Arcs à Poulies de Compétition

Characteristics of competition compound bows

Choosing a competition compound bow rather than a recurve bow means opting for the most powerful and fastest bow, the most mechanical bow of the discipline, here are its main characteristics:

- Pulley system (or cams): it reduces the effort at full draw (let-off), making aiming easier, stabilizing the shot and making it easier to shoot a powerful bow compared to a recurve bow.

- Powerful and fast bows: this is possible thanks to the cams, limbs and overall bow design. The bow is shorter, the limbs very compact for maximum energy storage. As for power, the lever effect of the pulleys can reduce the drawn weight at full draw by up to 80- and even 85%.

- Optimized length: a competition compound is often longer than those designed for hunting, offering more stability. Their ATA (Axle To Axle) is generally between 35 and 40".

- Cutting-edge technology: high-precision cams, rigid limbs, CNC handles, premium carbon or aluminum materials... so many High Tech components, cutting-edge R&D performed each year by the largest manufacturers.

- Specific accessories for maximum accuracy:

• micrometric sight with scope and peep sight

• complete stabilization system for perfect balance

• adjustable arrow rest

• release aid

How to choose a competition compound bow?

A competition compound bow is a technological marvel that will provide you with great accuracy... if you choose it correctly! Here are the different points that will require your special attention.

The draw length 

The draw length of a compound bow is adjusted using the modules located on the cams (pulleys). By adjusting them, you modify the stop and therefore the desired length of string and cables.

Competition compound bows often offer an adjustable draw length range, but it's essential to verify that it matches your body type. (If you don't know how to measure your draw length, read our article "How to measure your draw length?")

The power

Even if it's tempting to take a very powerful bow, don't forget that you'll have to draw it! The power must be adapted to your physical capabilities.

The maximum power allowed in competition is 60#.
The power ranges of competition compound bows are often as follows: 30-40#, 40-50# and 50-60#. Some bows also offer wider ranges like 40-60#.

Note that a competition compound bow will always perform best at maximum poundage rather than backed off. For example, if you want to shoot 50#, it's better to choose a maxed-out 40-50# than a 50-60# set at minimum.

An adapted ATA

The longer the bow, the more stable you'll be. Similarly, your contact points with longer draw lengths will only be better, but be careful: a longer bow will be a heavier bow.

The bow size, its axle-to-axle length, is generally adapted according to draw length: longer draw lengths (>29-29.5") will more easily opt for 40" bows while archers between 27 and 29" will favor 37-38" bows

An adjustable let-off

Let-off is the term defining the power reduction between maximum draw weight and holding weight at full draw.

It varies between 65 and 75% for competition compound bows. An adjustable let-off is always interesting to adapt to different types of releases or different practices.

The brand, feel and budget!

These are the ultimate criteria! The look, the feelings specific to each brand are purely subjective criteria and it's because each archer has different tastes and needs that at Hattila, we offer you the widest possible range of products!

Maintaining a competition compound bow

No need for oil... in the cams. Instead, make sure your string and cables remain in good condition: regular application of special wax will be ideal for extending the life of your cabling.

Competition archers typically change their complete cabling system every year.