How to adjust the tiller?

Sometimes it's a mystery to get the tiller right and we often don't know why or how to do it. So, to help you understand it, in this article, we are going to throw some light on this subject and give you the best way to set the tiller properly.

What is a tiller?

Before we define what a tiller is, it's important that you understand high tiller and low tiller.

The high tiller is defined as the distance between the string and the base of the upper limb at the riser junction (high), while the low tiller is the distance between the string and the base of the lower limb at the riser junction (low). The high tiller is always greater than the low tiller. Both distances are measured with a special square that can be purchased from your local archery shop.

The tiller is the distance between the "high tiller" and the "low tiller". Generally, its value is between 0 and 1 cm. It can also be defined as the setting that synchronizes the departure of the limbs and their arrival. Indeed, the tiller can give a linear shift of the point of pull of the string on the arrow.

The importance of a well adjusted tiller

It is very important to adjust the tiller properly to compensate the strength you put on the string with one finger under the arrow and one finger on top. A good adjustment will then equalize your strengths. Indeed, to shoot well, it is essential that the limbs of your bow work in the same way.

Note that if you shoot with one finger on the top limb, it will be pulled less than the bottom limb. As a result, it will give off less power. The tiller is the balance between the upper and lower limbs of the bow.

What is the best way to set the tiller?

In order for your limbs to have the most synchronized start and finish possible, you need to set the tiller properly.

To start, set your tiller between 2 and 8 mm. Next, stand about 18 meters away on a 40 cm blazon. Raise your bow without tension and put the sight in the center of the target. Then cock your bow very slowly by bringing your hand to your face in the most direct path possible while trying to keep the sight in the target. If the sight goes down, increase the tiller. If the sight goes up, decrease the tiller. When the sight is stable, it means that the tiller is set correctly.

To be able to modify the tiller, most bows have a system allowing this adjustment. This system can be found on the handle's shoes by screwing or unscrewing the clamping screw.

• If you want to increase the tiller, we advise you to tighten the lower power screw or loosen the upper power screw.
• And if you want to decrease the tiller, tighten the top power screw or loosen the top power screw.

You could also adjust the tiller by the perpendicular. To do this, you need to have the limb tips that connect the two headstocks i.e. the bow in tension perpendicular to the arrow at full extension. You could use a frame or a polaroid camera. Note that using a polaroid camera can be an interesting alternative to find the length of the central stabilizer or to calculate the angles of the string.

However, remember to always check the tiller after an adjustment. It should also be noted that the tiller should be adjusted while maintaining the required power and adjusting the weight.

When to adjust the tiller?

The tiller setting is the second adjustment to be made for your bow. Indeed, you must follow a precise order. As a reminder, here is the order of all the adjustments to be made on your bow.

• The limb alignment,
• The tiller,
• The band (the distance between the string and the gripp),
• The nocking (including the nock-set),
• The Berger button,
• The sight.