Holding Weight from Let-Off
How much weight you actually hold at full draw.
How this works
Compound bow cams are designed so that draw weight rises to a peak partway through the draw cycle, then drops off sharply as you reach full draw — that final, lower weight is what you're actually holding at anchor, not the peak weight printed on the bow's specs.
Why this matters for practice and hunting
Two bows with the same peak weight but different let-off percentages can feel very different to hold at full draw — higher let-off means a lighter holding weight, which many hunters value for a longer, steadier hold while waiting for a shot. Lower let-off is sometimes preferred by target archers for a more consistent, repeatable feel throughout the draw cycle.
Frequently asked questions
Why does let-off matter so much for holding a shot steady?
Let-off determines how much of the peak draw weight you're actually holding at full draw — an 80% let-off bow means holding only 20% of peak weight, which lets you hold at full draw far longer than the peak number alone would suggest.
Do two bows with the same peak weight always feel the same to hold?
No — if their let-off percentages differ, the actual holding weight at full draw can be quite different even though the peak weight printed on the spec sheet is identical.
Is lower let-off ever preferred?
Yes — some target archers prefer lower let-off for a more consistent, repeatable feel throughout the draw cycle, even though it means holding more weight at full draw.
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