Traditional Corner

The following is reprinted with permission of Martin Archery company...

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STRINGING YOUR BOW
Use a bowstringer when stringing your bow. Proper use of a bowstringer will prevent your bow's limbs from becoming twisted. A bowstringer also provides the safest method of stringing your bow as the limb tips are away from you during the stringing and unstringing process. (Avoid placing your head close to the limb tips when stringing and unstringing your bow).

LIMB STRAIGHTENING (BUMPING)
Should a limb become twisted, it will remain twisted until you straighten or 'bump' it back to the straight position. 'Bumping' involves the placement of one hand near the twisted section of the limb and the other hand on the riser section. A twisted limb can be straightened in this manner by applying pressure in the opposite direction of the twist. You should unstring your bow before straightening a twisted limb. Neglecting a twisted limb will only allow the twist to become more severe. A brief inspection of each limb should be made each time you string your bow.

ARROW REST
Bows, with the exception of traditional longbow models, are designed to be shot either from an elevated arrow rest or directly off of the arrow shelf. An elevated arrow rest provides increased fletching clearance and is helpful when using plastic vanes. Shooting off of the shelf allows the arrow to be held closer to the bowhand which is helpful to instinctive shooting. It is recommended, when shooting off of the shelf, that you pad the arrow shelf and the portion of the sight window directly above the pivot point with a rug rest or hair rest.

CARE AND SAFETY
•You should unstring your bow when it is not being used.
•Never 'dry-fire' your bow.
This is shooting the bow without an arrow. A 'dry-fire' can severely damage your bow.
•Never draw, aim or shoot unless you are sure that line of fire is clear.
Remember: “Once an arrow is in flight, it cannot be recalled.”
•Store your bow in a cool, dry place and avoid prolonged exposure to excessive heat and moisture.
•Occasionally waxing your bow with a quality furniture wax will help preserve its finish.
When cared for in this manner, your bow will provide you with many years of faithful service.

BRACE HEIGHT (FISTMELE)
The brace height of your bow is measured from the pivot point, or most inward point of the grip, to the bowstring.
A higher brace height helps reduce bow vibration and noise and also minimizes the effects of shooting errors. A lower brace height provides increased arrow velocity. Increased noise and poor arrow flight can be the result of a brace height that is too low.
Twisting your bowstring will reduce its length and increase your brace height. Untwisting your bowstring or installing a longer bowstring will decrease your brace height. (Avoid untwisting flemish style bowstrings as string failure may occur). Experiment to find the brace height measurement that allows your bow to perform at its best with your particular style of shooting.
The recommended brace height for your bow is listed:

STRING LENGTH
Your bow's AMO (Archery Manufacturer and Merchant's Organization) length is marked on its lower limb. To achieve the correct brace height you will need to use a bowstring of the same AMO length. (Example: An AMO 62” bow requires an AMO 62” string). The actual length of your bowstring will be 4”-5” shorter than its marked AMO length.

ARROWS
All types of arrows (wood, aluminum, carbon) can be shot from Martin (Howatt) bow. Regardless of arrow type, it is important that your arrows are correctly spined (have the correct spine stiffness) for your draw weight . Check your arrow manufacturers recommendations to determine the arrow size best suited for your bow.