Crossbow Limbs: Recurve vs Compound
What is the difference between recurve crossbow and compound crossbow?
Recurve crossbows don't have cables or cams, hence their designs are less complicated than those of compound crossbows. It has bigger limbs and a bigger overall barrel to give the crossbow bolt the power it needs. The recurve crossbow is consequently heavier and bigger than the compound crossbow.
Answer:
Recurve crossbows differ from compound crossbows in several ways. Recurve crossbows have longer limbs and barrels compared to compound crossbows in order to deliver a longer power stroke. The limb tips of recurve crossbows curve away from the shooter, providing extra force to the shot. Additionally, recurve crossbows do not have cables or cams, making them less complicated in design.
Recurve crossbows are known for their simplicity in design, with large limbs and barrels to generate the necessary power for the crossbow bolt. The curved limb tips offer increased force to the shot, while the absence of cables and cams reduces the complexity of the crossbow.
On the other hand, compound crossbows are more intricate in build compared to recurve crossbows. Despite having smaller limbs and barrels, compound crossbows can be more powerful due to the additional cams and wires incorporated in their design. However, this complexity adds weight to the crossbow.
While recurve crossbows are larger and heavier, compound crossbows are more compact and narrow. They also tend to make more noise when fired compared to recurve crossbows. However, compound crossbows have a quicker reloading speed due to their compact size.