Maximizing Your Performance with Elite Bows: The Importance of String Angle and Axle-to-Axle Length

Many factors influence the performance and feel of a bow, but two that are vitally important, yet less frequently discussed, are a bow's string angle and its axle-to-axle length (ATA). These two aspects are intertwined, directly impacting comfort, accuracy, and the suitability of a bow for various archery needs and preferences. Elite Archery’s new lineup of bows offers even more selections than before to make sure you find the right fit for you with the World’s Most Shootable Bow.

WHAT IS STRING ANGLE?

String angle refers to the angle formed between the bowstring and the bow's riser when the bow is at full draw. This angle can affect various aspects of the shot, including how comfortable it is to anchor the string, the peep sight alignment, and the overall stability of the bow during the shot.
Several factors influence the string angle, but the bow's axle-to-axle length is the most significant. Generally, the longer the ATA, the wider (more obtuse) the string angle will be at full draw, while shorter ATA bows create a sharper (more acute) string angle.

AXLE-TO-AXLE LENGTH: LONG VS. SHORT

A bow's axle-to-axle length, or ATA, is the measurement from the center of one cam to the other. This distance plays a crucial role in determining the string angle, as well as the bow's overall feel and performance.

LONG AXLE-TO-AXLE BOWS

Longer ATA lengths, typically 35 inches or more, are often preferred by archers for several advantages:  

Wider String Angle: A longer ATA results in a wider string angle at full draw. This wider angle tends to be more comfortable for many archers, particularly those with longer draw lengths. Allowing for a more natural anchor point and easier peep sight alignment, helping to maintain consistent form. 

Stability: Long ATA bows maintain stability during the shot cycle. The increased distance between the axles spreads out the forces acting on the bow, leading to a steadier hold and more forgiving shot, which is crucial in precision shooting scenarios.  

Smooth Draw Cycle: The longer ATA contributes to a smoother draw cycle. The cams have more room to rotate, resulting in a more gradual and controlled buildup of tension, making the bow feel easier to draw and hold.

There can be some trade-offs when choosing a longer axle-to-axle bow. Long ATA bows are typically less maneuverable, making them more cumbersome for hunting in dense woods or confined spaces like ground blinds or tree stands. The new Elite Exalt 35 and Exalt LD have longer ATA at 35”, but with their longer draw weight options (up to 32” with the Exalt LD) and sleek design, they are the epitome of choice for those with longer draw lengths who want the efficiency and benefits of a longer ATA.

SHORT AXLE-TO-AXLE BOWS

On the other end of the spectrum, bows with short ATA lengths, usually around 28 to 32 inches, are popular for their compact size and maneuverability. 

Compactness: The main advantage of short ATA bows is their compact size. This makes them ideal for hunting in tight spaces, such as tree stands or ground blinds. Their reduced size makes it easier to maneuver through thick brush or other obstacles while stalking game. 

Faster and More Aggressive Draw Cycle: Short ATA bows often have a more aggressive draw cycle. The cams have less room to rotate, leading to a faster buildup of tension. This can result in a faster arrow speed, which benefits hunters needing a flat trajectory over short to medium distances. 

Despite their advantages, short ATA bows come with challenges. The sharper string angle can cause discomfort, especially for archers with longer draw lengths, making it more challenging to maintain consistent form. However, Elite’s new ARTUS with a 30” ATA and the HNTR33 with a 32 ¾” ATA, both accommodating up to 30” draw lengths (30.5” for the HNTR33), ensure that you can have the compatibility of a shorter ATA bow with the comfortability similar to that of a longer ATA. 

THE IMPACT OF DRAW LENGTH

The archer's draw length is another important factor to consider when discussing string angle. Oftentimes, archers with longer draw lengths experience more pronounced effects of string angle, particularly with short ATA bows, or have a hard time finding a bow that fits their proper draw length in a compact enough bow to use. For these archers, the sharper string angle may result in uncomfortable shooting and inconsistent anchor points, which can affect accuracy. Archers with shorter draw lengths may not experience the same level of discomfort with short ATA bows, as their shorter draw length results in a less acute string angle. This is why many archers with shorter draw lengths find short ATA bows perfectly suitable for their needs, particularly in hunting situations where maneuverability is crucial. Elite’s wide range of options for ATAs that accommodate a variety of draw lengths makes finding a string angle that fits you simply a question of preference and comfort. 

CHOOSING THE RIGHT BOW FOR YOUR NEEDS:

When choosing between a long or short ATA bow, it’s essential to consider your specific needs as an archer, including your primary shooting environment, your draw length, and your personal preferences for comfort and performance. 

• Target Archery: If you’re primarily focused on target archery or 3D shooting, a longer ATA bow is often the better choice. The increased stability, wider string angle, and smoother draw cycle can significantly enhance accuracy and consistency, which are paramount in these disciplines. 

• Hunting: A shorter ATA bow is typically more advantageous for hunters, especially those who frequently hunt from tree stands or ground blinds. The compact size allows for easier maneuverability in confined spaces, and the faster arrow speeds can be beneficial in hunting scenarios. However, hunters with longer draw lengths should carefully consider the string angle and ensure that the bow's feel and comfort are not compromised.