Tuning and setup

Measure and set brace height

Brace height is how far the string sits from the grip at rest. Keeping it in your size's range keeps draw weight, draw length and noise where Oneida designed them. You change it with string twists, which means taking tension off the string.

  • Difficulty Moderate
  • Time 30–60 minutes
  • For All Oneida lever bows

Every Oneida measures the same way. How you take tension off depends on your bow family; follow the step for your bow.

All how-to guides

We're still double-checking this guide against how we do it in the shop. If anything doesn't match your bow, stop and text us or call 270-318-2020.

Before you start

  • Look up your size's brace height range on your model page.
  • Replace any worn string or cable before you tune.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • Never draw the bow while the timing screw or hub is loose. Never dry-fire.
  • Never use a regular compound bow press on an Oneida. Only Oneida's bracket press is approved, and the Kestrel takes no press at all.

Steps

  1. Measure from the middle of the string, square to it, to the deepest point of the grip.
  2. Write the number down and compare it with your model page.
  3. Decide the direction: more twists shorten the string and raise brace height; fewer lower it. About 5 twists move it 1/16 in.
  4. Take tension off the string using the method for your bow below, counting any bolt turns.
  5. Bracket press (most Oneidas): with the timing screw or hub TIGHT, draw the bow and set it in the brackets. Oneida sets them 23 in apart for the Black Eagle, C.P. bows and Discovery.
  6. 1980s–90s bows, no press: loosen the slotted timing screw, then back both bolts out evenly, switching every 2 turns, only until the string is slack.
  7. Black Eagle, no press: loosen the timing hub and back the long weight bolts off evenly until the string can come off.
  8. C.P. Oneidas, Extreme Eagle, Falcon and Switchblade, no press: check with us before backing the bolts far out. Oneida's C.P. booklet shows only the press.
  9. Kestrel: use the Oneida Compression Jig, never a bow press.
  10. Phoenix and 2017+ Osprey: treat them like the Kestrel and call us before backing the bolts off.
  11. Stealth Eagle: back the extra-long weight bolts all the way out, as Oneida does to restring it.
  12. Discovery: use the bracket press, the long weight bolts, FireBrand's dowel method or the short stringer (see 'Replace the string: Discovery').
  13. Slip one loop off its limb tip, twist or untwist the string, and put the loop back. Check both loops and every cable are seated before adding tension.
  14. Take the bow out of a press or jig by drawing it and lifting it out; with dowels, hold full draw while your helper removes them, then let down slowly.
  15. Turn any backed-out bolts back in the same count, switching every 2 turns (1 turn at a time on a Kestrel), watching that each power limb stays seated.
  16. Check tiller (see the draw weight guide for your bow), then tighten the timing screw or hub BEFORE you draw.
  17. Measure again and repeat if still out of range. Out-of-range brace height throws off draw weight and draw length.
  18. Discovery: add twists if you moved the draw-length axle to a shorter hole.
  19. Recheck your nocking point and string accessories before you shoot.

Tips

  • Too high can cost draw weight; too low can let the string slap your arm guard and wear early. (Dealer Instructions p.38–39)
  • Never change draw length with a different-length string. (Dealer Instructions p.19)