Get the most out of your recurve bow by properly tuning it first. Check out our easy, simple, yet efficient guide on how to do just that!
The Basics of Tuning a Recurve Bow
Locate the Best Nocking Point Position
Depending on the recurve bow you’ve purchased, always make sure to get one with a nocking point. That said, if you’ve just bought a bow, please purchase a nocking point separately as well. Otherwise, you’d lose out on the correct turning process!
Once you have a nock point, install it properly as so by positioning it (more or less) half an inch above the recurve bow "square".
What do we mean by "square"? Simply put, the square is the imaginary line that runs from your arrow rest's surface area right towards the bow string. When the bow is not drawn, this imaginary line and the string make 90 degrees angle. Using a T-square will let you find the accurate square and nocking position.
Once that's done, make sure that your arrow's nock fits in just right on the nock point of your recurve bow's string. You are basically striking a balance with this: the fit should be tight enough for your arrow to hang freely from the bow string (the nock point should be able to support the weight of the arrow).
Now, considering that there are many arrows to choose from, you would then need to invest time in selecting which you would use for your recurve bow. It's a trial and error process! Setting enough time to test and create the perfect dynamics of arrows and your nock point will help you get most out of your recurve bow.
Adjusting the Brace Height
Next, you would need to check if your recurve bow is set to the optimized brace height.
What is brace height? This is essentially the space between the recurve bow's riser (the deepest end of the bow riser) and the area of your bow string when it is a loose position.
Adjusting the brace height is important because you would want to avoid vibration and noise whenever you start shooting arrows from your recurve bow. Basically by twisting (or untwisting) the bow string, you can finetune the brace height to match your preference.
To adjust the brace height, please follow these steps:
- String your recurve bow.
- Using a ruler, measure the brace height.
- Shoot some arrows (preferably 10 or more shots).
- Testing the quality of each shot, adjust the brace height by twisting (or untwisting) the bow string approximately 1/8 of an inch (up or down).
- Document every change/adjustment you've made – you don't want to get lost whenever a twist has been made!
- Note down that quality of the "noise" made on the documentation (don't worry about shooting accuracy).
- Once you've found the brace height you feel to be the best, consider writing down the figure (in inches) on the inside of one of your recurve bow's limbs.
Testing is important - desired brace heights do differ for each recurve bow!
Checking Arrow Rest and Cushion Plunger Installation
Now, this is the point of the recurve bow tuning guide where you would center your arrow's flight. Have you ever noticed that whenever you shoot that your arrow tends to wiggle towards either to the left or the right? This is essentially archer's paradox (basically, the instance that the arrow tends to fly to a different direction vs the actual direction that the archer points the arrow at).
To help counter this wiggle, we're going to need to make some adjustments to your recurve bow's arrow rest and cushion plunger.
Again, it's trial and error. Always document changes on both cushion plunger and arrow rest settings so that you won't get lost during each adjustment!
Adjusting Arrow Accuracy
Now that you’ve made the changes needed to let your arrow fly properly, let us know fine tune some more details to make you hit your mark! This part is composed of several tests - it all depends to you on which one will work best for your recurve bow. Additionally, have both fletched arrows and bare shafts (unfletched arrows) for these tests - you'll be needing both to get the best arrow accuracy results!
Fishtailing
Fishtailing means that your arrow veers to the left or the right during it's flight. Here's how to test for fishtailing:
- Aim at a target approximately 20 yards away.
- Aiming at a specific point of the target, shoot some fletched shafts at it.
- From the same distance and still aiming at a specific point of the target, replace your arrows with some bare shafts and start shooting.
- Once you're done shooting the bare shafts, approach the target and observe the points where your bare shafts landed.
The next sequence of steps will help you resolve what you saw on your target:
Arrow Flight Pattern Veers to the Left
If your bare shafts fall to this direction, then your recurve bow may likely have stiff spine. You can consider these solutions:
- Reduce the tension of your cushion plunger.
- Reposition the arrow rest closer to the bow's riser (take note that by doing so, you would need to recenter your arrows again and move arrow points closer to the bow string).
- Use arrow points that have a heavier weight value.
- Readjust your recurve bow's brace height.
- Replace arrows with those that are less stiff.
Arrow Flight Pattern Veers to the Right
If your bare shafts fall to this direction, then your recurve bow may likely have weak spine. You can consider these solutions:
- Increase the tension of your cushion plunger.
- Reposition the arrow rest farther from the bow's riser (take note that by doing so, you would need to recenter your arrows again and move arrow points farther from the bow string).
- Use arrow points that have a lighter weight value.
- Readjust your recurve bow's brace height.
- Replace arrows with those that are more stiff.
Remember, trial and error will result in the best results! So, hang in there!
Porpoising
Compared to fishtailing, porpoising will help you adjust on the rise or fall of your arrow's flight. Here are the steps to do this test:
- Aim at a target approximately 20 yards away.
- Aiming at a specific point of the target, shoot some fletched shafts at it.
- From the same distance and still aiming at a specific point of the target, replace your arrows with some bare shafts and start shooting.
- Once you're done shooting the bare shafts, approach the target and observe the points where your bare shafts landed.
The next sequence of steps will help you resolve what you saw on your target:
Arrow Flight Pattern Veers Up
If your bare shafts fall to this direction, then your nocking point may likely be installed too low on your recurve bow's string. You can consider this adjustment:
- Move the nock point higher on the bow string (start at 1/8 incremental adjustments).
