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EVERYTHING FOR STARTING AND
EXPERIENCED ARCHERS!

Compound bow

A compound bow is a fast, accurate and powerful bow with which you can shoot true on longer distances. Compound bows use ‘cams’ on the ends of the limbs, making it possible to put a lot more energy into the arrow with less effort, which in turn results in lots of arrow speed. Compound bows are originally designed for hunting but are also used a lot for the sport of archery. Contrary to recurve bows, compound bows aren’t used in the Olympics.


Let-off
One of the most notable differences between compound bows and other types of bows, is the let-off. Let-off makes it easier to keep your bow drawn back, because a big part of the draw weight drops away after you draw the bow past it’s peak. This effect it caused by the shape of the cams. Different cams will have different shapes and therefore feel different when drawing back. If your bow has 75% let-off and it is a 60 lbs bow, you will be holding 15 lbs when aiming.
Drawweight
As with all other bows, compound bows come in many different draw weights. The maximum draw weight is fixed for many models, but more and more suppliers are making bows whose draw weight can be adjusted very widely. There are bows that are adjustable from 5 to 70 LBS.
To prevent injuries and to be able to learn the technique well, we advise not to choose too heavy a bow or to set the bow too heavy.

Draw Length
The draw length of a compound bow does not work in the same way as with other bows. Where with a recurve bow, you can draw the bow back as far as you need to get to anchor, a compound bow has a set draw length. The big advantage of this is that you can never draw it back too far since there is a ‘draw stop’. Often this is a little rubber or metal bit bolted onto the cam, hitting one of the cables or the limb, preventing the cam from turning any further. The fact that you always put the same amount of energy into the arrow ensures even more accuracy. 

It’s important you pick a bow that fits your draw length, either measure it correctly yourself or go to the store to have it measured.

Different Bow Sizes


Compound bows exist in different shapes or sizes. Which length of bow fits you best comes down to preference for the biggest part. Are you going to shoot target competitions, or maybe 3D shoots? It could even be a combination of both or just recreational use. Most target shooters pick a bow with a longer Axle-to-axle length for stability and forgiveness. A shorter hunting-type bow however, mostly shoots faster and quieter. This makes it easier to manoeuvre through forests easier as well. With 3D archery, long ánd short bows are used.

Check our collection of compound bows
Check our collection of Compound Bowkits

Accessories for compound shooters


Only a bow will get you nowhere. There are a couple accessories you will need to unlock the full potential of your compound. Below we will go through some of the options.

Release and D-Loop
A release is pretty much an essential tool to shoot a compound bow. Using a release aid makes a lot of things easier and more precise. For example, you don’t need to hold and release the string with your fingers, which makes it more comfortable and consistent. A release will attach to the D-loop, mostly using a little hook or a caliper.

There are hand-held releases and releases with a wrist strap. Releases with a wrist strap attach to your wrist using a little belt or velcro straps and is equipped with a trigger, usually operated with your index finger. Hand-held releases are often trigger releases as well, operated with your thumb. There are also back-tension releases in the form of a hinge, or activated by a certain amount of force.

You pretty much always attach your release to a D-loop rather than directly onto the string. This doesn’t only mean that the string lasts longer but it also means the release doesn’t negatively affect the path of the string and with that, the arrow.

Check out our selection of release aids

Sight and Peepsight
A sight is an aid with which you can shoot more precise and consistent. Which sight fits you best depends on what you are going to shoot with your bow and what is your personal preference. There is a lot of variety in sights. Target archers often use a sight with a magnifying scope and a single pin, whereas hunters will regularly shoot with a multi-pin sight. 3D archers like to switch it up and it mostly comes down to preference.

A peep sight is a second aiming device which is mounted in the string of your bow. It’s mostly just an aluminium or plastic peep-hole that gets attached in between the strands of your string. Because you look through this hole to your sight, you have an extra point to align your shot, resulting in even more accuracy.

Check our Target compound sights
Check our Hunting compound sights
Check our collection of peepsights

Arrow rest
You will obviously need an arrow rest to shoot with your compound bow. You’re not meant to shoot from the shelf as you would maybe do with a traditional bow. There are different kinds of arrow rests. There are three main categories:

