Adjusting A Compound Bow's Draw Weight

Adjusting the pull strength of a compound bow is a straightforward process, but it's important to do it correctly to avoid damaging your bow or negatively affecting your accuracy. The pull strength of a compound bow is known as the draw weight, and this can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the limb bolts, which are located near the centre of the bow. Before adjusting the limb bolts, you may need to loosen the limb locking screws, which are usually found on either side of the limb bolts. When adjusting the limb bolts, it's crucial to turn them the same amount and not to exceed the maximum number of turns specified by the manufacturer. You can then test the new draw weight by drawing the bowstring and assessing how it feels. If you're happy with it, you're done! If not, you can continue to adjust the limb bolts until you find the perfect draw weight for you.

Adjusting the draw weight

The draw weight of a compound bow is defined as the force necessary to bring the bow to full draw. It is important to shoot a bow that is set at the right poundage, as your form and shooting accuracy can be affected if it is not. To adjust the draw weight, you will need to locate the limb bolts on your bow. These are usually found near the centre of the bow and lie in large circular knobs.

Certain compound bow models use a second set of bolts or screws, known as limb locking screws, to hold the limb bolts in place. These can usually be found on either side of the limb bolts and can be loosened with an Allen wrench or a separate screwdriver. Loosen these limb locking screws to allow the limb bolts to be adjusted.

The draw weight on a compound bow can then be changed by tightening or loosening both limb bolts equally. This can be done with the short arm of an Allen wrench, which should be included with your bow. Ensure that you adjust the tension of each arm of the bow to the same preferred weight. On most compound bows, one rotation of the limb bolt translates to roughly a pound and a half of weight.

If you want to increase the bow draw weight, tighten the bolts clockwise towards the riser. To lower the draw weight, first raise it to the maximum by tightening the limb bolts, then unscrew the limb bolts one full revolution counterclockwise. You can use a bow scale to check the poundage and continue to loosen the bolts one full revolution at a time until you reach your desired draw weight.

It is important not to tighten the limb bolts too much, as this could cause the bowstrings or cams to break. Consult your bow's manual to find out the maximum number of times you can tighten the limb bolts without causing damage. Once you are finished adjusting your compound bow, make sure that the locking screws are securely fastened. This will prevent the limb bolts from disengaging while using the bow, which could be dangerous.

Finding the right draw weight

The draw weight of a compound bow is the amount of force required to pull the string back. This weight can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the limb bolts. The right draw weight for you will depend on your physical capabilities, the purpose of your archery, and your personal preference.

Upper Body Strength

The draw weight should be determined by your level of upper body strength. If the draw feels too heavy, or you struggle to continue drawing the bow after multiple shots, the tension may be too high. A heavy draw weight can tire you out and throw off your shot.

Draw Length

Draw length refers to the distance it takes to pull the bowstring all the way back. The longer the draw length, the more tension is placed on the bow and the heavier the weight of the bowstring. Make sure your bow is properly calibrated to suit your body type and measurements. If necessary, take the bow to a specialist to have it modified. The draw length of the bow should correspond directly to your arm span.

Purpose

If you are using your bow for hunting, you may favour a heavier pull to ensure your arrows have penetrating power. If you are using your bow for a sports competition, you should use a weight that lets you shoot repeatedly without causing fatigue.

Comfort

The draw weight you decide on should feel natural in your hands. Don't let your ego tempt you into using a bow that is too heavy for you or specifications that don't fit your individual style. Adjust your bow until it is balanced enough to draw, hold and release without difficulty.

Average Draw Weights

If you are unsure what draw weight is best for you, you can refer to average draw weights categorised by age and sex. Children generally start with a weight of around 20-30 lbs; women weighing less than 170 lbs and older boys fall around 30-40 lbs; women weighing over about 170 lbs, older boys, and men weighing 150 lbs or less might use a weight anywhere between 45-65 lbs; men between 150-200 lbs use an average of 60-70 lbs; men over 200 lbs might use up to a 100-pound draw weight.

Using a bow press to adjust the draw weight

To adjust the draw weight of a compound bow using a bow press, follow these steps:

First, it is important to understand the various parts of a compound bow and their functions. The cams are the round disks attached to both ends of the limbs. They minimise the weight of the bow when you pull the bowstring, allowing you to achieve the same energy as a traditional bow with reduced weight. The limbs are flexible planks attached to the top and bottom of the bow at the riser, and they release and store energy when you pull the bowstring. The riser is the central part of the bow, containing the hand grip, and should be strong, light, and non-flexible. The bowstring releases the arrow, and is made from composite fibres. The cables move the cam when the bowstring is pulled back, and the cable slide keeps the cables out of the arrow's path.

