LISTED SPECS:  We have compiled this information for your convenience and reference.  The vast majority of this data is widely available on manufacturer websites and in published literature from the various bow companies.  Most of the specifications are straight forward:  brace height, axle-to-axle lengths, available draw weights, etc.  But  IBO Speeds and the Forgiveness Ratings require a little more discussion.

IBO SPEEDS:  The listed  IBO  speeds are also taken from the manufacturers' publications.  However, it should be noted that most manufacturers list somewhat "optimistic" IBO speeds on their retail brochures.  A true  IBO speed is obtained by testing a bow under the following conditions:  70# Peak Draw Weight - 30" Draw Length - 350 Grain Arrow.  Additionally,  since most manufacturers rate their own bows - they'll usually test the bows with a bare arrow shaft (no fletchings), a naked string (no nocking point, peep sight, or silencers), and a drop-away style rest.  The published IBO speed is also likely to reflect the manufacturer's "best" test, rather than their "average" test.  

Obviously, the manufacturer's testing doesn't reflect very realistic shooting conditions.  For a realistic setup, most bows will shoot well shy of their listed IBO speeds.  And although speed is a MAJOR selling point for compound bows, we suggest you consider the manufacturers' ratings as an estimate, and not get too caught-up in splitting hairs over the benefits of a 310 fps bow vs. a 305 fps bow.  In the field, these bows are quite likely to perform about the same.

FORGIVENESS RATING:  The forgiveness ratings listed on our comparison charts are NOT part of the manufacturer's specs.  This is an Ease-of-Shooting index that we have created, based upon the bow's listed specs, in an attempt to help buyers predict how subdued or unruly a particular bow design might be to shoot.  Our forgiveness rating is NOT a subjective score.  But rather we have written a simple formula based on the following premises:  1)  Bows with larger brace heights will generally be more forgiving (to flaws in shooting technique) than bows with shorter brace heights.  2)  Bows with longer axle-to-axle lengths will be more stable and have greater shoot ability than bows with short axle-lengths.  3)  Bows with mild to moderate cams will be more forgiving, as the shooter generally benefits from a more generous valley and smoother draw stroke.  

COMPUTATION:  Our rating was originally designed on a 100 point scale, but several new designs for 2003 have broken our ceiling (100+).  For our rating......Brace height is the biggest consideration - followed by axle-to-axle length - and finally IBO speed (minor consideration).  The math is fairly simple  Forgiveness= (1.5a + 7.8b) - (s/10)  where a=Axle Length, b=Brace Height, and s=IBO Speed.  Larger brace heights, longer axle-to-axle lengths, and moderate IBO speed bows score higher.  Admittedly, the formula isn't perfect, but it's a start - for providing an objective reference for buyers who are concerned about forgiveness and shoot ability.  We hope our forgiveness ratings are helpful to you in selecting a new bow.

N/A:  You may have noticed there are a few spots where "N/A" has been inserted.  If a manufacturer has not listed the data, an "N/A" (not available) appears.  Some bows, which aren't capable of 70# peak weight and 30" draw (such as youth or ladies bows) will not have a listed  IBO  speed - since IBO testing conditions cannot be met to establish a score.   Oddly, some manufacturers make a stab at an underweight/under drawn  IBO  speed anyway - although their testing parameters will differ from the  IBO Standard, resulting in "IBO" scores which may be exaggerated.  In this case, you will see a "*" after the bow's model name, indicating a true  IBO score was not possible.