< Back to Resource Center

Paper Tuning

Paper Tuning is arguably, the best method to fine tune the bow and arrow. To get started you need to first make sure that you are using the correct arrow shaft because using an arrow shaft that is too stiff or too weak may prevent paper tuning from being fully effective. Next make sure your nocking point is 1/8 inch above center and that your fletchings are NOT making contact with your arrow rest. This preliminary work will ensure that you are making the correct adjustments in the paper tuning process.

Begin by standing approximately 4 to 6 feet away from a sheet of paper held in a frame with a backstop behind the paper rack.

The following instructions are for right handed shooters. Left handers should use reverse of the instructions. Example: for tear right use solution for a tear left. For a tear left use the instruction for a tear right.

1. Decrease point weight. A lighter point will have some effect on increasing shaft stiffness. Too light of a point however, may result in unstable arrow flight.

2. If step 1 doesn’t reduce the length of the tear to your satisfaction, you may need to change to a stiffer shaft or decrease draw weight. Additionally, small tears can sometimes be improved by moving the arrowrest away from the riser, or by increasing the tension on the cushion plunger, if one is used.

1. Increase point weight. A heavier point will have some effect on decreasing shaft stiffness. Arrow speed may be reduced

2. If step 1 doesn’t reduce the length of the tear to your satisfaction, you may need to change to a weaker shaft or increase draw weight. Small tears can sometimes be improved by moving the arrowrest toward the riser, or by reducing the tension on the cushion plunger, if one is used.

1. Adjust the arrowrest up in small increments OR move the nocking point down in small increments.

1. Adjust the arrowrest down in small increments OR move the nocking point up in small increments.