1. Start With a Proper Setup

Before tuning, make sure the bow fits you:

✔ Draw Length:
Too long → leaning back, inconsistent anchor
Too short → cramped form, low power

✔ Draw Weight:
Should be comfortable enough to practice without fatigue (accuracy > power)

✔ Arrow Spine (Stiffness):

• Too weak → arrows kick left (RH) / right (LH)
• Too stiff → opposite reaction

Use a spine chart for your bow weight & draw length.

🔧 2. Center Shot & Rest Alignment

Goal: Arrow leaves the bow straight.

Compound:

• Adjust the arrow rest so the arrow sits inline with the center of the string.
• Most start points:
  • Rest center shot: ~13/16″ from riser for most compounds.

Recurve:

• Use a plunger/berger button
• Arrow should sit slightly outside center line (for right-handed)

🏹 3. Nocking Point / D-Loop Height

Recurve Starting Point:

• Nocking point ~ 3–6 mm above square

Compound:

• D-loop close to level, slightly high is okay

Incorrect height causes porpoising (vertical arrow oscillation)
.

🧪 4. Paper Tuning (Compound / Barebow)

Shoot through paper at ~2 meters and check tears:

Do small adjustments → retest.

⚙️ 5. Walk Back Tuning (Compound)

Purpose: fine-tune center shot.

How:

1. Sight at 20m → shoot group
2. Without moving sight, shoot at 30m/40m
3. Check vertical string:

If groups form a slanted line:

• Left slant: move rest slightly right
• Right slant: move rest slightly left

Goal = straight vertical line under bullseye

🔩 6. Bare Shaft Tuning (Recurve / Compound)

Bare shafts expose tuning issues fast.

How:

• Shoot 3 fletched + 2 bare shafts at 15–20m

Results:

• Bare left (RH): arrow too stiff / plunger too hard
• Bare right (RH): arrow too weak / plunger too soft
• Bare high/low: nocking height adjustment

Goal = bare shafts land with fletched shafts.

🎤 7. Stabilization & Grip Fix

After mechanical tuning, shoot consistency matters:

Grip:

• Neutral, low torque grip = ★ huge accuracy boost
• Pressure should be on thumb pad, not fingers

Stabilizers:

• Add front/back weight to reduce pin float
• Balance should hold steady on target, not dive or roll

🔍 8. Broadhead Tuning (For Hunters)

If using broadheads:

1. Sight-in with field points
2. Shoot broadheads
3. Use small rest micro-adjustments to bring them together

🧽 9. Maintain & Check Regularly

• Wax string regularly
• Check limb bolts & screws
• Replace worn D-loop
• Inspect arrows for cracks
• Re-check tune after string change

🏁 Signs Your Bow is Properly Tuned

✔ Arrows group tight at distance
✔ Bare shafts hit with fletched
✔ No visible fishtail in flight
✔ Quiet shot with minimal vibration
✔ Easy to hold steady