Brace height
(Recurve bows)----------(Compound bows)
Start with the brace height at the lower end of the
manufacturers recommendation or use the following
chart. To locate the optimum brace height for
your particular bow, "twist up" the bowstring to
make it shorter. This raises the brace height.
BOW LENGTH
All bows are different, even bows of the same make and
model can have small variations. Therefore, it is important
to locate a brace height that fits your particular bow and
shooting style. Shoot a few arrows at the suggested
beginning brace height, then unstring the bow, add 3-4
twists to the bowstring and shoot again. Continue this
process until the bow feels smoothest and quietest when
shooting.
If the bowstring is too short to allow a brace height at the
lower setting, use a slightly longer string. If the string is too
long to allow a higher brace height (and starts to knot-up
from too many twists), try a slightly shorter bowstring.
There are many custom bowstring makers who produce
strings to your exact specifications including length, type
of material, type and color of serving, etc.
The brace height determines the specific point at which
the arrow separates from the bowstring and the amount of
bend the arrow has when the separation occurs. The best
brace height for your recurve or compound bow is one that
allows the most compatible launch position for the arrow
at the end of the bows "power stroke." Locating the best
brace height for your bow can significantly improve arrow
grouping and shooting consistency.
Set the Brace Height
(Compound bows)
Brace height is set by the compound bow manufacturer.
Sometimes changing the brace height to a
slightly higher or lower position will improve arrow
flight and grouping. This can be accomplished by
changing the length of the string, as described previously
for recurve bows. Remember, however, that changing the
brace height of a compound bow affects the draw weight
and draw length of the bow.
The brace height determines the specific point at which
the arrow separates from the bowstring and the amount of
bend the arrow has when the separation occurs. The best
brace height for your recurve or compound bow is one that
allows the most compatible launch position for the arrow
at the end of the bows "power stroke." Locating the best
brace height for your bow can significantly improve arrow
grouping and shooting consistency.
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