Pro shop to fix tuning issues?
 

Guys,

How many of you utilize a local pro shop to assist with tuning your bows? I've always done this personally, but this year I'm struggling with some fine tuning and wanted to know if you would stick it out and spend the rest of the summer working yourself, or seek the help of a local professional? It's minor for me and I probably can get it fixed soon, but just thought of the question.

Kelly

RE: Pro shop to fix tuning issues?
 

I do all my own tuning and other work on my bows

RE: Pro shop to fix tuning issues?
 

I wouldn't mind taking it to a competent pro shop (which are few and far between around here) provided I could look over his shoulder and watch so I would know what it was I missed for next time.

RE: Pro shop to fix tuning issues?
 

I wouldn't because I have the knowledge, experience and skill to tune my bows a lot better than anyone else can.

On the other hand, there are way too many guys who wind up going to the woods every year with untuned, even mismatched,equipment. I wish to goodness they hadtheintellectual capacitytopay somebody to do it for them. Even a basic shop tune would be better than no tune at all.

RE: Pro shop to fix tuning issues?
 

I shop in them and enjoy learning something knew. Many are nothing more than a retailer though, which is fine with me. I've never been in one that was operated by someone as passionetas some onthese forums. I know there out there, just never met one. Would love too have a braek some time and the need is so big while the supply is so small I'm thinking of opening a place in the distant furture with my brother who is into firearms and taxidermy.

To answer your question, sure. The guy could use me as much as I, him.

RE: Pro shop to fix tuning issues?
 

If you happen to be one of those who happen to be "arrow flight anal" then the typical shop tuning will probably never be "good enough" for you.

Most shops out there are perfectly capable of tuning a bow to achieve good arrow flight (certainly better than most people shoot), however when it comes to really getting it perfectly dialed in, most shops can't spend the time putting 1/2 a twist in or taking one out time and time again as you creep tune your rig into perfection.

If you happen to be one of those folks, I suggest that you get the tools to do this yourself and start doing your own tuning.
It does not cost a fortune to get the basics. A bowmaster press is a great tool and will allow you to do just about everything required without breaking the bank.

RE: Pro shop to fix tuning issues?
 

Over the years I've learned a lot about tuning my own bow. I like being self sufficient. If there was a problem I just couldn't figure out on my own or from the boards I'd let a shop take a look, but that probably would be rare.

RE: Pro shop to fix tuning issues?
 

Its kind of difficult for someone else to tune your bow , They have a differant grip,drawlength , ancor , and any other variable you can think of . Tuneing is best done by the person who will be shooting the bow .

RE: Pro shop to fix tuning issues?
 

Guess I'm like the rest of these idiots. Shooting compounds for 32 years and the only reason mine has ever been in a shop is to use their indoor range. To that end I'm my own best, self taught, bow mechanic.

RE: Pro shop to fix tuning issues?
 

Len,Are you out there?..:)...Bob

RE: Pro shop to fix tuning issues?
 

Yes, I'm lurking.:D;)

Quote:

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Tuneing is best done by the person who will be shooting the bow.

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Just a quick note aboutthis statement.Thisis onlytrue if the person shooting the bow has good, consistent form. Isn't that right, Bob??:D

It's very hard for a person (machines are quite different) to perform consistent errors; however, it is easier for humans to perform consistently when errors are minimized by good form and fit. Many who are 'self taught' don't know the difference.

RE: Pro shop to fix tuning issues?
 

The problem with being self taught,in my opinion,is that after a while you keep getting the same answers to the same questions.Therefore,you keep doing the same things,only to expect different results,--this is a definion of insanity.I know this well,because I'm guilty.
I decided that I wanted to take my archery to a much higher level.With my ego in my back pocket,I've been able toget some expert advice,adjustments(tech)on the bow,and some strong suggestions that have helped to achieve this.All this happened with a friend of mine.
Thanks Len.
Mike and I will see you Sunday at the shop...Bob

RE: Pro shop to fix tuning issues?
 

I agree , YOU the archer are the biggest part of tuneing , and the hardest varyable to change , especialy if you have ingrained years of bad shooting form . We as archers tend to want to do it the way we allways have , and sometimes that is the worst thing to do . My grip is a prime example , I know its not consistant , but man its hard to make a change .

RE: Pro shop to fix tuning issues?
 

I was having some difficulties fine tuning my bow as well, and like so many others do the work myself. I was getting frustrated though so I decided to take it in to the pro shop I trust. It took the guy about 2 minutes to fix it because my top wheel had a slight cant when drawn that I could not see when shooting. He fixed that for me and then I was shooting bullet holes. So, sometimes you need someone else you can trust IMHO.

