Tuning a compound bow requires the ability to adjust multiple components and understand the impact of those adjustments on the shooting of the bow. Tuning a bow can be done by the archer or by an experienced bow technician. Knowing the right adjustments to make and when to make them will lead to better performance and accuracy when shooting.
Table of Contents
Tools and Components
Before attempting to tune a compound bow, it is important to have the right tools on hand. Some of the necessary equipment includes:
- Arrow rest
- Bow stabilizer
- String silencer
- Large and small Allen wrenches
- Protractor/string level
- Arrow square
- Compound bow press
- Paper tuning sticks
- Vane pliers
Adjustment Process
Step 1: Paper Tune
The first step to tuning a compound bow is to paper tune it. Paper tuning requires shooting an arrow through a large piece of butcher paper or paper target. As the arrow passes through the paper, it will leave behind a hole still carrying the shape of the arrow in flight. To achieve the optimal arrow trajectory, the hole should take the form of a “Bullseye” with the edges of the hole being round and even. If the hole is shaped like a banana with one side of the hole higher than the other, adjustments should be made to the nocking point and/or arrow rest height until the desired shape is achieved.
Step 2: Draw Length Adjustment
If the draw length is incorrect, shooting will suffer. The draw length can be adjusted by loosening the limb bolts and shortening or lengthening the limbs, depending on whether or not the draw length needs to be reduced or increased. Always check that the bow’s centerline is parallel with the ground to make sure the arrow is being fired in a straight path.
Step 3: Nocking Point
The nocking point of the bow is the location of the arrow’s fletchings when shooting. Adjusting the nocking point will allow for optimal arrow flight. Make sure the point where the string follows the arrow is 90 degrees to the arrow’s shaft and that it is level with the arrow rest. To adjust the nocking point, use the Allen wrenches to loosen the bow’s top and bottom limb bolts and then move the string until the desired location is achieved. Then, re-tighten the limb bolts.
Step 4: Arrow Rest Adjustment
Adjusting the arrow rest helps fine tune the compound bow and achieve the desired arrow flight. To adjust the arrow rest, mark the arrow rest’s Bracket at the desired location, loosen the arrow rest mounting screw, and then adjust the arrow rest until the mark is centered at the riser of the bow. It is important to make sure the arrow is level with the arrow rest when making adjustments. Once the desired placement is achieved, tighten the arrow rest’s mounting screw.
Step 5: Finish Tuning
Once the above adjustments have been made, finishing touches can be added to further improve the performance and accuracy of the bow. This includes adding a bow stabilizer and/or string silencer, which can help to absorb vibrations and reduce noise when shooting. Additionally, a peep sight can be added to help the archer correctly align their eye with the target and have a consistent sighting position.
Tuning a compound bow is important for ensuring the bow is shooting accurately. Adjusting the draw length, nocking point, and arrow rest are key to successful tuning. Additionally, adding a stabilizer and string silencer can also help to improve the shooting accuracy of the bow. With some practice and patience, anyone can become a skilled bow tuner.
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Last update 2021-01-05. Price and product availability may change.