Adjusting your PSE Compound Bow may seem daunting at first. But once you know the basics, it'll be as natural as it gets!
- Adjusting draw length can be done without a bow press. PSE bows are designed with special cam features to let you quickly – and accurately – make draw length and draw weight changes in various increments.
- Almost everything that needs to be adjusted can be found on a PSE bow's limbs. As such, take extra care that these parts are carefully adjusted.
- Never force adjustments that aren't meant for a certain PSE model. Aside from the typical adjustments or twists on the screws meant for pull and poundage, consider other variables such as cables and strings as well.
- Always refer to your PSE Compound Bow model specifications. Each model is unique and may have its own specialized cam settings for you to work around with.
- Always keep in mind the stock or standard setting of your PSE Compound Bow's poundage or pull settings.
- Finally, always practice safety bow maintenance when making any changes on your PSE gear.
How to Adjust the Draw Length on a PSE Compound Bow
PSE (Precision Shooting Equipment) Compound bows are designed to provide optimum shooting performance. To get the right amount of tension on both the bowstrings and cables, draw length adjustments can be done with or without a bow press. For bow press draw length adjustments, shortening the bow string would equate around 1/2" per wheel on the press. For extending the bow string, the opposite rings true at 1/2" per wheel on the bow press.
Also, notice the cams of your PSE Compound Bow. Additional posts located on the side will help you get the right draw length, by simply moving the post away or towards the string. A good rule to keep in mind that moving the post towards the + marker will increase the draw by around 1/4"; moving towards the - marker will decrease the draw approximately 1/4".
PSE Draw Length Cam Adjustments
For most PSE Compound Bow, draw length can also be adjusted through the cams. For this you'll only need a torx screw.
PSE bow cam variations
PSE Compound Bows come with many different cam designs. One thing is common in most of them: you have to locate the screw(s) on the cams that adjust the draw length. The draw lengths are coded as letters, starting with the letter "A" for the longest draw length. Moving up to the next letter usually shortens the draw length by 1/2". Once you located the screw, you have to unscrew it from it's current location, and screw it back to a new, letter-encoded position, to get the draw length you desire. Note that you have to do it for both cams!
Besides changing the draw length, you have to change the draw stop too depending on the model. For this you'll have to locate another screw that controls the stop, and replace it just like you did with the screw for the draw length. The locations for the draw stop are letter-encoded too. Make sure the letter for the draw stop matches the letter for the draw length.
Adjusting Draw Length for the Posi-Lock Inner Cam Setting
Draw length adjustment using this inner cam variant is as easy as it gets. Simply adjust the letter knobs to adjust the length by 1/2". The higher the letter, the shorter your draw length will be (to paint a clearer picture, "A" is the longest draw length for the cam, with 1/2" adjusted each time you go from "B", "C", “D”, etc.).
The second generation of the Posi-Lock has a different way to adjust your draw length. This time around, you'd need to loosen the button head screws found on the part by about two full turns. Doing so will allow the Posi-Lock inner cam to disengage the positioning pin, which in turn allows you to rotate it to a desired position. Positions still follow the alphabetical ruling of "A" as the longest draw length. In essence, the second generation variant allows adjustments without having to change the inner cam itself.
Adjusting Draw Length for the Discrete Inner Cam Setting
For this inner cam setting, screws are found on the part itself for you to adjust. You would need to remove the screw and transfer it to a desired hole (which is threaded into the cam) for you to get your preferred draw length. Similar to the Posi-Lock inner cam setting, each hole follows the alphabetical method of from long to short draw length settings.
Bonus: Adjusting Draw Length for Evolve ECS Inner Cam Setting
As one of the latest PSE Compound Bow models, the Evolve ECS works similarly on how Discreet Inner Cam settings adjust draw length preferences. You would need to locate the screws found on the part, loosen them, and adjust towards your desired draw length position. A specialized draw length window will show you how much draw length is being adjusted as you move the cam.
PSE Compound Bow Draw Stop Draw Length Adjustments
Some PSE Compound Bow models have a draw stop installed. For these models, always have in mind that the draw stop should also be adjusted towards the letter choice of your inner cam draw length setting. Make sure that this is followed - otherwise, you'd not only get the draw length you need, you may potentially damage your PSE Compound Bow as well!
Considering Let-Off When Adjusting the Draw Stop for Draw Length Changes
Connected to the draw stop is your compound bow's let-off system. Aside from making sure that your draw stop is installed where the inner cam's adjusted draw length setting is, the new draw stop position also determines the let-off produced. Why is this important? Well, a lower left-off is also determined by which hole it's placed in - there are lower let-off holes placed on the corresponding inner cam setting, which also lowers the bow's draw length. It's a subtle adjustment, but can mean a lot when getting that desired shot!
How to Change Draw Length on Compound Bow Using a Bow Press
The above tips show how to adjust the draw length on your PSE Compound Bow by small increments. If you do choose to make adjustments by 1-inch increments, then you may want to consider using a bow press. Here are the basic steps to do just that:
- Carefully set your PSE bow on the bow press.
- Make sure that your compound bow's strings are relaxed.
- Once the PSE Compound Bow has been properly placed on the bow press, remove the axle from the bow's limbs.
- Once you have secured and removed the axle, you can now take out the bow's cam.
