Before you start tuning your bow

[archer58inPA]

I noticed a lot of guys are asking for tuning help. Either they don't have the speed they think they should have or they can't get to the third dot , etc, etc. What ever the tuning issue may be, BEFORE you start twisting and untwisting you need to MEASURE the cables and strings first.
So many tuning problems with these bows can be a direct result of stretched strings. Not all of them , but a lot.
Measuring the strings can save you a few headaches and a lot of time.

I know what your thinking....My bow is only a week old!!! How can the strings be stretched already. Don't assume they are not. ESPECIALLY if your speed,or ANY one of DL,DW,ATA and cam position is not correct.

Keep in mind this procedure needs to be done under 100lbs. of tension. This is key to a proper measurement.
Also , anchor your strings w/ a nail or spike the same size as the pegs on the cams. I believe it's 1/4 in. , but someone correct me if I'm wrong.
Measure them from the outside to outside of the loop.
There are a few simple ways to do it , and if you have a draw board you can use your immagination to find a way to anchor the end and attach it to your scale and winch to check the tension.
I know some members have built extensions for their boards to do measuring.

If you measure your strings first I think you'll find tuning much easier and a whole lot faster.
I hope this helps.

[bowbuster]

Great info Archer. These are the kinds of tips that can really help relieve high blood pressure from home tuners.

[AussieGTarcher]

Im 3 hours drive from my nearest dealer and have no idea where the nearest tuner is, this sort of no none sense info is invaluable thanks

[Drahthaar]

I have taken my strings/cables off twice and gotten everything back to spec and I still can only get about 2.5 dots when everything is timed. But, yes getting the strings/cables to the right lengths is the greatest advice I had recieved.

[buckndoe]

Alright, so lets say my factory string has stretched over time. How much can it stretch from it's correct length? 1/8, 1/4"? And if the string is too long, is it a matter of just twisting it to get it back to the correct length? I'm having speed issues. My string passes thru 2nd dot. I can get it to the third dot but it really messes up my BH and ATA. Will new strings/cables make a big differnce in speed/performance? Lots of questions.

[HALFSTEP]

Alright, so lets say my factory string has stretched over time. How much can it stretch from it's correct length? 1/8, 1/4"? And if the string is too long, is it a matter of just twisting it to get it back to the correct length? I'm having speed issues. My string passes thru 2nd dot. I can get it to the third dot but it really messes up my BH and ATA. Will new strings/cables make a big differnce in speed/performance? Lots of questions.

Elite uses 24 strand of 452x for it's string and cables. The problem isn't with stretch or creep. It is usually from it's twisted length. It depends on how accurately the string length is made. If the strings are twisted several more twists after it has been made and installed, the extra tiwst will settle out long after it has been installed and shoot several times. A 24 strand string is stiffer and requires some shooting time to get it to settle into the cam grooves properly.

[archer58inPA]

Alright, so lets say my factory string has stretched over time. How much can it stretch from it's correct length? 1/8, 1/4"? And if the string is too long, is it a matter of just twisting it to get it back to the correct length? I'm having speed issues. My string passes thru 2nd dot. I can get it to the third dot but it really messes up my BH and ATA. Will new strings/cables make a big differnce in speed/performance? Lots of questions.

How much they have stretched and IF ONE , or ALL the cables and strings have stretched becomes the question. And to what degree.
That's why you need to measure them. You won't know untill you do.
My Gt500 strings and cables were stretched the day I opened the box , so my suggestion is to find out how much they have stretched. If it takes more than 2 or 3 twists to spec the strings , toss them and get a good set of custom strings. Strings with too many twists opens up a different can of worms , and I don't want to give you advice on rate of twist bc I don't fully understand it.
One or two of the stock strings could keep stretching and you're back to trying to tune a bow w/ different length strings again.

I didn't start this thread to push anyone's custom strings , but to answer your question.......YES,a set of aftermarket strings from any one of the string makers on this site are the best accessory you can buy for a bow.
They'll stay put and I think your speed issues will go away.

[vhunter]

Good advice Geno. Fact is the G5 strings tend to stretch a lot. And the specs they give you may not be always right because of it. Maybe a string maker can give some advice on this.

[harleyryder]

Excellent info and VERY important.Let me try to take it one step further keeping in mind this is on a Bowtech.Get the string and one cable to the EXACT lenght, put both cables and string on your bow(don't forget which cable is the right size lol) and draw your bow back or use a drawboard and see where the wrong cable is hitting the stop and adjust it til both stops are being hit at the same time...............Won't brag on the old man that tought me that but he had his picture taken with Miranda and his feet hasn't touched the ground since, right Dave

[L-train]

Excellent info for sure.
Always mark your cam position relative to the limb too, makes it easy to track progress.