Martin Archery Martin Compound Bow - Manual (Page 15)

After completing the basic setup procedures, you are ready to fine tune your setup for
the best accuracy possible. There are four tuning methods described in this section. Some
of these methods may not apply to certain styles of shooting. Read the introduction to
each method carefully to make sure it applies to your shooting style.
BARE SHAFT PLANING TEST
The Bare Shaft Planing method of tuning works best when using a finger release. To
begin the Bare Shaft Planing test you will need three fletched arrows and one or two bare
shafts. You will also need a target that will catch the arrows without allowing the arrow
to kick as it stops in the target. This test will help you establish the correct nock and rest
position, and it will tell you if your arrow is the correct spine. Porpoising and Fish Tailing
describe the different flight disturbances you may encounter while tuning.
Porpoising
Porpoising is identified by an up and down kick during arrow flight and relates to the
nock point adjustment. It is important to correct porpoising first because small left and
right disturbances could be nock point related. Start at about ten to fifteen yards and shoot
three fletched arrows into your target. Using the same aiming point, follow them up with
a bare shaft. After you get the bare shafts to impact with the fletched shafts, you may want
to try shooting them at a longer distance for a finer indication of arrow flight.
If the bare shafts impact below the fletched arrows, your nock point is too high. Move
your nocking point down in small increments until the bare shaft strikes with the fletched
shafts. If the bare shafts impact above your fletched arrows, your nock point is too low.
Raise your nock point in small increments until your fletched arrows and your bare shaft
impact together.
Repeat the above steps from a longer distance to make sure you have completely
corrected the nock point. Shooting from a longer distance will make minor
disturbances more apparent.
FINE TUNING YOUR COMPOUND BOW
A high nock set will cause porpoising
High nocking point Low nocking point 11