Modern compound bows are full of innovation and technology. When it comes to the limbs of the bow, archers can choose between a split limb bow or a solid limb bow. But what are the main differences between the two? And which one should you go with?

Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of both split limb bows and solid limb bows. We will look at how they work and which one might be the right choice for you!

What Is a Solid Limb Bow?

The limbs on a bow are connected to the riser and the cam system. The limbs are what give the bow its power and are designed to flex when the bow is drawn. This stores the energy which is then transferred to the arrow upon release.

Bow limbs are generally made out of fiberglass and other composite materials. These are laminated together for the greatest strength. The bow limbs on modern compound bows come in two different varieties: solid limb and split limb.

Solid limb bows use limbs that are one solid piece. They will usually have a cut (sometimes called a V-groove) out towards the end. This is where the cam is connected. They are all made as one piece that connects the riser to your cams and string system.

With a solid limb bow, the cam will be situated in the center of the V-groove with a part of the limb going on each side. These bows were the first design that compound bows came in and continue to be very popular today.

What Is A Split Limb Bow?

Unlike solid limb bows, split limb bows use two separate pieces as a limb. These two pieces connect the riser to the cam and string system and will run parallel to each other. Sizes vary among split limb bows. Each side of the limb can be an inch or two in width with a gap between them around the same size. This starts at the riser and stays this way all the way to the cams.

Split limbs were designed to solve some of the problems that early solid limb bows faced. Today, both solid and split limb bows are popular. There are many proponents for each type. Technology has come a long way for bow limbs. This has led to both types providing some unique advantages and disadvantages.

Benefits of a Solid Limb Bow

1. Compact

Because solid limb bows are only made of a single piece, they are much smaller when compared to a split limb bow. This means less real estate and smaller, more compact bows. This can be extremely useful for archers who are smaller in stature. It can also help those who are hunting out of ground blinds or tree stands.

2. Lightweight

Besides being smaller, solid limb bows tend to be more lightweight. Again, less material means less weight that goes into the bow, dropping its weight. That is not to say there are not some very lightweight split limb bows. But in general, a solid limb bow will use fewer materials in the limbs and be a little lighter.

3. Greater Accuracy

Most proponents of solid limb bows will say that they are much more accurate than split limb bows. While this may not exactly be true, they are incredibly accurate. The solid limb design helps to keep everything on the bow aligned and in tune. This means more consistent shots downrange.

Negatives of a Solid Limb Bow

1. Durability

One of the biggest negatives of solid limb bows is their durability. They tend to more easily wear out than split limb bows, especially around the V-groove where the cams are located. Limbs are made of several strips of material laminated together. When one area gets flexed more than the other this can lead to a greater chance of delamination.

2. Torque Stress

In the early days of solid limb bows, there was a major problem with the torsional stress caused by the pulleys. This added stress on the bow limbs would lead to pulling the limbs out of vertical alignment with the riser. It would also throw the bow limbs out of alignment with each other. If bow limbs are not properly aligned, the bow will not shoot accurately. While not as big of a problem with today’s improved bow limb materials, it is still something to be aware of.

3. Popularity

Since the start of split limb bows, solid limb bows have slowly become harder and harder to find. They are still an excellent option, but you will quickly find that most bow shops have split limb bows. This can make them harder to find and find parts for.

Benefits of a Split Limb Bow

1. Increased Durability

Split limb bows were invented to solve many of the issues that solid limb bows face. One of these is durability. Because there are two pieces of the limb, they are actually able to be much stronger. This is thanks to the lamination process. They also do not have a groove or notch cut out like a solid limb. This increases the longevity and durability of the bow sides of a split limb.

2. Increased Speed and Accuracy

One of the biggest reasons that split limb bows have become so popular is due to their increase in speed and accuracy. With the split in the limb, bow manufacturers have more freedom in designing their cams. They are also more consistent in the way they flex and resist torque. This allows speeds to increase and accuracy to improve when compared to the competition.

3. Reduced Hand Shock

Split limbs have more surface area and flex differently than a solid limb bow. Because of this, most archers notice a slight reduction in the hand shock they feel at the shot. This is thanks to the way the split limbs flex and the fact that there is a little more real estate to soak up those vibrations. While not a huge difference, it can help if you prefer to shoot a bow with higher draw weight.

4. More Options and Choices

Split limb bows offer a much wider range of choices as they are currently the most popular type of bow when compared to solid limb bows. This gives an archer more options when it comes to limb sizes, colors, strengths, and manufacturers. This also means the bow itself will usually have more accessory options. It will also be easier to find technicians that can work on your bow should you have any major issues with it.

Negatives of a Split Limb Bow

1. More Expensive

Split limb bows are a little more complicated to produce and they need more materials. Because of this, they tend to be a little more expensive than their solid limb counterparts. Of course, every bow manufacturer will be slightly different, but in general, expect to pay a bit more for a split limb bow over a solid limb bow.

2. Heavier

Comparing split limb bows to solid limb bows, one of the main differences is the size and weight. Split limbs have more material to them and are generally a little heavier than that of a solid limb bow. Again, this will vary depending on the actual bow model and brand. The wider profile and increased surface area will lead to a little more weight in the bow.

3. Wider Profile

Split limb bows, because of their design, tend to be much wider than a solid limb bow. This has its own benefits (like shooting stability) but it can be a big negative for those that prefer a sleeker, slimmer bow. The wider profile that is created by splitting the limbs into two separate pieces creates a different shooting experience. that might take some getting used to if you are accustomed to shooting a solid limb bow.

Choosing the Right Limbs for You

So which are better, solid limbs or split limbs? This decision is personal. It can only be answered after you think about what you are needing out of your bow limbs. If size and weight are the most important to you, then the simplistic design of a solid limb bow might be the right choice.

But if you want a bow that is fast, accurate, and popular, then a split limb bow might be better. This means more parts, accessories, and service options than a solid limb bow. Both solid and split limb bows are great thanks to today’s improved technology and materials. You cannot go wrong either way!

Final Thoughts

Compound bows have come a long way since their inception, and every year they seem to get better and better. With so many different choices out there, it can be hard to choose between something like a solid limb or a split limb bow. Thankfully both have progressed and improved with modern technology and limb materials, so both make for great bows!