Tips for arrow alignment and centering

But how do you align and center the arrow? To answer this question, in this article, we will give you our best tips.

The importance of arrow alignment and centering

Arrow alignment and centering are an important step in transmitting the push from the limbs to the arrow in the most straight-line manner possible. Indeed, to aim well and hit the target, the arrow must be aligned with the string. It must be centered in relation to the plunger button.

What are the functions of a plunger button?

The plunger button has two functions:

• In statistics: the plunger button allows adjusting the arrow's offset and thus the correct positioning of the arrow in the bow's plane.
• In dynamics: the plunger button allows the arrow to compensate for its fishtailing during its trajectory at the start.

For arrow alignment and centering, it's the static function of the plunger button that interests us, as well as the positioning of the arrow relative to the plunger button's piston. 

How to align an arrow?

The arrow should always be in the vertical plane materialized by the string, which is itself in the middle of the limbs. Aligning the arrow on your bow ensures that the arrow leaves in alignment with the target. It's one of the first adjustments to make on your bow.

Arrow alignment is done using a plunger button. Here's a simple method to help you do it:

• Put a Beiter gauge (limb alignment gauge to help with bow tuning) on each of the two limbs a few centimeters from the handle.
• Visually place your string in the grooves of the two gauges.
• Check the position of your arrow point in relation to your bow string.

If your arrow is too far outward, pull out the adjustment ring of your plunger button. On the other hand, if it's too far inward, push in the adjustment ring of your plunger button.

Such alignment will allow you to limit the horizontal oscillations of the arrow or "fishtailing". It also limits any contact between the arrow or its fletching and the bow or the arrow rest.

Arrow centering: how to do it?

Arrow centering is very important for the arrow to leave the theoretical center and the balance center of the bow.

To center the arrow, the middle of the shaft should be at the center of the plunger button's piston. Now, you should adjust the horizontal position of the plunger button or arrow rest to align the arrow point. Then, simply unblock the arrow rest's clamping screw. Before you tighten the arrow rest, check that the pin only protrudes one millimeter from the arrow.

If you want to mark the center of the bow, stick tape on the limbs near the handle. Then, mark the exact center of each limb with a vertical line. If you're using a compound bow, mark an additional line about 5 mm to the left of the central line: this is the bow's balance center. Now to center the arrow, visually align the string and these marks on the limbs.

Our advice for properly aligning and centering the arrow

Here are our best tips for properly aligning and centering the arrow:

• Generally, it is always advised to align the arrow parallel to the central stabilizer to promote the ejection of your bow in the vertical plane.
• Initially, it is always recommended to have your coach assist you in finding the right adjustment, regardless of the bow used.

Indeed, the coach will know how to guide you, help you, and teach you how to do it, especially if you're a beginner.