In archery, yoke tuning is a method used to align the string so it pulls straight off the top cam of a compound bow. It specifically applies to bows with a “split-yoke” system, where the cable splits into a “V” shape and attaches to both sides of the top axle.
Why It Matters
When you draw your bow, the cables pull on the cams. If one side of the yoke is tighter than the other, it pulls the cam to an angle. This is called cam lean. Cam lean causes the string to travel sideways instead of in a perfectly straight line, which ruins your arrow flight and makes the bow difficult to tune.
How the Process Works
To yoke tune, you use a bow press to adjust the length of the two “legs” of the yoke:
- Identify the Lean: You look at the cam (usually using a straight edge or by drawing the bow) to see if it tilts left or right.
- Add Twists: If the cam leans too far to one side, you add twists to the yoke leg on that side. This shortens the leg and pulls the cam back toward the center.
- Remove Twists: Conversely, you can remove twists from the opposite leg to lengthen it and allow the cam to tilt back.
- Test with Paper: Archers usually perform a paper test after making adjustments. If the arrow leaves a “left tear” or “right tear” in the paper, you continue adjusting the yoke until the arrow flies perfectly straight (creating a “bullet hole”).
The Result
Once you finish yoke tuning, your cam sits straight at full draw. This ensures:
- Perfect Arrow Flight: Your arrows fly straight without wobbling.
- Consistency: Your broadheads and field points hit the same spot.
- Efficiency: The bow transfers energy more efficiently to the arrow.
Note: You can only yoke tune bows that have a split-cable system. If your bow has “binary” cams or “no-yoke” systems, you use different methods like shifting spacers (shimming) to align the cams.