I just bought a Mathews Z7 xtreme. I love it. However, are there any adjustments or tuning I need to do before the season? It seems like every time I shoot it I make a few sight adjustments and then the next time I shoot it, I need to make more because it is slightly off. It could very well be the fact that I need to be more consistent, which is why im trying to shoot a lot, however I dont want to neglect tuning or anything if it is necessary. I have heard single cam bows dont need much tuning at all but I want some experienced single cam mathews user advice. Thanks guys!
Regardless of the type of bow you're shooting, you'll always need to make sure it's tuned properly. Obviously there's various forms of tuning, each with it's own set of benefits. I would start with a few of the basics - either walk-back or paper tuning and go from there. If your bow is off it will definitely effect your accuracy. Additionally, being a brand new bow you should expect a little bit of string stretch as well. As the string breaks in you'll notice some minor adjustments that need to be made, which again can affect your accuracy. Most commonly you'll notice peep and/or string loop rotation as your string breaks in. There is a "timing hole" in the cam that your cable should be running through the middle of. Chances are you're fine, but it can't hurt to double check it. Here's a thread on the Mathews Forum that explains a little bit more about timing these particular bows. http://209.251.158.22/viewtopic.php?p=2394191&sid=99aa6721dc05b4b94d003b69eb1ad998
looks like you got some good advice already. i'd add to try not to get frustrated and KEEP shooting. you'll get more comfortable as time passes and your confidence will grow. for me confidence is a huge part of hitting my mark...
Yep, just having a Mathews doesn't mean you're going to shoot perfect. You will get it, they are great bows and once you get passed the break in period and get comfortable you will kill it. Keep us updated, congratulations on the new bow!
When i switched to this bow from a longer axle to axle bow I was having some inconsistancies as well. Make sure the draw length is right for you and the biggest issue I was having was torqueing it being so small ATA. You may need to look into a focus grip or focus before each shot and make sure everythings level and your arrows straight and your not torqueing
confidence is a big part for me too! once I shoot more with it I will feel better what do you mean by torquing? I think my problem is that I need to be patient. I need to draw back each time the exact same way, anchor the same way, level the same way, aim the same way, etc. I LOVE shooting the bow so I just fire off arrows like it is going out of style when I shoot. I guess thats good but I just need to take more time making sure my form and habits are being formed correctly. Thanks again for all your help guys!
Torquing is pressure, or twist, applied by your grip-hand that causes the bow to be slightly pushed or pulled during the shot. The biggest culprit is caused by actually holding on to the bow. Your grip-hand should be relaxed and open against the grip so you are just supporting it, not holding onto it.
another thing I should add that may help out a bit in the diagnosis....whenever I need to make adjustments to my sights it is always because the bow is shooting high, never left or right, which makes me think it isnt entirely my form...does that help any?
then I am pretty sure I am not torquing it. When I hold my bow I dont even close my fingers across the grip, I just hold it in the "V" of my hand
This is actually the worst problem you have. Each shot should be the exact same. Everything about it should be the same. Take your time with it. Quantity of shots doesn't do any good if you are practicing bad form. A good idea is to limit your shooting to let's say, 20 shots a night or even every other night. This forces you to do your best on those 20 shots. You want to take your time, like every shot is the only shot you get. This goes hand in hand with the torquing that people have referred to. Next time you draw, move your wrist a little bit and see how the bow reacts. That is torquing. If you aren't practicing good form, then you are most certainly torquing the bow and you'll never be consistent. Make a mental checksheet... Draw, anchor point, nose touch, bow grip, arm relaxed, sight level... now look through the peep, and maintain this until the arrow has impacted the target. Welcome to the board and we're glad to have you. You'll find the people here are extremely nice and knowledgeable.
I am fortunate enough to have a buddy of mine that goes to the same college who can help me. He has been shooting since he was 4 and he is surrounded by experienced hunters and shooters at home. He has been helping me for two years and I wouldnt be where I am without him. I just figure using the forum is good too, the more resources the better!
It can also happen after the shot when you grip the bow to prevent it from falling forward. Sometimes the shooter will grip it too soon to prevent it from falling. That is there a wrist sling comes into play so you can allow the bow to naturally drop. It does sound like you are shooting too fast though. Try to slow things down a lot and it may help. Rushing shots on the range results in rushing shots even more in field.
When you buy a brand new bow you need to shoot it for a bit then take it in and have it retimed. Your string is gonna strech regardless the brand and you cam is gonna move a bit. Shoot it a couple hundred times then take it to a mathews dealer and have it re timed. That is what i am going to have to do when mine comes in according to the shop owner.
well gentlemen, I shot today. the cable was through the center of the timing hole and I was shooting right where I left off. for the first time, I took the level on my sight into account.....it helps :D
