In contrast with the traditional bow, the draw weight of the compound bow decreases, or relaxes, at the end of the drawstroke.  This is known as Let-Off.  So once you get the bow drawn back, it takes much less pressure to hold it back.  This allows you plenty of time to aim and shoot.  Your bow may come with a choice of high or low let-off options.  We will be happy to set your new bow to the let-off you desire.  Remember, a higher let-off percentage means less holding weight at full draw.  A lower let-off percentage requires more holding weight at full draw.  If you are unsure about which one you should pick, here are a few things you should consider.

The average archer will find the mid to high let-off bow to be more comfortable to shoot, and the high let-off option is the popular choice on most new bows.  But the lower let-off bow has some benefits too.  To begin, a bow set for 65% let-off will generally shoot a tick faster than a bow set for 80% let-off.  Also, maintaining some level of resistance at full draw is necessary to keep things in good natural alignment - so there is some argument that a bow can have too much let-off.  Nonetheless, high let-off bows are decidedly more comfortable to shoot, and command the lion's share of today's new bow market.
 

We custom build arrows to match each and every bow system we sell.  However, the type of fletching material and colors are up to you.  We offer you a choice of plastic Duravanes™ (3 or 4 inch) in your choice of colors OR you may choose Gateway Feathers (3 or 4 inch) in your choice of solid colors.  While this choice is entirely a personal preference, each type of fletching material has some advantages to consider.  

Plastic vanes (pictured left) are more durable than feathers.  We strongly recommend Duravanes for young archers, as well as for others who tend to handle their equipment less delicately.  Duravanes™ can be crumpled and abused (up to a point of course) and generally still pop back into shape.  And since Duravanes™ can be fletched in a straight - offset - or helical configuration - they can be used with practically any style arrow rest.  Vanes are the popular choice in our shop.  

However, for many archers - feathers offer some enticing advantages as well.  Feathers are very light.  Three 4" Gateway Feathers weigh about 9 grains - while 3 equal sized vanes weigh nearly 25 grains.  The savings in weight means that your arrows are lighter and fly faster with flatter trajectory.  The weight savings in the rear of the arrow also means better front-of-center balance on your arrows - especially for those who use lighter tips.  Feathers are generally fletched in a helical configuration and offer excellent stability for broadheads.
 

If you elect to have your arrows fletched with vanes, you may also choose the configuration of the fletchings.  Choose straight fletch, 4º Offset Fletch, or Right Helical Fletch.  Each configuration has some notable advantages and disadvantages.  

If you are planning to use a mechanical release, we would be happy to setup your new bow system for a direct-string release or a string-loop release.  This allows you the option of placing your caliper release directly around the bow's string or around a small c-shaped piece of rope.  While customers are more evenly split on this option - the string loop is still the popular choice.

Direct String Release	String Loop
Choose this option if you would like to hook your caliper release directly around the string.  A brass nocking point and rubber Eliminator button will be installed.  The rubber Eliminator button provides cushion between your release and the nock of the arrow - keeping the arrow from dislodging from the string at full draw - and protecting the nock from being gouged by the metal caliper.  Good choice for longer axle bows.	Choose this option if you would like to hook your caliper release around a string loop.  A brass nocking point is still installed, and the arrow is positioned just beneath it - in between the string loop ends.  The string loop protects the actual bowstring from the abrasive effects of the metal caliper.  The string loop is usually the best choice for short axle bows minimizing the effects of an acute string angle.     Does a String Loop Change my Draw Length?

Our bow systems come with a peep-sight already installed.  You have the choice of a medium or large size aperture.  Larger sizes are easier to see through, particularly in low-light hunting conditions.  But smaller sizes are more pin-point accurate.  Customer choice varies here too, but the medium aperture is the popular choice. 

A special note about peep-sights:  We serve all peep sights in place using a short-serve technique.  This locks the peep sight in place so that it will not move under normal shooting conditions - while still allowing for some adjustments without the need to re-serve the peep sight.  Peep sights are served 13 cm above the nocking point on the bowstring.  While this suits the vast majority of shooters just fine, you may wish to move the peep sight up or down the string slightly to accommodate your particular shooting style.  A booklet entitled Getting Started with your New Compound Bow will be provided with your bow system, simple instructions for adjusting your peep sight are included in the booklet.
 

THAT'S IT!!!
If you still have questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Call 877-410-7811 or email us.