Archery Bows: How Tight Is Too Tight?

Archery is a sport with a rich history, dating back to ancient times. The traditional bow and arrow have been used for thousands of years and played a significant role in human evolution and conflicts. Today, archery has evolved into a modern sport with various bow types, each offering unique advantages and catering to different needs.

When it comes to the tightness of archery bows, the discussion revolves around the tension applied to the bowstring and the serving process. The tightness of the bowstring is crucial for the bow's performance, and it is measured in pounds of tension. Different bows require different tension settings, and it's essential to find the right balance to ensure accuracy and prevent damage.

Additionally, the serving process, which involves wrapping the bowstring with serving thread, plays a vital role in the overall tightness. Archers use serving jigs to apply the serving thread, and the tightness of this process can impact the bow's performance and the longevity of the string.

Finding the optimal tightness for an archery bow involves a combination of factors, including the type of bow, the archer's skill level, and the intended use. It's a delicate balance that requires knowledge and experience to perfect.

Serving tension

End Servings and Loop Servings:

The tension for end servings and loop servings should be tight enough to protect the string without causing deformation. For end servings, aim for maximum tension without damaging the serving. Loop servings require a delicate touch, as excessive tension can cause the end serving underneath to separate.

Center Serving:

Center servings require greater tension than end and loop servings to prevent movement. It is recommended to apply as much tension as possible without breaking the serving thread. This high tension helps maintain the center serving's integrity and ensures it stays in place.

String Tension:

The tension of the string itself during serving also matters. A higher string tension, such as 300-350 lbs, allows for a tighter serving without affecting the twist of the string. This reduces the likelihood of peep rotation. However, if the string tension is too high, it can be challenging to achieve the desired serving tension without a gauge.

Serving Tool Tension:

The serving tool's tension is crucial and is typically set between 6-8 lbs. If the tension is too high, it can change the twist of the string, affecting the peep rotation. Conversely, if the tension is too low, the serving may be too loose and require frequent adjustments. Finding the right balance is essential for consistent results.

Direction of Serving:

The direction of serving in relation to the twist of the string is a debated topic. Some archers prefer serving in the same direction as the string twist, arguing it prevents the untwisting of the string. Others suggest serving in the opposite direction to increase the bond between the string and serving. Personal experiences vary, and it may be necessary to experiment to find the preferred method.

Achieving the proper serving tension in archery is a combination of technique, tools, and personal preference. It is essential to understand the unique requirements of different serving types and make adjustments accordingly. Experimentation and a good relationship with your archery shop can help you dial in the optimal serving tension for your setup.

Bowstring tension

The bowstring is the connection point between the archer and the arrow. The tightness of the bowstring, or bowstring tension, is an important factor in archery. It can affect the accuracy and power of the shot, as well as the archer's comfort and safety.

Factors Affecting Bowstring Tension

The ideal tension for a bowstring depends on several factors, including the type of bow, the intended use, and the archer's preferences.

Type of Bow

Different types of bows, such as recurve, longbow, and compound bows, require different string tensions. For example, a recurve bow typically has a higher draw weight, which requires a higher string tension to achieve the same effect as a longbow.

Intended Use

The intended use of the bow also plays a role in determining the ideal string tension. For instance, a bow used for hunting requires higher tension to achieve more power and accuracy. In contrast, a bow used for recreational target practice may have lower tension, making it easier to use for beginners.

Archer's Preferences

Every archer has unique preferences for their equipment, and this includes the tension of the bowstring. Some archers prefer a tighter string for increased control, while others opt for a looser string for a more comfortable draw.

Techniques for Adjusting Tension

Adjusting the tension of a bowstring can be done through various techniques, and it is important to follow the specific guidelines for the type of bow and string being used.

Stretching Devices

One common method for achieving the desired tension is to use a stretching device, such as a spring scale or a boat winch, to measure and apply the required tension. This ensures that the string is neither too loose nor too tight.

Serving Jig Tension

The tension of the serving jig, the tool used to apply the serving (wrapping) to the bowstring, is another critical factor. Too much tension can cause the serving to break or the string to twist, while too little tension can result in an unstable string.

Direction of Serving

The direction in which the serving is applied can also impact the tension and performance of the bowstring. Serving in the same direction as the twist of the string can help prevent peep rotation and maintain the desired tension during the draw cycle.

Maintenance and Safety

Proper maintenance and safety precautions are essential when working with bowstrings.

Regular Inspection

It is important to regularly inspect the bowstring for any signs of damage, especially after each use. Carbon fibre arrows, for example, may develop small cracks from hard impacts, which can be detected by flexing the arrow and listening for cracking noises.

Protective Gear

Archers should also prioritise their safety by wearing protective gear, such as closed-toe shoes and appropriate clothing that is not too baggy. Long hair should be tied back to prevent it from catching in the bowstring.

