FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often about buying, tuning, and repairing bows. Don't see yours here? Give us a call, or check our glossary of archery terms.
Buying a Bow
Do I need to know my draw length and draw weight before buying a bow?+
No — we measure both for you as part of a fitting. Buying a bow without a proper fitting is the most common reason new archers struggle with accuracy, so we always recommend coming in rather than guessing.
What's the difference between a compound bow and a traditional or recurve bow?+
A compound bow uses a system of cams and cables that reduce the holding weight at full draw, making it easier to aim steadily. Traditional and recurve bows have no cams or let-off, so you hold the full draw weight through the shot. Compounds are more common for hunting and target shooting today, while traditional bows appeal to archers who want a simpler, more classic shooting experience.
Can I trade in or sell my old bow?+
Give us a call to talk through your equipment and what you're looking to upgrade to. We're happy to take a look and discuss options in person.
Do you carry youth and beginner bow packages?+
Yes. We work with archers of all ages and experience levels, and can help fit a youth or first-time archer with a setup that fits their size and strength now, with room to grow into.
Setup & Tuning
What's included in a new bow setup?+
A full setup includes draw length and draw weight adjustment, rest and sight installation, peep sight installation and alignment, cam timing, paper tuning, and arrow setup matched to your specs. We walk you through what was done before you leave.
How long does a bow setup or tune take?+
It depends on the scope of the work and current shop volume, especially during the weeks leading into hunting season. Give us a call and we can give you a better idea of current turnaround.
How often should I get my bow tuned?+
Most archers should have their bow checked at least once a year, ideally a few weeks before hunting season. Frequent shooters or league archers often benefit from a check every 3 to 6 months. Read our full breakdown in the blog post on how often you should tune your bow.
What's the difference between paper tuning and walk-back tuning?+
Paper tuning checks your arrow's flight right as it leaves the bow, at close range. Walk-back tuning checks your rest's left-right alignment over distance. We typically use both to fully dial in a setup — see our blog post comparing the two for more detail.
Do you tune bows that weren't purchased from you?+
Absolutely. We work on compound and traditional bows regardless of where they were originally purchased.
Strings, Cables & Repairs
How often should I replace my bowstring and cables?+
As a general guideline, active shooters should plan on new strings and cables every 1 to 2 years. Heavy use, visible fraying, fuzzing, or a change in your bow's sound or performance are all signs it's time sooner.
How do I know if my bow needs new strings?+
Look for fraying, fuzzing, or serving separation, and pay attention to inconsistent groups or a change in draw feel. If you're not sure, bring it in and we'll take a look.
Can you repair a bow that's been dry-fired or damaged?+
Bring it in for an inspection before shooting it again. A dry fire can damage limbs, cams, or the string system in ways that aren't always visible, and we can check whether it's safe to shoot or needs parts replaced.
Do you work on crossbows as well as compound and traditional bows?+
We primarily specialize in compound and traditional bows. Give us a call about your specific crossbow needs and we can let you know how we can help.
Visiting the Shop
Do I need an appointment, or can I walk in?+
Appointments only — we're a home-based shop, not a public storefront, so there's no walk-in traffic. Call or email us to schedule a time, and we'll confirm the address along with your appointment.
Do you offer drop-off service?+
Yes. If your schedule doesn't line up with a longer repair or tuning session, you can drop your bow off and we'll contact you when it's ready.
What areas do you serve?+
We're located in Sultan, WA and regularly serve archers from Monroe, Gold Bar, Startup, Index, Snohomish, Lake Stevens, Granite Falls, Duvall, Everett, and the rest of the Skykomish Valley and greater Snohomish County area.
Still have questions?
We're happy to talk through your specific setup or situation.