To adjust the draw weight on your Barnett Bone Collector: Pro, use an Allen wrench to turn the limb bolts located where the limbs meet the riser. Turn both bolts an equal number of times—counter-clockwise to decrease weight and clockwise to increase it. Never loosen the bolts more than the manufacturer’s recommended maximum turns.
Hello, fellow archers! Salman Arfeen here. So, you’ve got your hands on a fantastic bow, the Barnett Bone Collector: Pro. It’s a great choice, and I’m excited for you. One of the first things every new bow owner wants to do is make it feel just right. A big part of that is setting the draw weight. If it’s too heavy, you’ll struggle and build bad habits. If it’s too light, you won’t get the performance you want. It can feel a little intimidating at first, but don’t worry. I’m here to walk you through it, step-by-step. Together, we’ll make sure your bow is perfectly tuned for you, making your shooting experience safer, more accurate, and a whole lot more fun.
Why Should You Adjust Your Bow’s Draw Weight?
You might be wondering why you can’t just start shooting right out of the box. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t run a marathon in shoes that don’t fit. Adjusting your bow’s draw weight is about making the equipment fit you, not forcing yourself to fit the equipment. This is especially important when you’re just starting out. A comfortable draw weight helps you focus on the most important thing: your form.
When the weight is right for your strength level, you can pull the string back smoothly, hold your aim steady, and release the arrow cleanly. Trying to pull back a weight that’s too heavy can lead to shaky arms, poor accuracy, and even injury. It’s a sure way to get frustrated and stop enjoying this amazing sport. By starting low and gradually increasing the weight as you get stronger, you build muscle memory correctly. This leads to better shots and more confidence.
Here are the key benefits of finding your perfect draw weight:
- Prevents Injury: The most important reason! Over-straining your muscles, especially in your shoulders and back, can lead to serious injuries that keep you away from the range. Safety and health always come first.
- Improves Your Form: With a manageable draw weight, you can focus on proper posture, a solid anchor point, and a smooth release. Good form is the foundation of all accurate shooting.
- Increases Accuracy: When you’re not struggling to hold the bow at full draw, your aim becomes much steadier. You’ll be able to hold the pin on the target without trembling, leading to tighter arrow groups.
- Makes Archery More Fun: Let’s be honest, hitting your target is fun! When you’re comfortable and shooting well, your enjoyment soars. Archery should be a relaxing and rewarding hobby, not a painful workout.
Getting to Know Your Barnett Bone Collector: Pro
Before we start turning any bolts, let’s quickly look at the parts of your bow we’ll be working with. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it simple. Your compound bow has a central handle, which is called the riser. Attached to the top and bottom of the riser are the flexible parts, called the limbs. The limbs are what store all the energy when you pull the string back.
Where the limbs connect to the riser, you’ll find the two most important screws for this job: the limb bolts. These bolts control how much the limbs are flexed, which in turn controls the draw weight. Tightening these bolts increases the tension on the limbs, making the bow harder to pull. Loosening them does the opposite. It’s a beautifully simple and effective system.
Your Barnett Bone Collector: Pro has a specific draw weight range, for example, 45 to 60 pounds. This means you can adjust it anywhere between those two numbers, but you cannot go lower than 45 or higher than 60. Always work within the range specified in your owner’s manual.
Safety First: Non-Negotiable Rules for Bow Adjustment
Okay, this is the most important section of the entire guide. Your safety, and the health of your bow, depend on following these rules every single time. Please read them carefully before you pick up a single tool.
- Read Your Owner’s Manual: I cannot stress this enough. Your bow’s manual is the ultimate source of truth. It will tell you the exact draw weight range and, most importantly, the maximum number of turns you can back out the limb bolts. Exceeding this limit can cause the limbs to pop out of their pockets, which can cause catastrophic failure and serious injury.
- Never Dry-Fire Your Bow: Dry-firing is when you release the bowstring without an arrow nocked. All the energy stored in the limbs has nowhere to go except back into the bow itself, which can cause it to literally explode in your hands. This is extremely dangerous.
