Tuning Your Archery Equipment

Tuning Your Archery Equipment

By Donise Petersen

Archery is a sport anyone can do, right? So why is it hard to answer questions, one would assume, are basic questions and ought to have an easy response.

Find a Trusted Archery Dealer
When I tell acquaintances I’m blessed to teach archery for a living, the first question I get asked is “what type of bow should I get for myself or my child?”. This question arises a lot, especially during the holidays. How would you respond? I often say purchasing a bow is like purchasing a vehicle, you need to test-drive it first and go to the proper dealer to learn more.

Once you leave that dealer, or in our case the archery shop, do you return? I hope so!

Many times, I hear people do not go back unless something breaks. Learning how to take care of your equipment is important but you should consult with a professional archery technician for guidance and assistance with your equipment.

Have the Proper Equipment
To become a successful archer and continue to advance in your skills, it’s important to not only have the proper technique but also the proper equipment. As friends continue to shoot, I start to hear” “My arrow is doing this”, and instantly they believe something is wrong with the bow. Sure, sometimes there is something out of tune but other times it may just be an “off” day.

Out of tune… what is that? Do you hear people saying you need to ensure your bow is in tune?

Let’s discuss the steps you can take to ensure your equipment is in tune or in prime condition.

You have gone to an archery shop, they determined your eye dominance, draw length, draw weight and you purchased your first bow! Now what? Well, how long has it been since you purchased that bow? Below are some suggestions to ensure your bow its properly fitting you to give your archery equipment optimal performance.

Ensure your Bow’s Draw Length is correct
If it’s been a while since you purchased the bow you may have physically changed or grown. Your bow’s draw length is the distance between the grip of the bow and the bowstring when it’s at full draw. Adjusting your bow’s draw length can help you shoot more accurately and consistently. Your archery technician will measure your draw length and recommend adjustments based on your shooting style and preferences, such as if you are shooting with a release or fingers.

Check Your Bowstring
It’s important to inspect your bow for any cracks on the limbs but it’s also crucial to make sure your bowstring is in good condition and properly maintained. Check your bowstring for signs of wear, such as fraying or damage. Replace your bowstring if it’s damaged or worn out. You will want to use bow wax to maintain your string as you shoot throughout the years to come.

Check Your Arrow Rest
The arrow rest is the part of the bow that holds the arrow in place. It’s important to make sure that your arrow rest is properly aligned and adjusted. A misaligned arrow rest can cause your arrows to fly off-course. Adjust the rest until the arrow sits flush against it, and make sure it is in line with the bowstring. There are different types of arrow rest and your archery technician can help you decide which rest is correct for you.

Check Your Bow’s Brace Height
The brace height is the distance between the bowstring and the grip of the bow when it’s at rest. A bow’s brace height can affect its performance, so it’s important to make sure that it’s adjusted properly. To check your bow’s brace height, measure the distance between the bowstring and the grip of the bow. A longer brace height makes the bow more forgiving of slight imperfections in the archer’s form, release, or grip. It provides a larger margin of error, reducing the impact of minor mistakes on arrow flight. A shorter brace height increases the speed of the arrow but also makes the bow less stable. It requires more precise shooting technique because any inconsistency in form or release can result in more significant deviations in arrow trajectory. The brace height affects the bow’s dynamic characteristics, including its timing and how it interacts with the arrow during the shot. Adjusting the brace height can help optimize the bow’s performance by aligning the arrow’s spine and the bow’s energy transfer.

Selecting the Right Arrows
Choosing the right arrows is crucial for accurate shooting. Arrows come in different materials, lengths, and stiffness. It’s important to choose arrows that match your bow’s draw weight and your shooting style. An incorrect spine can cause the arrow to flex too much or too little upon release, impacting accuracy. For instance, a weak spine (too flexible) can result in the arrow wobbling in flight, leading to erratic arrow grouping and inconsistent impact points on the target. A stiff spine (not flexible enough) can cause the arrow to resist bending, leading to the arrow veering off course or flying inconsistently. It may also result in excessive vibration, affecting the archer’s aim and follow-through.

Adjust Your Sights or Nock Point
Nock point is the point where the arrow nock sits on the bowstring. The position of the nock point can affect the flight of your arrow. To determine your nock point first start with a bow square. To adjust your sights, first shoot a few arrows to see where they hit. If the arrows are consistently hitting too high or too low, adjust the sights or nock point accordingly.

Shooting Broadheads
If you will be hunting with your bow, you will want to ensure you tune or match your broadheads before hunting. Tuning your broadheads is important for accurate shooting. Broadheads can be tuned by adjusting their weight or by using different types of broadheads.

For additional tips and suggestions, I recommend the Archery Trade Associations Archery360.com website and to consult your local archery shops technician.

Have fun shooting!