How to Test Bow Poundage: A Comprehensive Guide for Archers

Understanding your bow’s poundage is crucial for accuracy, safety, and consistency in archery. Bow poundage, also known as draw weight, refers to the force required to pull the bowstring back to your full draw length. Knowing this value allows you to select appropriate arrows, tune your bow effectively, and ensure you’re shooting within your physical capabilities. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of testing your bow poundage accurately and safely.

Why is Testing Bow Poundage Important?

There are several compelling reasons to regularly test your bow poundage:

* **Safety:** Shooting a bow with a poundage too high for you can lead to injury. Overdrawing or struggling to hold the draw can cause muscle strain, shoulder problems, and even equipment failure. Knowing your comfortable and safe draw weight is paramount.
* **Accuracy:** Consistency is key to accurate shooting. Changes in bow poundage, even slight ones, can affect your arrow’s trajectory. Regular testing ensures your setup remains consistent.
* **Arrow Selection:** Arrow spine is directly related to bow poundage. Using arrows that are either too stiff or too weak for your bow can significantly impact accuracy and safety. Knowing your poundage allows you to select the correct arrow spine for optimal performance.
* **Tuning:** Bow tuning involves adjusting various components to achieve optimal arrow flight. Bow poundage is a critical factor in the tuning process. Accurate poundage measurements are essential for making informed adjustments.
* **Maintenance:** Over time, bowstrings can stretch, and limbs can weaken, leading to changes in poundage. Regular testing helps identify these changes early, allowing you to address potential issues before they become significant problems.
* **Legal Compliance:** In some hunting situations, there may be minimum bow poundage requirements. Knowing your bow’s actual poundage ensures you comply with local regulations.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin testing your bow poundage, gather the following tools and materials:

* **Bow Scale (Digital or Mechanical):** A bow scale is a specialized tool designed to measure the draw weight of a bow. Digital scales are generally more accurate and easier to read, while mechanical scales are more affordable and durable. Ensure the scale is rated to handle the expected poundage of your bow.
* **Draw Length Scale or Arrow with Draw Length Markings:** Accurately measuring your draw length is essential for determining the bow poundage at your specific draw. You can use a dedicated draw length scale or mark your draw length on an arrow.
* **Bow Press (Optional but Recommended):** A bow press is helpful for making adjustments to your bow, such as limb bolts. While not strictly required for testing poundage, it makes the process much easier and safer, especially if you need to adjust the poundage.
* **Allen Wrenches (if adjusting poundage):** If you plan to adjust the bow poundage, you’ll need the correct size Allen wrenches for your bow’s limb bolts. Consult your bow’s owner’s manual for the correct sizes.
* **Target:** You’ll need a safe target to draw the bow towards while testing. Ensure the target is appropriate for your bow’s poundage and arrows.
* **Safety Glasses:** Always wear safety glasses when working with archery equipment.
* **Bow Square (Optional):** A bow square is helpful for ensuring your nock point is properly positioned, which can affect draw length and poundage readings.
* **Pen and Paper or a Notebook:** To record your measurements and observations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Testing Bow Poundage

Follow these steps to accurately test your bow poundage:

**Step 1: Prepare Your Bow and Equipment**

1. **Inspect Your Bow:** Before you begin, thoroughly inspect your bow for any signs of damage, such as cracks in the limbs, frayed strings, or loose components. Do not proceed if you find any damage. Take it to a qualified archery technician for inspection and repair.
2. **Check Your Draw Length:** Verify that your draw length is properly set on your bow. This is crucial for accurate poundage measurements. If you’re unsure of your draw length, consult with an archery professional to have it measured correctly. Minor adjustments in draw length can have a significant impact on the poundage reading.
3. **Install the Bow Scale:** Attach the bow scale to the bowstring. Most bow scales have a hook or loop that attaches to the string. Ensure the scale is securely attached and properly aligned.
4. **Set Up Your Target:** Place your target in a safe location with a clear background. Make sure there is nothing behind the target that could be damaged by an errant arrow.

**Step 2: Measure Your Draw Length**

1. **Prepare Your Draw Length Arrow or Scale:** If you’re using a draw length arrow, ensure it’s properly marked with your draw length. If you’re using a draw length scale, attach it to the bowstring according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. **Draw the Bow:** Stand with good posture and draw the bow smoothly and steadily, just as you would when shooting normally. Draw the bow back to your anchor point, ensuring your release hand is in the correct position.
3. **Record Your Draw Length:** While at full draw, have a helper observe and record your draw length. If you’re using a draw length arrow, read the marking at the back of the bow. If you’re using a draw length scale, read the measurement on the scale. Alternatively, you can draw the bow in front of a mirror to check your draw length.
4. **Repeat:** Repeat the draw length measurement several times to ensure consistency. Note any variations and average the measurements for the most accurate result.

**Step 3: Measure Bow Poundage at Your Draw Length**

1. **Attach Bow Scale:** Make sure the bow scale is securely attached to the bowstring.
2. **Draw the Bow Slowly:** Draw the bow slowly and smoothly, stopping at your measured draw length. Avoid jerking or snapping the string, as this can damage the scale and provide inaccurate readings.
3. **Read the Scale:** While holding the bow at your draw length, carefully read the measurement on the bow scale. Note the reading in pounds.
4. **Repeat the Measurement:** Repeat the draw and measurement process several times (at least three to five times) to ensure consistency. Record each reading.
5. **Calculate the Average:** Calculate the average of your poundage readings. This average value is your bow’s poundage at your specific draw length.

