#bowtuning

All around the country, sometimes just a few short weeks before opening day for Archery season; busy hunters hope their bows are up to the task without much, if any preparation. Most expect their equipment to remain constant, which in the real world, does not exist. There are many variables that cannot be overlooked. Let’s go over a few items to look for when preparing for the season.

- Cam timing – Most bow models come with cam timing marks check those before each use. They will usually have two marks indicating a range the cables must fall within. Check single cams bows for draw stops and tight modules as well.

- Draw stops – It’s essential that both the top and bottom cams roll over into the draw stops at the same time. This of course applies to Hybrid and double cam bows. The cam system must be in time to achieve maximum efficiency. Here is a general rule of thumb, if the top cam hits before the bottom, add twists to the control cable. If the opposite occurs, bottom hits first, remove twists until both cams make contact at the same time.

- Strings and cables – The strings and cables are the lifeblood of your bow; they must be inspected, and kept waxed. Frayed or worn strings and cables should be replaced. I recommend changing strings every year. Safety and dependability go hand in hand.

- Limbs – Inspect each limb carefully for signs of damage, cracks, deformations, delaminations stress lines, or anything else that looks out of the ordinary.  It only takes a few minutes and your safety and hunt depend on it.

- Hardware and fasteners – Manually check each fastener on your bow. This includes fasteners located on your cams/cam, sights, and rest. Ensure all of them are present and tightened to the manufacturer specs. Nothing is more frustrating than finding out you are missing fasteners when opening day is right around the corner!

- Peep alignment – Ensure that your peep is aligned properly. Over time, strings stretch and the peep begins to rotate further out of alignment as the strings stretch. This also happens on new bows quite frequently. It’s a simple check and nothing can ruin your hunt faster than misaligned peep. A quick trip to a pro shop or in your own press can solve this problem easily. Sometimes a simple adjustment of the D Loop can fix this problem as well.

- Riser inspection – Inspect your riser for cracks, things can happen and it’s easy to take for granted that the riser is in good shape. Check all machining in every nook and cranny, some risers have very complex machine work so be thorough and use a flashlight in areas of low visibility.

- Rests – With so many types of rests on the market, it’s easy to overlook its functionality and serviceability. Ensure any string/limb driven type rests are operating in full range of motion as intended, and their nylon cords/ leads are in good shape. With all rests make sure their position has not been knocked out of whack. Hey, it happens!

- Basic setup – Ensure the arrow is 90 degrees to the string, archery specific bubble levels are a quick and easy tool to check this. Most pro shops will be glad to check this for you. Also, check the center shot to ensure its aligned properly.

- Sights – Many sights are tool free these days, some still use Allen wrenches. Ensure there is freedom of movement, and that everything is secure. Check for broken fiber optics and the battery in equipped models.

- D Loop – Ensure your D loop is not frayed, or has become stretched and loose on the string.

Paper tuning – By far the most popular way to ensure the arrow is leaving the bow properly

1. Fix a sheet of paper so you can shoot through it. The paper should be fixed to a frame or fashioned so that it is not loose or sagging.

2. Stand roughly 4 yards from the paper.

3. Draw your bow and settle into your anchor

4. With good overall archery form, shoot through the paper. (with a suitable backstop)

5. Study the paper tear.

6. Adjust your bow if necessary and repeat the process until a desirable rip is achieved

Broadhead Flight

- Be sure to check broadhead flight in advance of the season! Most all broadheads available today have practice blades or dummy heads designed to replicate the real broadhead in flight.

- Spin test your arrows using a spin tester to check for perfect insert alignment and that the broadhead is rotating true on the shaft axis.

 Happy hunting!

Author: Jeff Hale