Draw length and draw weight are the two most important adjustments you can make so your bow fits you properly. It may take a little time to get everything just right, but it is really worth every minute you spend. A bow that fits you perfectly will improve your shooting.
Contrary to popular belief compound bows are not one size fits all. If you are trying to make your body fit the bow you will never realize your full potential as an archer. If you have purchased a bow for yourself chances are the adjustments you need to make will be very minor. If you have inherited a bow from someone else the adjustments may be more drastic. The process is not complicated and the rewards to be gained are well worth the time you put into it.
The first step is determining your draw length. This is usually measured at an archery shop using a low draw weight bow and an arrow marked with measurements in inches. If you are using a release it is extremely helpful to bring your release with you. The closer that you are in your initial draw length measurement the less you are going to have to modify your bow later on to get it perfect. If you are totally new to archery the person who measures you should suggest several options for your anchor point. An anchor point is simply the spot on your face where you must consistently hold your draw hand when the bow is at full draw. If you must measure your draw length without the help of an archery shop you can get a very close estimate by extending your bow arm straight in front of you with a closed fist up against a wall. Next, pretend that you are pulling back and anchoring the bowstring with your draw hand. Have someone measure from the wall to your anchor point. Ultimately, when you have achieved the correct draw length the string should not extend past the tip of your nose and not more than 1/2" past the corner of your mouth when at full draw. This will give you three contact points to reference when you anchor: the tip of your nose, the corner of your mouth, and wherever you place your draw hand. If you can repeat the way that you anchor every time you will shoot more consistently.
To make minor adjustments of less than 1" try twisting or untwisting the bowstring. If more adjustment is needed you can change the post or slot that the cable or string wraps around on the cams. Most bows will require the use of a bow press for these adjustments. Adjustments of more than 2" usually require replacing the string with a longer or shorter string, or possibly replacing the cam modules. It is always a good idea to consult a professional bow shop or the manufacturer when changing string length or cam modules.
Once your draw length is correct it is time to consider draw weight. More is not necessarily better when it comes to draw weight. You must decide on what draw weight is comfortable for you, but a good rule of thumb is that if you cannot draw the string straight back without raising it above or below your line of sight the draw weight is too heavy. Struggling to draw your bow back will only lead to bad form and a lot of frustration. In my opinion it is much better to start at a comfortable weight and increase it as your body gains strength. To increase the draw weight, tighten (clockwise turn) each limb bolt exactly the same amount of turns. To decrease the draw weight, loosen (counter clockwise) each limb bolt the same amount of turns. Be careful not to completely expose the limbs in the pockets when loosening the bolts as this can potentially damage your bow.
The end result of draw length and draw weight adjustment should be a bow that is comfortable for you to shoot. If you feel uncomfortable with your equipment make some changes. You just might be surprised at the difference having the perfect fit can make.
The first step is determining your draw length. This is usually measured at an archery shop using a low draw weight bow and an arrow marked with measurements in inches. If you are using a release it is extremely helpful to bring your release with you. The closer that you are in your initial draw length measurement the less you are going to have to modify your bow later on to get it perfect. If you are totally new to archery the person who measures you should suggest several options for your anchor point. An anchor point is simply the spot on your face where you must consistently hold your draw hand when the bow is at full draw. If you must measure your draw length without the help of an archery shop you can get a very close estimate by extending your bow arm straight in front of you with a closed fist up against a wall. Next, pretend that you are pulling back and anchoring the bowstring with your draw hand. Have someone measure from the wall to your anchor point. Ultimately, when you have achieved the correct draw length the string should not extend past the tip of your nose and not more than 1/2" past the corner of your mouth when at full draw. This will give you three contact points to reference when you anchor: the tip of your nose, the corner of your mouth, and wherever you place your draw hand. If you can repeat the way that you anchor every time you will shoot more consistently.
thumb is that if you cannot draw the string straight back without raising it above or below your line of sight the draw weight is too heavy. Struggling to draw your bow back will only lead to bad form and a lot of frustration. In my opinion it is much better to start at a comfortable weight and increase it as your body gains strength. To increase the draw weight, tighten (clockwise turn) each limb bolt exactly the same amount of turns. To decrease the draw weight, loosen (counter clockwise) each limb bolt the same amount of turns. Be careful not to completely expose the limbs in the pockets when loosening the bolts as this can potentially damage your bow.