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Crossbow glossary

What Is Power Stroke?

Power Stroke: The distance the string travels from its cocked position to its resting position.

By Marisol Vega, Senior Outdoor Equipment Writer & Research Editor. Manufacturer figures vary; check your crossbow's manual.

Power stroke is the length over which the limbs accelerate the bolt. A longer power stroke gives the limbs more time to transfer energy, so a crossbow with a longer power stroke can reach a given speed at a lower draw weight than one with a shorter stroke.

Manufacturers often quote power stroke in inches. It should be read alongside draw weight, cam type and rated bolt weight rather than on its own.

Why Power Stroke matters

Power stroke is the distance the string travels while the limbs push the bolt. The longer that distance, the longer the limbs have to transfer energy, which is why a long power stroke can produce good speed without an extreme draw weight.

It is also one of the trade-offs behind crossbow design. Long power strokes usually mean longer crossbows or clever layouts such as reverse-draw, so power stroke, overall length and balance need to be compared together.

How to read it on a spec sheet

  • Look for the figure in inches, and check whether it is measured from the cocked string to the resting string or quoted some other way.
  • Compare power stroke between crossbows of the same type. A compound with a short stroke and a recurve with a long one work in different ways.
  • Read it next to draw weight, cam type and the bolt weight used for the speed rating.

Common mistakes

  • Comparing power stroke across recurve and compound designs as though the numbers meant the same thing for efficiency.
  • Ignoring overall length. A long power stroke that makes a crossbow unwieldy in a blind may not suit your use.

Frequently asked questions

Is a longer power stroke always faster?

Not automatically. Speed depends on power stroke, draw weight, cam and limb design and the bolt weight. A long stroke helps, but it is one variable among several.

How is power stroke different from draw length?

Draw length is a term from bows, measured from grip to string. Crossbows use power stroke because the string travels along a fixed rail rather than being drawn by the shooter’s arm.

Why do reverse-draw crossbows mention power stroke so often?

Because the layout lets designers fit a long power stroke into a compact overall length, which is a headline selling point of that design.

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Definitions are general information. Always follow your crossbow manufacturer's manual, and verify local laws with the relevant authority.