Paper Tuning Tips

Paper tuning is a helpful method to fine tune the bow and arrow. The archer stands approximately 4 feet away from a sheet of paper held in a frame. He then shoots an arrow 2 to 3 times through different areas of the paper. The resulting tears are compared to the tears in the illustrations to determine what steps can be taken to improve arrow flight. Most people find the best performance coincides with a tear that show the fletching hitting 1/4" to 3/4" higher than the point between 11 and 1 o'clock.

Before starting to paper tune, it is important the archer verify that the correct arrow shaft is being used. Using an arrow shaft that is too stiff or too weak may prevent paper tuning from being fully effective. Check with your dealer for information on proper arrow selection.

It is wise to start with the nocking point set 1/16" above the top of an arrow that is squared up to the bowstring. It is also important that the arrow rest is properly set to insure that the fletching does not make contact. Your dealer can help you here too.

The following instructions are for a right handed archer. Left handed archers should us the reverse solutions; for a tear right , use solutions for tear left and vice-versa. High and low tear solutions are identical for both right and left hand archers.

Tear Left: (Often indicates a weak spined arrow)

1. Decrease draw weight. Back out both limb bolts a quarter turn at a time. Make certain to adjust both limbs equally to avoid changing the tiller and nock point position on the string. Also make certain to avoid backing the limb bolts out too far to avoid injury to the archer and damage to the bow.
2. Decrease point weight. A lighter point will have some effect on increasing shaft stiffness. Too light of a point however, may result in unstable arrow flight.
3. If steps 1 and 2 don't reduce the length of the tear to your satisfaction, you may need to change to a stiffer shaft. Consult your dealer for information on choices. Small tears can sometimes be improved by moving the arrowrest away from the riser, or by increasing the tension on the cushion plunger or "berger button" if one is used.

Tear Right: (Often indicates an arrow that is too stiff)

1. Increase draw weight. Tighten both limb bolts a quarter turn at a time. Make certain to adjust both limbs equally to avoid changing the tiller and nock point position on the string.
2. Increase point weight. A heavier point will have some effect on decreasing shaft stiffness. Arrow speed may be reduced.
3. If steps 1 and 2 don't reduce the length of the tear to your satisfaction, you may need to change to a weaker shaft. Consult your dealer for information on choices. Small tears can sometimes be improved by moving the arrowrest toward the riser, or by reducing the tension on the cushion plunger or "berger button" if one is used.

To correct a high tear:

1. Move the nocking point down in small increments.
2. If using a launcher or shoot-thru type arrowrest, move the arrow support arm up. Increasing spring tension can also be helpful.
3. Check for fletching interference and adjust rest position as needed.

To correct a low tear:

1. Move the nocking point up in small increments.
2. If using a launcher or shoot-thru type arrowrest, move the arrow support arm down. Reduced spring tension can also be helpful for even finer adjustments.

***Initial settings: Your two-cam bow can only be tuned if the cams roll over at the same time. By checking this now, you'll save yourself headaches later. With the bow lying across your lap, compare the rotation of each cam to its respective limb. If they aren't both positioned the same, you have a mistimed bow. You can also check cam timing at full draw, but you'll need the help of a friend to determine if the cams are reaching their full draw positions at the same time. Resetting your timing is not overly difficult, but it does require a little training. Unless you're already a handy bow technician, leave this work to your local archery pro.

Single-cam bows and today's hybrid-cam bows have a much smaller chance of going out of tune than traditional two-cam bows. However, it is always wise to check your cams for signs of wear both on the server of your bow string and bow cables, the axles that run through the cams, and the limbs as well.