Finding the right bowstring tension is a crucial aspect of archery, as it influences the performance, accuracy, and control of the bow. By understanding the factors that affect tension and the techniques for adjusting it, archers can fine-tune their equipment to suit their specific needs and preferences, ultimately improving their overall archery experience.

Bowstring stretching

To avoid bowstring stretching, one can opt for custom-manufactured bowstrings. These are pre-stretched, served tightly, and often come with great warranties. They are stable and provide confidence that the point of impact will not change. Additionally, they come in a variety of colours and, if installed and maintained correctly, can last a long time.

The custom bow string market has evolved over the years, with reputable companies constantly improving their processes and working with dealers to inspect new bows and their requirements. A good manufacturer will ensure that the bowstring is fully stretched to prevent movement on the bow down the line.

For those who prefer to stick with their current bow, there are still ways to mitigate the effects of bowstring stretching. One solution is to use a release aid, which protects your fingers and helps you release the bowstring cleanly. Mechanical release aids use a trigger system, and there are two main types: wrist-strap and handheld. Wrist-strap releases are popular among beginning compound archers because they are affordable and easy to use.

Another option is to use a finger release, where the archer uses their index, middle, and ring fingers to grip the bowstring at the first joint. When using a finger release, it is important to have protection, such as a glove or finger tab, made of leather.

Bowstring twisting

Twisting a bowstring is a common practice in archery, and it involves adjusting the number of twists in the string to achieve the desired brace height, which is the distance between the bow and the string. Brace height plays a crucial role in determining the performance and accuracy of the bow. Here's a comprehensive guide to understanding and executing bowstring twisting:

Understanding Brace Height

Brace height is a critical factor in archery as it affects the efficiency of the bow. It is the distance from the bowstring to the deepest part of the riser (the button or the hole near the arrow rest). The recommended brace height varies depending on the type and size of the bow. For example, a 68-inch bow typically has a brace height between 8.5 and 9 inches, while a shorter bow might have a slightly lower brace height. It's important to refer to the general guide or manufacturer's recommendations for your specific bow.

Tuning the Brace Height

To find the optimal brace height for your bow, follow these steps:

• Start with the lowest sensible brace height, and shoot a few arrows.
• Remove the string and add a few twists. Re-measure the brace height and shoot again.
• Listen to the noise the string makes and observe your grouping.
• Repeat this process until you've explored the full range of brace heights, typically from 8 to 9.5 inches.
• You will likely find two "sweet spots" where the bow is quietest and performs the best—one at the lower end and one at the higher end of the range. Always choose the higher brace height from the two options.
• Store the string with a simple loop-through-loop knot to prevent losing twists and having to start over.

Direction of Twisting

When twisting the bowstring, it's important to twist it in the direction that tightens the center serving. To determine this, grasp each end of the served area and twist in both directions. The direction that feels harder is the correct direction to twist. Additionally, ensure that the twists follow the direction of the serving to prevent it from coming loose.

Number of Twists

The number of twists in the bowstring can impact the performance and noise of the bow. Too few twists can result in a noisier and harder-to-tune string, while too many twists may reduce performance and cause the string to stretch or tangle. However, the optimal number of twists varies depending on the length of the string. For example, a 68-inch string can have anywhere from 20 to 60 twists without significantly affecting its scoring potential.

Maintenance and Accessories

It is recommended to have at least two well-maintained bowstrings for your bow. Regular waxing of the string is important to keep it in good condition and improve its lifespan. Modern synthetic waxes are preferable for Vectran-blended strings, while natural beeswax is a good option for traditional bows. Additionally, accessories like nocking points and kisser buttons can impact the performance, so choose them carefully and ensure they are in place during tuning.

Bowstring drag

The design of a bow is focused on maximising arrow speed and distance while minimising bow weight and arrow drag. The bowstring's quality is critical to the bow's performance, and it needs to be periodically replaced to maintain optimal performance.

The ideal bowstring should be lightweight, strong, resistant to abrasion, and resistant to water. The materials used for the bowstring can vary, but the choice depends on the type of bow and the user's preferences.

For example, natural fibres such as linen, hemp, and other vegetable fibres are effective for traditional wooden or composite bows, while modern materials like Dacron, Kevlar, Vectran, Spectra, and Dyneema are commonly used for modern recurve or compound bows. These modern materials offer higher strength-to-weight ratios and are generally unaffected by water.

Additionally, the type of bowstring used can impact the accuracy and distance of the shot. A high-performance bowstring, such as one made of Dyneema or Spectra, has low stretch and minimal creep, allowing for maximum energy transfer from the bow to the arrow. This results in increased arrow speed and reduced drag.

To summarise, bowstring drag is minimised by using a high-quality, lightweight, and low-stretch bowstring made from modern materials. This helps to improve accuracy and arrow speed while reducing resistance and weight.

Frequently asked questions