Skip to main content

Repeat Your Bow Setup to Replicate Success

Everyone has had that one setup that was money —  that one bow they always shot better than any other. The problem is once you replace the strings, cables or limbs, it's never the same.

When you find the perfect setup for your bow, take measurements, jot down notes and snap some photos to ensure you can replicate the ideal rig.

You can go to the same model, poundage and draw length, but it still doesn't feel right. If only you had taken notes on everything. There are some key things you always should write down once you have that dream setup you are in love with. First, write down all the measurements on the bow. Then take notes on how your arrows are built. Lastly, take notes on other things in your shot more along the lines of feel and execution.

When we have the best set up of our lives, we need to realize that bows change with use, and before it's too late, we need to write down everything about the setup.  Some of these things are draw length measured from the throat of the grip, d-loop length, peep height from loop, nock height from axles, draw weight, holding weight, axle to axle, brace height and letoff.

Then, move on to things like stabilizer lengths and weights, sight choice, fiber size, lens magnification, peep aperture size, rest location from burger hole and, if you shoot a blade rest, what size launcher. Nothing is too small or unimportant to write down about this setup.

Bow-Setup

Next up are your arrows. Nothing is more critical to a forgiving and accurate setup than your arrows. You need to log all of this info as well. How long are your arrows carbon to carbon? What model arrow are you shooting, including spine? Vane selection and the helical or offset on those vanes are very important.

Write down what nock, what grain point and then overall arrow weight. Arrows come in so many sizes and spines these days that if you can't remember what arrow you had, all the other info isn't nearly as important.

Lastly, you need to log every part of how you are executing your shot. Are you relaxed at full draw or are you pulling hard on the wall? What is your bow arm positioning? Straight arm or slightly bent? Same goes for release arm and even how you hold your release.




Write down how you are anchoring in and what release you're shooting. Bow grip is another crucial piece, but it's very hard to write down specific details about some things, so I would also suggest taking pictures and keeping those with your notes.

If you are shooting the best you've ever shot and have finally found the setup you've been looking for, take some advice now that may save you a headache later. Write down everything you can about your setup.

Log all the measurements on your bow, all of the brands and models of equipment you are using, what arrows and how you have them built and your current shot process and form. I know at this moment everything is great and you may think this is unnecessary, but one day you will be glad you did it.

Recommended


GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

Craig Boddington gives a quick summation of why the B&C club was created and the role it's played in conservation effort...

A Missed Whitetail Opportunity

Craig Boddington gives a quick summation of why the B&C club was created and the role it's played in conservation effort...

The Origins of Boone & Crockett

Petersen's Bowhunting Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

PREVIEW THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Buy Single Digital Issue on the Petersen's Bowhunting App

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Get the top Petersen's Bowhunting stories delivered right to your inbox.

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Petersen's Bowhunting subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now