Compound Bows: Pal Or No Pal?

Do you need a PAL for a compound bow? The answer is no. In most provinces, you must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a bow, but no PAL is needed. However, some provinces may have lower age limits for bows with lower draw weights.

No PAL needed for a compound bow

In most places, you do not need a PAL (or any other kind of license) to purchase or own a compound bow. This is because, in legal terms, compound bows are not considered firearms.

In Canada, for example, there is no license required for a compound bow. Under the Firearms Act, a person does not need to get a license or registration certificate to own other types of bows, and this provision includes compound bows. The same is true in Ontario, where you do not need a license or registration certificate to own a bow.

In some places, there are minimum age requirements for purchasing a bow. In most provinces, you must be 18 years of age or older to buy a bow, while some provinces may have lower age limits for bows with lower draw weights.

While you may not need a PAL to own a compound bow, there are often other rules and regulations surrounding their use. For example, in Canada, you can take a bow through the country as long as you have approved documents stating that you are bringing the compound bow for target shooting, wilderness protection, hunting, or transit movement. You must also declare that you are taking a bow when entering Canada to avoid any problems.

Additionally, some provinces and cities in Canada require a backyard check by an ordinance officer who will decide whether to give you a permit to shoot your bow in your backyard. Other cities do not allow archery practices at all.

Therefore, while you may not need a PAL to own a compound bow, it is important to familiarize yourself with the relevant rules and regulations regarding their use in your particular location.

Age restrictions and responsible use are crucial

In most countries, the minimum age to buy and own a compound bow is 18. However, this may differ based on your location and the specific type of bow. For example, in Canada, the minimum age to purchase a compound bow is 18, but there is no age restriction for owning one. Similarly, in North Carolina, there is no age limit for purchasing bows and vanes, but you must be 18 to buy field points and broadheads.

It's worth noting that some stores and websites may have their own age restrictions, requiring you to be 18 or older to make a purchase. Additionally, certain types of bows, such as crossbows, may have specific regulations and restrictions. For instance, in Canada, a license is required for a crossbow if it is barreled and launches projectiles that exceed the specified velocity.

When it comes to using a compound bow, safety should always come first. While anyone can physically use a bow as early as eight years old, proper instruction and supervision are crucial. The USA Archery Organization recommends introducing children to archery at eight years old, as they can join clubs and programs that help develop motor skills and foster a love for the sport.

Before allowing anyone to use a compound bow, ensure they have received adequate training and fully understand the safety precautions. This includes knowing how to handle the bow, following safety procedures, and adhering to any applicable laws and regulations in your area.

When in doubt, it's always best to consult with local authorities or archery experts to understand the specific age restrictions and responsible use guidelines for compound bows in your location.

Compound bows are powerful and versatile tools

The riser, or the central mount for other components, is typically made from rigid materials such as aluminum, magnesium alloy, or carbon fiber. The limbs, on the other hand, are made from composite materials like fiberglass or, occasionally, wood. They are designed to withstand high tensile and compressive forces and store the kinetic energy of the bow.

Compound bows offer a range of draw weights, typically between 40 and 80 pounds, resulting in arrow speeds of 250 to 370 feet per second. The cam or wheel at the end of each limb plays a crucial role in the bow's performance. There are several types of cam systems, including Single Cam, Hybrid Cam, Dual Cam, and Binary Cam, each offering different advantages. These cams provide a "let-off," reducing the force needed to keep the bow fully drawn, which enables archers to maintain full draw for longer and take more time to aim accurately.

The versatility of compound bows is further enhanced by the use of mechanical release aids, which improve consistency during release. Additionally, compound bows can be equipped with sighting systems, such as "peep sights," to enhance accuracy. The ability to adjust draw length and weight makes compound bows suitable for a wide range of users, from youth to adult archers.

While compound bows offer power and versatility, they also have some technical disadvantages. They have more moving parts, requiring additional maintenance, and are more susceptible to damage from dry firing. Adjustments to the strings, cables, and draw length often necessitate the use of a specialized tool called a bow press.

Overall, compound bows are a testament to modern archery's innovation, providing users with a powerful, versatile, and accurate tool for target practice and hunting.

Parts of a compound bow

A compound bow is made up of many parts, each contributing to the bow's overall functionality, efficiency, and accuracy. Here are the key components of a compound bow:

Riser

The riser is the central or middle portion of the bow, serving as the foundation and connecting various parts. It is typically made of strong and lightweight materials like aluminum or carbon fiber. The riser holds the limbs, grip, and other components, with a design that affects the bow's performance, accuracy, and balance.

