Explain these cams, please...

[TX_Kevin]

I know some of us will chime in and speak like we're experts on nearly all subjects, but I am very interested to know the differences between cams.

Can one you guys explain solo cam, cam and a half, binary cam, etc.?

[texag93]

.... explain solo cam, cam and a half, binary cam, etc.?

Mathews, Hoyt, Bowtech???? I'm not expert.

[Fishndude]

The Binary Cam
As a twin cam system relies on each cam rotating independently, based solely on the force of the string and the resistance of the bow limbs being absolutely symmetrical, there is room for a twin cam system to "lose tune" through wear and tear, string stretch, or just general age. The effect of a detuned twin cam bow is that the two cams rotate out of sync with each other, causing the bowstring to accelerate in two alternate, alternating directions upon release. This causes a number of adverse consequences, the most obvious being unsteady arrow flight.

The binary cam overcomes this by 'slaving' each cam to the other; as one cam is unable to rotate without the direct equivalent action of the other, the two rotate in near perfect synchronization, with any possible differences in rotation automatically correcting themselves as the shot cycle is completed. In effect, a binary cam bow never needs cam-timing tuning, whereas a high end twin cam equivalent might need it done as often as every few months in order to maintain critical accuracy.

[xman59]

the cam and a half system basically is a two cam for working purposes, they both are supposed to turn in sync the primary reason for them is the increase in speed a two cam will usually give over a single cam.. but a less hash draw cycle which at least to me it seems to accomplish... usually not as harsh as a twin but not as easy as most single cams.... more and more are going to a binary cam system.. it delivers very smooth draw cycles on most bows and many are faster than there closest counterpart

[TX_Kevin]

I have to admit that I am a little surprised that there have not been more comments in support of one system or the other.

The advanced vectoring system on the McPhearson/Mathews Monster slaves one cam to the other, but it's not a binary. Interesting.