Binary cam

The binary cam system is a relatively new development in the world of compound bows. Originally developed and patented by Darton (a rival bow company) the design is seen almost exclusively on Bowtech bows, who may or may not pay Darton a licensing fee to use the design. [ [http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=1778494 HuntingNet Forums] ] [ [http://www.3dshoots.com/forums/showthread.php?s=16e749695b5b7b7bcc3344c8ed8f7b27&t=4028 3d Shoots Forums] ] [ [http://www.archery-interchange.com/forum/compound-bow-discussion-q/4112-mathews-bowtech-3.html Archery Interchange Forums] ] Whatever the case the binary cam is widely seen as a signature feature of the Bowtech line of bows.

In the often confusing and subjective world of compound bow cam types, the binary cam is best described as a modified twin-cam setup, where each cam is slaved to the other via an infinite loop of string connecting the two cams. On a typical twin cam setup, the bowstring is literally anchored onto one of the the bows limbs, from there working its way through the cams and again anchoring to the opposing limb. With binary cam, there is no point where the bowstring even touches the bows limbs, rather it runs through kind of extended "figure of eight" between the two cams.

Raison d'être of the binary cam

As a twin cam system relies on each cam rotating independently, based solely on the force of the string and the resistance of the bow limbs being absolutely symmetrical, there is room for a twin cam system to "loose tune" ["Wheel Options", [http://www.archeryshop.com.au/g/1960/compound-bow-selection.html Archery Supplies Australia] ] through wear and tear, string stretch, or just general age. The effect of a detuned twin cam bow is that the two cams rotate out of sync with each other, causing the bowstring to accelerate in two alternate, alternating directions upon release. This causes a number of adverse consequences, the most obvious being unsteady arrow flight.

The binary cam overcomes this by 'slaving' each cam to the other; as one cam is unable to rotate without the direct equivalent action of the other, the two rotate in near perfect synchronization, with any possible differences in rotation automatically correcting themselves as the shot cycle is completed. In effect, a binary cam bow never needs cam-timing tuning [2007 Compound Bow Specification Database & Comparison Charts, [http://www.huntersfriend.com/2007-Bow-Reviews/compound-bows-binary-cam-only.htm Hunters Friend] ] , whereas a high end twin cam equivalent might need it done as often as every few months in order to maintain critical accuracy.

Additional advantages of binary over twin

Binary cam systems are generally considered to be smoother drawing and faster shooting than equivalent twin cam systems, due to inherent efficiencies in their design. While not comparable with a high end hybrid or cam-and-a-half system in terms of smoothness of draw, the binary cam system is probably the next closest thing and is closer to a hybrid setup than a twin cam in terms of this. The binary cam system is also widely considered to hold the highest efficiency, that is, produces the highest arrow speed relative to its potential power. This applies to binary cams as a theoretical system only, as binary cams are used on only one bow manufacturer, and bow design is equally integral to performance as cam design. A binary cam bow is not by definition faster than an equally powered bow of other cam type.

Disadvantages of binary cam

There are no remarkable disadvantages to binary cam as of yet. [Cam Types (#Binary Cam), [http://www.huntersfriend.com/bowselection.htm#18-camtypes Compound Bow Selection Guide] ] Only the test of time can completely reveal the long term success of this new technology. On paper, the binary cam system is everything it is touted to be, however at this stage it will take several years for any major problems in binary cam systems to come to surface.

One circumstantial disadvantage might be that the binary bam system relies on interchange of modules to the cams to increase or decrease draw length, whilst many other bows may have their draw length altered simply by adjusting pin placements or tightening/loosening bolts. While a typical bow retailer will happily change these modules for you, often at no cost and well after initial purchase, it could pose as a potential problem for those wishing to sell the bow to another party, especially if the bow was verging on old or the design obsolete. It could also potentially prove inconvenient for those wishing to lend the use of their bow to another, ie on a group hunting trip.

External links

* [http://www.bowtecharchery.com/main.html Bowtecharchery.com]
* [http://www.dartonarchery.com/ Dartonarchery.com]
* [http://www.huntersfriend.com/2007-Bow-Reviews/bow-reviews-2007-specifications-all.htm Huntersfriend.com] - compound bow comparison chart
* [http://www.huntersfriend.com/bowselection.htm Huntersfriend.com] - compound bow selection guide

References