Perfecting Your Draw: Mastering The Bow Square For Recurve Archers

A bow square is a simple tool that's integral to getting your bow in shape for accuracy and consistency. It's a measuring device that can be clipped to the bowstring and is used to set up your bow. It's also known as a T-square because of its shape.

The bow square can be used to set the nocking point, measure the brace height, and adjust the tiller measurement. The brace height refers to the distance between the bow grip and the bowstring, and it's important because it affects your performance as an archer. The tiller measurement refers to the way you can hold the bow. If it's not set according to your preferences, the bow will lean backward or forward.

Bow squares are typically available in flat or rounded edges, with compound archers tending to prefer rounded edges and recurve archers opting for flat edges.

Setting the nocking point

Step 1: Understand the Nocking Point's Role

The nocking point is crucial as it ensures the arrow is positioned correctly on the bowstring. This affects the accuracy of your shots.

Step 2: Get the Right Tools

You'll need a bow square, which is a measuring tool designed for bows. It can be clamped to the bowstring and has measurement markings to help position the nocking point accurately.

Step 3: Clamp the Bow Square

Clamp the horizontal part of the bow square onto the bowstring. Ensure the other end of the bow square rests on the arrow rest or shelf—the area where the arrow is positioned for stability.

Step 4: Adjust and Find the Sweet Spot

Using the measurement markings on the bow square, adjust the position of the nocking point. This may take some trial and error. Each time you adjust, place an arrow on the bow to see if it sits correctly. Keep adjusting until you find the perfect position, or the "sweet spot," for the arrow.

Step 5: Note the Marking

Once you've found the ideal nocking point position, note the marking on the bow square. This will save you time when setting up your bow in the future.

Step 6: Repeat for Consistency

Repeat this process for each arrow to ensure consistency in your nocking point placement. A consistent nocking point will improve your accuracy and overall shooting experience.

Step 7: Fine-Tune with a Bare Shaft Test

Even after setting the nocking point, you may need to make further adjustments. Conduct a bare shaft test by shooting both fletched and unfletched arrows at a target. If the unfletched arrows land higher, lower the nocking point; if they land lower, raise the nocking point. Adjust by 1/8 inch (0.32 cm) at a time until both sets of arrows land at the same height.

Remember, setting the nocking point is a crucial step in preparing your recurve bow for accurate shooting. Take your time, be patient, and make adjustments as needed to ensure a consistent nocking point for improved performance.

Measuring the top limb tiller

To measure the top limb tiller, you will need a bow square. Place the top of the T-shape on the limb near the riser. While holding the bow square in a straight line, read off the measurement in the centre of the string. This will give you the horizontal distance between the string and the limb closest to the limb fitting.

The tiller measurement refers to the way you can hold the bow. If you don't set it according to your archery preferences and requirements, then your bow will lean backwards or forwards. The tiller measurement also makes sure that both limbs are properly aligned and move together when you shoot the arrow.

The tiller adjustment is simple: it's just a case of winding the limb bolts in or out. When making adjustments to these bolts, check the riser manufacturer's instructions to see whether you can make these adjustments with the bow strung or unstrung. If unsure, always make the adjustments with the bow unstrung.

For a recurve bow, you will need to follow these steps:

• Measure the current tiller height of both the upper and lower limbs. Then, subtract the tiller height of the lower limb from the upper limb.
• Lookup the ideal tiller height. Most manufacturers have a recommended tiller height for their bows, so consult the owner's manual to find this. If you can't find a recommended height, you can use 5/32 inches (4mm), which is generally accepted as a decent tiller height.
• Unscrew the locking bolt in the back of the riser. In most cases, you will need a 5/32 (4mm) hex wrench to do this.
• Adjust the tiller with a hex or your proprietary key. On most bows, you adjust the tiller with a hex screw integrated into the tiller head. Turn the head clockwise to decrease the tiller height and anti-clockwise to increase it. One turn increases or decreases the tiller height by about 3/64 of an inch (1mm).
• Tighten the locking bolts once both tillers are configured correctly.

The tiller measurement on an ILF bow is the perpendicular distance from the string to the base of the top and bottom limb (where it meets the riser). The tiller reading is the difference between the top limb and the bottom limb. For most target archers, this results in a positive figure between 0-6mm.

A positive tiller means the gap is bigger at the top; a neutral tiller is equal; and a negative tiller means the gap is bigger at the bottom. A negative tiller is commonly seen on barebows when archers stringwalk, pulling the bottom limb back more than the top for most distances.

