So, you decided to use a compound bow but you do not know which draw weight is right for you?
In this article, we will explain to you some things about drawing weight, and we hope that it will be much clearer to you.
The best way to tell the draw weight of a compound bow is to understand the range which falls between 45 and 70 pounds, and the archer can reach the peak draw weight at a specific point in the bow’s draw cycle before reaching the wall, due to the eccentric cams which are positioned at the end of each limb.
A modern compound bow is much more complicated than an ordinary bow, so it may not always be easy to determine the draw weight due to its many parts that seem scary for every beginner.
But it doesn’t need a longtime professional to use this amazing weapon – which is also essential for both competitions and in hunting, among amateurs, as well as among the most hardcore professionals.
What is a compound bow?
A compound bow is a modern version of a bow that is more precise, stronger, and easy to use than classic ones.
The compound bow basically consists of:
- A handle or riser — the central part of the compound bow.
- The limbs — come in pairs and connects on the riser.
- The string — connects the ends of the limb
- Nocking point — the limiter on the string, if there is one, the arrow goes under it, if there are two, the arrow is going between.
How does a compound bow work?
The basic characteristic of the compound bow which can be easily seen (as a difference in relation to the classical, old school bows) is that at the ends of its limbs (parts that bend and accumulate mechanical energy from elastic forces) there are rotating bodies (popularly known as “cams”), and the chord system (a chord + two auxiliary strings, called cables).
In contrast to the classic bows in which the draw weight is constantly increasing as the arc grows, in the case of compound bows, this weight drastically decreases at the end of the full load.
This drop or “let-off” is allowed by cams (wheels on the top and bottom of the arc or limbs).
Such weight can be easily kept for a whole minute or more if necessary.
The reason for such a design is that the hunter can wait for an ideal opportunity to hit the mark in the right position for a long time, while the bow is constantly under full tension.
How to choose the right compound bow?
In order to choose the right compound bow, first of all, you have to pay attention when you try to pull the bow if you can do it.
If you cannot, this bow is not for you. That’s at least clear, isn’t it?
Even if you can pull the bow but do it with a lot of stress, it means that this model is not for you, because if you release an arrow with that bow it will be very imprecise and the arrow will miss the target and you will lose some strength in the hands and the body.
The next thing to pay attention to is when you pull the bow and hold a certain time in that position, do you get tired quickly?
Because with a compound bow you are either a competitor who will shoot a lot in the tournament, or you will be in a hunt where the search for wildlife is tiring for the body, and it is more tiring when you need to aim the prey and wait for the right moment for the shot.
The best and most reliable way is to feel whether the compound bow is for your constitution when you pull the bow if your hands are shaking after a few seconds. If yes, that compound bow is not for you.
Fred Asbell, a famous archer, recommends an interesting test that he came up with: When you want to determine that pulling the compound bow is good enough for you, aim to compound bow in the ground so that the elbow of the arms tightens the bow goes up.
Of course, pay attention not to be in a situation to hit yourself in your leg, be careful where you are.
Hold on for a few seconds and feel whether you are fatigued or not. If your answer is no, you found a compound bow suitable for you.
The draw weight of a compound bow
As for the draw weight of a compound bow, there are some parameters that must be fulfilled.
It is very important to determine for what purpose you use the compound bow and based on it you determine a draw weight.
If you use it for hunting, you will need a compound bow with the highest draw weight that you can use without excessive fatigue because you want a clean shot and to maximally respect the animal you are hunting.
The higher the speed, the faster the shot will be. The same parameters are used for 3D archery.
A young person and a woman recommend a compound bow with a drawing weight of 45lbs to 50lbs.
Men prefer a slightly larger draw weight so it is convenient for them to use the compound bow from 60lbs to 70lbs.
When choosing a compound bow you need to know that each has a weight adjusting the range of 10lbs to 15lbs.
If you use a compound bow for competitions, you need to select someone who has a draw weight so that you can shoot more arrows in a short amount of time, which means that such a compound bow with a smaller draw weight is more accurate but less powerful, which is actually necessary for competitions.
The goal is to hit the target in the center and not to destroy the target, right? It is best to choose a bow with a draw weight between 25lbs and 45lbs which is considered the easiest to use.
Conclusion
If you try more models of compound bows that are divided by weight and draw strength then you can find the right one for you when you compare how much power you need to pull the bow and how long you can hold it in a stable position without shaking.
There are tables according to the weight you can find anywhere, but it is better to independently determine whether this compound bow is the right thing for you.
As time goes by, you will also feel that the time for changing your bow depends on your age and your strength, i.e. your musculature.
The most important thing in archery is to have a calm hand and a good concentration, with the right choice of the compound bow.
And you find the right one if you find the proper draw weight.
