Crossbows and compound bows are one of the common weapons for hunting. These are weapons that are worth comparing to help you decide which one fits your requirements. Nevertheless, there are several issues you have to consider when utilizing both.
What is a compound bow?
In this article, we shall identify several myths and determine the facts behind it. Moreover, we shall compare their features and discuss the applications.
Lastly, we will look into safety and ethical hunting tips. With this, you can come up with a good decision when looking for one to purchase.
Myths and Facts
There are several myths surrounding crossbows and compound bows. We recommend equipping yourself with appropriate knowledge to fully understand its capabilities.
Here are some myths and the facts behind them that you should consider.
Myth no. 1: Crossbows are not considered as bows.
Experts still classify crossbows as bows. Some people mistake that compound bows are the only bow weapons to consider. Even in the 60s and 70s, compound bows were not considered as bows. Nevertheless, these bows are greatly powered by its limbs – triggers of Crossbows and mechanical release of compound.
Myth no. 2: Crossbows generate a huge amount of kinetic energy.
Average crossbows generate around 80 foot-pounds kinetic energy. The amount of kinetic energy generated by bows depends on the developed speed and grain number of the arrows used. There are certain formulas in determining the amount of kinetic energy generated regardless if it is a crossbow or compound bow.
Myth no. 3: Crossbows, at long distances, are deadlier compared with compound bows.
Compound bows are as deadly as crossbows in long distances too. These weapons are great mechanical machines for skilled archers. Nonetheless, their range depends on their ability to bend their limbs.
These are just some of the things you need to consider when dealing with the crossbow and how to use a compound bow. We suggest you consult your local bow store to know more about them.
Technical comparison
When comparing crossbows and compound bows, you must look into its key features.
Provided below is a brief comparison of these two weapons per features.
Draw weight
This feature defines the amount of maximum force needed to draw your bow. Crossbows commonly have higher draw weights, averaging at 150. This generates energy and speed but with a short power stroke.
Power stroke
This feature refers to the distance that a bow string travels from its full draw to rest position. A long power stroke can provide a faster arrow even when flown on same poundage.
Do you know how to shoot a compound bow? Compound bows only need module changes to increase the draw length. On the other hand, crossbows need to be lengthened physically to increase the draw length.
This makes the crossbow heavier.
Noise
This characteristic also pertains to the vibration made by the bow. As the crossbows get faster, several problems arise due to the high poundage. This extra energy produces more vibration which provides unwanted noise.
Drawing the bow
Crossbows have high poundage which makes it difficult to draw. It utilizes a lot of your muscle power. They also have tough cables, strings and other components which are due for replacement regularly.
Compound bows are easier to maintain. They offer less noise as you utilize it in hunting sites.
Furthermore, their strings and cables last for a long period of time. Nonetheless, compound bows are not recommended for an injured and weak person. This is for the reason the issues may be encountered when drawing it.
Mass weight
Crossbows are composed of several parts – forearm grip, limbs and shoulder stock. This provides up to three times of weight compared to compound bows. With this, carrying it around the woods on a long trip becomes unpreferable.
Size
Compound bows utilize a longer measurement of axle-axle compared with crossbows. Nevertheless, they are not cumbersome to bring along and carry in the outdoor locations.
Most crossbows have 24 inches of axle-axle measurement. Lengthening them may produce a difficult to handle and heavier crossbows.
These are just some of the key features you should look into when comparing crossbows and compound bows. We suggest that you identify the pros and cons of each before deciding to invest in one.
Application of Crossbows and Compound Bows
When it comes to selecting between a compound bow and crossbow, you need to look into its features. Here are some of the things you should look into when investing on bows.
Compound Bow
One of the characteristics you must consider in compound bow selection is the length of your draw. You can seek assistance from your local archery store in measuring it precisely and easily. Then, you can know your preferred measurement between bow cams.
These are devices with wheel-like features which provide power to the bow.
Lastly, you can identify your preferred draw weight. This measures the weight you can pull back of draw with your bow. There is actually no specific formula when determining your preferred draw weights.
You can start to try out bows with low-poundage and increase as you go. Note that the more weight you draw, the farther you can shoot. Here are our suggestions of the best compound bows you can consider.
Crossbow
Heavy-duty crossbow packages may price at least 1500 USD dollars. Nevertheless, buying a bow independently may cost you around 300 to 1000 USD dollars.
For beginners, we recommend you start from here and work your way towards completing the whole set.
Several crossbows provide a draw weight of over 200 pounds. This weight is great for big games. However, this will render no use for those who hunt on areas where such weight is not allowed.
You must remember that to get a higher arrow speed, you need a high draw weight. The arrow speed determines whether or not you will have a clean kill. We suggest looking into our suggestions on the best crossbows in the market.
Tips and Tricks in Bow Selection
When selecting a compound bow, you can start identifying your dominant eye. This eye is also known as ocular dominance. It suggests that the brain favors the visual input of one eye than the other. There are specific types of compound bows suggested dependent on your dominant eye.
As you select a crossbow, you must focus on the distance of your target and it’s built. The weight that you may draw shall depend on the prey type you wish to hunt. For example, should you want to hunt a deer, you may need at least 75 pounds of draw.
We suggest that you check out the laws and regulations of your preferred area. This can give you an idea of the ideal draw weight as defined by these hunting laws.
Conclusion
Now that you have known the facts behind these bows, you can start selecting which one you prefer. In terms of performance and application, it may be observed that compound bows have an edge compared with crossbows.
Nevertheless, crossbows are great for beginners as it does not have complex mechanisms to work with.
As a beginner at compound bow and crossbow hunting, it is pertinent to know more about hunting ethics.
There are several norms acceptable to a hunter. Experts practice them to ensure that the environment is protected and advocates safety of you and others.