- Locate the head-cap screws. Carefully unscrew these to remove the compound bow's module.
- Next, find and take out the bow's draw stop.
- Position the draw stop to the spot that you'd want your draw length to be at.
- Once the draw stop's in place, secure it with any of the pins assigned to that spot.
- Screw back the head-cap screws to secure the new draw length module.
- Reinstall the axle and check the limbs if they are secure.
- Check and tighten the strings as needed.
As a bow press may take some time and effort for proper usage, it is highly recommended that you seek help from a certified pro shop to help you out with this option.
How to Adjust Draw Weight on a PSE Bow
Typically, all PSE Compound Bows are factory-set to a draw weight within 2 lbs of the peak draw weight designated by the bow hang tag.
For draw weight adjustments, this is mainly done by simply twisting the limb bolt of the bow either in or out. Some good practices to consider when adjusting the draw weight in PSE Compound Bows are:
- Always turn the the limb bolt clockwise towards the bottom position before making any adjustments. This way, you will have a good bearing on the changes you are making on your gear.
- Always turn the limb bolt with caution. Using extreme force or torque when twisting this part of the PSE Bow may damage the limb.
- You may turn the limb bolt counterclockwise to get the desired draw weight – but never twist it more than the number of turns designated in the hang tag.
- Changes you've done on a limb must also be done on the other limb. Without this your bow will not be accurate.
Take note as well that some PSE Compound Bows have some screws found on the limb area (listing it down quickly, these would be limb support screws, a limb bolt locking screw, and/or a pocket tang locking screw). If your model comes with these screws, always loosen these screws before making any adjustments.
PSE Draw Weight Cam Adjustments
PSE Compound Bows are also known for adjustability when it comes to draw weight settings. This can be noticed with the cam settings - below are some helpful information on how the cam variations help you get your preferred draw weight:
PSE Compound Bow Fixed Peak Weight Setting Adjustments
PSE Compound Bows normally make use of two rotating inner cam settings (as mentioned above). Regardless of the model's inner cam setting, this compound bow has two draw weight settings. The first, which is the Fixed Peak Weight Setting, maintains the same peak draw weight adjusted on the bow. This stays constant, even when the draw length is adjusted. As such, not so much adjustments (aside from the limb bolt adjustments) needs to be done with this setting.
PSE Compound Bow Grow With You Setting Adjustments
The other draw weight setting is the Grow With You option. This setting allows the draw weight to get lighter, as the bow's draw length is adjusted to a shorter distance. A simple tug on the Grow With You cable allows you to make minor draw weight adjustments on the fly - no need for a bow press and the like to do these changes.
PSE Bow Maintenance for Draw Length and Draw Weight: Some Helpful Reminders
We would also like to take the time to leave some helpful tips whenever you've making adjustments on your PSE Compound Bow:
- If you plan to use a bow press to adjust your PSE Compound Bow, always make sure to check the limbs. A good practice to incorporate is to back out each of the bow's limb bolts with four complete turns from the designated bottomed position. Doing so will keep your gear safe from any potential damage on the limbs!
- Aside from the draw length and draw weight adjustments, take into consideration your PSE Compound bow's cables and strings as well. Keeping the strings and cables waxed will assure you that you're getting an accurate reading on both the poundage and length you prefer.
- Additionally, always inspect the condition of your PSE Compound Bow's strings and cables. Making any adjustments on your gear will be pointless if a cable or a string is damaged. Adjusting may result in damage to your overall gear – worse, you may find yourself injured in case your bow falls apart! Replace any faulty strings or cables as needed.
- Even if you're not using a bow press, always make sure that you are making adjustments on your PSE Compound bow in a safe and dry place.
- Make sure to wear safety gear when working on your PSE gear. Even if it's just a simple turn of the screw, it wouldn't hurt to prepare for the worst-case scenario! Gloves and safety goggles should serve you well when making the necessary adjustments.
- Never drill holes or make any adjustments on your PSE Compound Bow. These bows are designed to work in certain scenarios – forcing changes outside what it's meant to do will only result in disaster!
The tips above may seem basic - but it would be really wise to remind yourself of these bow maintenance essentials!
What Makes PSE Compound Bows Unique
PSE Compound Bows are known in the market as one of the most versatile archery gears. Known for both its speed and strength, knowledge on how to make the necessary adjustments for these bows is essential in bringing out its full potential. Think about it - you may maximize this bow's outstanding speed, but at the cost of a heavier poundage. This is why taking the time to learn how to adjust both the draw length and draw weight is truly important!
And just to paint a clearer picture, PSE does build the heaviest bows in the industry. There is a market on those interested in getting some heavy-hitting bows (primarily shooting experts and those after some fearsome prey) - which does drill down to the point of getting the basics right when making the necessary changes on PSE Compound Bows!
Read More
Check out these helpful site for more information on adjusting your PSE Compound Bow.
PSE's own youtube channel is a great source of information with lots of details on the cams and limbs used.
PSE's own PDF guides here and here are both great sources of information.
Know more about how innovative the PSE brand is in this Industry Today article.
Better Outdoors explains more about the Grow With You draw length setting found on some PSE Compound Bow models.
To determine your current draw weight, read this article. For adjusting non-PSE bow's draw weight, here is a short guide. It's a great idea to measure your ideal draw length, and set your bow up accordingly.