For thousands of years, archery has been used as a means of sport, hunting, and warfare. Technological advances over the last few years have resulted in the design and creation of bows that can shoot arrows over longer distances with much greater accuracy. Because archery requires excellent technique, balance, and precision, the bow must be adjusted to suit the needs of the person using it. It's actually not that difficult to tune the mechanics of a modern compound bow. All you have to do is adjust the bow using a wrench and determine the draw weight of the bow that suits your needs.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Changing the Bow Pulling Weight
Step 1. Locate the bolt in the limb of the bow
Look for the limb bolt in the center of the arc. The limb bolt is placed in the large round knob that attaches the bow arm to the riser (bow handle). This bolt must be turned to adjust the weight of the bow pull, i.e. the amount of tension placed on the bowstring when it is pulled.
The riser (or bow handle) is the center of the bow that is connected to the limb (upper and lower) and other mechanical components
Step 2. Loosen the limb locking screw
Some compound bow models use a second set of bolts or screws to secure the limb bolt when it is in the correct position. Usually you can find it on the side of the limb bolt. Sometimes you can unscrew the screw using an L wrench (allen screwdriver) which is also used to adjust the limb bolt, but you may need a different type of screwdriver. You must loosen the locking screw in order to adjust the limb bolt.
Step 3. Tighten or loosen the limb bolts to the desired arc pulling weight
Insert the short section of the L wrench (usually a 3/16 size, and is included in the package of the bow purchase) into the bolt and make sure that the wrench is inserted properly. Next, turn the L wrench clockwise if you want to tighten the bolt, or counterclockwise to loosen it. Adjust the tension of each limb to the desired pulling weight. Do this for both limb bolts, turning each bolt the same amount.
- Tighten or loosen the limb bolts one complete turn at a time. This is useful for tracking the stress level at each limb.
- In most compound bows, one turn of the limb bolt will result in a pulling weight of one and a half pounds (1 pound is 450 grams). In the world of archery (which is also applied in Indonesia), the weight of the bow is expressed in pounds or lbs, not kilograms or grams.
- Remember, always adjust the tension evenly on both limbs.
Step 4. Test the bow pull
Tighten the limb locking screw if any. Hold the bow as usual, then pull the bowstring to test the weight of the pull. If you are satisfied with the weight of the pull, then your task is done. If not, continue making adjustments until you get to the weight you want to pull.
You should be able to draw the bow in one smooth, controlled motion
Part 2 of 3: Finding the Right Bow Pulling Weight
Step 1. Adjust the weight of the bow pull to match your upper body strength
The weight of the bow pull is determined by the strength of the upper body. If the pull feels too heavy, or you become unable to pull the bowstring after firing the arrow several times, the tension is too high. The weight of the bow that is too large can tire you out and mess with the accuracy of the shot.
- A lighter tug is easier to handle, but will reduce the power and speed of the arrow.
- A large pulling weight does not always result in an accurate shot. Its power and range can be affected by the type of arrow used.
Step 2. Calculate the length of the bow pull
The draw length is the distance that can be reached when you pull the bowstring fully. The further the length of the pull, the higher the stress placed on the bow, and the greater the weight placed on the bowstring. Be sure to adjust the bow to suit your body type and size. If necessary, take the bow to a professional for adjustment.
- The length of the bow should be adjusted to the reach of your arm.
- It's not easy to change the length of the bow pull, and it's probably best to leave it to a professional.
Step 3. Consider using a bow
Compound bows can be used for hunting, sporting events, or just for fun. Hunters prefer bows with a large pulling weight in order to have strong penetrating power. On the other hand, competitive archers like bows that can be used to shoot multiple times without getting tired.
- Competition archers shoot arrows more frequently and can become fatigued if using a bow with a large pulling weight.
- Bows of various specifications and mechanical advantages are made for different types of archers.
Step 4. Choose a comfortable bow pulling weight
Most importantly, the weight of the bow pull should feel natural in the hand. Don't indulge in ambitions to use too much pulling weight or a bow specification that doesn't suit your style. Adjust the bow until you can pull, hold, and release the bowstring without difficulty.
Adjust the bow to the setting that feels best. This can take a while, but in the end the bow will suit your situation. As a result, you will be able to shoot arrows more accurately
Part 3 of 3: Adjusting Compound Bows As Needed
Step 1. Use the average towing weight as a reference
If you're a beginner and don't know what's best for you, try using an average pulling weight broken down by age and gender. Children generally use a bow pulling weight of 20-30 pounds. Women who weigh less than 75 kg and boys who are teenagers use 30-40 pounds. Women weighing more than 75 kg, teenage boys, and men weighing 70 kg or less can use a bow pull weight of 45-65 pounds. Men weighing 70-90 kg use a pulling weight of 60-70 pounds, and men weighing more than 90 kg can use bows with a pulling weight of up to 100 pounds.
- Try using different sizes and weights of bow pull to find out which setting works best for you.
- This is just an average number, and does not reflect the abilities of each individual.
Step 2. Pull and hold the bow for a few seconds
Pull the bowstring until it reaches maximum tension and hold for about 10 seconds. If you start to shake or can't hold it, lower the pulling weight a little by loosening the limb bolts one turn at a time. You should be able to hold the bowstring firmly just before it hits the wall for a few seconds without difficulty.
- "Wall" is the point when the bowstring can no longer be pulled. The bowstring wall must be calculated so you can figure out the right amount of tension to shoot the arrow.
- Pulling and holding the bowstring is a practical exercise because you'll need to hold this pull in order to hit the target when you fire the actual bow later.
Step 3. Draw the bow with your feet off the floor
This method is used by some archers to test how comfortable they are with a certain weight of pulling on the bow. Sit in a chair and place your bow in front of your body as if you were looking at a target. Next, lift your feet off the floor and hold this position as you pull the bowstring. Feel whether you can do it easily or not. Lifting your leg will reduce your stability and will show how much you rely on your back and shoulder muscles to pull the bowstring.
This test does slightly exaggerate the role of the upper body in pulling, holding, and firing the bow, so you can have more control when your feet touch the ground later
Step 4. Identify the part of the pull that feels the heaviest
As you pull the bowstring, note where you feel the pull is the heaviest. Bows generally feel the heaviest pulled just before you hit the wall point. If you feel the bow starting to get heavy while the pull is still in the middle or earlier, you'll need to loosen the limb bolt a bit. If the bow feels too easy and light, tighten the limb bolt to increase the arrow's shot.
The bow should be pulled in one smooth motion, and the bowstring should not slow down at any point when you pull it
Tips
- Each bow has different characteristics. You may feel very comfortable pulling a 60 pound bow, but shoot better when you use another 65 pound bow.
- Maybe you need to tune the bow many times as experience increases. Preferences and abilities will change and get better if you practice often.
- Pay attention to how you use the bow with a certain level of tension and make adjustments that can increase the speed and accuracy of the shot.
- If possible, enlist the help of a professional to tune the bow to its specifications to suit your needs.
Warning
- Check the bow manual to see how much you can turn the limb bolt safely in both directions. If you tighten or loosen the bolts beyond capacity, your bow may be damaged.
- Be careful not to over-tighten the limb bolts. This could damage the cam and break the bowstring. Cam is a kind of wheel that connects the limb to the bowstring.
- Be sure to tighten the locking screws when you're done. If this is not done, the limb bolts may come loose and the arc will fall apart. This is very dangerous for the person holding the bow and other people in the vicinity.
