Single Cam vs Dual Cam Compound Bows – Which is Superior?

This article can guide you if you’re new to archery and need help deciding whether to choose a single or dual-cam compound bow. We’ll explore the differences and help you make an informed decision when purchasing your first bow. In recent years, the popularity of compound bows for hunting and archery has risen due to their unique limb design that allows adjustable pull weight.

Compound bows are commonly categorized as single-cam or dual-cam bows, with single-cam bows featuring one pulley and dual-cam bows featuring two pulleys.

What Sets Apart Single Cam vs Dual Cam Compound Bows?

The difference between Single Cam vs Dual Cam Compound Bows is straightforward: if you need more draw weight, a dual-cam bow will give you a higher pull than a single-cam bow, offering a few more pounds of draw weight. Also, dual-cam designs are generally more efficient and are the most commonly used design in modern compound bows.

To add more detail, dual cams in a bow allow for a smoother draw cycle, which reduces the effort required to draw the bowstring back. This, in turn, allows for more accuracy and less fatigue during extended periods of shooting or hunting. Dual-cam bows also tend to be faster than single-cam bows, as the cam system helps to reduce the amount of energy lost during the draw cycle.

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That being said, single-cam bows still have their advantages. They are often easier to tune and maintain, as fewer moving parts are involved. Single-cam bows also tend to be quieter, as there is less noise generated from the bow’s mechanics during the draw cycle.

Ultimately, deciding between Single Cam vs Dual Cam Compound Bows comes down to personal preference and intended use. Both types of bows have their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important to consider your own shooting style, physical ability, and goals before making a decision.

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The Role of a Compound Bow’s Cam

A bow’s cam or pulley system is to facilitate a smooth and speedy draw. It also provides insight into the force required to pull the bowstring, allowing for better preparation and aim for each shot.

One may wonder why bow cams are significant. The reason is quite simple – they aid in achieving a more precise and accurate hit on the target.

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Varieties of Compound Bows

Compound bows are uniquely designed to fit in one hand, making them more user-friendly than other types of bows, such as the longbow or crossbow. They offer several advantages, such as improved accuracy, the ability to shoot heavier arrows, and enhanced stability. There are four primary categories of compound bows.

Exploring Single Cam Compound Bows – A Popular Choice 

Single-cam compound bows, also known as single-pulley compound bows, are among the most widely used compound bows in the United States. The term “single” pertains to the number of wheels or pulleys used to reduce the string pull to a single point. The bow consists of a crescent-shaped limb with one pulley at the top and a cable attached to the pulley at the bottom.

The top pulley rotates when the bowstring is pulled back, causing the string to bend. This action bends the cable, which pulls on the bottom pulley. With this type of bow, you can shoot the arrow by pulling on the string rather than manually positioning the limbs.

Single-cam compound bows are especially popular among deer hunters, as they reduce the force needed to draw the bowstring back by using pulleys instead of a recurve-like system.

Dual Cam Compound Bow – A Simple and Efficient Design

The dual-cam compound bow is popular among many compound bow brands. This simple bow design features a power cable connected to a pulley system at either end of the bowstring, creating a “double pulley effect” that doubles the amount of energy in the bow for an equal amount of force applied by the user.

This design makes it easier for beginners to adjust the bow per their requirements. A dual pulley compound bow is designed for hunters who want a bow with low draw weight, but more power in the back end than an adjustable recurve-style bow can provide.

This type of bow offers excellent performance in the field, delivering a great shot for hunters. With its efficient and straightforward design, the dual-cam compound bow is a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced hunters.

The Hybrid Cam Compound Bow

The hybrid cam compound bow is a recent innovation in the archery world that has grown in popularity. It combines the benefits of a compound bow and a recurve bow into a single design.

One of the main advantages of this bow is its affordability compared to traditional compound bows while still providing similar levels of accuracy and power. Additionally, it is easy to use and can be shot with a single hand.

The hybrid cam compound bow features a built-in safety release, allowing the hunter to shoot the arrow at any angle. Its design offers a superior shooting experience compared to typical recurve bows, making it a great choice for hunters and archers of all levels.

Binary Cam Compound Bow: Lightweight and Durable

The binary cam compound bow is a popular and durable option for hunters. This type of bow is designed with two cams at the end of each limb, creating a dual-cam system that provides a smoother draw cycle and less nock travel.

What sets the binary cam compound bow apart from other types is its lightweight design, weighing under 25 pounds. This makes it the perfect choice for hunters who need to carry their equipment for long distances. Additionally, binary cam bows are made with a single piece of carbon fiber, making them incredibly strong and durable.

The binary cam compound bow is an excellent choice for hunters who want a lightweight and reliable option for their hunting needs.

Comparison of Single Cam vs Dual Cam Compound Bows

Single Cam Bows:

The single-cam design is ideal for the heavy pulling force needed for hunting, but it has limitations in the pull weight range, making it less suitable for extended shooting sessions.

Single-cam bows are suitable for beginners and casual users. However, they are generally weaker than dual-cam bows and rely on friction to hold the arrow, making them prone to losing arrows if they hit a hard surface.

Dual Cam Bows:

In contrast, dual-cam bows are stronger and more stable. They have a higher draw weight and can be adjusted to match any archer’s strength and arrow flight. Dual-cam bows are ideal for those who want to improve their shooting accuracy and have an easier-to-use bow. Additionally, they produce less recoil than single-cam bows, requiring less strength to hold a shot. As a result, dual-cam bows are suitable for women and those with weaker hands.

Choosing the right type of bow depends on what you want to use it for. If you are hunting small game or whitetail deer, a single cam bow may be sufficient as it can handle the force of an arrow impacting your target at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour (97 kph). However, if you are looking for more speed, a compound bow with its multi-pulley system can shoot arrows at over 100 miles per hour (160 kph).

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a Single Cam vs Dual Cam Compound Bows depends on your preferences and intended use. Single-cam bows suit beginners or casual archers but have draw weight and arrow flight limitations. In contrast, dual-cam bows are more stable, adjustable, and produce less recoil, making them ideal for improving your shooting skills. Consider your skill level, strength, and purpose before deciding which compound bow to purchase.

FAQ’s on Single Cam vs Dual Cam Compound Bows