Compound Bow Maintenance: The Complete Guide

The Compound Bow Maintenance Guide is your complete guide to keeping your Compound Bow in top condition.

This blog post will teach you the basics of Compound Bow maintenance and cover topics like how often do I need to clean my Compound Bow, what kind of lubricant should I use on my Compound bow, or when should I replace the string on my Compound bow?

With this information you’ll be able to keep your Compound bow shooting straight for years!

What Are Compound Bows?

Compound bows are a type of bow that uses Compound Bow Technology. Compound Bow Technology utilizes cams or levers to create a mechanical advantage, which makes the bow easier to draw.

Compound Bows are typically more accurate and have a higher speed than traditional bows. As the archer draws back the bow, they’ll reach the “let-off” point.

Even if they start pulling at the full weight of the bow, when they reach that point, the draw will be reduced to a lesser weight. Then they’ll stay at this weight until they release the arrow.

This means that with a compound bow, you can fire a more powerful shot with less effort. The wheels at either end of the drawstring help reduce the full weight of the bow, so you won’t have to struggle to keep the bow straight.

You’ll have a stronger shot as well as a more accurate one. A compound bow can reduce the draw weight by 50% or more. Compound bows are used in field archery, target archery, and hunting.

There’s a wide range of styles, weights, and sizes, but they all have the same fundamental design.

The Complete Guide to Compound Bow Maintenance

The following guide can give you a good place to start your compound bow maintenance. Once you know what to do and how to do it, you can start putting together a schedule for cleaning, fixing, and maintaining your compound bow.

With these essential tips, you’ll be off shooting your bow in no time.

Watch Your Strings

Compound bows have two strings- the main string and the backup string. The main string is what you shoot with, while the backup string is there in case of an emergency.

The main string needs to be kept clean and waxed. This will help keep it from fraying or breaking.

If your bow has a cam system on it, it may be necessary to adjust the cams when you’re re-stringing your Compound bow.

The backup string should only be used if the main one breaks (and that isn’t very likely). Don’t use the backup too often, or it will wear out quickly and need replacing before long.

It’s generally recommended that you replace strings and cables every 12 to 18 months or every 2,500 shots. This will help you maintain optimum performance.

Don’t “Dry Fire”

Don’t think of Compound bows as a sort of “fake gun.” Compound bows are actually more like real guns, and they need to be treated with respect at all times.

You should never dry fire your Compound bow- that is, don’t shoot it without an arrow in place. This can cause damage to your bow and might even injure you.

Always use an arrow when you shoot your Compound bow, and be sure to keep it pointed in a safe direction at all times.

If you ever accidentally dry fire or misfire without an arrow, check the bow for any damage.

Inspect the limbs for any cracks or signs of wear. Also, take a look at your arrows to make sure none of them are bent.

 Keep It Synchronize

Compound bows come in different weights and sizes, so it’s important that you keep your bow in sync. By “in sync,” we mean making sure the limbs are balanced.

If they’re not balanced, then the Compound bow will be difficult to shoot and may even cause damage.

One way to check your Compound bow for proper balance is to put a small weight on the front of one limb and rest it on a table.

Then check how much pressure you need to apply at that point before the other side comes into contact with the surface below.

If there’s more than around half an inch, then it may be time to consider a limb replacement. You can also try to balance the Compound bow by installing an adjustable weight system on it, but this could cause problems down the road if you don’t know what you’re doing.

It is important to make sure your Compound bows are in good condition before using them for practice or hunting purposes.

Never Draw Too Far

A Compound bow needs to be able to draw back far enough for the arrow to fire, but don’t overdo it.

Shooting your Compound bow too hard is not only dangerous, but it also reduces accuracy and can cause damage that will require expensive repairs.

Take a close look at your cable and see if you have any dents or cracks. Some smaller dents are normal, but if there are too many or they seem deep, your cable may end up snapping over the course of a few weeks or months.

If you need help with this process, speak with a professional Compound bow technician. They will be able to help you set up your Compound bow so that it’s just right for you.

Be Aware of the Temperature

The temperature can also have an effect on Compound bows. When it’s cold outside, the metal parts of the bow may contract and cause problems. This is especially true with Compound bows that use cables.

If you live in an area where the weather is cold, then it’s probably best to wait until things warm up before using your Compound bow, even if the manufacturer says it can be used at colder temperatures than average.

When exposed to extreme temperature changes over time, components like the cables can become brittle and snap.

 Avoid Excessive Heat

On the other hand, Compound bows should not be used in excessively hot weather. The high temperatures can cause the bow to warp and even melt.

If you’re going to be hunting in an area that has a lot of heat, it might be a good idea to take along a second Compound bow that’s specifically for use in those conditions. That way, you’ll be able to maintain the accuracy and performance of your primary bow.

Keep your compound bow away from any heat source. Excessive heat can cause limb failure or break down the materials of your string and cable.

This can stretch your cables out and weaken them. Anything over 100 degrees Fahrenheit could lead to severe damage to all parts of your bow.

Always Lubricate

All Compound bows need to be lubricated on a regular basis. This will help keep them in good condition and ensure that they shoot accurately.

There are different types of Compound bow lubricants available, so it’s important to choose the right one for your specific bow. If you’re not sure which one to use, consult with a Compound bow technician.

It’s also important to make sure that you don’t over-lubricate your Compound bow. Excess lubricant can actually cause more damage than not enough. So be sparing and only use what’s necessary.

Tuning Your Bow

If your Compound bow isn’t shooting as accurately as it should, then it may be time to tune. Compound bows can sometimes go out of tune over the course of a few weeks or months and need adjustments in order to shoot at their peak level.

Some people like to do this by themselves using an Allen wrench, but it’s best to leave it to the professionals if you’re not familiar with the process.

Proper Storage

Your compound bow should always be kept in a safe place when it’s not being used. Some people choose to keep their Compound bows hanging on the wall, but this can damage your bow and cause you problems down the road if something happens.

If you have a Compound bow case or bag where you can safely store your bow, that’s often the best choice.

Just be sure to let your Compound bow sit for a few days before using it again so that all of its parts have time to come back into their proper positions and settings.

Related Questions

How To Clean A Compound Bow

You should clean your Compound Bow after every use. If you hunt in wet or humid conditions, you may need to clean your Compound Bows more often.

What Kind Of Lubricant Should I Use On My Compound Bow?

The best type of lubricant to use on your Compound Bow is a silicone-based lubricant. The silicone will not easily wash away in water and it forms a protective barrier that prevents rust or corrosion from forming on your Compound Bow.

When Should I Replace My Compound Bows String?

The average lifespan of Compound bows string is around 20,000 shots. If you are shooting over this amount per year, then you should replace your Compound Bows string.

You can also replace your Compound Bows string if it becomes frayed or damaged. Be sure to consult with a Compound Bows technician before replacing the string on your Compound Bow.

Now that you know how to properly clean and lubricate your Compound Bow, you can be assured that it will remain in tip-top shape for years to come!

Basic Compound Bow Maintenance