RE: Pro shop to fix tuning issues?
 

I think you guys are talking two different issues. The bow can be tuned and working perfectly. Tuning a shooter is a whole different issue, I know I was one of those. But I was one of the lucky ones. I shoot out at the Air Force Academy and so did the Olympic team for many years. One of the guys from the team watched me struggle and took pity and helped me. Three basic points is what he put in my head. One, how to hold the bow. The placement in the hand is very important. The risor is put against the knuckle of the thumb, not the valley between the thumb and finger. By doing this[and it feels real weird until you get used to it] you can throw your arm guard away because your arm is no longer in the travel path of the string. Also don't squeeze the water out of the handle. If you hold the bow to tight you will flinch at release. People say open hand or two fingers on the front of the bow. I don't use a strap so I put all of my fingers on the front of the bow, but just touch it so I don't drop it. For all the ground I cover hunting elk I never liked a strap.
Two, body balance is of most importance. The way you stand to the target at full draw will add to or take away from the shooting. To get your back straight[right handed shooter] put all your weight on your left foot. At full draw you should be able to pick your right foot off the ground and just put down your big toe for balance. For foot placement, your front foot[left] should be at a 45 degree angle to the target. This keeps the body square to the target. And when I am hunting I can't always set myself like this, but I sure can at the range to work on shooting form.
And three, the release. This is the hardest to master because it is mental not mechanical. Hit your anchor point, bring the sight pin to the target[I come from below] and release when you hit the point on the target you want to hit. DON'T HOLD YOUR BREATH! A lot of guys hold the pin on the target forever and are good at it, I never was. And I don't squeeze the trigger of my release with my finger, contraction of the shoulder muscles releases the arrow.
There were other things we worked on but these were the main factors that helped me. He even got me shooting 90 meter targets with him. After shooting 90 meters, 20yds isn't so hard. And back to the first question, yes I do all my own tuning, my garage is my bow shop. I work on most of my buddies bows also.
Gselkhunter

RE: Pro shop to fix tuning issues?
 

I let Ausey-Guy do all the work on my bows... Makes him feel important, but don't tell him that, he may not return my edger after he put a new blade on it.:D:D

RE: Pro shop to fix tuning issues?
 

Da$% good post gselkhunter. They were talking about taking the bow in for some tuning though. Do you remember any mental tips like what the mind should be doing. The new olympic coach recommends concentrating on your back muscles through the whole process.

RE: Pro shop to fix tuning issues?
 

Focus on the spot you want to hit, this turned into the hair I wanted to hit on an animal. The trick was there wasn't a taget, just a spot twice the size of your arrow shaft, that was the focus. Breath[exhale slowly], keeps everything flowing and calm. And when the pin hit the spot tighten the shoulder muscle and the arrow is gone. Don't think about the shot, just go make it. Example, I blew my first ram shot in 2000, started thinking about getting my feet set, canting the bow to the hillside, distance and I think I even held my breath and shot low on a 40yds shot on a nice 3/4 curl ram. And it was an easy staulk in the trees and a level ground shot. Never should have missed that shot! It is one I have made thousands of times over, started thinking, don't think shoot!
2nd ram, very hard 3 hr open ground staulk, shooting slightly up hill, 55yd shot[no range finder], 10 minutes of shooting time left. Had time to come to my knees, drawing as I rose, exhaling as I picked the spot[a dirt clump]and hit the split between 50 and 60 yd pins and the arrow was gone, I don't even remember the release, just the dirt clump. The deal was there were 5 rams and it was a now or never shot on a full curl ram. As soon as started I rise, I was spotted by the other rams, there was no time and I knew it. But from all the work on the range, it just fell into place. I judge my distance before I start the shot and I don't second guess myself, again just shoot. Make up your mind on what you are going to do before you start the shot, then just focus on the spot. There is no score, there is no last or next shot, just this shot. I can tell the shooters at a tournament, from the rest of the guys. Focused, they don't tinker with their bow, most of them don't say much, machines. They walk up and make shots. Their undoing comes when they make mistakes, they are too tight, can't let it go. Be loose, it is OK to have fun, but when it comes time to shoot, the spot is all that matters. And the full curl is on my wall, the dirt clump didn't survive.
Gselkhunter

RE: Pro shop to fix tuning issues?
 

i agree with 98redline. i want to know my bow is tuned perfect when i go to a shoot. most pro shopsdont have time to tune a bow until it is shooting perfect for each individual.this way when i make a bad shot i know its me not my equip. this narrowsthe miss down to just one thing ,the shooter. this can be correctedmost times with a little more concretion.