Launcher style – This is the most used arrow rest by target archers. The arrow is lying on the rest for the whole cycle of the shot and has a path of low resistance. Some rests have prongs where others use a blade.
Containment style – These arrow rests contain the arrow completely or from different sides. This makes sure the arrow is solidly placed and doesn’t fall off the rest when you draw back or lift your bow. Especially useful in a hunting situation but also used by others. Most well known variant of this style is the whisker biscuit but there are also other options available like a brush rest.
Drop Away style – With these rests, the arrow gets supported when you draw back the bow and when you shoot, the fork drops away to give the arrow a clear shot. Initially the arrow will still receive some guidance when being shot, but before the vanes reach the rest, it drops away so nothing obstructs the arrow in its flight.
Hamskea Hybrid Hunter Pro MicroTune Arrow Rest
To ensure bow hunting success, the new Hybrid Hunter Pro is mindful of the metallic sounds of archery equipment in the woods. The containment bracket is completely covered in a soft-shell rubber type coating wrapped around a composite core structure for durability and quietness. This approach has also been applied to the containment launcher with a similar proprietary material, gone are the days of having to apply felt to the launcher, the proprietary coating on the launcher will minimize sound, but is durable and lightweight. In addition, the containment brackets ¾ load gate ensures quiet and efficient arrow loading that does not interfere with your sight like a top load design. The integrated gravity feed design of the "V" feature of the containment bracket ensures your arrow is properly positioned on the launcher to lift the arrow into shooting position for a quiet and accurate shot. To make setup easy and fast, the Hybrid Hunter Pro comes standard with the Universal Limb Clamp Assembly that can be adjusted to put the patented in-line dampening coil under the exact tension for optimum performance. The cord itself is a heavy duty no-stretch material unlike so many other nylon based materials and is positioned on the limb with a universal rubber nonslip limb pad. The Hybrid Hunter Pro has been designed to integrate world proven tournament accuracy design elements into a bowhunter specific arrow rest. Hence the name "hybrid". No longer do bowhunters have to compromise their accuracy for huntability. This is a first of its kind in the world of bowhunting and you can only find it in the Hybrid Hunter Pro by Hamskea Archery Solutions. This rest is built like a panzer tank, but will perform like a fine Swiss watch. Available as Right- or Left Hand Model.
€218.95
Hamskea Hybrid Target Pro MicroTune Arrow Rest
The Hybrid Target Pro™ takes design elements from the proven VersaRest™ platform and puts them in a more streamline package that is 26% lighter. The Zero Tolerance Technology™ is key to ensure that there is no lateral play in the shaft and the rotation action is silky smooth. The launcher shaft rides on two over-sized sealed stainless steel ball bearings that won’t wear out, but continue to rotate smoothly shot after shot. The Hybrid Target Pro™ also adopts adjustment features like Zero Stop Technology™ for the up and down positions of the launcher which makes for an absolute repeatable launcher position ensuring accuracy. The Hybrid Target Pro™ comes with the wide target launcher and backer plate. The baker plate keeps the launcher from bending while used in the cable driven or limb actuated modes. Tunability, is critical for all target archers, the Hybrid Target Pro™ allows for ultimate tunability, the textured spring knob provides multiple adjust positions to change the rotation tension of the launcher shaft. Coupled with the 8 sided, non-slip, compression clamp design for the lever arm and anti-bounce back dampening coil, you have everything you need to maximize your accuracy. To make setup easy and fast, we have introduced the universal limb clamp assembly that can be adjusted to put the patented in-line dampening coil under the exact tension for optimum performance. The cord itself is a heavy duty no-stretch material unlike so many other nylon based materials and is positioned on the limb with a universal rubber nonslip limb pad.
€218.95
Maximal Capture Brush Rest
The Maximal Brush Rest is a sturdy arrow rest that completely wedges the arrow, but the cut-outs ensure that there is no contact between the rest and the feathers. The arrow rest can be adjusted horizontally and vertically. Suited for both left- and right handed bows.
€12.50
Maximal Fall-Away Rest
The Fall-Away arrow rest by Maximal is a verstatile arrow rest for compound bows. The rest is provided with total arrow containment and an easily adjustable timing cord with cord lock. Noise and vibrations are reduced thanks to the rubber cover. In addition, the Fall-Away is vertically and horizontally adjustable. Specifications Maximal Fall-Away Rest: Easily adjustable timing cord with cord lock Material: CNC Aluminium, Stainless steel Weight: 66 grams Available in four colors!
€48.95
Maximal Micro Whisker Biscuit Rest
This sturdy arrow rest by Maximal ensures that the arrow is sturdy and firmly positioned. The Micro Whisker Biscuit Rest is available for both left- and right handed archers.
€28.95
Maximal Whisker Biscuit Rest
This sturdy hunting arrow rest by Maximal ensures that the arrow is stable and safe in the arrow rest. Can be adjusted horizontally and has a marking for adjustments to the wind. Suited for left- and right handed bows.
€15.95
Decut Suntec X1 Compound Arrow Rest
The Decut Suntec X1 is a budget friendly arrow rest with features from high-end models. Don't let the price deceive you because this rest is not only for beginners. Features Price point attractive to beginners or those on a lower budget, with features of higher end models Great adjustability with vertical and horizontal adjustment Aluminium and steel construction Comes with spare blades included
€24.95
Cartel Arrow Rest Midas-II Blade Rest
Affordable but extensively adjustable compound arrow rest by Cartel.Can be adjusted up to the millimeter.
€50.95
Trophy Taker Tripwire Drop Away Arrow Rest
The Trophy Taker Tripwire Drop Away Arrow Rest is a buss cable-driven fall-away arrow rest that features a rugged polymer and metal construction. Offering a sleek, quiet and accurate rest like never seen before, the Tripwire is loaded with a superior dampening system and a smooth spring and launcher design for a quiet draw and release. Fine tune the Tripwire with windage and elevation adjustments. Properties Buss Cable Driven Durable Polymer & Metal Construction Lightweight Design Windage & Elevation Adjustments Built-in Noise Dampening System Integrated for Quiet Draw & Release Backed by Trophy Taker’s Unconditional Lifetime Warranty
€52.95
Trophy Taker Spring Steel Pro Arrow Rest
The Trophy Taker Spring Steel Pro Arrow Rest is loaded with features that target and 3-D shooters will love. Utilizing a 7075 high-strength aluminum alloy, this arrow rest has been shaved down to an ultra-light and unprecedented 1.75 ounces! Both the horizontal and vertical micro-adjusts feature a ball detent click system that moves the part one-thousandths of an inch per click. An infinitely adjustable launcher blade angle allows the archer to achieve the perfect tune for their setup. Blades are available in narrow or wide lizard tongue and in 0.008", 0.010" and 0.012" thicknesses. Features Micro-adjustable Windage & Elevation Infinitely adjustable Blade Angle Ultra-Durable & Lightweight All-Metal Design Blades available in Narrow or Wide Lizard tongue Blades available in 0.0008”, 0.0010”, and 0.012” Thicknesses Backed by Trophy Taker’s Unconditional Lifetime Warranty
€141.95

