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Last Updated on August 24, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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6 Steps for How to Use Compound Archery Bows
Since their invention in the 1960s, compound bows have become a beloved piece in the archery community. Understanding how they work is vital to hitting that target every time. Keep reading to learn all the details about using compound archery bows.
Key Takeaways
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- Compound Bow Mechanics: Compound bows utilize a non-linear draw cycle with a peak effort that decreases towards the end, allowing archers to aim with less strain.
- Shooting Steps: Proper archery form, nocking the arrow correctly, holding the bow, drawing, aiming, and firing are essential steps for practical shooting.
- Optimal Performance: For effective shooting, an arrow speed of 260-270 FPS is recommended. Compound bow limbs are typically made from fiberglass or composite materials.
- Practice and Costs: Beginners should start practicing at 10-15 yards. Compound bows range in cost from $25 to $1,200, with an average price around $350.
Summary
Compound bows, invented in the 1960s, are a favorite in archery due to their advanced technology and efficiency. Modern compound bows can propel arrows up to 370 feet per second. The draw cycle is non-linear, peaks midway and lets off at the end. This allows archers to hold a portion of the bow’s peak weight at full draw with less strain, enhancing aiming stability.
To use a compound bow effectively, follow these steps:
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- Proper Form: Stand steady with a natural stance and grip.
- Nock the Arrow: Attach the arrow to the bowstring, ensuring it contacts the bow at two points and is securely in place.
- Hold the Bow: Position yourself perpendicular to the target, hold the bow comfortably, and attach the release.
- Draw the Bow: Pull the string back using your back muscles in one smooth motion.
- Aim: Use a peep sight or forward sight, close one eye, and aim with the dominant eye.
- Fire: Release the arrow smoothly without twisting your body.
How Compound Bows Shoot
Modern compound bows can propel arrows at up to 370 feet per second! How is that even possible? More efficient archery technologies allow compound bows to shoot faster than most others.
The draw cycle of a compound bow isn’t linear. As you pull the string back, the effort required peaks partway along and then lets off at the end. This means the archer is left holding a portion of the bow’s peak weight at full draw.
Archers can feel less strained while preparing to release the arrow, allowing more time to aim and follow through with a stable shot. A compound archery bow<span style=”font-weight: 400;”> works like a simple block and tackles, multiplying input energy over distance. This system stores more potential energy in the bow’s fixed limbs than possible with other bows.
Steps to Shooting Compound Archery Bows
While the process of shooting a bow is similar, compound bows have unique features to keep in mind, regardless of which type you’re using. Each of the following steps aims to yield your bow’s full potential. Like any shot, it all starts with your form.
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Begin with proper archery form
If there’s any debate that’s common in archery talk, it’s proper form. However, it just takes a few simple steps and tweaking to improve. Stand steady and anchor up.
Be sure not to grip the bow too intensely or let it wobble out of your hand. Your stance and grip should feel natural from draw to follow-through. Practice a few different standing positions to determine what feels best for you.
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Nock the arrow
Next, it’s time to attach the arrow to your bowstring. Once you’ve mastered it, it’s relatively simple. When done correctly, the arrow will contact the bow at two points: the rest and the string. Practice this during archery lessons!
Arrow nocking is crucial because it ensures the arrow won’t encounter other surfaces or go off course. Be sure to listen for the distinctive click that guarantees your arrow is in tight. If your arrows, unique vein, or colored side isn’t visible, rotate the archery equipment.
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Hold the bow
Holding a compound bow feels relatively intuitive for new and seasoned archers alike. Choose a shooting spot that’s perpendicular to your target. Aim your shoulders at the archery target.
Remove an arrow from the quiver once you’re comfortable with the bow. Position the nock against the bowstring to hear your click. Then, attach the release while holding the trigger to prevent accidental firing.
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Draw the archery bow
Hold it right there! It’s not time to draw until you’ve mastered steps one through three. Practice mastering your stance, nocking those arrows, and holding the bow properly before you begin the draw. This process means pulling the string back with adequate strength and force.
When pulling the string back, most of your power should come from your back muscles. In the archery club, tug the string back in one motion by squeezing the shoulders together simultaneously. You’ll get a smoother shot and less muscle strain on the arms.
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Aim the compound bow
Aiming is one of the most challenging obstacles to shooting a compound bow. Consider adding a peep sight and/or forward sight to make things easier while in archery lessons. Then, close one eye and use your dominant one to look through the peep.
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Fire the bow
Finally, you’re ready to take the shot! After following each step correctly and getting comfortable, release that arrow and watch it fly. Remember to stay still and avoid twisting your body while shooting the range in “archery near me”.
Common Compound Bow Questions
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What is a good speed for a compound bow?
Even though today’s compound bows with fixed-blade heads can seem pretty compact, most experts recommend an arrow speed of 260-270 FPS. The speed of an arrow can have a major impact on your shot, and it will also depend on your skill level and personal preferences.
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What is the best material for a compound bow?
Most modern compound bow limbs are made of fiberglass or other composite materials. Some are one solid piece, while others contain several layers of different materials. Materials used to make compound bows can vary by brand and quality.
Compound bow strings are typically made of a polyester fiber called Dacron. This product has been around for years and is still a beloved piece of archery equipment. Various companies offer different kinds of Dacron on the market today.
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How far should you practice with a compound bow?
In archery talk, it’s widely recommended that shooters start at 10-15 yards with a compound bow. However, the highest-quality compound bows can shoot arrows well over 1,000 feet. It’s typically more common for them to go a few hundred feet in practice and competitions.
Young kids and archery for beginners should start at around five yards with any bow, though. It depends on your age and skill level and how far you should shoot.
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How much do compound bows cost?
Compound bows can cost between $25 and $1,200 depending on brand, quality, and features. The average price for one that’ll last is typically around $350. While minding your budget is essential, we never recommend buying the cheapest one.
Head to a local archery shop to find some great compound bows within your budget. Remember that you may also want to budget for additional accessories and archery equipment. You can get a compound bow, arrows, and quiver at an archery shop without breaking the bank!
Whether entering a compound competition or just looking to try a new bow, these tips and tricks will make it easier than ever to practice. Stay patient with yourself, consult the pros, and get to practicing! Before you go, check out some more epic archery content from Crow Survival.
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