**Step 4: Adjust Bow Poundage (If Necessary)**

1. **Determine Desired Poundage:** If you want to adjust your bow poundage, determine your desired poundage based on your physical capabilities, arrow selection, and shooting goals. Remember, small adjustments can make a big difference.
2. **Use a Bow Press (Recommended):** If you have a bow press, use it to safely relax the bowstring. This will make adjusting the limb bolts much easier and safer.
3. **Adjust Limb Bolts:** Locate the limb bolts on your bow. These bolts are used to adjust the tension on the limbs, which in turn affects the bow poundage. To increase poundage, tighten the limb bolts. To decrease poundage, loosen the limb bolts. Make small adjustments (e.g., one-quarter turn) at a time, and always adjust both limb bolts equally to maintain even limb tension. Consult your bow’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on adjusting limb bolts.
4. **Re-Measure Poundage:** After making adjustments, re-measure the bow poundage using the steps outlined above. Repeat the adjustment and measurement process until you achieve your desired poundage.

**Step 5: Document Your Results**

1. **Record All Measurements:** In your notebook or spreadsheet, record all your measurements, including draw length, individual poundage readings, and the average poundage. Also, note any adjustments you made to the limb bolts.
2. **Date Your Measurements:** Date your measurements so you can track changes in bow poundage over time.
3. **Store Your Records:** Keep your records in a safe place so you can refer to them in the future.

Tips for Accurate Poundage Testing

* **Use a Quality Bow Scale:** Invest in a reputable bow scale known for its accuracy. Cheap or poorly calibrated scales can provide inaccurate readings.
* **Maintain Consistent Draw Technique:** Use a consistent draw technique each time you measure the poundage. This will help minimize variations in your readings.
* **Avoid Jerky Movements:** Draw the bow slowly and smoothly, avoiding any jerky movements that could affect the scale reading.
* **Ensure Proper Scale Alignment:** Make sure the bow scale is properly aligned with the bowstring. An improperly aligned scale can provide inaccurate readings.
* **Check Your Scale Regularly:** Periodically check your bow scale for accuracy by comparing its readings to a known weight. If the scale is inaccurate, consider recalibrating it or replacing it.
* **Warm Up Your Bow:** Bow limbs can be affected by temperature. If you’re shooting in cold weather, allow your bow to warm up slightly before testing the poundage.
* **Consider String Stretch:** New bowstrings can stretch over time, which can affect bow poundage. Allow your new string to settle in before taking official poundage measurements.
* **Check for Limb Twist:** Limb twist can affect poundage readings. Inspect your bow limbs to ensure they are straight and not twisted.
* **Consult a Professional:** If you’re unsure about any aspect of testing your bow poundage, consult with a qualified archery technician.

Understanding Draw Weight Variation

It’s important to understand that bow poundage can vary slightly due to several factors:

* **Limb Bolt Adjustment Range:** Most bows have a poundage adjustment range, typically around 10 pounds. This means that a 60-pound bow might be adjustable from 55 to 65 pounds.
* **Manufacturing Tolerances:** Bow manufacturers have tolerances in their manufacturing processes. This means that two bows with the same stated poundage might have slightly different actual poundages.
* **Environmental Conditions:** Temperature and humidity can affect bow poundage. Extreme temperatures can cause the limbs to stiffen or soften, leading to changes in poundage.
* **String Material and Condition:** Different string materials and the condition of the string (e.g., stretching) can affect bow poundage.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

* **Inconsistent Readings:** If you’re getting inconsistent poundage readings, check your draw technique, scale alignment, and scale accuracy. Also, make sure your draw length is consistent.
* **Scale Not Registering:** If the scale is not registering any weight, make sure it’s properly attached to the bowstring and that the scale is turned on and functioning correctly. Also, ensure the scale is rated to handle the bow’s poundage.
* **Difficulty Drawing the Bow:** If you’re having difficulty drawing the bow, the poundage might be too high. Loosen the limb bolts to decrease the poundage. If you’re still having difficulty, consult with an archery professional to determine if the bow is appropriate for your physical capabilities.
* **Limb Bolts Stuck:** If the limb bolts are stuck, do not force them. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the threads and let it sit for a few minutes before attempting to loosen the bolts. If they’re still stuck, consult with an archery professional.

Safety Precautions

* **Wear Safety Glasses:** Always wear safety glasses when working with archery equipment.
* **Use a Bow Press When Adjusting Limb Bolts:** A bow press is essential for safely adjusting limb bolts. Attempting to adjust limb bolts without a bow press can be dangerous and can damage your bow.
* **Never Dry-Fire Your Bow:** Dry-firing a bow (drawing and releasing the string without an arrow) can cause serious damage to the bow and can be dangerous to the shooter.
* **Inspect Your Equipment Regularly:** Regularly inspect your bow, string, and arrows for any signs of damage. Do not use damaged equipment.
* **Be Aware of Your Surroundings:** Always be aware of your surroundings when drawing and shooting your bow. Make sure there is a safe background behind your target.
* **Consult a Professional:** If you’re unsure about any aspect of archery safety, consult with a qualified archery professional.

Conclusion

Testing your bow poundage is a fundamental aspect of archery that impacts safety, accuracy, and overall performance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can accurately measure your bow’s draw weight, make informed adjustments, and ensure you’re shooting within your capabilities. Regular poundage testing, coupled with proper maintenance and safe practices, will help you enjoy the sport of archery for years to come. Remember, if you’re ever unsure about any aspect of bow maintenance or tuning, consult with a qualified archery technician. Happy shooting!