[1] The compound bow was first developed in 1966 by Holless Wilbur Allen in North Kansas City, Missouri, and a US patent was granted in 1969.

The higher-rigidity, more advanced construction also improves accuracy by reducing the bow's sensitivity to changes in temperature and humidity.

[2] A bow's central mount for other components (limbs, sights, stabilizers and quivers) is called the riser.

Limbs are made of fiberglass-based composite materials, or occasionally wood, and able to withstand high tensile and compressive forces.

Draw weights of adult compound bows range is between 40 and 80 pounds (18 and 36 kg), which can create arrow speeds of 250 to 370 feet per second (76 to 113 m/s).

There are several different concepts of using the cams to store energy in the limbs, and these all fall under a category called bow eccentrics.

The lower holding weight enables the archer to maintain the bow fully drawn and take more time to aim.

This effectively makes the bow function very similar to a recurve, with the draw length determined by the shooter's preferred anchor point.

An example of this type of bow is the Genesis, which is standard equipment in the U.S. National Archery in the Schools Program.

[8] The average IBO speed for the majority of compound bows on the market hovers around 310–320 feet per second.

Typically a shorter brace height will result in an increased power stroke, but comes at the price of a bow that's less forgiving to shooter error and having harsher string slap.

Fine-tuning may be accomplished by adjustment of the arrow rest, or nock point on the string, rather than by changing arrow-length and tip weight.

Another important consideration is that the IBO (International Bowhunting Organization) recommends at least 5 grains per pound (0.71 grams per kilogram) of draw weight as a safety buffer.