Summer’s here, and it’s the perfect time to make sure your archery gear still fits you. Whether you’ve grown, refined your form, or just been shooting more, your setup might need a few tweaks to keep you progressing confidently.

Here’s how to check and fix the most common equipment fit issues for both compound and recurve/barebow archers:

1. Draw Length – Has Your Form Changed?

Even small changes in posture or technique can throw off your anchor point and alignment. If something feels “just a little off” — trust that feeling.

Check for:

• Over extending or feeling cramped at full draw

• Anchor point no longer lines up cleanly (especially with peep sight for compound)

• Changes in stance or growth that’s changed your natural draw

Fix it:

Compound: Adjust the draw length via cam modules or settings. Reposition your peep if it no longer lines up at full draw. Here’s a video by ElkShape on draw length for compound archers (it’s a bit long but very informative): https://youtu.be/Neb6fN6hD6o?si=QvSS0RqQq-TVNn1p

Recurve/Barebow: Reassess clicker or anchor placement. Growth or improved expansion technique may call for subtle changes.

2. Draw Weight – Is It Still Comfortable and Sustainable?

You should be able to shoot a full round without shaking, collapsing, or rushing. Strength builds over time — but bad habits build even faster if you’re overbowed.

Check for:

• Muscle fatigue mid-session or post-practice soreness

• Shaky aim, inconsistent hold, or target panic

• Needing to “muscle through” every draw

• Check your bow tiller: too much positive tiller may make it seem like you’re struggling to hold the bow up on target at full draw when shooting a barebow.

Fix it:

Compound: Reduce weight using limb bolts if you’re straining. Let-off helps, but the initial draw still matters for safety and form.

Recurve/Barebow: Drop down to lighter limbs or training weight for form work and conditioning. Build strength gradually.

Here are some drills for someone looking to bump up their draw weight from Christian Williams with Archery Strong: https://youtu.be/SUyJovlTiNs?si=MpLCIT0YPDCvaJWY

3. Arrow Match – Do Your Arrows Suit Your Setup?

Your arrows are only as good as their match to your bow. A slight shift in draw weight or draw length can throw off spine — and your whole tune. If you lengthened your draw length, you could find your arrows are now dangerously too short and will need replacement.

Check for:

• New limbs, changed draw length or weight

• Arrows falling off of the arrow rest at full draw

• Arrows flying erratically or inconsistently- “Fish Tailing” or “Porpoise-ing” as they fly

• Unusual impacts despite solid form

Fix it:

All Archers: Use a spine chart or ask us for help checking spine and arrow weight. Retune (paper or bare shaft) if you’ve made recent equipment adjustments. Changing point weight & cutting down an arrow shaft can also change the spine of the arrow.

Here’s an interesting tidbit on Arrow Tuning with a Plunger from Jake Kaminski https://youtu.be/3Iktu6JVjxw?si=qmzBhLWef1g3SM7M

4. Equipment Wear – Is Anything Loose, Frayed, or Worn?

Worn strings, frayed servings, or loose screws can sneak up on you and ruin an otherwise great shooting day.

Check for:

• Fuzzy or dry bowstrings

• Loose accessories, buzzing sounds, or vibration during the shot

• Worn serving (the tightly wrapped thread around your string where you nock your arrow or where the D-loop attaches)

• Fraying or slipping D-loop, finger tab wear, or stretched nocking points

• Loose limb bolts, riser screws, or stabilizers

Fix it:

Compound: Replace strings and cables if they’re fraying or over a year old. Use bow wax on your strings to keep them conditioned and protect them from fraying. Re-serve areas showing wear, especially under the D-loop or at the peep sight. Use thread locker on accessories and double-check limb bolts, sight, and rest.

Here’s a great Article from 60X to help you know how to care for and when you should replace a compound string: https://www.60xcustomstrings.com/blog/how-to-string-a-compound-bow-when-to-consider-replacing-it/

Recurve/Barebow: Replace strings that show fuzz or have damaged serving near the nocking point or fingers. Apply bow wax to keep the strings smooth and prevent wear. You can re-serve worn areas and use wax on slightly fuzzy strings to help them last longer. Tighten limb bolts and inspect your plunger, rest, sights, and grip for wear or shifting.

→ Did you know? We’ll be offering a Bow String Making Class soon! Learn how to make and repair your own recurve/barebow strings, including replacing servings and customizing your setup. It’s a great opportunity to take your archery gear into your own hands.

5. Are You Growing Out of Your Setup?

As you improve, your gear should evolve with you. If your equipment can’t keep up with your goals, it’s time to level up, not hold back.

Check for:

• Outgrowing draw length or weight range

• Consistency issues despite strong fundamentals

• Feeling limited by your setup’s performance or adjustability

Fix it:

Compound: Explore bows with more tuning range, updated cam tech, or features like higher let-off and tunable grip.

Recurve/Barebow: Upgrade limbs or riser for better stability, speed, and feel. Even a new string or button can boost performance.

Here’s an article from Archery 360 to guide you when assessing if you’re ready for a step up in equipment: https://archery360.com/2020/06/25/is-it-time-to-upgrade-your-gear/

Need Help?

We’re here to help talk you through fine-tuning your setup and making the most of your summer shooting. Whether you’re prepping for State, heading to camp, or just getting in more range time, come talk to us — we’ll get you dialed in and confident on the line.

We also recommend seeing a reputable outfitter for equipment recommendations and adjustments – Outdoor America, Southtown Sporting Goods, Hook Line & Singer, and Bass Pro Shop all have Bow Techs locally on hand to assist you.

Still Using Rental Equipment?

Here’s a video from Nu Sensei on when it’s time to stop using Range equipment and invest in your own gear: https://youtu.be/Ef42VfY5Q0o?si=5MGsCtX-PPRd1W3X

If you’re unsure, ask a coach or staff member for a bow check — a quick session can make a big difference in your shooting comfort, safety, and accuracy.

Remember: The goal is confidence and consistency — and your equipment should support both. Doing a bow fit check every few months is a smart way to keep progressing.