To adjust the draw weight on a Parker bow, use an Allen wrench to turn the limb bolts, which are located where the limbs connect to the riser. Turn both bolts counter-clockwise to decrease the weight and clockwise to increase it. Always turn both bolts an equal number of times to keep the bow’s tiller balanced for a safe and accurate shot.
Hello, I’m Salman Arfeen, and I’m here to help you get the most out of your archery journey. One of the first things many new archers struggle with is a bow that feels too hard to pull back. This can make practice feel like a chore instead of fun. If your Parker bow’s draw weight is too high, it can hurt your form and your confidence.
Don’t worry, this is a very common issue, and the fix is surprisingly simple. You don’t need to be a pro to make this adjustment. In this guide, I’ll walk you through each step in plain, simple language. We’ll get your bow set up perfectly for you, so you can focus on hitting the bullseye. Let’s make your bow work for you, not against you.
Why Should You Adjust Your Bow’s Draw Weight?
Adjusting the draw weight on your Parker bow isn’t just about making it easier to pull; it’s about setting yourself up for success and safety. Think of it like finding the right-sized shoes. If they’re too tight, you can’t walk properly. If your draw weight is too high, you can’t shoot properly.
For Better Form and Accuracy
When a bow is too hard to pull back, your body tries to compensate. You might raise your shoulder, lean back, or use your back muscles incorrectly. This is called “muscling the bow,” and it leads to bad habits that are tough to break. These habits create inconsistency, and inconsistent form leads to inconsistent shots.
By lowering the draw weight to a comfortable level, you can:
- Focus on your stance, anchor point, and release.
- Hold the bow at full draw longer without shaking.
- Execute a smooth, surprising release, which is key to accuracy.
Once your form is solid, you can gradually increase the weight as your muscles develop. This builds strength the right way and makes you a better archer in the long run.
To Prevent Injury
Archery should be enjoyable, not painful. Trying to draw a bow that’s too heavy for you puts immense strain on your shoulders, back, and arms. This can lead to serious injuries like a torn rotator cuff or tendonitis. These injuries can keep you away from the range for weeks or even months.
A comfortable draw weight allows your muscles to work correctly without being overloaded. It’s always smarter to start low and work your way up. Your body will thank you for it.
Perfect for Beginners and Young Archers
If you’re just starting, a lower draw weight is your best friend. It allows you to learn the fundamentals of archery without fighting against your equipment. Young or smaller-framed archers especially benefit from a bow they can handle easily. It keeps the sport fun and encourages them to stick with it.
Remember, archery is a marathon, not a sprint. There’s no prize for shooting the heaviest bow. The real prize is consistent accuracy and a lifetime of enjoyment.
Understanding the Key Parts of Your Parker Bow
Before we start turning bolts, let’s quickly look at the parts we’ll be working with. Knowing what they are and what they do will make the whole process feel much less intimidating. Don’t worry, we’ll keep it simple.
The Limb Bolts
These are the stars of our show today. The limb bolts are the large bolts that attach the bow’s limbs to the central handle, or riser. On most Parker bows, you’ll find one at the top and one at the bottom, right where the flexible part of the limb meets the solid riser. These bolts control the tension on the limbs. Tightening them increases the tension (and draw weight), while loosening them decreases it.
The Limbs
The limbs are the flexible fiberglass planks at the top and bottom of your bow. They are the parts that bend when you draw the string back. Think of them as powerful springs. When you pull the string, the limbs store energy. When you release, they transfer that energy to the arrow, sending it flying. The amount of pressure on these limbs, controlled by the limb bolts, determines the draw weight.
The Riser
The riser is the central, non-bending part of the bow that you hold. It’s the foundation that everything else—the limbs, sight, arrow rest, and quiver—attaches to. The limb bolts screw directly into the riser, securing the limbs in place.
That’s it! By understanding that the limb bolts control the pressure on the limbs, you already understand the core principle behind adjusting your bow’s draw weight.
Safety First: Non-Negotiable Rules Before You Begin
Before you pick up a single tool, let’s talk about safety. Your bow is a powerful piece of equipment, and treating it with respect is the most important part of archery. These steps are not optional; they are essential to protect you and your bow.
- Unload Your Bow: Make sure there is no arrow nocked on the string. Never make adjustments to a loaded bow. This is the golden rule.
- Work in a Safe Space: Find a well-lit area with plenty of room. Make sure no people or pets are in front of you, just in case of an accidental dry fire.
- Never Dry Fire Your Bow: A dry fire is when you release the string without an arrow. All the energy stored in the limbs has nowhere to go and can cause the limbs to crack, the string to snap, or the cams to derail. This can destroy your bow and cause serious injury.
- Inspect Your Bow: Before you start, give your bow a quick once-over. Check the string, cables, limbs, and cams for any signs of wear or damage. If you see anything concerning, stop and take it to a pro shop.
