I shot a compound bow many years ago, in the early seventies, when they were first appearing on scene. I was impressed. But I still preferred my Bear Grizzly recurve. I too have nothing against a compound bow. They truly are mechanical marvels. But they have their cons, and pros, as does the self bows, and FG bows. The compounds, are faster, easier to pull to full draw, and hold it there. They have longer range, which may or may not be a good thing. They have a seemingly unending array of options, and add on products. But they are heavier, than a self bow, or FG bow. They have to have a mechanical device to put a new string on. You have to go to the shop to have it installed. They need to be tuned. They are noisier, than a self, or FG bow. I read in a hunting mag. about a guy in a tree stand, who saw great trophy buck coming under his stand, and when he went to nock his arrow, the razor edged blade sliced his string, and the resulting noise, made the buck hit the trail, for places unknown. The guy had to go to town, to have his string replaced. You can carry a couple of strings for a self, or FG bow, in your pocket. You can buy, or make your own arrows, from wood dowels, shoots, river cane, or boo. You are limited to arrows, in a compound. In my opinion, it is like comparing a muzzle loader to a modern rifle. You can make longer shots, and have a multitude of calibers, and bullet choices, but with the muzzle loader, you are limited to range, and calibers, and bullet types. But, you have to be a better hunter, and the satisfaction, is greater with the ML. Because you used better hunting skill. Yep the compound is far superior, to the self, and FG bows. But it takes something away from feeling of connecting with our past, and ancestors, and their method of hunting. Would they have dropped their self bows, and adopted the compound if it was available, I would bet the farm on it. But there are those, who prefer the flint lock to the cap and ball, both take skill and practice. The compound takes skill and practice. But there is just something about a self bow, that you made yourself,or FG that is more satisfying, than using a compound. If I had made a successful 50 yd. shot, and collected an 11 point buck, I would definitely feel proud. It was still with a bow, not like similar to our ancestors, but none the less a bow, and arrow. I would not feel bad about it at all. I hunt with rifles, and shotguns, and enjoy it. It still takes practice and skill. But just a little more with a ML. So don't feel bad about spreading out your arrows, on the target. Like the others have already told you, most likely it is the arrow, or a combination, or form, not holding the elbow of the arm up high enough, balance, and the arrow,etc. Some people are compound snobs, some are self bow snobs. It is what it is, so do what you like, and besides, you made your outfit, and did not have some unknown stranger make it. In time with practice, and good arrows, you will be successful in hunting with your own gear, and that will make for a far superior memory, in my opinion. If you offended anyone, it is because they chose to be. Enjoy your bow, and work with it, and ignore the naysayers, and have fun.
Wayne
