a compound bow includes a base member with a longitudinal extent and has first and second ends . the base member is formed from a rigid material and has a grip location between its first and second ends , which provide mounting locations for mounting limbs to the base member . an elastomeric body is applied over , for example by molding , and at least substantially encapsulates the base member over the longitudinal extent . the elastomeric body comprises an elastomeric material , and optionally forms a grip member at the grip portion .