How to Paper Tune a Compound Bow

What Paper Tuning Actually Shows

As an arrow passes through paper, the point makes the first opening and the shaft and vanes continue through it. If the arrow is traveling nearly straight at that moment, the point and fletching pass through one compact hole. If the nock is moving high, low, left, or right, the paper records a longer tear in that direction.

The result is a snapshot of initial arrow flight. It can reveal nocking-height problems, rest position, vane contact, inconsistent grip, poor release execution, incorrect bow fit, or an arrow that is poorly matched to the setup. Paper cannot identify the cause by itself; it gives you evidence for a disciplined diagnosis.

Pre-Tuning Checklist

A tuning session is only useful when the equipment is safe and the shot is repeatable. If the string or cables are damaged, hardware is loose, or the bow requires a press for correction, stop and work with a qualified archery technician.

• Correct draw length and controlled draw weight
• Arrow spine matched to the finished arrow build
• Identical, undamaged practice arrows
• Secure D-loop, nock point, sight, and rest
• Rest and arrow set near the maker’s starting position
• Vanes indexed for adequate rest clearance
• Target backstop positioned safely behind the paper
• Repeatable grip, anchor, and release execution

If arrow selection is uncertain, first read how to choose compound bow arrow spine. If you struggle to draw level or let down safely, revisit choosing a controllable draw weight before tuning.

How to Set Up a Paper Tuning Station

1. Stretch clean paper tightly in a rigid frame. Loose paper can fold or tear irregularly and hide the true direction of the nock.
2. Set the center near shoulder height. You should be able to shoot with normal posture and the arrow approximately level.
3. Place a safe target behind the frame. Easton’s tuning guide describes a target mat approximately six feet behind the paper. Your exact range must still provide a reliable backstop and comply with local range rules.
4. Stand roughly 4–6 feet from the paper. This commonly recommended starting distance captures early arrow behavior before the shaft has traveled far downrange.
5. Use a normal fletched arrow. Inspect the nock, shaft, insert, point, and vanes before every shot. Never shoot a damaged arrow.

Keep the lane clear and never place a person beside or behind the frame. The paper rack is diagnostic equipment; it is not an arrow stop.

How to Paper Tune a Compound Bow Step by Step

1. Establish a repeatable baseline

Warm up first. Then shoot one arrow through the center of the paper with your normal grip, anchor, and release. Do not twist the bow to “steer” the arrow through the frame. Mark the tear and repeat with the same arrow two or three times.

If the tear changes direction or size from shot to shot, do not touch the bow yet. Inconsistent readings usually point to form, grip pressure, facial contact, release execution, or vane clearance. Have another experienced shooter test the bow when possible; two shooters producing the same tear makes equipment diagnosis more reliable.

2. Check clearance before moving hardware

Vane contact can create misleading tears. Inspect the vanes and rest for marks. Gold Tip and Easton both describe using a light dry powder spray on the vanes and nearby contact areas to reveal interference. Follow the product label, keep spray away from eyes and ignition sources, and clean the equipment afterward.

3. Correct vertical tears first

Start with high or low nock travel before horizontal corrections. Use very small changes to the nocking point or rest height, then shoot several arrows again. Record the original position so you can return to it.

4. Correct horizontal tears carefully

For a persistent left or right tear, verify neutral grip pressure and clearance first. Then make a small rest adjustment consistent with the tear convention and the instructions for your handedness and bow. If the correction requires cam lean, cable movement, shimming, timing work, or a bow press, use the bow manual and a qualified technician.

5. Stop when the result is small and repeatable

A compact tear produced repeatedly is more valuable than one perfect hole followed by three different tears. Keep the same arrow, distance, stance, and aiming process while evaluating each change.

Compound Bow Paper Tear Chart

The table below names tears by the direction the nock and fletching travel from the point hole. Adjustment directions can vary with handedness, rest design, cam system, and manufacturer terminology, so confirm every mechanical correction against the manuals for your exact equipment.

Why a Paper Tear Will Not Go Away

Grip torque

A hard, angled, or inconsistent grip can rotate the riser during the power stroke. Use relaxed, repeatable hand placement and avoid wrapping the fingers tightly around the bow. If the tear moves as hand pressure changes, the bow may not be the main problem.

Facial or clothing contact

Excessive nose, jaw, beard, jacket, or sleeve contact can influence the string. Maintain a repeatable anchor without pressing the face into the string path. Check loose clothing before every shot.

Vane interference

Contact between vanes and the rest, cables, or riser creates erratic readings. Re-indexing the nock may improve clearance, but always keep the manufacturer’s vane and rest guidance in mind.

Arrow mismatch

Finished arrow length, point weight, insert weight, draw weight, and draw length all affect dynamic spine. A shaft selected only from the number printed on it may not match the actual bow setup.

Timing or cam alignment

Persistent tears can originate in the cam or cable system. Some modern bows offer manufacturer-approved, press-free adjustment systems; many do not. Never improvise. Work within the owner’s manual or take the bow to a qualified pro shop.

Paper Tuning Is the Start, Not the Finish

After achieving a small, repeatable tear, tighten hardware to the specified torque and record the rest position, nocking height, and other settings. Then verify arrow groups at increasing distances. A bow that produces a clean tear but inconsistent groups still needs attention to form, fit, clearance, or equipment.

For a hunting setup, confirm field points and the exact broadheads you plan to carry. Broadheads add steering surface and can expose alignment or tune issues that paper does not show. Use a suitable broadhead target, follow local regulations, and never hunt with a setup that has not been verified.

Once the bow is stable, use this repeatable 20–40 yard sight-in method. New archers can also review the complete compound bow beginner guide.

Paper Tuning FAQ

How far should I stand from the paper?

A common starting distance is approximately 4–6 feet. Keep the arrow near shoulder height and provide a safe target and backstop behind the paper.

Do I need a perfect bullet hole?

A small, repeatable tear is a useful baseline. The real goal is stable arrow flight and consistent downrange groups, not endlessly moving hardware to chase one cosmetically perfect shot.

Should I paper tune with a bare shaft or a fletched arrow?

For the conventional compound-bow paper test described here, use a fletched arrow and a mechanical release. Bare-shaft tuning is a separate method with its own setup and interpretation.

Can poor form cause a bad paper tear?

Yes. Grip torque, inconsistent anchor, facial pressure, clothing contact, and release execution can all change the tear. Repeat shots and, when possible, compare results from another competent shooter.

Should I move the rest or the cams?

Begin with the safe, reversible adjustments described by your rest and bow manufacturers. Cam lean, shimming, cable movement, and timing work are bow-specific and may require a press and professional service.

Does a bullet hole mean my broadheads are ready?

No. Paper tuning does not replace broadhead verification. Test the exact hunting arrows and broadheads at realistic distances using an appropriate target before entering the field.

Authoritative Tuning References

This guide follows the diagnostic principles described in the Easton Arrow Tuning and Maintenance Guide and Gold Tip’s current paper tuning guide. Always prioritize the current manuals supplied with your exact bow, rest, release, and arrows.