What is a compound bow, and how do its rules differ?
Officials' detail · Bows, arrows and equipment · 2 of 6A compound bow uses a system of pulleys or cams to change the effort of the draw. In the compound division the archer may use a mechanical release aid, a magnifying sight with a level and a peep sight in the string. The peak draw weight may not exceed 60 pounds, and nothing may be electric or electronic.
How it works
| Part | Compound rule |
|---|---|
| Bow | Draw varied mechanically by pulleys or cams; a shoot-through riser is allowed; peak draw weight 60 lb at most |
| String | Any type; peephole, lip and nose marks, D-loop, silencers and weights allowed |
| Arrow rest | Pressure point no more than 6 cm back from the grip's pivot point |
| Sight | May have magnifying lenses, prisms and a level; a fibre optic point may be lit by a chemical glow stick |
| Draw check | Allowed, not electric or electronic |
| Stabilisers | Any number, not touching the body at full draw |
| Release | A release aid, not attached to the bow |
- Any other device is allowed unless it is electric or electronic, unsafe or disturbs other archers.
- Arrows follow the same limits as for recurve.
Tricky cases
Is there a limit on how powerful a compound bow can be?
Yes. The peak draw weight must not exceed 60 pounds.
Can a compound sight be magnified?
Yes. Magnifying lenses and a levelling device are allowed.
Can the sight have a battery-powered light?
No. The sight point may be lit only by a chemical glow stick, because nothing electric or electronic is allowed.
Why the rule exists
The compound division accepts mechanical help and tests precision at its limit. The draw-weight cap and the ban on electronics keep it a contest between archers and keep ranges safe.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Archery rules | As above | B3 9.2 |
From the rule book
World Archery Rulebook, Book 3, Article 9.2. Version of 27 January 2026. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Archery Rulebook (PDF).