Arrow Tips by Gold Tip: Paper Tuning

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Arrow Assembly
Broadhead Tuning
Paper Tuning
Bare Shaft Tuning

Paper Tuning

Shoot arrows through a suspended sheet of paper at a distance of 4 to 6 feet and observe the resulting tear. See adjustment illustration below to achieve a perfect tune. Make vertical adjustments prior to horizontal adjustments to avoid getting a false reading due to vane clearance issues.

Although there are a number of acceptable tuning methods that work well, Gold Tip recommends paper tuning for release aid shooters and bare shaft tuning for finger shooters. Gold Tip also recommends the use of a string loop for compound shooters using a release aid. This will prevent nock pinch and will allow for a more accurate setup and more reliable tuning.

Tip from the Pros: Try spraying your vanes with aerosol foot powder to determine if there is any vane contact with the arrow rest. Vane contact can cause erratic arrow flight and inaccurate paper tear readings.

Tip from the Pros: When paper tuning, proper shooting form and a consistent release are critical. Try shooting each arrow a number of times to make sure that you are getting a consistent reading. Paper tuning can be time consuming, but will pay big dividends in accuracy.

Paper Tuning - Perfect tearPerfect Tear

Paper Tuning - High tearHigh Tear
Possible Corrections:

  • Move nock point down
  • Move rest up
  • Shorten arrow length

Paper Tuning - Low tearLow Tear
Possible Corrections:

  • Raise nocking point

Paper Tuning - Left tearLeft Tear
Possible Corrections:

  • Move rest/center shot towards riser (right-handed bow)
  • Use stiffer arrow
  • Decrease draw weight

Paper Tuning - Right tearRight Tear
Possible Corrections:

  • Move rest/center shot away from riser (right-handed bow)

4 thoughts on “Arrow Tips by Gold Tip: Paper Tuning”

  1. Thanks for the advice. Was adjusting the wrong direction. Arrows flying perfect off my bear Magnesium takedown.

  2. Does adjusting the till play a role “I have Daas Bow”. Adjusted by 3 Rivers expert. I have no reason to change…just trying to learn.

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