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Parts of a Compound Bow

Click to enter section titleOverview

• Compound Bows come in a variety of sizes, draw weights and

draw lengths.

• The main two marketed bows are for adults and for children.

• This presentation will help breakdown the differences in adult

and youth bows.

• We will also go over the different parts of a compound bow.

Click to enter section titleDraw Weight Guide

• The main two specifications you should look for are the draw weight and draw length.

• All compound bows offered at Outdoors Experience will have adjustable draw lengths and draw

weights.

• Below is a chart to help you decide what draw weights you should consider with the appropriate age.

• Most compound bows have an adjustable draw weight of 10 lbs.

• A 70 lb bow can be adjusted down to 60 lbs, a 60 lb bow can be adjusted down to 50 lbs.

• Please check the specifications on the particular bow, this may vary depending on the model.

Click to enter section titleDraw Length for Growing Kids

• Draw lengths are the other specification that should be considered.

• Most of the compound bows on the market today will have an adjustable draw length of anywhere

from 5 to 10 inches.

• This will be a great feature for growing kids.

Click to enter section titleExample of a Growing Kid with an Adjustable Compound Bow

• I have a 12 year old boy. I purchased him a Diamond Infinite Edge

Compound Bow when he was 9 years old.

• This bow has an wide range of adjustments for draw length and draw weight.

• The draw weight can be adjusted from 30-60 lbs.

• I started him off at 30 lbs at 9 years old.

• He is now 12 and is pulling 40+ pounds and this bow will go up to 60 lbs.

• I shouldn't have to purchase him another bow unless we want to upgrade him

to a different model.

Click to enter section titleMain Parts of a Compound Bow

• Now let's go over the parts of a compound bow.

• I will go over the main parts that you should

consider first.

Click to enter section titleBrace Height

Brace Height:

• The brace height is the distance from the "V" of the bow grip to

the string in a resting position.

• Brace heights can vary from 6" up to 9".

• The shorter the brace height the less forgiving a bow will be and

the longer the brace height the more forgiving a bow will be.

• The longer a brace height results in a shorter distance to pull in

the draw cycle making it a little easier to draw but usually has less

speed.

• The shorter brace height generally means faster speeds but a

harder draw cycle.

• In my opinion a 7" brace height is optimal for hunting and

backyard fun.

Click to enter section titleDraw Weight

Draw Weight:

• As stated the draw weight on most bows can be adjusted down 10 lbs.

• In the diagram you will see the arrows pointing to the limb bolts.

This is where the draw weight is adjusted.

• Most manufacturers recommend no more than four complete turns

on each bolt (see manufacturers specs for your bow).

• Typically one complete turn will reduce the draw weight 2.5 lbs.

• When loosening the limb bolts to reduce the weight be sure to make

sure you keep them even.

• If you turn 2-1/2 on the top then make sure you turn 2-1/2 on the

bottom.

• If you forget or are not sure where you ended then tighten bolt limb

bolts back down and start over.

Click to enter section titleDraw Length

Draw Length:

• The draw length is adjusted on the cam or cams of the bow.

• The bow featured on this page is a single cam bow and is very

simple to adjust the draw length.

• The adjustments are made on the bottom cam (see picture).

• There is usually a set screw and a slide to adjust the length

with numbers for letter corresponding to the desired draw

length (see manufacturers recommendations).

• If you have a twin or double cam bow then adjustments will

need to be made on the top and bottom cam.

Click to enter section titleString and Cables;Cable Rod and Slide

Strings and Cables:

• The bow featured on this page consists of a split buss cable and a

string.

• As you can see in the picture the bow goes through the cable slide.

• There are bows on the market with an additional cable called a

control cable.

• Most bows use a split buss cable and a string only.

Cable Rod and Slide:

• The cable rod and slide are designed to keep the string and cable in

harmony with each other and offset to allow for clear arrow flight.

• The bow featured uses a cable rod.

• There are bows on the market that feature a roller type cable slide

but the concept is still the same.

Click to enter section titleTop and Bottom Limb;Riser

Top and Bottom Limb:

• Both limbs attached to the riser using a limb bolt.

• The bow featured is a parallel limb model bow.

Riser:

• The riser consists of the limb pockets (where the limb meets the

riser with limb bolts), bow sight window, arrow shelf, bow grip and

stabilizer mount.

Click to enter section titleBow Sight Mount; Arrow Shelf;Bow Grip

Bow Sight Mount:

• On the top 1/3 of the riser and is used to mount a bow sight to the

riser.

• Some models have multiple holes for mounting your sight.

Arrow Shelf:

• Located at the center of the riser and is used to mount an arrow

rest.

Bow Grip:

• Located just below the arrow shelf and is where you would hold the

bow with your non dominant hand.

Click to enter section titleStabilizer Mount;Dampeners

Stabilizer Mount:

• Consists of a standard threaded hole to mount a stabilizer on the

bow.

• Parallel limb bows do not cause as much shock as the older "D"

shaped style bows and do not require a heavy or long stabilizer to

balance the bow.

• In my own experience with the newer parallel limb bows, most of

the vibration or shock is released straight up and straight down

reducing the need for a heavy stabilizer.

Dampeners:

• As seen in the picture this bow is equipped with Limb Dampeners

and a String Suppressor.

• The limb dampeners are designed to reduce the vibration of the

limbs during the shot.

• The string suppressor is designed to stop the string in the original

resting position to reduce vibration and improve accuracy.

Click to enter section titleReap the Benefits

According to Manual of Man, you should find the right bow to reap several

major benefits:

• Power:

• Find a bow that fits you and maximize the draw weight based on your

ability.

• Accuracy:

• With a properly fit bow, practice good form and good sights.

• Silence:

• Vibration dampening will help ensure your flying arrows don’t produce

excess sound.

Click to enter section titleEvolution of Compound Bows

• Having bowhunted for 30 years, I've seen compound

bows come a long way in design.

• Some would argue that the older bows were more

accurate, while others would say that the speed of the

new shorter bows are best.

• In my opinion, the new model bows offer speed and

accuracy that will result in better shot placement and

a cleaner ethical kill.

Click to enter section titleBowhunter’s Code

I believe in a bowhunter's code.

Always inspect your gear before heading in the woods.

Practice makes perfect.

Practice shooting your bow so that you can be effective in the field.

Only take shots that are clean and will result in a ethical kill on the animal.

Respect other hunters and remember that we are a community of bowhunters

with common goals to protect our rights as hunters.

Be proud of our hunting heritage and encourage others to participate!

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Outdoors Experience

P.O. Box 943

Troy, VA. 22974http://www.outdoorsexperience.com/