Compound Cheat Sheet

The key takeaways for beginners – using let-off correctly, training a surprise release, and keeping your cam system properly tuned.

Compound gear

Item	Priority	Tip
D-loop	High	The release aid clips only here, never directly into the string – protects gear and nock height.
Drop-away rest	High	Falls out of the way automatically on release – fletching touches nothing.
Peep sight	High	Forms one line with the sight ring and level – move one, and your point of impact shifts too.
Stabiliser	Medium	More weight up front increases the moment of inertia and resists torque on release.

What makes compound different

Let-off cuts the holding weight: 65 to 90% less force at full draw – at 80% let-off, a 70 lb bow feels like holding about one bowling ball.
Always with sight and release: Recurve shoots with fingers and a sight, barebow with no sight at all – compound always uses both, plus a release aid.
A higher starting weight is possible: Thanks to let-off, compound beginners can start heavier than recurve archers – holding at anchor stays easy.
Pro shop, not DIY: Cams, cables and string sit under high tension – adjustments belong in a bow press at a pro shop.

The 3 golden technique rules

Factor 1: A surprise release, not a trigger punch

Concept: Trigger punch – consciously pressing the trigger instead of building tension – is the main cause of target panic, which hits around 90% of dedicated archers eventually. Tip: Build tension on the trigger slowly until the shot breaks as a surprise. For persistent target panic: blank-bale training with no aiming point, or switch to a hinge or tension release.

Factor 2: The hard wall decides your draw length

Concept: If full draw feels cramped, your draw length is set wrong – it isn't your technique. Tip: Measure draw length on the bow with a coach, don't estimate it from your wingspan. Draw length, cam timing and peep position belong together in the bow press.

Factor 3: Peep, sight and level as one line

Concept: Even minimal canting of the bow shifts your point of impact sideways – the level shows it instantly. Tip: Check the level before every shot: centred means vertical. The bright sight ring must sit centred in the peep at anchor.

Cam systems & formats

Topic	In short
Single cam	One passive wheel below, only one active cam above – the quietest and most forgiving setup.
Binary cam	Self-synchronises via cable tension – still needs regular checks in the bow press.
Outdoor competition	50 m at an 80 cm target, 72 arrows, max. 720 points – the world's best regularly break 700.

Safety & law

Never dry-fire: Without an arrow, all the energy slams back into the riser, cams and cables – costly and dangerous.
Stop immediately after a dry-fire: Check for cracks and take the bow to a press for inspection, even without visible damage.
Know the legal situation: Bowhunting is banned in Germany, Austria and Switzerland – compound stays purely a target sport here.

Pro tip: Modern compounds really reach 270 to 310 fps – faster than a high-speed train at full tilt. IBO manufacturer numbers are lab values; only your own chronograph shows your real speed.