Dialed In: The Bow Maintenance Ritual Every Archer Needs

By Courtney Prete | Soul Summit Podcast | HOJ + SSP Outdoor Ed, Season 9 Episode 4

Courtney Prete - Owner & Founder of Her Outdoor Journey + Soul Summit Podcast

Spring into the season with confidence—because a well-maintained bow is more than gear, it’s the backbone of every clean shot you take.

Whether you're gearing up for your first 3D shoot or planning your tenth fall hunt, one truth stays constant: your bow won’t take care of you unless you take care of it. In this last week's episode of the Soul Summit Podcast, we’re digging into bow maintenance breakdown to keep your compound bow sharp, steady, and ready to deliver.

You can listen to the full episode now on CarbonTV, YouTube, Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Why Bow Maintenance Matters (More Than You Think)

We’ve all had those moments—a D-loop breaks, arrows start flying erratically, or something just feels off. These aren’t just minor inconveniences; they’re reminders that confidence comes from preparation, and maintenance is part of your archery mindset.

This blog article walks you through my proven compound bow maintenance checklist, top archery mistakes to avoid, and a few personal rituals that help me build trust in my setup.

Know Your Bow — The Power Behind the Parts

Your compound bow is a system of moving parts that must work in harmony for consistent, accurate shots. Make sure you know the essentials:

• Core Parts: riser, limbs, cams, string, cables, sight, peep, D-loop, rest, and quiver

• Arrow Components: shaft, fletching/vanes, nock, and point

These parts (refer to the diagram below), wear down at different rates—and small shifts can lead to big performance problems.

Compound Bow Parts Diagram - Photo by Bowhunter-Ed

Arrow parts - Photo by Hunter-Ed

My Go-To Compound Bow Maintenance Checklist

I break bow care into four levels: every use, weekly, monthly, and seasonally.

Every Time You Shoot:

• Inspect for fraying, cracks, or loose hardware

• Wipe down limbs and cams with a dry cloth

• Check D-loop, serving, and peep for movement or wear

• Listen for vibrations or clicks—these are red flags!

Weekly:

• Closely inspect strings, nocks, and serving (especially on cams and high wear areas)

• Clean your cable guard; make sure it slides freely

• Wax or oil? I personally don’t wax (think: chapstick + dust), but if you do—use high quality wax, rub in sparingly, and avoid the serving where it touches the cams.

Pro Tip: Use dental floss or 3D bow string material to pull off dirt and debris. Wrap, tighten, pull, remove. I got this pro tip from John Dudley from Nock on. Watch the video here. 

Monthly:

• Tighten all screws and bolts (sight, rest, stabilizer, limb pockets)

• Check for cam sync and paper tune to check tear direction (you can do this at your local archery shop or build your own at home)

• Notice anything different in your draw cycle? That’s a sign to dig deeper.

Seasonally (Spring + Post-Hunt):

• Replace strings and cables after ~2,500 shots or every 2–3 years or when worn

• Always replace the full set—string + cables—for consistency

If you can’t find the problem, don’t guess—see a pro.

Protect Your Bow from Weather, Travel, and Storage Damage

Moisture and heat are the silent killers of a well-maintained bow.

• Store in a dry place, ideally climate-controlled

• Wipe down your bow before storing—especially after rain or snow

• Don’t leave your bow in a hot vehicle (heat can cause delamination or damage to synthetic materials)

• Invest in a solid bow case—a hard case for travel and a padded soft case for range days

  
  

Archery Camp Guest Dialed In!

Avoid These Common Mistakes

These may seem small, but they can cost you big:

• Never dry fire—damage can be instant and expensive

• Don’t share your bow—anchor points and draw lengths are personal

• No candle wax—always use a high quality wax if waxing

• Don’t ignore weird noises or changes in accuracy

• Don’t skip seasonal tune-ups—prevent issues before they begin

Maintenance Builds Confidence

You wouldn’t head into a backcountry trip without checking your boots or pack. So why risk heading into the range or the mountains with a bow that’s out of tune?

Maintenance isn’t just mechanical—it’s a mental reset. When I’m checking bolts or wiping down my string, I’m also checking in with myself. This is where confidence is built—through consistency and attention to detail. I want to know my bow so well that I know at the first sign anything feels, looks or sounds off. 

Final Thoughts + Challenge 

Don't feel like you have to do everything at once. Start small. Pick one or two habits to build this week. Whether it’s inspecting your bow after every use or finally booking that tune-up, you’ll feel the difference when your bow is truly dialed. Over time you can build on your bow maintenance skills and increase your skill and confidence at the same time!

Tag me on Instagram @heroutdoorjourney_ and share your bow care setup. I’d love to feature a few of you in upcoming content!

Ladies Archery Camp

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Listen to Soul Summit Podcast — Episode 4: The Bow Maintenance Ritual Every Archer Needs

Available on CarbonTV, YouTube, Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.