Choosing a Compound Bow

Guest Post:

Choosing a compound bow for a new enthusiast can be a tough decision. There are a few major things you should consider before deciding on a bow. This article is intended to give you an idea of what to evaluate when choosing a compound bow.

Axle Length
The axle length of a bow is the total length of the bow. If you are new to the sport choosing a longer axle length bow is best. A longer axle length bow is more forgiving for new users. More experienced users will prefer a shorter length due to its ease of maneuverability.

Brace Height
The brace height is the measurement between the bow string and the grip. A lower brace height will allow a new user to get a better aim but will lose speed. The same can be said vice versa for high brace height bows.

Total Bow Weight
You should consider the type of hunting you will engage in before choosing a bow. Heavier bows can become cumbersome on long walks but tend to make less noise when shot. Lighter bows are louder when shot but much easier to carry. If you will be hunting from a tree stand you might choose the heavier bow because you won’t be carrying it for long periods at a time.

Draw Length
You should have a professional at your local bow or sporting goods shop measure your draw length. Most bows have some leeway and can be adjusted to fit the individual.

Cams
Bow cams store power in a bow. Having one cam on your bow is pretty standard. It can make pulling the bow easier and allows the user more power in a shot. One cam bows have come a long way making two cam bows pretty obsolete.

Limbs
Limbs come in two types, split and solid. This is a personal choice for the hunter. Limbs do not affect the bows performance.

If you are new to bow hunting make sure you try out a verity of bows and test their performance. Also try to find a couple of good compound bow reviews. While store associates can be pretty helpful a bow purchase should be based on your own personal feel for the bow.