Recurve Tuning (the James Park method)

From AIUK Wiki

Consider that there is one perfect spine per length and draw weight of a bow. As draw length is a constant, the best results will come from having the best matched spine and draw weight.

If the arrow spine is incorrect for the poundage of the bow there are two options:

1. Change the bow's speed to get the correct speed for the arrows by adjusting poundage or string thickness
2. Change arrow spine

A simple method for tuning recurves is:

1. Set centreshot down the centre of the string.
2. Set plunger rock hard (ie swap spring for matchstick or similar)
3. Shoot group then a bareshaft
4. If bareshaft is to the left increase poundage, if to the right decrease poundage
5. Once grouping together get your sights sets so you are hitting the middle of the target
6. Set the centreshot just a little outside and set spring tension to medium
7. Shoot group and bareshaft again, adjust cushion plunger position to bring group back into the centre of the target.

What this does is set the poundage to the arrows so that they are matched perfectly. Then you are moving the centreshot to improve clearance on the arrow rest and setting the cushion plunger to do it's job. The cushion plunger is not there to counter poor spine selection, simply to help prevent poor shot hitting the rest etc. This method is fast and is suitable for tuning at both short and long distances.