- Always Use the Right Tools: Use a high-quality Allen wrench that fits the limb bolts perfectly. A loose or stripped wrench can damage the bolt head, making future adjustments impossible.
- Wear Safety Glasses: It’s a simple precaution that can save your eyesight. Anytime you are working on a bow, whether shooting or tuning, wear protective eyewear.
- Work in a Clear, Well-Lit Area: Make sure you have plenty of space and good lighting so you can see exactly what you’re doing.
For more comprehensive safety information, trusted organizations like the Archery Trade Association provide excellent resources for archers of all levels. Safety is a mindset, and it starts before you even touch your bow.
Tools You Will Need
The good news is you don’t need a massive toolbox for this job. Adjusting the draw weight on your Bone Collector: Pro is straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A Set of Allen Wrenches (Hex Keys): You will need the specific size that fits your bow’s limb bolts. It’s best to have a full set to ensure you have the perfect fit.
- A Bow Scale (Recommended): While not strictly required, a bow scale is the only way to know the exact draw weight you’re setting. It takes the guesswork out of the process and allows for precise, repeatable adjustments. You can find affordable digital and analog bow scales at any archery shop.
- Your Bow’s Owner’s Manual: Yes, it’s a tool! Keep it handy for reference.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Adjust Your Draw Weight
Ready to get started? Let’s go through this process one step at a time. Follow these directions carefully, and you’ll have your bow adjusted perfectly in no time.
Step 1: Start with the Manual
Before you do anything else, open your Barnett owner’s manual. Find the section on adjusting the draw weight. Pay close attention to the maximum number of turns the limb bolts can be loosened from the fully tightened position. This number is your absolute safety limit. Write it down or commit it to memory.
Step 2: Measure the Current Draw Weight
If you have a bow scale, now is the time to use it. Hook the scale onto your bowstring’s D-loop and pull back smoothly, just as you would when drawing the bow. The scale will show you the peak weight before the let-off. This gives you a baseline measurement, so you know exactly how much you’re changing the weight.
Step 3: Locate the Limb Bolts
Look at your bow. You will see one large bolt at the top of the riser where the top limb is attached, and another identical bolt at the bottom where the bottom limb is attached. These are your limb bolts. They are usually sunk into the riser and require an Allen wrench to turn.
Step 4: Tighten the Bolts Fully (To Find Your Starting Point)
To ensure you don’t loosen the bolts beyond the safe limit, it’s a good practice to start from the fully tightened position. Turn both limb bolts clockwise until they are snug. Don’t use excessive force or overtighten them—just turn until they stop. Your bow is now at its maximum draw weight. This is your “zero” point. All adjustments will be counted from here.
Step 5: Decrease the Draw Weight (The Adjustment)
Now, we will loosen the bolts to reduce the draw weight. This is the most critical step. Remember the rule: Lefty-Loosey, Righty-Tighty. To decrease the weight, you will turn the bolts counter-clockwise.
The Golden Rule: You MUST turn the top bolt and the bottom bolt the exact same amount. If you turn the top bolt one full revolution, you must also turn the bottom bolt one full revolution. Keeping the adjustments identical is crucial for the bow’s timing and accuracy.
Start with small adjustments. Try one full turn on the top bolt, then one full turn on the bottom bolt. Never exceed the maximum number of turns specified in your manual. Most Barnett compound bows recommend a maximum of 4 to 5 full turns from the tightest position.
Step 6: Use This Chart as a General Guide
The amount of weight change per turn can vary slightly, but this table gives you a good estimate of what to expect. Always confirm with a bow scale for exact measurements.
| Number of Counter-Clockwise Turns (From Max) | Approximate Draw Weight Reduction | Example (Starting at 60 lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Full Turn | 3-4 lbs | ~56-57 lbs |
| 2 Full Turns | 6-8 lbs | ~52-54 lbs |
| 3 Full Turns | 9-12 lbs | ~48-51 lbs |
| 4 Full Turns (Often the MAX) | 12-15 lbs | ~45-48 lbs |
Step 7: Re-Measure the Draw Weight
After you’ve made your adjustment, use your bow scale again. Check the new draw weight. Is it where you want it to be? If it’s still too heavy, you can back the bolts out another half-turn or full-turn (as long as you stay within the safe limit), making sure to adjust both bolts equally. If you went too low, simply turn the bolts clockwise to increase the weight.
