How to Align a Compound Bow Rest

Compound bows use cables, pulleys and limbs, along with various accessories, to accurately launch arrows towards the intended target. One of the most important accessories is the arrow rest that functions to hold the arrow in position and support the arrow as you shoot. You can improve the overall performance of your compound bow and arrow rest by following a few basic tuning steps for aligning the rest. Starting with the center shot and paper tuning, you can customize the aligning of the rest and the tuning of the bow to your individual shooting style.

Things You'll Need

  • Allen wrenches
  • Arrow
  • Paper tuner
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Instructions

  1. Center Shot

    • 1

      Orient the bow vertically so the bow string is aligned with the middle of the riser on the bow. This determines the center shot of the bow.

    • 2

      Place an arrow on the bow string and rest.

    • 3

      Move the bow rest left or right using the appropriate Allen wrench. Make sure the arrow and rest are aligned with the center shot.

    Paper Tuning

    • 4

      Adjust the vertical positioning of the arrow on the arrow rest. This typically involves turning the micro-adjustment set screws on the rest that raise or lower the bracket on the arrow rest. As a general rule, position the arrow vertically with the burger button on the riser.

    • 5

      Shoot an arrow though a paper tuning machine. The type of tear indicates the required adjustments to the alignment of the rest, nock positioning or arrow shaft type.

    • 6

      Move the arrow rest position away from the riser if you experience a left tear. A left tear is indicated by a tear where the impact point is on the right side of the tear.

    • 7

      Continue shooting arrows through the paper tuning machine and making adjustments to the arrow rest position. The preferred tear is indicated by an impact tear slightly higher than the arrow shaft.