- Follow Manufacturer’s Limits: Never loosen the limb bolts more than the manufacturer recommends. For most Parker bows, this is typically between 5 to 8 full turns from the fully tightened position. Loosening them too much can cause the bolts to come out of the riser, which is extremely dangerous. Always check your specific model’s manual if you have it.
Taking a few moments to prioritize safety ensures you can enjoy archery for years to come.
Tools You Will Need
The good news is you don’t need a fancy workshop to adjust your draw weight. The process requires just a couple of simple tools you might already have.
- Allen Wrench Set (Hex Keys): This is the primary tool you’ll need. Most Parker bows use standard (imperial) sized Allen wrenches, not metric. Make sure you have a set that includes various sizes to find the one that fits your limb bolts perfectly. A snug fit is important to avoid stripping the bolt head.
- Bow Scale (Recommended): A bow scale is a small, handheld device that tells you the exact draw weight of your bow. While you can make adjustments without one, a scale takes out all the guesswork. It helps you know your starting weight and confirm the new weight accurately. They are affordable and a great investment for any archer.
- Owner’s Manual (If Possible): If you still have the original manual for your Parker bow, it’s a fantastic resource. It will tell you the bow’s draw weight range and the maximum number of turns you can back out the limb bolts. If you don’t have it, don’t worry—we’ll follow general safety guidelines.
Step-by-Step: How to Adjust Draw Weight on Your Parker Bow
Alright, you’ve done your safety checks and gathered your tools. Now for the easy part! Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have your bow adjusted in just a few minutes.
Step 1: Check Your Bow’s Starting Point
Before you make any changes, you need to know where you’re starting from. Most bows are shipped from the factory with the limb bolts tightened all the way down, meaning they are set to their maximum draw weight. To check this, take your Allen wrench and gently try to turn the top limb bolt clockwise (to the right). If it doesn’t move, it’s already maxed out. This is your starting point.
Step 2: Locate the Limb Bolts
As we discussed, you will find one limb bolt at the top of the riser and one at the bottom. They are the large bolts holding the limbs in place. They are usually seated deep within the limb pocket, so you’ll need your Allen wrench to reach them.
Step 3: Measure the Current Draw Weight (Optional)
If you have a bow scale, now is the time to use it. Hook the scale to your string’s D-loop and pull back just as you would when drawing the bow. Pull smoothly until you hit the back wall (the point where you can’t pull any further). The scale will lock on the peak weight. Note this number down. This gives you a baseline so you know exactly how much you’ve changed the weight.
Step 4: Adjusting the Limb Bolts to Decrease Weight
This is the most critical step. To decrease the draw weight, you need to turn the limb bolts counter-clockwise (to the left, like loosening a jar lid).
Here is the most important rule: You must turn both bolts the exact same amount.
- Start with the top limb bolt. Insert your Allen wrench and make one full 360-degree turn counter-clockwise.
- Now, move to the bottom limb bolt. Make one full 360-degree turn counter-clockwise.
- Repeat this process. If you want to make two full turns, do one on top, one on the bottom, then a second on top, and a second on the bottom.
This keeps the bow’s tiller (the balance between the top and bottom limb) even, which is crucial for an accurate shot. An uneven tiller can cause tuning problems and inconsistent arrow flight.
How Much Does One Turn Change the Weight?
This varies between bow models, but a good rule of thumb is that one full turn of the limb bolts changes the draw weight by approximately 3 to 4 pounds. So, if you want to decrease the weight by about 10 pounds, you would start by backing out each bolt about 3 full turns.
| Number of Counter-Clockwise Turns (per bolt) | Approximate Draw Weight Reduction |
|---|---|
| 1 Full Turn | 3-4 lbs |
| 2 Full Turns | 6-8 lbs |
| 3 Full Turns | 9-12 lbs |
| 4 Full Turns | 12-16 lbs |
Important Note: Never back the bolts out more than the manufacturer recommends. A safe maximum for most Parker bows is 5 full turns. If you don’t know your bow’s limit, do not exceed 5 turns. Backing a limb bolt out too far can be catastrophic.
Step 5: Re-measure and Test the New Weight
After you’ve made your adjustment, it’s time to check your work. If you have a bow scale, measure the draw weight again. Did you reach your target weight? If not, you can make another small adjustment (e.g., a half-turn on each bolt) until you get it right.
If you don’t have a scale, carefully draw the bow back (without an arrow). Does it feel more comfortable? Can you hold it at full draw without straining or shaking? Your body is a great indicator. It should feel manageable and smooth.
Step 6: To Increase Draw Weight
If you need to increase the draw weight as you get stronger, the process is the same but in reverse. Turn the limb bolts clockwise (to the right). Again, make sure to turn the top and bottom bolts the exact same amount, alternating between them. Do not overtighten the bolts once they are snug. Once you feel them stop, they are at their maximum setting.
