What Is Let-Off on a Compound Bow? Simply Explained

Pulling back a compound bow for the first time and shocked at how light it feels at full draw? That magic is called let-off, and it is the single biggest reason compound bows are so easy to shoot accurately. Where a recurve fights you harder the farther you pull, a compound suddenly gets easier to hold near the end of the draw. If you have ever wondered how hunters hold a 70 lb bow steady while waiting for a deer, let-off is the answer.

Here is the simple idea: the cams (those oval wheels on each end) are shaped so that once you reach full draw, most of the weight rolls off your fingers. You hold only a small fraction of the bow’s peak weight, which means you can aim calmly without your muscles burning out. It is the feature that makes compounds beginner-friendly and deadly accurate.

In this guide, you will learn exactly what let-off is, how it works, why it matters, and how much you actually want. We will compare let-off levels in clear tables, cover the trade-offs, and share pro tips and mistakes. By the end, you will fully understand this key compound bow feature. Let us break it down.

What Is Let-Off?

Let-off is the percentage of a compound bow’s peak draw weight that is “let off” (reduced) once you reach full draw. In plain terms, it is how much easier the bow becomes to hold at the back of the draw compared to its hardest point. It is shown as a percentage, like 80% or 85%.

Here is the math made simple: if a bow is set to 60 lbs of peak weight with 80% let-off, then 80% of that weight (48 lbs) disappears at full draw — so you only hold about 12 lbs. You fight the full 60 lbs only for a moment during the draw, then it eases off dramatically as you settle in to aim.

This is unique to compound bows and is why they are so easy to aim. Recurves and longbows have no let-off — they are hardest to hold right at full draw. If you want a bow with a generous, easy hold, look for a high let-off compound bow (see options on Amazon). New to compounds? See our parts of a compound bow guide.

“Let-off is why a hunter can draw a heavy bow and then hold it steady for a full minute waiting for the perfect shot. The cams carry the weight so your muscles do not have to.”

How Let-Off Works (the Cams)

Let-off comes from the cams — the eccentric (off-center) wheels at the ends of the limbs. As you draw the string, the cams rotate. Because they are oval and off-center, they reach a point where they roll past their peak resistance and the mechanical advantage shifts in your favor. The stored energy moves into the limbs, and the weight you feel drops sharply.

Think of it like a lever or a see-saw passing its tipping point. Early in the draw you fight the bow’s peak weight (the “hump”). Then the cams roll over, and suddenly most of the weight is held by the bow’s mechanism instead of your arm. That is the moment of let-off — the bow goes from heavy to light in your hand.

This is also why a compound has a distinct “wall” at full draw and a “valley” where the string wants to stay. The cam design controls all of it — let-off, the draw cycle feel, and speed. For how speed ties in, see our arrow speed guide.

Why Let-Off Matters

Let-off is a huge deal for accuracy and comfort. Here is why it matters so much:

• Steady aiming. Holding only 10–15 lbs (instead of 60+) lets you aim calmly without your arm shaking or tiring.
• Longer hold time. Hunters can hold at full draw while waiting for an animal to step clear.
• Less fatigue. You can shoot more arrows in practice without wearing out.
• More draw weight made usable. You can shoot a heavier (faster, harder-hitting) bow because you only hold a fraction of the weight.

In short, let-off turns a powerful bow into one you can hold steady and aim precisely. It is a big part of why compounds dominate bowhunting and why beginners find them so approachable. For choosing poundage, see our draw weight guide.

How Much Let-Off Do You Want?

Most modern compound bows offer between 75% and 90% let-off, and many let you adjust within a range. Here is a quick way to think about it:

• Higher let-off (85–90%): Easier to hold for a long time, less fatigue. Great for hunters who hold at draw and for anyone who wants the most relaxed aim.
• Moderate let-off (75–80%): A slightly firmer “back wall” feel that some target archers prefer for a more controlled, repeatable shot.
• Tournament rules: Some target competition classes cap let-off (often at 65%), so dedicated target rigs may run lower.

Recommendation: For hunting and general shooting, 80–85% let-off is a great, comfortable choice. Serious target archers may prefer a firmer feel or must follow class rules. Most archers are happy in the 80% range.

The Trade-Offs of High Let-Off

More let-off is not automatically “better” — there is a subtle trade-off. Very high let-off (90%) gives the easiest hold, but it can make the “back wall” feel a little softer or spongier, and some archers feel they have less consistent control of the shot. A firmer, slightly lower let-off can give a more defined wall that helps some shooters anchor and execute consistently.

Here is the balance:

• High let-off pros: Easiest hold, least fatigue, long hold times.
• High let-off cons: Can feel softer at the wall; a few archers find it harder to feel a crisp shot.
• Lower let-off pros: Firmer wall, sometimes more control for target precision.
• Lower let-off cons: You hold more weight, so more fatigue over long holds.

