Biography of Holless Wilbur Allen: The Innovator of the Compound Bow

Early Life and Passion for Archery

Holless Wilbur Allen, a visionary archer and inventor, was born on February 26, 1934, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, USA. From an early age, he developed a profound passion for archery and an insatiable curiosity for pushing the boundaries of bow design.

Inventing the Compound Bow

Holless Wilbur Allen's groundbreaking work in archery began in the 1960s when he set out to create a bow that would overcome the limitations of traditional bows. Drawing from his expertise in engineering and archery, he envisioned a bow that would provide greater accuracy, power, and ease of use.

After extensive experimentation and prototyping, Allen successfully developed the compound bow design. His invention incorporated innovative features such as eccentric wheels, cables, and pulleys, which allowed for a "let-off" at full draw. This let-off significantly reduced the holding weight, making it easier for archers to maintain steady aim and accuracy.

Collaboration with Tom Jennings

Recognizing the potential of Allen's revolutionary invention, Holless Wilbur Allen partnered with Tom Jennings, a well-established archery manufacturer. Jennings Archery, founded by Tom Jennings, was renowned for its craftsmanship and quality archery equipment. The partnership between Allen and Jennings led to the production and widespread availability of the compound bow.

Impact on Archery and Sporting World

The introduction of the compound bow revolutionized the sport of archery. It quickly gained popularity among archers, bowhunters, and competitive shooters due to its superior performance and ease of use. The let-off feature made the bow more forgiving and user-friendly, attracting new enthusiasts to the sport.

The compound bow's efficiency and power made it a game-changer in the world of bowhunting. Hunters could now shoot with greater precision and at higher velocities, expanding their hunting capabilities and making ethical harvests more achievable.

Legacy and Recognition

Holless Wilbur Allen's invention of the compound bow left an indelible mark on archery history. His groundbreaking innovation not only transformed the archery industry but also played a significant role in bringing archery into the mainstream.

Despite his pivotal role in the creation of the compound bow, Holless Wilbur Allen's contributions were often overshadowed by the commercial success of Jennings Archery. Nevertheless, archery historians and enthusiasts acknowledge his pioneering work and lasting impact on the evolution of archery technology.

Passing

Holless Wilbur Allen passed away on December 24, 2015, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and dedication to archery. His visionary invention, the compound bow, remains an essential tool for archers worldwide and a testament to his remarkable ingenuity.

Today, the compound bow is a staple in the archery community, and Holless Wilbur Allen's name will forever be associated with the invention that revolutionized archery, making it more accessible and enjoyable for generations of archers to come.

Eastmans' Hunting Journals UnderWater Archery Video

Spearguns operate on the same principles as hunting bows, so why shouldn’t you be able to use a compound bow underwater?

The folks at Eastmans’ Hunting Journals decided to test that idea in their recent video. The underwater archer in the video even demonstrates some reasonable accuracy by popping balloons with arrows at short distances. Obviously the accuracy would be hurt a lot at longer distances, but it is theoretically possible to hit a longer distance target underwater - provided you can still see it.

Bows are not designed to be fully submerged or fired underwater, but that doesn't mean you cannot still do it anyway. While  doing this could potentially damage a wooden bow, using a compound bow means that you are highly unlikely to damage the bow since it doesn't rust and there is no wood that could become soggy and rot.

The biggest difference is that the arrows "swim" a lot slower than they normally fly due to the water resistance. But hey, at least there is no wind to mess up your shot, right? Just water currents if any.