Help with proper preload on ILF bow.

[azhunter]

I have a TT black onyx riser and black max limbs. I have a 28 inch draw. I shoot split finger. The bow is currently set at 1/8 positive tiller. I have been told that the bow would shoot best for me at my draw by turning to the tightest setting and then backing out 3 full turns. I am new to ILF. The bow seems to shoot very well, but I want to play with it a little bit to see where it shoots its best. You guys with a lot of ILF experience what steps would you take from this point that would save me some time in going about this the wrong way. I have to say I really like the ILF idea with so many options for limbs and getting the best performance with proper preload. Pulling just 2 pounds per inch I have to say this bow is super smooth to draw. Thanks

[Bill Carlsen]

I have a DAS and I get best performance by turning it back only one full turn.  Three full turns seems like you would be losing too much preload. I have been under the impression that their risers are the same geometry as the DAS so I do not know why it would work any different. My wife also shoots a DAS. Two seasons ago we had to drop the weight by almost 5#. She lost so much preload and performance as a consequence I just got her another set of limbs we could get the most preload for  her weight.

[wingnut]

There are some factors that you didn't bring out.  Length of riser, length of limbs, you draw length are all determining factors in proper preload.

You want to load the limb but not so much as you start to stack on the backend of the draw.

Bill,

There is only 2# up and 2# down usually when loading or unloading the limbs.  Sounds like you put in longer limb bolts and backed em off a bunch.

LOL

Mike

[nurayb]

I have the same riser and draw about 29".  With medium limbs I have the bolts backed out about 4 1/2 turns I think.  I have played with it a little and shoots nice.

[azhunter]

Here is some more information. The bow is 58 AMO. They do not have the manual yet for the black onyx but send the titan manual and they say all is the same.  The tightest they want you to shoot the bow is with the bolts backed out 1 1/2 turn from tight, no tighter. The most turns from tight they want you to shoot the bow is five turns from tight. So 1 1/2 turns from tight would be for shorter draws and five turns out from tight are for longer draws. This bow is a 15" riser with medium limbs (58 AMO). Thanks and would appreciate any more help with this added information. This riser is a forward handle style riser, more than the titan if that helps.

[Lenny Stankowitz]

I'm guessing that with the limb bolts backed out 3 turns, you are right about in the middle of the adjustment range.  It's going to be a personal thing for you. You could try tightening them in one full turn and see how it feels. (more preload)

 Or, you could try the limbs over the full range of adjustment and see where you like it best.  The easiest way in my opinion is to tighten the limb bolts all the way down, then back them out 2 full turns.  That would be your "most preload" setting.  From that point, back the bolts out 1/2 turn at a time (making sure to keep them both equal)and try them in each position.  I don't have my manual in front of me but if they said it's the same as the Titan, the "minimum preload" would be 5 turns out from the bottom. (I think).  Set it for what feels best for you, and let the performance be what it is.

Don't over-think it and make it way more complicated than it is.