What is a common characteristic of compound bows?

A common characteristic of compound bows is their high-speed performance. This is due to the bow's design, which includes a system of pulleys and cams that increase the bow's energy efficiency when drawing and releasing the arrow. The cam system allows for a mechanical advantage, enabling the archer to hold at full draw with less effort compared to traditional bows. This results in faster arrow speeds upon release, which enhances accuracy and the effective range of the bow.

While options like a single cam system or a fixed draw length may describe specific types of compound bows, they do not represent a defining characteristic of all compound bows. Multiple limbs may also be seen in different bow designs, but it is the high-speed performance that is a hallmark of what makes compound bows stand out in the world of archery.