From the days of Robin Hood to the heroism of Katniss Everdeen in Hunger Games to the swashbuckling stunts of Legolas in the Lord of the Rings, and of course, Hawkeye in the Avengers – all these characters have one thing in common- their trusty bow and arrow.
Archery is made even more popular with the likes of characters from our favorite movies. According to USA Archery, the popularity of this sport increased up to 48 percent in 2013 as a result of the Hunger Games movie. They also witnessed a more than 30 percent increase in competition entrants.
Like any other sport, Archery requires a combination of skill and competence to help master the game. But more than that, it also requires a piece of sound equipment. Your compound bow is crucial, and it matters how you treat it and take care of it.
Your compound bow extends your skill and competence as an archer, and you’ll find out that many archers form a personal connection to their bows. It’s a prerequisite of a fine archer.
What is a Compound Bow?
A compound bow is a more complex version of the modern bow. It was invented by Hollis Wilber Allen, Jr. in the 1960s and used a levering system of pulleys and cables to bend the limbs.
The main component of the compound bow is called the riser, and it holds the sights, limbs, quivers, and stabilizers. Compound bows are made of aluminum, carbon fiber, or magnesium allow so that it’s as rigid as possible.
Because of its composition and make, a compound bow is an expensive instrument, so taking extreme care and attention is crucial and, of course, practical.
You may have all your skills and competencies in place, but an underwhelming bow can make it or break it for you. A well-maintained bow will make you sail through your competition.
How to Make My Bow Last Longer?
Taking care of your bow is part and parcel of a good archer. Here are some tips that professionals have tried and tested to help you take care of your bow.
Keep Your Strings Perfect by Waxing It
This is probably the first thing any archer should do with their bow. Maxing your bowstrings at least once a week will help it in perfect condition.
For waxing, you need to use a proper wax compound containing silicone. Silicone will allow the bow to retain its ideal shape.
Do not use candle wax because it is not designed for this type of waxing. Candle wax comprises entirely different elements and will not do the kind of waxing you need.
Keep Away from Water
Water is not a good element to have near your bow. If you’re thinking of using water to wash your bow, we’ll spare you the trouble and say no to it.
Water in the shape of liquid or moisture can harm your bow in the long run. Water can seep into the bow’s wood, causing it to swell.
To ensure your bow is clean and dry, keep it in its case. You also want to ensure you keep your case in a dry place and away from draft, snow buildup, or a high humidity room.
Never Dry-Fire
Dry firing means shooting your bow without an arrow. While this seems harmless, it can have severe and irrevocable consequences for your expensive bow.
A compound bow can suffer damage when dry-fired as it can result in cracking, string breakage, the splintering of the limps, and fracturing of other parts of the bow.
In an even worst-case scenario, dry firing can also cause these cracked and splintered parts to fly through the air and cause physical damage such as blindness.
Change Your Bowstrings Often
Bowstrings have limited life, and usually, they can be used for a maximum of three years. If you use your bow exceptionally often, then the need for replacement is much greater.
Remember that worn-out bowstrings can also cause injury, not to mention poor performance. When replacing the strings, return the entire set, including the strings and cables.
Inspect Your Bow Often
After each time you use your bow, run a mini inspection. If you spot minor damages, get it to a professional to have it repaired. Delaying these repairs will lead to more extensive damages and costlier repairs.
Learn About Your Bow
Compound bows are made with a mixture of different mechanical parts. As an archer, you must know the other parts of your bow. After all, part of fighting the battle is knowing your arsenal well.
Get a Good Bow Case
A well-constructed bow case for storing your bow is essential. This helps ensure your bow is safe from mildew and moisture and safe for transportation. It is always recommended to pack and keep your compound bow in the case meant for bows.
Make Sure It’s Dry, Not Hot
Moisture eats at the wood, whereas heat can damage the synthetic string and cable material. Do not leave your bow out in the sun, and always make sure to return it to its case when you’re done.
Synchronize Your Cams
Keep your cams synchronized if you use double cam compound bows. If your cams do not reach the let-off stance simultaneously, they are not synchronized.
You need to practice caution when synchronizing your cams. If you are not comfortable turning them on your own, then take it to your local blow shop and get a professional to help you.
Always Seek Professional Help
Compound bows are complex, and no matter how well you take care of them, they might run into some form of damage or require an extra set of eyes to maintain them.
Consult a professional now and then to get a full inspection of your bow and ensure things are as they should be. A professional would be able to spot any problems with your bow before they turn into a bigger problem.