StabilizersMost compound bows have a stabilizer connection bushing. With a stabilizer you can create more balance and stability. It’s for good reason you often see target archers use long stabilizers with lots of weight. It makes aiming more calm and dampens the shock of the bow to a certain point. Is it mandatory to use stabilization? No, it’s not. It just gives you the possibility to enhance precision and shot feel.

There are lots of shapes and sizes for stabilizers. Which one fits you best depends on your usage and preference. Target shooters often use long stabilizers with lots of weight and in hunting and 3d shooting they are mostly a bit shorter.

Check out our stabilizers

Some notes about compound shooting


Safety
Let’s start with the most important note. Like we said earlier, a compound bow exerts a huge amount of force. You will easily reach long distances and you are handling a dangerous device. It’s important to check if your situation is suitable to shoot in, not only for yourself but for others too. Shooting at a club often means you are in a safe situation to use your bow. If you are shooting on your own property, make sure you are not putting yourself or others in danger.

Purchase
A compound bow is a bit more costly than other bows, and on top of that you have to take into account that you need more accessories to be able to properly shoot one. Because of the higher amount of force, the accessories need to meet a certain standard, too, which makes them a bit more expensive.

Service and reparation A high-tech compound bow has a couple points of attention to look out for. Besides the string, it also has cables. The string and cables form an important part of the bow and should be looked after regularly. Wear and tear can have a serious impact on your shooting and you should replace them timely. Replacing a set of strings and cables is not an easy task and should be done with a set of special tools like a bow press. A bow press is a tool that compresses the limbs of a compound bow so that the tension can be taken off the string. When there’s no tension on there anymore you can replace the string, cables, peep sight or other accessories without having to put yourself in nasty situations. A bow press is quite pricy which is one of the reasons people don’t always have them at home.

Arrows
With a compound bows we recommend using either carbon or aluminum arrows. There are plenty parts to make them suitable for your bow and they are much stronger than most wooden and fiberglass options. Not every bow takes the same arrow, which is why there are different spines and diameters. The perfect arrow does not exist, so we always look at the draw length, draw weight and bow type to decide on a certain arrow. Does this mean you can not shoot if you don’t have the exact arrow you need? Of course you can! It’s just better for your scores and consistency if you have a matching arrow to your setup and configuration. If you are a beginner you can always look at spine charts to figure out which arrow you should shoot, and get started that way.

Target
When shooting a compound bow, you need a strong and durable target. Not all targets are suitable for use with a heavy compound bow, as the arrow carries much more energy than other bow types. The target should therefore be able to withstand the force of the arrow. Like everything else, there are many different kinds and sizes of targets. foam or straw, portable or static, etc. Every purpose has a different target but with a compound bow we advise to get a strong one.