Now that you understand the basic components of a compound bow, you can adjust the draw weight. The draw weight is defined as the force needed to bring the bow to full draw. It is important to shoot a bow with the right poundage, as this can affect your form and accuracy. To adjust the draw weight, locate the limb bolts, which are usually near the centre of the bow and lie in large circular knobs. The limb bolts are usually locked into the riser with locking bolts located just below the top limb or above the bottom limb.

The draw weight can be changed by tightening or loosening both limb bolts equally, using the short arm of an Allen wrench, which should be included with your bow. Be sure to make small adjustments at a time, turning the bolts no more than half a turn at once. This will allow you to fine-tune the draw weight and maintain overall stability and balance. Clockwise rotation will increase the draw weight, while counterclockwise rotation will decrease it.

If you want to increase the draw weight, tighten the bolts (turn them clockwise) towards the riser. If you want to decrease the draw weight, first raise it to the maximum by tightening the limb bolts, then unscrew the limb bolts one full revolution (turn them counterclockwise). Use a bow scale to check the poundage, and continue loosening the bolts one full revolution at a time until you reach your desired draw weight.

Remember to always check the draw weight after each adjustment to ensure it matches your desired setting. Make additional adjustments if needed, repeating the process until you achieve the optimal draw weight.

Changing the string length to adjust the draw weight

Changing the string length is a way to adjust the draw weight of a compound bow. This can be done by twisting the strings and cables, which will change the cam rotation. Twisting the string will shorten the draw length, while twisting the cables will lengthen it. It is important to note that twisting both the string and the cables will only shorten the axle-to-axle length and increase the poundage, but this will also deflect the limbs more. Therefore, it is recommended to only twist the string or the cables, but not both.

The number of twists required to achieve the desired draw length will depend on the specific bow and the string maker. However, as a general rule of thumb, twisting the cables will have a much greater effect than twisting the string. For example, adding one twist to each cable is equivalent to adding three or four twists to the string. Additionally, each additional twist will have a greater impact on the length as the string and cables become more twisted.

When adjusting the draw weight, it is important to keep the cams synced correctly. This can be done by adding the same number of twists to both cables on a binary cam. However, on a hybrid cam with a Y cable and a control cable, the same number of twists may not keep the cams in sync. In this case, it is recommended to twist the string instead of the cables to keep them in sync.

It is also important to note that adding too many twists to the string can cause instability. Therefore, it is recommended to use a set of strings to get the desired draw length and timing, and then have a new string set built with the proper amount of twists.

When adjusting the draw weight, it is crucial to keep the limbs in sync and to avoid over-tightening the limb bolts, as this can lead to breakage of the bowstrings or cams. It is also important to secure the locking screws once the adjustments are complete to prevent the limb bolts from disengaging during use, which can be dangerous.

Checking the current draw weight

Checking the Bow's Specifications

The first step is to refer to the specifications provided by the manufacturer. These specifications typically include the bow's peak draw weight, which is the maximum force required to reach full draw length. It's important to remember that the actual draw weight can be adjusted within a certain range, usually lower than the peak weight.

Using a Draw Weight Gauge

If you are unsure of the current draw weight or want a more precise measurement, you can use a draw weight gauge. This tool consists of a handle and a scale and is designed to attach to the bowstring. Pull the draw weight gauge back to the desired draw length, and it will display the current draw weight. This method allows you to make accurate adjustments.

Measuring the Draw Weight on a Compound Bow

Measuring the draw weight on a compound bow is different from a recurve bow. To measure it accurately, you need to determine the highest point, which is usually in the middle of the draw. You will need a bow scale, a luggage scale, or a spring balance. Here are the steps to measure the draw weight:

• Ensure that the indicator on your measuring scale is in the starting position.
• Hold the scale between your index and middle fingers, with the indicator facing towards your face to avoid blocking it with your hand.
• Attach the measuring scale to your compound bow.
• Pull the string with the measuring scale until you reach the full draw.
• Pull with your strongest strength, keeping your arm straight, and hold that position until you record the measurement.
• Repeat the process multiple times and take measurements each time.
• The highest draw weight you pull is the draw weight of your compound bow.

It is important to determine the correct draw weight to avoid fatigue and maintain accuracy. A lower draw weight can lead to more precision, while a higher draw weight can sacrifice velocity.

Frequently asked questions