What is a defining characteristic of a compound bow?

A defining characteristic of a compound bow is its use of a system of pulleys, often referred to as "cams," which significantly increases the draw weight and allows for greater power while making it easier to draw the bowstring. This pulley system enables the archer to hold less weight at full draw compared to a traditional bow, providing a mechanical advantage that makes it easier to aim and release the arrow.

Other types of bows do not incorporate this intricate pulley system, which is central to the compound bow's design and functionality. This feature not only enhances performance but also allows for customizing the bow’s draw length and weight, accommodating the preferences of different archers.

In contrast, solid wood construction is a characteristic of more traditional bows, fixed draw lengths are a limitation often found in recurve and longbows, and compound bows are typically not the lightest type available, as their design includes additional components compared to simpler bows.