How to Set the Draw Weight on a Compound Bow

Adjusting the draw weight affects the speed at which your arrow flies.

It's likely that archers using a compound bow, whether for hunting or target shooting, will need to adjust their bow's draw weight at one time or another. It is the peak weight a person pulls while drawing the bow, and it determines how fast the arrow flies. The draw weight, or poundage, is caused by the stiffness of the bow's limbs. By turning two limb screws, the poundage of most compound bows can be changed in just minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Allen wrench (hex key)

Instructions

1. Draw back the bow to determine whether you need to increase or decrease the draw weight. The minimum and maximum poundage is usually posted on the bottom limb. If only one number is listed, that is the maximum weight. Compound bows can be adjusted up to 10 pounds under the maximum.

2. Lay the bow down on a flat surface or hold it with one hand.

3. Find the bolt located on the upper limb and the bolt on the lower limb.

4. Use the appropriate Allen wrench to turn one of the bolts. Turn it clockwise to increase the draw weight or counter-clockwise to decrease it. If decreasing poundage, leave the bolt in at least four turns to ensure the limb does not come apart.

5. Turn the other bolt an equal amount in the same direction.

Tips & Warnings

• The higher the draw weight, the faster the bow will shoot an arrow.

• Bows set at a high draw weight require heavier, stiffer arrow shafts. Bows set at a lower draw weight can use lighter, more limber arrow shafts.

• Do not over-tighten the limb screws, as it could result in the limb breaking.

• Pulling too much weight can be harmful to the shoulder and other joints.