Let-Off by the Numbers

Low vs High Let-Off

Not sure what setup fits you? Take our gear finder quiz.

Can You Adjust Let-Off?

On many modern compound bows, yes — some cams have a let-off adjustment (often a small module or setting) that lets you choose between a couple of percentages, like 80% and 85%. Not all bows offer this, and the range is limited, but it is a nice way to fine-tune the feel to your preference.

If your bow has adjustable let-off, try both settings and see which back-wall feel you like for your shooting. Hunters often pick the higher setting for an easier hold; some target archers pick the firmer one. If your bow is not adjustable, its let-off is set by the cam design — which is one more reason to choose your bow with let-off in mind. A pro shop can tell you what your bow offers.

Common Mistakes (and Fixes)

• Mistake: Thinking let-off makes the bow easy to draw. It only eases the hold. Fix: Pick a peak weight you can draw under control.
• Mistake: Buying max poundage assuming let-off handles it. The draw hump is still heavy. Fix: Choose a comfortable peak weight.
• Mistake: Chasing 90% for everything. The wall can feel soft. Fix: Match let-off to your style (hunting vs target).
• Mistake: Forgetting target class rules. Some cap let-off. Fix: Check your competition class limits.
• Mistake: DIY cam adjustments. Fix: Let a pro shop handle let-off/weight changes.

Pro Tips

• Higher let-off for hunting — the easy hold on an animal is priceless.
• Try a firmer wall for target if you want crisp, repeatable shot control.
• Draw weight still matters — let-off does not reduce the effort to draw the hump.
• Test adjustable settings if your bow has them, and keep what feels best.
• Pair let-off with proper draw length for the most comfortable, accurate hold.

“Let-off is about the hold, not the pull. It will not make a too-heavy bow easy to draw — but it will let you hold the right bow rock-steady while you aim. Choose your peak weight wisely, then enjoy the easy hold.”

Real-Life Examples

The patient hunter. Marcus drew his 70 lb bow as a buck approached, then held at full draw for nearly a minute waiting for a clear shot. With 85% let-off he held only about 10 lbs, so his pin stayed steady until the moment was right.

The new archer. Lia was amazed that her compound felt so light at full draw compared to her friend’s recurve. The let-off let her aim calmly and shoot far more arrows without tiring — speeding up her learning.

The target shooter. Wei competes in a class that caps let-off, so his target bow holds more weight at full draw. The firmer wall actually helps him feel a crisp, controlled shot for tight groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does let-off mean on a compound bow?

Let-off is the percentage of peak draw weight that is reduced once you reach full draw, thanks to the cams. With 80% let-off on a 60 lb bow, 48 lbs is “let off” and you hold only about 12 lbs. It is what makes compound bows easy to hold steady while aiming.

How much let-off should a compound bow have?

Most modern compounds offer 75–90% let-off. For hunting and general shooting, 80–85% is a comfortable, popular choice. Some target competition classes cap let-off (often at 65%), so dedicated target bows may run lower for a firmer back wall.

Does higher let-off make a bow easier to draw?

No — let-off only makes the bow easier to hold at full draw, not easier to draw. You still fight the peak weight (the “hump”) partway through the draw. Always choose a peak draw weight you can pull smoothly and under control.

Is more let-off always better?

Not necessarily. Very high let-off (90%) gives the easiest hold but can make the back wall feel soft, which some archers dislike. A firmer, slightly lower let-off gives a more defined wall that helps some target shooters control the shot. Match let-off to your goal.

Can you change the let-off on a compound bow?

Some bows have adjustable let-off (often two settings like 80% and 85%) via a cam module. Many do not — their let-off is fixed by the cam design. Any cam or limb adjustment under tension should be done by a pro shop with the right tools.

Do recurve bows have let-off?

No. Recurve and longbows have no let-off — they are hardest to hold right at full draw, and the weight keeps increasing as you pull. Let-off is unique to compound bows and their cam system, which is why compounds are so easy to aim and hold.

Final Verdict + Checklist

Let-off is the compound bow feature that makes powerful bows easy to hold and aim. It reduces the weight you hold at full draw — often by 80–90% — so you can aim calmly and hold longer. Choose higher let-off for hunting and easy aiming, or a firmer feel for target control, and always pick a peak weight you can draw comfortably.

Your quick checklist:

• ✅ Let-off = weight reduced at full draw (a percentage).
• ✅ 80% let-off on 60 lbs = hold only ~12 lbs.
• ✅ It eases the hold, not the draw — pick a comfy peak weight.
• ✅ Hunting: lean higher (85%+) for steady holds.
• ✅ Target: a firmer wall (lower let-off) can aid control.
• ✅ Check competition class let-off limits.
• ✅ Leave cam/let-off adjustments to a pro shop.

Want to understand your bow fully? Pair this with our parts of a compound bow guide and draw weight guide.