the "sweet spot"

[DanielB89]

I am sure that this topic has been covered several times, but I was wondering if all of you guys notice a significant difference between a bow that is in the "sweet spot" and not.  I, being relatively new to trad archery can say that I have never really managed to achieve a significant difference when shooting bows and adjusting brace height.  

I know how people say to do it, but when I attempt to find it, I don't find it. lol.  I just adjust adjust adjust and then settle for something.  

any tips for me?

I am shooting a Black Widow MAIII if that matters.

[KeganM]

I've never heard of a bow having a "sweet spot" but I do know adjusting the brace height can help achieve perfect tune, just like moving your silencers or adjusting your strike pad.

My bows all become very quiet when I get the bow perfectly tuned to my arrow, and there's typically less handshock. I wonder if that's what "sweet spot" means? If so, just bareshaft tune and you should wind up there- that's all I do!

[Stumpkiller]

There is an optimum tuning point between the bow, the arrows and the brace height.  You're balancing power stroke (lower brace height = longer power stroke), vibration/noise, nock height, arrow spine, release technique.  When you optimize them all you're getting the most out of the bow.  And your most may not be the next guy's most.

Definately can tell shortly downrange when a bow is well matched to the arrows.

[DanielB89]

anyone else?

[Burnsie]

The one "sweet spot" I shoot for is to find the quietest brace height without anything on the string - no silencers,  no yarn or felt at the tips...etc.  I start at a BH that I know is too high and then work may way down a little at a time.  If you fiddle with it enough you will find/hear a spot that has a different/quieter/best sound.  Once you find that,  adding some Bow Hush and Hush Puppies only makes it better - although it may need some additional tweaking due to the extras being added to the string.

[riverrat 2]

Daniel set your brace height at the higher end of your Widows spec. I think its 8" but not certain. Install a good SBD or equivalent skinny string with catwiskers "served" on if you want it quiet. And probably most important,shoot a heavy arrow. I'd suggest 12gpi of arrow. That should help. If your a 3-under guy like myself,it is just inherently noisier that way to shoot anyhow. But doing the above WILL help.  rat'

[Robertfishes]

I had a MA II, I found a brace height of 8 7/8"was best for me. Usually 8 5/8" is a good starting point

[KeganM]

I like to use silencers to tune as described in "Become the Arrow". It can make a huge difference in just a few inches. I shoot three under, and even with arrows in the 8-9 gpp range, I can still get a bow dead silent (where the only noise you hear is a 'thump' at target).

Like Stumpkiller said, it's up to you to find your own sweet spot. The more consistent you are, the easier it will be to find.

[DanielB89]

Originally posted by riverrat 2:
Daniel set your brace height at the higher end of your Widows spec. I think its 8" but not certain. Install a good SBD or equivalent skinny string with catwiskers "served" on if you want it quiet. And probably most important,shoot a heavy arrow. I'd suggest 12gpi of arrow. That should help. If your a 3-under guy like myself,it is just inherently noisier that way to shoot anyhow. But doing the above WILL help.  rat'

Rat, it is good to hear from you!  I made my brace height a little higher the other day and it made a big difference.  I like the lower brace heights for some reason and I have this one at around 8 1/4 and it is shooting great!  I do want to try out a SBD string on it though.. Maybe after this target season.  

Thank you for all the replies!

[riverrat 2]

 Anytime Daniel. Shoot straight,rat'

[DanielB89]

Originally posted by riverrat 2:
    Anytime Daniel. Shoot straight,rat'

Rat, i always "shoot straight", i just don't always look at the right location..  

[14mpg]

Took me too long to discover what was meant by "tuning"... I noticed the perfect brace height as soon as I was adjusting for it... It just felt right. 7 7/8" !boom! flies better, less sound. My fiancé thought I was losing it when I came in from that practice  

[LB_hntr]

Its just like tuning a insturment for perfect sound... alittle at a time.

Best to do like mentioned above. no silencers on the string. Start at the high or low end of the brace specs (i like to start on the low side and work up). listen to the bow when you shoot. also feel teh vibration on the bow. then twist the string a few turns and do it again. and again and again. it will get quiter and quiter then start to get loud again. you are looking for that quite peak before it starts going louder.
  Then when you add silencers for the first time dont put them between the strands but tie them on so you can slide them. do the same thing. STart with them closer to the limb tips and work them closer to the grip as you shoot and listen and feel vibration. find that sweet spot. then write all the info and measurements down. all good to go.

Also as mentioned above. Heavier arrow quiter bow.

[overbo]

Shot MA's for years and everyone had a sweet spot for brace above 8 5/8''. 8 3/4'' was my target measurement.

You shoot a bow long enough and you'll know if it's at it's sweet spot or not.