Axles

The axles are the pivot points that enable the cams to rotate. They are essential for the smooth motion of the bowstring and limbs. The distance between the axles, known as the axle-to-axle (ATA) length, influences the overall feel of the bow, with longer ATA bows offering a smoother draw and slower arrow speed, while shorter ATA bows provide faster draws.

Cams

Cams, often referred to as the 'engine' of the bow, are located at the end of each limb and resemble wheels. They multiply the force exerted by the archer, making it easier to hold the full draw weight. Cams are connected to the axles and play a pivotal role in the bow's performance by manipulating the weight during the draw and release of an arrow.

Limbs

The limbs are the flexible, almost horizontal parts attached to the riser. They store energy when the bow is drawn and release it when the arrow is shot. Limbs are typically made from durable materials such as carbon, fiberglass, or composite materials. They can be designed as a single limb or split limbs, each offering unique performance characteristics.

Bowstring and Related Components

• Bowstring: This is the central mechanism that the archer draws back to propel the arrow forward.
• D-Loop: A small loop tied to the bowstring, where the release aid or arrow's nock connects. It ensures a consistent drawing position.
• Peep Sight: A small ring inserted into the bowstring, providing an additional reference point for aiming in line with the bow sight.
• Speed Nock: Small devices attached to the bowstring to increase speed and decrease vibrations.

Functional Parts

• Limb Bolts: These connect the limbs to the riser and can be adjusted to alter the bow's draw weight.
• Cable Slide: Keeps the cables apart and allows their smooth movement during the draw and release.
• Cable Guard: A rod that ensures the cables do not interfere with the arrow's path, maintaining a clear shot.
• Arrow Rest: Holds the arrow in place, allowing for consistent shooting.
• Arrow Shelf: A ledge or area above the grip where the arrow rests while aiming.
• Grip: The part of the bow that the archer holds, designed for comfort and control.

Accessories

• Sight: A device to help the archer aim, often featuring pins or a scope for better accuracy.
• Quiver: Attached to the riser, it holds arrows, keeping them easily accessible.
• Stabilizer: A weighted device that reduces vibrations and helps balance the bow during a shot.
• Sling: A strap or cord that wraps around the wrist or fingers, allowing the archer to release the grip without dropping the bow.

Differences between Recurve and Compound Crossbow

When choosing between a recurve and a compound crossbow, it is important to consider the differences between the two. Both types of crossbows have their own unique features and advantages. Here is a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.

The Recurve Crossbow:

The recurve crossbow is a classic and conventional type of crossbow that has been popular for centuries. It gets its name from the unique shape of its limbs, which curve away from and then back towards the front of the bow in an S-type shape. This design allows the limbs to function as powerful springs, launching the bowstring and bolt at high speeds. Recurve crossbows are typically larger and have a wider span due to their longer limbs and barrel. They are also relatively simple in design, making them easy to maintain and repair. The string on a recurve crossbow can be replaced more easily than on a compound crossbow, and they are generally more reliable due to their lack of complex mechanisms. Recurve crossbows are also known for their lightweight design, making them easier to aim and hold steady. However, their larger size can make them less agile and manoeuvrable, and they may produce more noise when moving around.

The Compound Crossbow:

The compound crossbow, on the other hand, is a more modern and technologically advanced type of crossbow. It utilises a compound pulley system, called a cam, to generate more power and speed. This system consists of a large pulley connected to the bowstring, which rotates when pulled, along with a smaller attached pulley. The compound design allows for more force to be stored in the cable system, resulting in faster projectile speeds of up to 470 FPS. One of the biggest advantages of compound crossbows is their ease of drawing. They provide a 'let-off', which reduces the draw weight, making it easier to hold and load the bowstring. Compound crossbows also have shorter limbs, making them more compact, agile, and easier to move around with less noise. However, the added mechanisms make compound crossbows heavier, and they require more maintenance due to their complex design. The complexity of the compound crossbow can also lead to reliability issues, particularly with the bowstring.

In summary, the choice between a recurve and a compound crossbow depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritise simplicity, reliability, and ease of maintenance, a recurve crossbow may be the better option. On the other hand, if you seek power, speed, and a more compact design, a compound crossbow could be the right choice. Ultimately, it is recommended to try out both types and see which one feels more comfortable and suits your intended use.

Frequently asked questions