Step 8: Test It Out
Once you think you’ve found a comfortable weight, it’s time to test it. Safely nock an arrow, draw the bow, and see how it feels. Can you pull it back smoothly without excessive shaking? Can you hold it at full draw for a few seconds to aim properly? If the answer is yes, you’ve found a great starting point! Take a few shots at a target to see how it feels in action.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Sometimes you might run into a small hiccup. Don’t worry, most issues are easy to fix. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The bow makes a creaking or groaning sound when drawing. | The limb bolts may be too loose or need lubrication. | Make sure you haven’t exceeded the maximum number of turns. If the bolts are within spec, you can apply a tiny bit of bow string wax or lubricant to the bolt threads. If it persists, visit a pro shop. |
| My arrows are hitting inconsistently high or low. | The tiller (the balance between the top and bottom limb) might be off because the bolts were not turned equally. | Tighten both bolts all the way down to reset your starting point. Then, carefully back them out again, counting the turns on each bolt to ensure they are identical. |
| The Allen wrench is slipping in the bolt head. | You might be using the wrong size wrench, or the bolt head could be stripping. | Double-check that you have the exact right size wrench (try both SAE and Metric sets). If the bolt head is damaged, stop immediately and take your bow to a professional archery technician. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need a bow press to adjust the draw weight?
No, you do not need a bow press for the Barnett Bone Collector: Pro to adjust the draw weight within its specified range. A bow press is only required for major services like changing the string or cables. The limb bolt adjustment is designed to be done by the user with simple hand tools.
2. How do I know what draw weight is right for me?
The right draw weight is one you can pull back smoothly and control without shaking or straining. A good test is the “30-second hold.” You should be able to draw your bow and hold it at full draw, aiming at a target, for 30 seconds without your form breaking down. If you can’t, the weight is likely too high for you right now.
3. What happens if I turn one limb bolt more than the other?
Turning one bolt more than the other will throw off the bow’s “tiller,” which is the balance between the top and bottom limbs. This can negatively affect the bow’s timing and cause inconsistent arrow flight and poor accuracy. It’s why making equal adjustments to both bolts is so important.
4. What is the lowest draw weight I can set on my Bone Collector: Pro?
The lowest draw weight is determined by the bow’s specified range. If your bow is rated for 45-60 pounds, the lowest safe setting will be around 45 pounds. This is typically achieved by backing out the limb bolts the maximum number of turns recommended in the owner’s manual.
5. Can I damage my bow by adjusting the draw weight?
Yes, you can. The biggest risk is loosening the limb bolts too much. If you back them out past the manufacturer’s safe limit, the limbs can detach from the riser under pressure, causing a dangerous failure. Always follow the manual’s instructions to the letter.
6. How often should I check or adjust my draw weight?
When you’re starting, you might adjust it as you get stronger. A beginner might start at a low weight and add a few pounds every month or so as their archery muscles develop. Once you’ve settled on a comfortable weight, you generally don’t need to adjust it again unless your strength changes or you want to set it up for a different purpose (e.g., hunting vs. target practice).
Your Archery Journey Starts Now
Congratulations! You’ve just learned one of the most fundamental skills in bow maintenance. Adjusting your draw weight is a huge step toward making your Barnett Bone Collector: Pro truly your own. It sets you up for success by building a solid foundation of good, safe shooting habits.
Remember, archery is a journey, not a race. Start with a weight that feels comfortable, focus on your form, and just enjoy the simple pleasure of sending an arrow toward the target. As you practice and grow stronger, you can gradually increase the weight. The most important thing is to have fun and stay safe.
I hope this guide has given you the confidence to tune your bow. Now get out there, practice your shots, and watch your skills grow. Happy shooting!