Measuring the brace height

Step 1: Understand Brace Height

Brace height is the distance between the deepest part of the bow's grip and the bowstring when it's in its loose position. This measurement affects the speed of your shot and needs to be maintained for consistent shooting.

Step 2: Get the Right Tools

You'll need a bow square, also known as a T-square, to measure the brace height accurately. A bow square is a specialised tool that you can purchase from archery shops or online.

Step 3: Place the Bow Square

Take your bow and locate the deepest part of the grip. Place the bow square firmly in this spot. Ensure that the bow square is secure and won't move during the measurement process.

Step 4: Measure the Brace Height

With the bow square in place, check the measurement at the bowstring. You can read the value directly from the bow square, which will give you the brace height in inches.

Step 5: Compare to Recommendations

Now that you have the brace height measurement, compare it to the manufacturer's recommended range. Each bow model will have an optimal brace height range, which can usually be found in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website.

Step 6: Adjust if Necessary

If the brace height is outside the recommended range or you wish to fine-tune it, you'll need to adjust the bowstring. Remove the bowstring by unstringing the bow and removing the bottom string loop. Then, adjust the brace height by twisting or untwisting the string. Twisting the string will increase the brace height, while untwisting it will decrease the height. Make small adjustments, as large changes can affect the string's lifespan.

Step 7: Re-measure and Finalise

After making adjustments, re-string your bow and use the bow square to check the new brace height measurement. Continue making small adjustments until you reach your desired brace height. Once you're happy with the height, make a note of the value and periodically check it to ensure it remains consistent.

Remember, the brace height can affect the speed and accuracy of your shots, so it's important to get it right. Take your time, follow the manufacturer's recommendations, and don't be afraid to experiment to find the sweet spot for your shooting style.

Attaching a sight

Sights on recurve bows are becoming more popular within the sport of archery. Proper installation of a sight onto your bow can make a marked difference in precision shooting. The three main types of sights for recurve bows are the pin sight, the ring sight, and the ring and pin combination. Each of these sights attaches to the bow the same way, though each will require a different method of adjustment to find the proper shot depth.

Steps to attach a sight:

• Place your bow on its side with the side of the bow on which you will be installing your sight facing upward.
• Align your sight so it is facing toward the front of the bow, and line up the holes in the sight with the holes in your riser.
• Install the screws through the sight and into the riser using a screwdriver or Allen wrench, depending on which type of screws were supplied with the sight, until they hold the sight firmly. Do not tighten them completely just yet.
• Place your string level on the string of your bow to make sure your bow is level. Use the level by adding supporting material to the lower side of the bow.
• Remove the string level from your bow, being very careful not to move your bow. Place your level on the sight and adjust the sight until it is level. Tighten the screws to the riser.
• Adjust the telescoping frame of your sight so your eye does not strain when sighting the bow.
• Place an arrow onto the string from where you will fire arrows and sight down the arrow to be certain it will not come into contact with your sight.

Tips:

• Most bows have pre-drilled holes for attaching sights. Do not overtighten the screws, as you could damage the bow.
• Installation of a bow sight is generally done while the bow is strung.
• Installation of a peep sight should be done by a professional.
• When aiming, the sight should not be the focal point. Make sure you're looking at the target, and that your sight appears blurred.
• The second reference point is your string – the string should be visible at the side of your vision. The string forms a rear site, allowing you to align it with your sight ring.
• Try to keep your sight picture consistent.
• Don’t treat the sight like a telescopic sight, use it as a reference point.
• Getting the arrow on target requires you to focus on the entire shot process, not just lining up your sight.
• Adjust your sights based on your arrow groupings, not on individual arrows.

Using a bow square to set the position of the D-loop

A bow square is a versatile tool that can be used for a number of purposes when setting up your bow. It is a measuring device that can be clipped to the bowstring and has measurement lines on both the vertical and horizontal bars of the square.

Compound archers often use a bow square to position the D-loop on their bow. To do this, the "shaft" of the bow square (the long ruler) is placed on the arrow rest, and the other end is clipped to the string. The vertical ruler will then indicate where the D-loop should be placed.

Recurve archers can also use a bow square to set the position of the D-loop, although they typically opt for flat-edged bow squares as opposed to the rounded edges preferred by compound archers. To set the position of the D-loop on a recurve bow, follow these steps:

• Clamp the horizontal part of the bow square to the bowstring.
• Place the other end of the bow square on the arrow rest or shelf where the arrow is positioned for stability.
• Use the measurement markings to position the D-loop on your bow.
• Repeat this process until you find the "sweet spot" for your D-loop.
• Once you've found the ideal position, make a note of the marking on the bow square so that you can easily set up your bow in the future.

Frequently asked questions