Compound bows for hunting
A compound bow throws an arrow through a set of cams that give you a mechanical let-off at full draw. Modern hunt compounds ship at 30-32 in axle-to-axle, brace height 6-7 in, IBO speed 330-345 fps, and 80-90% let-off. Draw weight is user-adjustable (usually within a 10 lb range per limb set).
Compound & traditional bows for hunting
The bow is a launch platform. Draw weight, draw length, IBO speed, brace height, and let-off decide arrow selection. Our compound reference rig is a 65 lb Hoyt RX-7 at 28 in draw; our traditional bench is a 55# Bear Kodiak Magnum recurve.
Traditional
Buying spec cheat sheet
Draw length: measure wingspan divide by 2.5. Do this once, before you shop. Draw weight: work up gradually; 50 lb is enough for whitetail and mule deer, 60-70 lb is the elk floor most bowhunters use. Brace height: 6 in is faster and less forgiving; 7 in is slower and more forgiving. Let-off: 80% means you hold 20 lb at full draw from a 100 lb peak; 90% is easier on the shoulder for long treestand sits. IBO speed: measured at 30 in draw and 70 lb; means little unless you shoot at that spec.
Match arrow to bow
A 65 lb Hoyt RX-7 at 28 in draw with a 100 gr point up front needs a 340 spine arrow for most shooters. Use Easton, Gold Tip, or Victory’s spine chart. Total arrow weight target: 450-500 gr for whitetail, 500-600 gr for elk. FOC target: 12-16% for whitetail, 15-19% for elk.