If you’re considering buying a bow, consider opting for one with a take-down design. It’s easier to transport and fits into a hand bag.
Extend your arm and point at an object in the distance. If you can draw your bowstring to that point without having your hand or arm fall off the limb, you’re right-eye dominant.
Protecting Your Bow
Protect your bow from weather damage and other hazards by storing it in an archery case when you’re not shooting or hunting. Also, avoid using your bow in rainy conditions when possible to keep it from getting wet and rusty.
Be sure to order a bow case that’s at least 1/2” longer than your bow length for proper fit. Then, be sure to close and lock the bow case properly to make sure nothing can get in while your bow is not in use.
Inspect your bow often for signs of wear, especially the ivory headplate that lends structural support to the limbs. Cracks can get worse over time and may ruin your bow, so take it in for a repair at the first sign of trouble. It’s much cheaper to do this preventatively than to repair a cracked headplate later on. Also, check the thumb leather and replace it if it gets worn out. Frequent use of bow string wax greatly extends the life of your bowstring.
Organizing Your Arrows
Keeping track of your arrows is key to a forgiving and accurate setup. Be sure to log a variety of information including carbon to carbon, spine, vanes, helical or offset, and overall arrow weight.
Another essential tip is to serve your arrows correctly. A bare D-loop can pinch the nock and cause tuning and accuracy problems, while serving it with a little bit of room above and below the nock point can make all the difference.
Finally, be sure to check your nocking point for any cracks or dents. It also is a good idea to sand down the rough surface and buff it out before using it again. It will help your nocking point retain its original shape and reduce the chances of it becoming damaged or worn out prematurely. This will also increase the life of your nocking point and improve performance.
Keeping Your Bow Clean
A common mistake many players make is leaving rosin dust on their bow when they are done playing. This is very bad for your bow and can cause it to lose its playability. You should always wipe off your bow with a dry, lint-free microfibre cloth after each time you use it. This will keep rosin from building up on the bow frog and shaft.
In addition to wiping down the non-hair parts of your bow, it’s a good idea to give your bow a cleaning with a furniture polish like pledge from time to time. This will clean off any sticky residue and also bring out the shine in your wooden bow.
If you really want to get a deep clean, take the time to remove your bow hair and let it air dry in a well-ventilated area. Doing this on a regular basis will help prevent rosin build-up and improve the overall look of your bow.
Keeping Your Bow Safe
It is important to store your bow in a secure place when not shooting, away from children or pets. Never leave your bow unattended or stored in hot weather as this can damage the equipment.
When choosing a case, look for one that is durable, of the correct size and designed for your type of bow. Many cases are designed with a padded interior that protects your equipment during transport and storage. Never hang your bow by its string, cam or limbs as this can cause the equipment to be damaged.
It is also a good idea to regularly inspect your equipment to ensure it is in working condition. This includes checking the limbs for delamination or cracking and replacing any accessories that may be in need of repair, such as a bow sight. A routine inspection by a qualified archery pro shop will help prolong the life of your equipment. It will also ensure that your bow is always in peak shooting condition when you do decide to shoot it.