How to Increase Draw Weight on A Recurve Bow? Step-by-Step Tips

Recurve bows are a popular type of bow for archery. They are known for their smooth draw and accurate shooting. Recurve bows come in a variety of draw weights, which is the amount of force required to draw the bow to full draw.

If you are an experienced archer, you may want to increase the draw weight of your recurve bow. This can help you to shoot further and with more power. However, it is important to increase the draw weight gradually to avoid injury.

Procedure for Increasing Draw Weight on A Recurve Bow

To increase the draw weight on a recurve bow, you will need to adjust the limb bolts. These bolts are located on either side of the riser, where the limbs attach. To adjust them, you will need an Allen wrench of the appropriate size.

Step 1: Loosen the Locking Screws

The locking screws help to keep the limb bolts in place and prevent them from accidentally turning. If you do not loosen the locking screws before trying to turn the limb bolts, you could damage the bow and/or limbs.

Use the appropriate Allen wrench to loosen the locking screws on both sides of the bow. You do not need to loosen the locking screws completely, just enough so that the limb bolts can turn freely.

Step 2: Turn the Limb Bolts Clockwise

Turning the limb bolts clockwise will increase the draw weight of the bow. This is because the limb bolts compress the limbs, which in turn increases the amount of energy stored in the bow.

Turn both limb bolts clockwise the same amount. It is important to turn the limb bolts evenly to ensure that the bow remains in tune. If you turn one limb bolt more than the other, the bow will become out of tune and your arrows will not fly accurately.

The amount that you need to turn the limb bolts will vary depending on the make and model of your bow, as well as your desired draw weight. It is best to start by turning the limb bolts a small amount and then checking the draw weight. You can repeat this process until you reach the desired draw weight.

Step 3: Tighten the Locking Screws

It is important to tighten the locking screws after adjusting the limb bolts. This will help to keep the limb bolts in place and prevent them from accidentally turning.

Use the appropriate Allen wrench to tighten the locking screws on both sides of the bow. You do not need to over-tighten the locking screws, just enough so that the limb bolts are held in place securely.

Important safety tips:

• Do not over-tighten the limb bolts. Over-tightening can damage the bow and limbs.
• Make sure that the limb bolts are turned in evenly on both sides. This will help to keep the bow in tune.
• If you are not comfortable adjusting the limb bolts yourself, take your bow to a qualified archery shop.

Is It Ideal to Increase the Draw Weight on a Recurve Bow?

There are several benefits to increasing the draw weight on a recurve bow. For example, a higher draw weight can help you to:

• Shoot further: A higher draw weight will give your arrows more energy, which will allow them to travel further.
• Shoot more accurately: A higher draw weight can help you to shoot more accurately because it will give you more control over the bow.
• Build muscle strength: Drawing a recurve bow requires a lot of muscle strength. Increasing the draw weight can help you build muscle strength in your arms, shoulders, and back.

However, it is important to note that increasing the draw weight also has some drawbacks. For example, a higher draw weight can make the bow more difficult to draw and hold. It can also increase the risk of injury.

When You Shouldn’t Increase the Draw Weight?

If you are a beginner archer, you should not increase the draw weight on your recurve bow. It is important to start with low draw weight and gradually increase it as you become stronger and more experienced.

You should also not increase the draw weight on your recurve bow if you have any injuries or health conditions that could make it difficult to draw the bow.

How to Increase Draw Weight Gradually?

If you are ready to increase the draw weight on your recurve bow, it is important to do so gradually. Here are some tips:

• Start by increasing the draw weight by 5-10 pounds.
• Practice with the new draw weight for a few days or weeks before increasing it again.
• If you experience any pain or discomfort, stop increasing the draw weight and consult with an archery instructor.

Tips for Increasing Draw Weight on a Recurve Bow

If you are shooting with a higher draw weight, there are a few things you can do to improve your form and accuracy:

By Working Out

Here are some tips for increasing draw weight on a recurve bow by working out:

• Strengthen your back muscles. Pull-ups, rows, and shoulder presses are all great exercises for strengthening your back muscles, which are essential for drawing a recurve bow.
• Strengthen your arm muscles. Bicep curls and triceps extensions are great exercises for strengthening your arm muscles, which also play a role in drawing a recurve bow.
• Strengthen your core muscles. Your core muscles help to support your body and keep you balanced while drawing and shooting a recurve bow. Planks, crunches, and sit-ups are all great exercises for strengthening your core muscles.
• Do cardio. Cardio exercise will help to improve your overall fitness and endurance, which will be beneficial for archery. Aim for at least 30 minutes of cardio exercise most days of the week.

By Practicing

Here are some tips for increasing draw weight on a recurve bow by practicing:

• Start with a lower draw weight. If you are new to archery, it is important to start with a lower draw weight so that you can learn the proper form and technique. As you get stronger, you can gradually increase your draw weight.
• Shoot regularly. The more you shoot, the stronger your draw muscles will become. Aim to shoot at least 3-4 times per week for at least 30 minutes each session.
• Use a back tension release. A back tension release uses your back muscles to draw the bowstring, which can help to strengthen your back muscles and improve your accuracy.
• Focus on your form. It is important to have good form when shooting a recurve bow. This will help you to avoid injury and improve your accuracy.

It is important to be patient and consistent when increasing your draw weight. It takes time and effort to build strength and muscle mass. If you are consistent with your workouts and practice, you will gradually be able to increase your draw weight.

End Notes

Increasing the draw weight on a recurve bow can help you to shoot further and with more power. However, it is important to increase the draw weight gradually to avoid injury.

Questions You May Ask

What is the ideal draw weight for a recurve bow?

The ideal draw weight for a recurve bow depends on your strength and experience. If you are a beginner, you should start with a draw weight of 20-30 pounds. As you become stronger and more experienced, you can gradually increase the draw weight.

Can I increase the draw weight on my recurve bow myself?

Yes, you can increase the draw weight on your recurve bow yourself by adjusting the limb bolts or replacing the limbs. However, it is important to follow the instructions that come with your bow and to be careful not to overtighten the limb bolts.