Posted by Heidi Cridland on 10th Sep 2015
Tips on How to Care For an Archery Compound Bow
Caring For an Archery Compound Bow
The compound bow is perceived by some as the most recent evolution in the world of archery. Many archers use these bows for target archery. Compound bows are an investment that should be properly taken care of. As an owner, you must do things to keep them in a good shape or working condition for many years. Below are some tips on how to care for an archery compound bow.
The compound bow should be occasionally inspected for damage or wear. If an archer hears any unusual vibrations, he or she should stop shooting the bow and perform a thorough check for any damage. In case it is not possible to pinpoint what the problem is, the compound bow should be taken to a Pro Shop for examination. The noise could be caused by costly problem such as a cracked limb. It is also advisable to frequently check the bowstring and cables. If they are ragged or worn, replacement should be done immediately. Most manufacturers recommend that synthetic cables and strings be replaced every 12 to 18 months in order to maintain optimum performance.
It is not a good idea to 'dry fire’ a compound bow. Should someone accidentally dry-fire, he or she should perform a thorough check on the bow for possible damage. Also, drawing the compound bow past the recommended draw length setting is not a good idea. This is because the cable found on the cam’s back side will be stressed and likely to break. The archer can observe the serving on the cable to see if there is a dent some distance from the cam. While some tiny dents are normal, huge ones are not good. As time goes by, the cable will get cut.
An archery compound bow should always be transported in a bow case. It should be a soft Bow case that can fully zip, or a hard case that can be shut and locked. Using a padlock on the cable and string will not work. For those with a Longbow or a Recurve, it is advisable to take off the string.
Waxing a bowstring is among the most important maintenance tasks aimed at keeping a compound bow in a good working condition. It is quite simple, meaning that the bow owner can do it alone. Waxing should be carried out frequently in order to extend the string’s lifespan. It is advisable to do the waxing once in two weeks or whenever hairs are observed on the string to indicate separation of fibers. Prior to carrying out the waxing, the bowstring should be cleaned to remove dirt. Cleaning will also prevent dirt from getting into the string with the wax.
Cleaning can be done by applying a string cleaner on the string and leaving it for about five minutes. Afterwards, it is wiped using a soft, clean cloth. Once the string is free from dirt and dust, the wax can then be applied. Beeswax or candle wax should not be used. Only a special, silicone-based wax should be used for this.
If you are looking to purchase a compound bow please go to our Compound Bow page http://www.combataustralia.com.au/compound-bows/ or feel free to contact us . We would love to help you choose the right compound bow for your situation.