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Compound Bows Buying Guide

If you're looking to add a new skill to your list of already amazing outdoor  talents, why not try your hand at archery  with a compound bow?  Great for hunting,  target practice and shooting your little brother when he gets on your nerves (we kid!), compound bows come in a variety of sizes and sophistications to suit your needs.  But if you're new to the archery realm, deciding what product will best help you perfect your skills may be a bit tricky.  So before you shoot an apple off of anyone's head, load up on the facts detailed in the guide below.

Types of Cams

The cam is a section of the bow made up of a string, one or two wheels and two harnesses.  It makes it easier to pull the bow back when shooting, in turn helping to improve accuracy.  Bow limbs that are easily drawn back also allow you to store more energy, resulting in a more powerful shot.  Below is a list of different types of cams, each with their own advantages and disadvantages depending upon the user.

  • Soft Cam 
    • Allows you to pull back with a softer, smoother motion than other models.
    • The smooth pull helps you aim better at both stationary and moving targets.
    • The ease of the pull requires less energy for the shot.
  • Single Cam 
    • Users do not have to worry about the cams staying in sync for the shot, since there's only one.  
    • These models are often quieter, which is an important factor to consider while hunting.
    • Often times, two cam bows are more prone to heat and stretching damage, which can lead to poor arrow flight.
    • Beginners find two wheel cams easier to use because they can improve their accuracy with less tuning.
  • Aggressive cam 
    • Best for hunting because they create a more powerful shot.
    • More energy in the draw cycle gives your arrow more penetration, helping you achieve trickier hits.

Limb Style and Materials

  • Standard/Split 
    • The standard limb is one piece, laminated or moulded together.
    • Split limbs are a modern adaptation of the standard, using two pieces instead of one.  They are harder to find on the market, but are advantageous in that they lighten the weight of the bow and cut down on noise.
  • Carbon/Fibreglass 
    • Most compound bow limbs are made from carbon, fibreglass or a mixture of the two.
    • These materials give the bow added strength and flexibility while keeping the weight low. 

Major Manufacturers

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