BASIC SET-UP

The aim of basic set-up is to use simple methods and measurements, that don't rely on shooting skill, to finish up with a bow that will shoot reasonably well and give a good basis for further, fine adjustment.  In fact, if your bow is well engineered and you are an average sort of archer, you may never need to change the settings you establish here.

The underlying principle for release shooters is to set things up so that equal force is applied to the arrow in all directions.  The principle (although not always the method) applies to all types of compound bow including single, twin, cam-and-a-half and three-track bows.  It also provides a good start for finger shooters, although they will need to make adjustments when they come to the Standard Tuning process.

In summary, the Basic Set-up process is as follows.  I have listed the various tasks in a logical order (for example, depending on your bow, you can't set draw weight until you have decided on your draw length etc), but in reality, you will often find yourself doing part of one task and part of another and getting things right by small, repetitive steps rather than in one sweep.  You can call it 'continuous approximation' or 'constant improvement' depending on whether you prefer the jargon of science or business, but it is the same thing.
  1. Select arrows.  Possibly not so critical for release shooters but still an essential task.

  2. Fit and adjust cable guard and slider, unless using shoot-through system.

  3. Check cams are central on axle. Adjust if necessary.

  4. Set tiller so it is equal for both limbs.

  5. Attach nocking points so the arrow shaft is exactly horizontal with respect to the arrow rest (ie zero nocking height) and make sure it is not being fouled by the jaws or rope of the release aid.

  6. Adjust draw length so it is comfortable, enables a steady aim and gives ample bow-arm clearance.

  7. Adjust draw weight so it is comfortable.

  8. Adjust cam timing so both cams are coming over at exactly the same time (two-wheelers only!).

  9. Adjust centre shot so that the arrow has good launcher clearance and is perfectly aligned with the string groove of the cams.

  10. Fit and level sight and scope.

  11. Fit peep.

  12. DOUBLE-CHECK EVERYTHING readjusting where necessary.  You may have to go round the circle several times until everything is set as you want it.