Bow Tuning Class

OR Archer

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Feb 29, 2012
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Mesa,AZ
If you were able to take a class on tuning bows what topics would you like covered? There would only be so much you could cram into say a weekend long class so I’d love to hear everyone’s ideas on this. Also what do you think would be a fair price for a 2 day hands on class?
 

Rob5589

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Sep 6, 2014
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N CA
General set up of a new bow out of the box, basic tune, parts selection guidance, arrow selection, initial arrow tuning, general archery terms, over view of tools needed. 100-125 per day seems reasonable. Could do a more advanced class as a follow up.
 

TheTone

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Mar 4, 2012
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I’ll echo from new in box, setting up multiple types of rests, adjustments to make when paper tuning, adjustments to make for cam timing issues
 

nphunter

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Jul 27, 2016
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Oregon
It really depends on the crowd, most people have zero clue about setting up a bow or even how to shoot properly.

Propper fit would be the first thing I would discuss, show them how a bow should fit, why a solid anchor is important, the importance of having more than one reference point, form, shot execution and then move on to bow setup. Initial setup, how to find starting specs, setting DW, BH and timing. Starting nocking point, tying good nock sets, tying on a loop, center shot, how determining peep height, peep alignment, tying in a peep, and how to serve a string.

When you get into the actual tuning the very first thing people need to understand is proper shot execution and proper specs. I have seen several people start with a nicely setup bow but end up with a super messed up bow after they are done sighting it in.

I think you could touch on things like arrow spine but from what I've seen it is kind of irrelevant as far as setting up a bow. I've been successful in shooting super under spined and way over spined arrows out of the same bow, IMO spines that are way off typically amplify form or setup issues.

I would just make a list of prerequisites for the class, or spend the entire first day doing more of a hands off classroom style teaching lesson. Terms, definitions, components, form, fit, determining proper draw length, why these things are important. Proper shot execution, proper aiming, explain things like, BH, ATA, timing and what it is, what is center shot, how an arrow flys, what fletchings do, why it's important to have an arrow leave the bow as straight as possible. If people don't understand why they are making the adjustments and what end result they are working toward they will struggle tuning. A person really needs to understand what each adjustment does to the arrow and why they need to make that adjustment.

I think it would be great to see more people understand the hows and whys of tuning and if a class was offered back when I was learning I would have jumped on the opportunity in a heartbeat.

Pricewise I think it really just depends on how in-depth the class will be and what people can expect to take away from it. I think a ton of people could benefit from just the discussion and understanding of a proper setup and fit. If you did more of a course where you are talking to people like a class room session you could do more people at one time and charge less. I know all the elk calling seminars I've seen are always full and all people are doing in those is sitting and learning, I think you would get a lot of participation in this type of class, talking and describing all the aspects of an accurate setup and how to make it that way, including sight movement, broadhead flight, etc. You could then offer a more expensive class, like advanced tuning where the class sizes would be limited and you could charge more for good hands on training. I really thing the hands-on training would be much less confusing and more beneficial for people after sitting through the first session and learn the theory behind all of it.
 

K_Wells

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Jan 2, 2023
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I know this gets into a whole other area of the sport, but I would love to be taught some basics about how to know when to adjust the bow vs when to adjust the shooter.


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4rcgoat

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Dec 12, 2015
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wyoming
I like the idea, I've gotten better at tuning my own stuff,but could definitely learn more. Would like to know more about how strings are built and how to make sure things are twisted correctly to get things in spec. I've replaced a couple string sets and think I just got lucky getting everything back close to specs.
 

bwhtr26

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Jul 31, 2023
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went to the george chapman school of archery about six years ago for a 2 day class and it was about 500, when you want to learn and at that time the info avail today was not there, i don’t regret the money, came home bought a bow press and no longer stand in line at the pro shop
 

Zac

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Dec 1, 2018
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UT
Sounds trivial but grip. I would have been way ahead if I would have started with a proper one.
 
Joined
Oct 27, 2015
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Sounds trivial but grip. I would have been way ahead if I would have started with a proper one.
i agree... i still don't have a consistent grip and ive been shooting the same bow for years... seems like ill be shooting great then one day things seem way off and i start messing with my grip or rest and have to retune my bow... when i probably just needed to rest and pick back up the next day
 

ofl0926

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May 23, 2015
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miami, fl
I’d be interested in a tuning/setup class. Form is also a great topic to cover as well


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Zac

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Dec 1, 2018
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UT
I guess if you have a shop you mainly want to go over how shimming works for all the different models. Anyone can crank a rest. I can’t believe every time I see a post where someone is dumbfounded that their Mathew’s has Top Hats, and that they actually have to be moved.
 
Joined
Feb 24, 2016
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I would suggest teaching people how to tie d-loops and serve strings. And have them do it a million times. Everything else will likely be handled in their "pro-shop" but d-loops and servings come apart during a hunt and can ruin a guy if he doesn't know how to fix them in the field.


It's amazing how many archers don't know how to tie a simple d-loop.
 
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Point Man

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Jul 7, 2023
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Ohio
I would suggest teaching people how to tie d-loops and serve strings. And have them do it a million times. Everything else will likely be handled in their "pro-shop" but d-loops and servings come apart during a hunt and can ruin a guy if he doesn't know how to fix them in the field.


It's amazing how many archers don't know how to tie a simple d-loop.
So very true and I resemble that remark. I've been shooting since the 70's and I just now taught myself how to tie a simple D loop this year. I was spoiled by having so many good friends with pro shops in my area and never a need to handle things myself. Those pro shops are disappearing quite fast and have dwindled down to just two close by. I am seeing the need to do things myself if I want to stay active in the game.
 
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