How to Set up a Compound Bow – The Ultimate Guide

how to set up a compound bow

The skill of archery depends so much on practice, components, and obviously on natural instincts. Here the instincts and training totally rely on the person of interest. But the components have got a lot to learn about and improvise. And if he is shooting a compound bow, then the first thing an archer comes across struggling with is how to set up a compound bow.

Well, if you are a novice archer or even an intermediate one, setting up a compound bow can bug you, which is perfectly normal. The compound bow comes with so much work! There are a lot of complicated components that work behind to bring out the best of an archer and fly the arrow straight.

The process is not so complicated, and if you are dedicated to learning everything about bow hunting, this won’t take you long to adapt. Here we will give step-by-step guidelines to set up a compound bow, and just by following them, you will have an excellent grasp on the whole process in no time!

So, without wasting any further time, let’s dive into the process-

Contents

Steps of Setting up a Compound Bow

Follow the steps below to execute a hassle-free setting process.

Setup Your Draw Length

Draw length simply refers to the distance you pull back the bowstring attached to your bow. This length totally varies from person to person. It depends on a hunter’s height, hand size, and strength. So you will have to understand how much weight you can pull and how much will be accurate for you.

People misunderstand the draw length as they think the larger draw length defines the success of the shot. Well, draw length does impact your shot, but it will mess up the whole procedure if you are not comfortable with it.

Poundage Setting

Poundage, also known as draw weight, plays a significant role in bowhunting success. To fly an arrow straight and pierce the designated target setting off the poundage properly is a must. This setting clearly affects the flying speed of your arrow. If you want a faster pace, then you must set the heft high.

But keep in mind that high poundage makes it challenging to pull the string. So, if you want to pull your bowstring easily, you should set it on lower poundage.

Another vital fact to remember here is the strength comes differently to male and female hunters. The ideal draw weight for a grown-up man should be around 55-65lbs, where for a grown-up woman, it should be between 40 to 50 lbs. Don’t try to draw more weight than you can handle because it may lead to shoulder pain and back issues in the future.

Install the Peep Sight

Installing the peep sight is a little tricky, and you might need another person to help you while you install the sight on your bow. Peep sight helps you to locate your target better and allow you to shoot consistently on the same target.

Your bow should be at full draw, and you will have the check manually if the sight is syncing correctly with your eyes. You will have to hold the perfect position, and the other person will have to slide the sight into the ideal position.

There is a little trick you can apply while installing the peep sight. Hold your bow and draw the string with an arrow while keeping your eyes closed. After taking the position, open your eye and check where your eyes focus first. Naturally, that is the customary aiming position of yours, so install the peep sight there.

Check the Arrow Length with the Draw Length

So many people make this mistake when they start hunting for the first time. They practice with the field points at home and buy some random arrows before going on a hunt, and the arrow length comes out longer or shorter than their draw length.

This step should be done after you set your mind about the draw length of your bow. So the length of your arrow should be proportionate with the draw length. Proportionate

Install the Arrow Rest and Nock Point

Now this one is a little tricky. Arrow rests can be installed at home unless you have a string-driven or limb-driven drop away style arrow rest. If you have the drop-away style rest, you should take expert advice or someone with a bow press who knows the stuff very well. If you have a simple arrow rest, you can do the installation by yourself.

The same goes with the nock point. Knock point is the little loop where you knock your arrow. Knock points help the arrow to cling to the string and eliminate the fear of slipping away. So, while installing the rest, the nock point should be installed, measuring a T-square for better accuracy.

Paper Tuning

After completing the whole set-up procedure, you will have to check if all the bow components are correctly installed. The best way to check this is by performing a paper tuning test.

So, what is a paper tuning test? And how can you do it?

Well, it’s super easy, so don’t bother yourself already! You will need a piece of paper and your compound bow. You will have to hang the paper smacking onto a backless board so that your arrow can fly through it without any blockage. And then just shoot your arrow or field point at it and check if you have got a pierce mark like this photo-

If yes, then your compound bow is perfectly set, and you are good to go hunting anytime you want!

Conclusion

Archery is a form of art that has fascinated so many people with its charm. So many people quote themselves as addicted to archery, and no wonder why they say so. Bowhunting and overall archery have got an impact on their life and personality. And this addiction comes to so many people every year. So no matter when this addiction occurs to you, we will be here to show you the easiest ways of getting along with it.

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