Intro

[piglet]

If you dont mind, I have a question regarding compound bows....

I have never used a compound bow but have used a recurve bow a few times in the past but otherwise pretty much a beginner with regards to archery.

Now I know that generally your height defines what length bow is suitable for you with recurve bows, but does this rule still apply to compound bows?
I ask, because I have seen a few people using compound bows and they often seemed significantly shorter than would be normal for recurve bows. (thats the compound bow...not the archer )

Also, do draw weights work the same, or does the pulley system adjust for different physical strengths/distances attained/reload to release?

Thank you
piglet

[herbal_thought]

Compound bows are simular in that the draw length (thats the distance between the "throat" of the grip and the nock point on your string) varies by the height of the user, mine being set at 31 inches (your height in inches divided by 2.5 is the standard), but the length of the bow doesn't determine the length or weight of the draw.

Draw weight works differently, as you can adjust the weight of the draw by tightening up the bolts which hold the limbs to the riser. Even then the way the draw weight works is different. You can set up most bows anywhere from 30lb's for young men and women, to 60-70lb's for your average big dude. But unlike long or recurve bows (whos draw weight increases as your draw until your release hand gets to your cheek bone and then you quickly let go) a compound bows draw weight increases until its peak (so 70lbs on my bow for example) and then as the cams at the end of each limb rotate the weight drops off so you're only holding 20-30lbs, so you can take your time get on target and nail it in the kill-zone.

I hope I've explained without going mad with techo-info and shizzle. If I find myself in the lock up later tonight I'll take some snaps of my set up and figure out how to post em up here... she's mighty pretty.

Peace, out.

[piglet]

Hello Herbal_Thought and thank you for answering my questions.

As I said before I have only a little experience of Archery from a few locals to me (we seem to have quite a large archery following down this way)

Anyway, with regards to bow length I was told that a 66" recurve was about the right length for me/my height, although sometimes I felt comfertable with a slightly shorter bow.

I like the idea of a bow that can be 'adjusted' to your requirements, as they may change, and also understand the engineering design that goes into making them efficient..... but I will have to admit I dont find them as aethesically pleasing, but I guess it's as they say...."Beauty is in the eye etc"

But as an also... I now think I was originally advised wrong about my Draw length, (too long), and have since confirmed your calculation to be correct. So thanks for that also.

I used to shoot firearms in many forms but gave up my certificates some time ago, but still kinda miss the pleasure and calmness that comes from regular practice, so maybe archery will fulfill that for me?

Again, thank you for your answers

piglet

[herbal_thought]

You can't beat a rifle. I took up archery after losing interest in the limited civilian access to firearms in the UK. It is a more down to earch way to keeping your eye in, the only downside is the legallities behind hunting with a bow. However it only takes a short trip over the wet stuff and you can go boar hunting with the frogs.

Peace, out.

[12mp82]

However it only takes a short trip over the wet stuff and you can go boar hunting with the frogs.

Wouldn't arrows be better