How Draw Weight Adjustment Affects Your Bow’s Performance
Changing your draw weight doesn’t just change how the bow feels; it also affects how it shoots. Understanding this relationship helps you manage your expectations.
Lowering the draw weight will reduce the speed of your arrow. This is because the limbs are storing and releasing less energy. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially for a beginner. A slower arrow can be more forgiving of small form flaws.
Because the arrow is flying slower, it will drop more over distance. This means you will likely need to adjust your sight pins. After you set your new draw weight, take some time at the range to re-sight your bow at various distances (20, 30, and 40 yards).
Here’s a general idea of how draw weight and arrow speed are related:
| Draw Weight Change | Effect on Arrow Speed | What It Means for You |
|---|---|---|
| Decrease by 10 lbs | Decreases speed by approx. 15-20 FPS | Your arrow will hit lower on the target. You’ll need to move your sight pins up. |
| Increase by 10 lbs | Increases speed by approx. 15-20 FPS | Your arrow will hit higher on the target. You’ll need to move your sight pins down. |
For more information on archery safety and best practices, resources like the Archery Trade Association provide excellent guidelines for archers of all levels.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Sometimes, things don’t go perfectly. Here are a few common issues and how to solve them.
- My bow makes a creaking noise now. This can happen if the limb bolts are too loose or if dirt has gotten into the limb pockets. First, make sure you haven’t backed the bolts out past the recommended limit. If the noise persists, try tightening the bolts back to maximum, then loosening them again. This can sometimes reseat them properly. If the noise is still there, it’s best to take it to a pro shop.
- My arrows are flying erratically. This is usually because the tiller is uneven. Double-check that you turned the top and bottom bolts the exact same number of times. You can measure from the string to the limb where it meets the riser on both the top and bottom. The measurements should be very close. If they aren’t, adjust one bolt slightly to even them out.
- I can’t seem to get the draw weight low enough. Every bow has a minimum draw weight, which is usually 10-15 pounds below its maximum. For example, a 70 lb bow can typically be lowered to 55-60 lbs. If you’ve backed the bolts out the maximum safe number of turns and it’s still too heavy, the bow may not be the right fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I adjust the draw weight on my Parker bow without a bow press?
Yes, absolutely. The method described in this guide, using the limb bolts, is designed to be done without a bow press. A bow press is only needed for major repairs like changing the string, cables, or limbs.
2. How much can I safely lower the draw weight on my Parker bow?
Most Parker compound bows have a draw weight range of about 10-15 pounds. For example, a bow marked as “60-70 lbs” can be safely adjusted down to about 55 or 60 lbs. Never try to go below the bow’s designed minimum. A safe general rule is not to loosen the limb bolts more than 5 full turns from the fully tightened position unless your owner’s manual specifies otherwise.
3. What happens if I turn the top and bottom limb bolts unevenly?
Turning the bolts unevenly throws off the bow’s tiller, which is the balance between the top and bottom limbs. An unbalanced tiller can cause poor arrow flight, inconsistent accuracy, and excess noise. Always count your turns and make sure both bolts are adjusted identically.
4. How do I know what my Parker bow’s maximum draw weight is?
The maximum draw weight is usually printed on a sticker located on the inside of one of the lower limbs. It will often show a range (e.g., 60-70#) or just the peak weight (e.g., 70#). This number indicates the draw weight when the limb bolts are fully tightened.
5. Do I need to re-tune my bow after adjusting the draw weight?
Yes, it’s a very good idea. Changing the draw weight affects how the arrow leaves the bow. After adjusting the weight, you will almost certainly need to re-sight your pins. You may also need to check your arrow rest and nocking point to ensure everything is still in perfect alignment for the new setup.
6. Is it better to have a higher or lower draw weight for a beginner?
For a beginner, a lower draw weight is always better. It allows you to learn proper shooting form without struggling or building bad habits. Accuracy comes from good form, not from power. You can, and should, gradually increase the weight as your archery-specific muscles get stronger.
7. Parker Bows is no longer in business. Can I still get my bow serviced?
Yes. While the company is no longer producing new bows, nearly any professional archery shop can service a Parker bow. The mechanics of a Parker compound bow are very similar to other brands, and parts like strings and cables can be custom-made. Adjusting the draw weight yourself is a great first step in learning to maintain your own equipment.
Conclusion
There you have it! Adjusting the draw weight on your Parker bow is a straightforward skill that every archer should know. By following these simple, safe steps, you can customize your bow to fit you perfectly. This will not only make shooting more comfortable and fun but will also lay the foundation for great form and incredible accuracy.
Remember, the goal is to enjoy the sport and grow as an archer. Don’t be afraid to start with a lower draw weight. It’s the smartest way to build your strength and skills correctly. Now that you have the knowledge, you can confidently make these adjustments yourself and get back to what matters most: sending arrows right where you want them to go. Happy shooting!