Comparing a Conventional Bow to a Crossbow

• As a conventional compound bow is shot, the string on the bow pushes the arrow more than twice the distance as when a crossbow is shot. Therefore, to produce the same arrow speeds, a crossbow must have more than twice the draw weight of a compound bow.

In range and power, a crossbow is equivalent to a longbow or compound bow that is about half the crossbow's draw weight.

• Because of this much shorter “power stroke” (draw) on the crossbow, it must have much heavier limbs. The powerful limbs move a short distance and stop quickly when an arrow is shot. Therefore, the crossbow must have more physical mass than a compound bow to absorb the shock, which otherwise would be transferred to the shooter. This short, heavy power stroke means the crossbow will create more noise when discharged than the conventional compound bow.
• The forward movement and strength of the crossbow’s limbs, combined with the length of the power stroke, determine the ballistic performance of the arrow it launches. Ballistic tests show that there is very little, if any, difference in the impact of broadhead-tipped arrows shot from a crossbow and a compound bow.
• The crossbow has a safety mechanism to prevent the arrow from releasing accidentally. Note: Since the safety is a mechanical device, it can be subject to failure. Always keep a loaded crossbow pointed in a safe direction.

The safety may be located on the side or the back of the sight bridge. Check your owner’s manual to learn how to use the safety for your specific crossbow correctly.