Compound bow

A bow that uses cables and eccentric cams to reduce the force needed to hold its draw while storing energy in its limbs. Its cam system creates a let-off near full draw.

Cam (archery): An eccentric wheel in a compound bow that changes cable leverage as the bow is drawn. Its changing leverage produces the force curve and let-off that distinguish the bow.
Archery: The practice of shooting arrows with a bow. Compound bows are designed for this sport and its varied target and hunting disciplines.
Target archery: Competitive archery in which participants shoot at stationary targets from set distances. Compound divisions use the bow’s repeatable draw and aiming equipment for precision.
Longbow: A tall bow with limbs that curve toward the archer when strung and no mechanical cams. Its simple limb-and-string design contrasts with a compound bow’s pulley system.
Let-off: The reduction in holding force near full draw, expressed as a percentage of peak draw weight. The cams reduce the archer’s holding force once the bow reaches its draw stop.
Arrow: A shafted projectile with a point and stabilizing fletching, propelled by a bow. Its mass and spine affect how the bow’s stored energy becomes flight.
Bowhunting: The practice of hunting animals with a bow and arrow. Let-off helps hunters hold at full draw while waiting for a safe shot.
Crossbow: A bow-like weapon mounted horizontally on a stock and released with a trigger mechanism. It holds the drawn string mechanically, unlike a compound bow held by the archer.
Bow limb: A flexible bow component that bends under load and stores elastic energy. The limbs store the energy that the cams and cables help the archer load.
Draw length: The distance an archer draws a bowstring from its resting position. A compound bow’s cam system is designed around a particular draw length.

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Composite bowCompared with: It achieves compact power through mechanical leverage rather than traditional layered materials.