How to Adjust Matthews Bows

Bows were once the peak of military and hunting technology, and the fact that they are still used today by hobbyists and hunters alike speaks to their incredible staying power. Compound bows, like those manufactured by Mathews Inc., have replaced the older longbow and recurve designs because of the compound bow's ability to deliver greater amounts of power without increasing the draw strength of the bow. Adjusting a Mathews bow—draw weight is the only part that can be adjusted on these bows—is a relatively simple process, requiring only a simple Allen wrench and a bit of time.

Things You'll Need

  • 3/16 or 7/32 Allen wrench
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Insert the Allen wrench into one of the two hex bolts located immediately above and below the center portion of the bow.

    • 2

      Turn the bolt clockwise no more than one full revolution, then remove the Allen wrench and repeat the process with the second bolt. Make sure you turn each bolt the same number of turns. If the bolts are not turned the same amount, the bow may be damaged or faulty when you try to fire it.

    • 3

      Continue turning the bolts clockwise to increase the draw weight until the bow reaches its maximum draw weight, which will be approximately 10 lbs. greater than its normal weight.

    • 4

      Begin turning the bolts counterclockwise in the same manner as outlined in step 2 to decrease draw weight. Test the bowstring after every full turn of the bolts until you are able to pull the bowstring back comfortably.