Arrow Flight Pattern Veers Down
If your bare shafts fall to this direction, then your nocking point may likely be installed too high on your recurve bow's string. You can consider this adjustment:
- Move the nock point lower on the bow string (start at 1/8 incremental adjustments).
You'll get your desired recurve bow settings soon, so don't worry!
Fine Tuning Arrow Clearance
Lastly, you would also want to make sure that your arrow is "cleared" from the string without making any contact on the bow itself. We're essentially doing this because we do not only want better accuracy - good clearance is also related to better arrow grouping.
For this test, please have one of these ready:
- Talc
- Dry deodorant
- Dry foot powder
You'll have to use these powders to mark your arrow, and you'll see if there is powder on your bow after shooting. This way you can see if your arrows and bow touched.
Next, apply your chosen substance on the following:
- The arrow fletchings
- The arrow shafts (specifically, the area located just below the fletchings, approximately two inches long)
- The arrow rest
Now, shoot your marked arrows. Make sure that you won't touch the marked areas. Once you're done shooting, check if there are any visible marks on the areas you've applied the powder.
If there are markings, consider these fixes:
- Try to rotate the nock found on your arrows.
- Retake the bare shaft tests mentioned earlier – there may be some issues that still need to be addressed!
- Recenter your arrows.
Hopefully, the guides above will get you the recurve bow that will best suit your style!
Good to Know: Alternative Tests on How to Tune a Recurve Bow
Did you know that there are even more tests to help you tune your recurve bow? Check these guides out:
6' Test
Popularly done during the 1960s, this test was done to create a vane that wasn't stiff (as compared to arrows with feather fletches). Here's how the test was done:
Shoot 3 arrows from a distance of 3 and a half meters.
Observe the direction of the vane (or the feather fletch) of the arrow released.
Here are the readings depending on vane direction:
- Low Fletch – you need to raise the nocking point.
- High Fletch – you need to lower the nocking point.
- Fletch Veers to the Right – the arrow spine is stiff (this can be fixed by adjusting the recurve bow's poundage, using arrow points with a heavier weight value, using a longer arrow, and reducing the cushion plunger's tension).
- Fletch Veers to the Right – the arrow spine is weak (this can be fixed by adjusting the recurve bow's poundage, using arrow points with a lighter weight value, using a shorter arrow, and increasing the cushion plunger's tension).
Considering that it's hard to actually observe the vane's direction, several adjustments to this test have been created. And one such test is mentioned next below!
Paper Tuning Tests
Essentially the same as the 6' Test, the main difference is that you don't need to risk (and make more errors!) checking the vane's direction.
All you need is a paper target to check the direction of the tear! The same readings (and solutions) done with the 6' Test applies to the Paper Tuning as well.
Paper Tuning Tests are reliable, that it's actually used (and recommended) by experts! To read more about paper tuning click here.
Some Common Recurve Bow Tuning Issues and Possible Solutions!
More tuning help on the way! Here's a compilation of quick fixes for all sorts of recurve bow tuning issues that you may encounter:
Readjusting Nocking Part
As mentioned before, adjust by small increments, and document each change.
Finger Pressure
Too much pressure on your recurve bow's string can mess up alignment on both your upper and lower bow limbs. Be consistent with the pressure you apply!
Hand Pressure
Consequently, the way you grip can also affect your recurve bow's limbs. Adjust the way you hold your bow and stay consistent with the grip! This will avoid torque.
Recurve Bow Tuning Checklist
This recurve bow tuning checklist will remind you on which parts you'd need to adjust your bow!
Check Your Draw Length
Having a recurve bow with the right draw length means that you'll be able to use it comfortably. Always make sure to measure your own draw length - never adjust to a bow's length! Click here to learn more about draw length.
Check Your Arrow Rest
Setting up your arrow rest properly means you'll let arrows fly smoothly and accurately!
Check Your Nock Height and Arrow Height
Considering both values will give you more accurate shots!
Check Your Arrows
The type of arrows you'll use will determine if your recurve bow is tuned properly or not!
Unique Recurve Bow Checks
Also, we'd like to point out some optional - but highly recommended - gear to totally tune your recurve bow!
Bow Stabilizers
Stabilizers will help you keep your bow stable as you shoot, and they also lessen vibration. This makes them a great addition to your shooting gear. Click here to learn more about using stabilizers.
Bow String Silencers
For quieter shots and lesser bow string vibration, consider getting a bow string silencer. These small enhancements can result in bigger archery rewards! Here's a detailed article which compares a few silencers.
Brush Buttons
Especially if you opt to use your recurve bow out in the wild, having some brush buttons on your bow string will save you from the hassle of untangling sticks, grass, twigs, and the like!
Bonus: Consider a Bow Case
Considering that you've worked so hard tuning your recurve bow, wouldn't it make sense to keep your trusted gear in a safe place? A good bow case will do just that!
For more alternatives check our guide on storing your recure bow.
You Now Have an Efficient Recurve Bow!
Tuning your recurve bow may need a lot of effort - but trust us, it’s all worth it. Enjoy your recurve bow!
Read More
These links will give you more information on how to tune a recurve bow.
Clay Hayes explains in detail how to tune a recurve bow!
Archery enthusiasts share best resources on recurve bow tuning in this thread.
Fancy olympic recurve bows? Here's a good guide on how to tune this particular bow.
Finely tuned recurve bows are especially good for instinctive shooting.
For tuning, find a good location, or build your own backstop for paper tuning on your premises.