HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR BOW
Your bow should and can last a lifetime, if you take care of it! Here’s a few tips and guidelines to follow to increase the life of your bow:
1. ALWAYS BEND BOTH LIMBS EVENLY WHEN STRINGING YOUR BOW.
This is important! If you do not know how to string a bow, please go to your local archery shop to get hands-on experience (or at least find a decent YouTube video!).
2. NEVER STRING YOUR BOW BACKWARDS.
I know, common sense, right? If you string the bow backwards, the string will pop off and could cause your bow to break. The string groove will always be on the part of the bow facing away from the archer.
3. NEVER EVER ‘DRY-FIRE’ THE BOW. SERIOUSLY. JUST DON’T DO IT.
In other words, do not pull the string back and release it without an arrow on it. Without the weight of the arrow on the string, there’s nothing to cushion the shock, and it could cause serious damage to your bow.
4. NEVER ALLOW SOMEONE ELSE TO OVER-DRAW YOUR BOW.
This is particularly important if you have a custom-made bow! All bows are designed for a specific draw length, but different people have different draw lengths. If someone with longer arms pulls your bow all the way back, they risk breaking it. If you allow someone else to shoot your bow, make sure they are aware of the limitations of the bow.
5. PROTECT YOUR BOW BY STORING IS IN A COOL, DRY PLACE.
Avoid prolonged exposure to excessive heat and moisture. As tempting as it may be, DO NOT store your bow in your vehicle, direct sunlight, the middle of the driveway, or places that experience a lot of temperature changes, as this could seriously damage the bow. If your bow happens to get wet, dry it off thoroughly before storing it. Keeping your bow in a bow sock/sleeve will help protect it from scratches, dust, and horse hair after being thrown in your truck, piled on top of stuff, or buried in closet debris.
6. UN-STRING YOUR BOW WHEN NOT IN USE.
Never keep the bow strung for more than 8 hours at a time. When your bow is left strung for long periods of time, the compression will weaken your bow over time and reduce the life of your bow.
7. REPLACE YOUR BOW STRING AT THE FIRST SIGNS OF WEAR.
A good rule of thumb is to change your bow string at least once a year. At the first signs of wear, replace the string. It is cheaper to replace a string than the entire bow. Only use bow strings that are the proper length for your bow. Bees wax will help increase the life of your string.
8. NEVER MODIFY, CUT, SAND, OR REMOVE ANYTHING FROM MY BOW.
This can result in serious injury or damage to you or the bow.
9. NEVER USE YOUR BOW AS A CLUB OR STICK.
If you run out of arrows, and the enemy is still advancing, only then is it okay to use your bow to beat your enemy. Using your bow as a club or stick will cause a great deal of damage, so only do it as a last resort. No seriously, don’t beat anyone with your bow or use your bow as a riding crop on your horse.