Compound Bows

I have spent a lot of years climbing all over the mountains of western Canada. If you want to find out why it is one of my favorite weapons for hunting and how to get the right compound bow for you then check out my articles above to start learning everything you need to know.

If you’re looking to buy your first bow or just looking to upgrade your equipment, then the above articles are for you. I talk about what they are, how they work, some of the advantages and disadvantages of these types of bows, and what they excel at as well as what their limitations are in hunting scenarios. We’ll also go over some safety tips that will keep you safe when shooting a compound bow. So let’s jump in!

How Compound Bows Work

Compound bows use modern limb geometry, riser designs, and high-tech cams to develop some awesome power and arrow speed out of a lightweight and compact package.

The body of the bow is called the riser which has a handgrip in the middle and the bow limbs on either end. At the ends of the limbs, there are roller wheels or eccentric cams which give compound bows their characteristic power and speed. The bowstring and guide cables attach to the cams and rollers to tie it all together and launch the arrow at your target.

There are lots of other small parts that comprise the whole compound bow such as the peep sight, nock, D loop, Serving, string silencers, and more. All of these intricate parts function together to create the amazing shooting modern compound bows. Read on to learn more about all of the parts that make a compound bow work.

The Different Parts Of A Compound Bow

Compound Bow Riser

The bow’s riser is the “middle” portion or “body” of the bow which contains the grip and has the bow limbs attached at either end. Most compound bow risers are made from aluminum, though several manufacturers have developed composite risers as well in recent years that use carbon fiber for an even sturdier yet lighter feel when holding it.

The main foundation that makes up modern-day compounds bows have cutouts all around them which serve as weight reducers while still maintaining strength when shots are released from different positions

Some of the most important parts that are attached to a bow riser include sights, arrow rests, quivers, and wrist slings. If you’re looking for an accessory to mount on your bow riser but cannot find one in a specific size or pattern then don’t worry! All mounting holes are universal so any attachment can be used with any type of compound bows. The importance is not what part you attach but how well it fits together with other pieces as they interact during use.

Compound Bow Limbs

A bow’s limbs are connected to the riser and to the bow’s cam system. The limbs flex when drawn in order to store energy, which is then passed on to an arrow upon release.

The technology of a modern-day limb has evolved from ancient times where they were constructed out of natural materials such as wood or animal bone; today most use fiberglass because it can be molded into any shape needed without losing its strength for many years.

Split limbs or solid? Hunters are divided on the topic of what type is best. Some say that split limb bows can cause a bow to wear unevenly and have poor arrow flight when compared with their counterparts, while others believe they are more durable than single-limb designs, which may crack under pressure. The debate continues but many hunters settle for parallel-limb design because it offers some benefits such as controlled noise during travel and vibration after the release of an arrow.

Compound Bow Cam System

Compound bows come with either of two major types of cam systems: dual cams and single cams. Dual cam bows use identical eccentric cams on either end of the bow, while a single cam system uses only one cam and a circular roller on the opposite limb. 

A unique feature to modern dual-cammed compound bows is that these sets are connected via cables; this means they’re less likely to get out of sync than if each was independent – which can cause serious problems when hunting or shooting competitions!

The simplicity of a single cam bow is something that many archery enthusiasts cherish. Single cams are easy to tune and have no timing issues, which can be a pain with dual-cam systems. For those who love the idea of getting back to basics in performance, this type of system may just suit your needs!

Compound Bow String And Cables

The string of the bow is arguably one of the most important parts as it is what fires the arrow. However, unlike traditional bows, the compound bow also requires a cable that connects the cams and keeps everything tied together and in sync.

Many compound bow strings are made of materials such as Dyneema which is a very tough and durable fiber. Many dual-cam setups have one string and two cables while a single cam rig has a single long string and one cable.

Additional Compound Bow Parts

The above sections cover all the main parts of a compound bow. However, there are also quite a few little parts that are imperative to the function of your bow.

Items such as the peep sight, arrow rest, D loop, string serving, bow grip, speed nocks, string suppressor, string silencers, cable guard, arrow shelf, and stabilizer all work together to help your bow shoot smooth, quiet, and fast.

Have a look at our detailed guides about all these different parts as well as our reviews and recommendations about the best gear for your compound bow this year.

Conclusion

Compound bow technology is changing fast and every year brings some amazing new models to the hands of bowhunters. Even the middle-of-the-road bows from this year can compete against some of the top-of-the-line flagship bows from just 2 or three years ago.

If you are still shooting the same bow from 5 years ago or more, do yourself a favor, and get into your local archery shop and try shooting some of the new bows that are on the market today. Not only are they faster, quieter, and lighter. Many of them are also more forgiving and easy to shoot which can make the difference between making the perfect shot when the pressure is on, … Or heading home empty-handed.