Which is more powerful, compound bow or a recurve bow?

When discussing the power of compound bows and recurve bows, we need to consider multiple factors, including the design of the bow, the materials used, and the effort required to shoot. Based on the search results, we can draw the following conclusions:

Power Comparison
Compound bows are generally more powerful than recurve bows. Specifically, with the same amount of effort, the poundage that can be operated on a compound bow is about 20%-30% greater than that of a recurve bow. This is because compound bows are equipped with labor-saving pulleys, making it easier to pull the bowstring.

Shooting Efficiency
Due to the pulley system of compound bows, archers can pull more pounds with less effort, thereby shooting faster and farther arrows. The power and efficiency of recurve bows are directly related to the archer's pulling force. Although the speed and range of the arrow will increase with the increase in pulling force, the efficiency of recurve bows may be slightly lower than that of compound bows.

Shooting Experience
The shooting experience of compound bows is generally more comfortable because the pulley system can reduce the archer's hand fatigue. In addition, the aiming system of compound bows is more precise, which helps to improve shooting accuracy. The shooting experience of a recurve bow is closer to that of a traditional bow and arrow, requiring more skill and power control from the shooter.

Applicable scenarios
Compound bows are often used for hunting and competitive shooting due to their efficiency and accuracy. Recurve bows are often used for traditional archery sports and teaching due to their traditional and simple characteristics.

In summary, compound bows are usually more powerful than recurve bows, mainly due to their complex structure and labor-saving pulley system. However, the choice of which bow to choose ultimately depends on personal needs and preferences.