a series of risers to be unique from one another. Some bows might only have a single cam on the bottom with a basic wheel top, or dual cams on top and bottom, or hybrid cams and bottom. Depending on the manufacturer you will also find modules of which are custom to the fit the individuals draw length. Not all manufacturers use modules. Cams are the part of the bow that pulleys the bow back and forth. It is what connects the strings and limbs to them.

1960's Bow to the right & 2018 bow to the left.

So what does a pulley system do? 

Compounds have a tremendous amount of weight in place. Their pulley system is the cams and the string. Think of it in the aspect of the cable machine at the gym. The limbs are the weights of the bow stacked. Like the actual weights to the cable machine. Now the next step on a compound is pulling the bow back. So manufactures design bows anywhere from 65% to 90% let off. So picture this?

When you pull the cable machine according to the weight you begin with the full amount of weight. Let's say we take 65 pounds. We initially start with the full weight of 65 pounds. When you reach your peak weight then you begin to drop the weight back down. As you begin to drop the weight back down the weight begins to get easier till it reaches back to the bottom. So going back to the compound. You start with 65 pounds till you reach your peak weight then begin to let off the full weight, till it hits it draw stops. An example you will go from 65 lbs to a let off 80%. So at the end when you have reached the draw stop you will be holding a maximum weight of 15 lbs but you won't feel it because it feels really easy to hold. That is why hunters use it because they might have to sit in a tree stand or a hunting area and hold the bow at full draw in approaching of an animal of some sort.

The strings on the bow you will notice cross due to the design. You will have a series of strings. Y, Cable, and string. Its function is to ensure you have good timing and holding the bow together. Part of the strings on the bow you will hear from time to time about brace height. Compounds brace heights are already put in place so that is something you won't have to worry. If you need assistance in the event your brace height changes due to strings stretching please contact your closes compound service department.

Compounds are very easy bows to maintain. Depending on how frequent you shoot the bow determines how long the strings and tuning will last. One thing to note with compounds you should always get them serviced once a year. If you are a regular shooter I would say every other month. It's like a car with tuning and service. When the strings stretch that is a sure sign its time for service and a new string. Having your bow inspected is a good thing because you want to check for worn strings, or any damage or wear en tear on the bow itself making sure you have no cracked limbs. The good point to this too is your bow will perform better after each service.

Cable machine left, Cam center, Wheel Right & Compound with strings right.

Why are Compounds short & tall?

Compounds come in different heights due to a person height but also for something lite and compact for hunting. Compounds also being long in nature is designed for better accuracy and not necessarily looking for speed. Some bows carry both equal amounts of speed and accuracy and like hunting bows they mostly want speed. The taller the bow usually the heaver they are also for stability. Target shooters shoot longbows opposed to hunting bows which are relativity lite and compact for the woods.

 

Compound to the left target bow & Compound to the right hunting bow

How many compounds are there?

There is a huge selection of compounds. I could talk about each manufacturer and all their products all day long. Each manufacturer designs a huge variety to cover all their customers. There are compounds for men, women, and kids. You also will have compounds for bow fishing. It is endless.....

How will you know the strings on a compound are no good?

How will you know the string has stretch? When you first got the bow your groupings will be pilled up together. Once the strings have stretch then you will see the arrows separate apart. You won't have the same consistency on the bow.

Hopefully, you have found all this information valuable and gives you an idea about compounds. Now if you are in the market for a compound then please continue to check out our articles on archery-girl.comwww.archery-girl.com.

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Foot Notes:
Archeryhistory.com
Google Patents
PSE Archery - PSEArchery.com
Hoyt Archery - Hoyt.com
Perfect10archery.com