Compound BowOwner’s Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS1. Bow Owners Personal Record.......................22. Compound Bow Terminology........................33. Important Infomation......................................4

4. Compound Bow Maintenance ScheduleStrings and Cables..................................................6Bow Lubrication.....................................................7Bow Press Use.........................................................7

5. Initial Compound Bow SetupRest Selection..........................................................9Nock Set Installation............................................10Cable Guard Installation.....................................10Tiller Adjustment..................................................13Centershot..............................................................14Fletch Clearance....................................................15

6. Compound Bow AdjustmentDraw Weight Adjustment...................................15Draw Length Adjustment...................................16Inner-Cam Adjustments (Two Cam).................16Optimizing CommandCam Performance.........17Inner-Cam Adjustments (One Cam).................18VersaCam Draw Length Adjustment.................19Aligning Dual Track Idler Wheel.......................19

7. Tuning Your Compound Bow......................208. Compound Bow Warranty............................22

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INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Hoyt USA family!

As a member of an elite team, you will be pleased to know that you have purchased thefinest crafted, most dependable bow on the market. Only the finest components go intoevery Hoyt USA bow along with over 70 years ofexperience in bow technology and manufactur-ing. With some basic maintenance your newbow should provide you with years of pleasureand dependable service.

543 North Neil Armstrong RoadSalt Lake City, Utah 84116-2887

(801) 363-2990 Phone(801) 537-1470 Faxwww.hoytusa.com

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BOW OWNER’S PERSONAL RECORD

Fill in the following Personal Bow Record foryour later reference.Bow Serial Number

Hoyt USA Bow Model

Purchased From

Purchase Date

Draw Length “ Draw Weight #

Bowstring Length “ Cables Length “

Control Cable Length “

Important Note:Save your sales receipt. That receipt is your proof ofdate-of-purchase. Proof of date-of-purchase will berequired should your bow ever need warranty serv-ice. The following space has been reserved for you tostaple or tape your sales receipt for safe and conven-ient keeping.

IMPORTANT!Staple or tape your sales receipt

here for safekeeping.

Cam / Idler (Single Cam)

COMPOUND BOW TERMINOLOGY

Limb

Buss Cables

Limb WeightAdjustment Bolt

Weight Locking Screw

Sight WindowBow String

Cable Guard Bar

Cable GuardGlide

GripRiser

Stabilizer Bushing

Weight Locking Screw

Limb

Cam

Buss Cables

Limb WeightAdjustment Bolt

Axle

Axle

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Limb Pocket

Limb Pocket

WARNING! YOU’RE RESPONSIBLE FORARCHERY SAFETY

Please read the following safety information.Disregarding these rules may cause seriousinjury to yourself or property.

1. NEVER “DRY FIRE” YOUR BOW. Dry firemeans to draw and release the bowstring with-out an arrow. Firing a bow without an arrow toabsorb the energy can cause severe damage toyour bow and possible injury to the shooter orothers nearby.

2. NEVER EXPOSE YOUR BOW TO EXTREMEHEAT OR PROLONGED EXTREME DAMP.Excessive heat, such as that experienced on asunny day inside a closed vehicle, could causelimb failure. Prolonged storage in a hot dry atticor damp basement could also be damaging.

3. CAREFULLY INSPECT YOUR BOW BEFOREEACH USE. Carefully note the condition of thebowstring, limbs and riser before you shoot.Frayed bowstrings should be replaced.Damaged or suspect limbs should be reported toyour local dealer for inspection or replacement.

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4. BE SURE OF YOUR BACKSTOP. Make surethat the backstop you use is large enough tocatch a stray arrow and that it is thick enoughthat the arrow cannot completely penetrate it.Make sure that it is positioned in a safe directionaway from dwellings and other people.

5. BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET. Make sure thatthere are no persons, livestock, buildings orother objects behind or near your target. Beabsolutely sure of your target in low light condi-tions.

6. INSPECT ALL ARROWS. Before shooting,inspect your arrows for defects. Discard crackedor dented shafts. Replace damaged or loosefletching and nocks.

7. ALWAYS BE SAFE. Never shoot straight up.Be careful around strings and cables when usingbroadheads. Cutting strings and cables cancause serious damage to your bow and possibleinjury to you or others. Children must be super-vised by an adult.

8. READ AND HEED ALL WARNINGS. HoytUSA cannot be held responsible for injuries suf-fered or caused by misuse, unsafe or improperarrow and bow combinations. Hoyt USA can

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not be held responsible for injuries sustainedwhen using an altered or modified Hoyt USAbow.

WARNINGThis bow is a deadly weapon.

Always abide by all saftey advisements.Children must be supervised by an adult.

COMPOUND BOW MAINTENANCE

Your bow is a mechanical device and as such, issubject to wear and need of periodic inspection,adjustment and service. Hoyt USA recommendsthat you take your bow to a Hoyt authorized proshop at least once a year for a yearly profession-al maintenance and inspection. Areas to beinspected are axles, spacers, lubrication of axlebushings, e-clips, strings, cables, limbs and riser. The following information provides helpfulinstruction on the proper care and maintenanceof your new Hoyt bow. Keep this manual as ahandy guide for future reference.

STRINGS AND CABLESApply a light coat of bowstring wax to yourbow’s cables and string on a regular basis. HoytUSA suggests once every two weeks duringpeak use. Use a high quality bowstring waxavailable at your local Hoyt Pro Shop.

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This will keep your bow’s string and cables ingood condition. To assure best results replace D-75 string and cables when wear is evident orevery two years under normal use conditions.Insist that Hoyt USA string and cables be usedon your bow. Beware of lesser quality string andcables as they may alter the performance of yourbow or cause damage to it.

ECCENTRIC LUBRICATIONA light, spot lubrication of the axles where theypass through the eccentric should be done on aregular basis (1,500- 2,000 shots). In adversehunting conditions where dirt, dust or moistureare encountered, lubrication may be done on adaily basis. Hoyt USA recommends you use asilicone or Teflon based lubrication or any otherquality grease available at your local Hoyt USAPro Shop. It is not recommended that you use“Penetrating Oils” such as WD-40, EZ-#7, FastBreak, etc.

BOW PRESS USENever allow your bow to be put into a bow pressunless it is operated by a knowledgeable bowtechnician. Hoyt USA recommends that all nec-essary adjustments requiring the use of a bowpress be done by an authorized Hoyt Pro Shop.

fig 1 (An Example of a Double Pull Bow Press)

Always use a double bow press like that shownin figure 1 when working on your bow.

Never use a single pull bow press. (See fig 2)

fig 2 (An Example of a Single Pull Bow Press)

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When putting your bow in a bow press, neverput pressure on the riser! Always position therollers at the base of the limbs (where the limbsenter the limb pockets).

COMPOUND BOW SETUP

REST SELECTIONThere are two basic types of arrow rests “ShootThrough” and “Shoot Around” (See fig 3) Shootthrough rests are designed for release shootersas arrows shot using a release bend vertically.Shoot around rests are designed for finger shoot-ers as arrows shot by fingers bend horizontally.Hoyt USA recommends that you seek the adviceof a qualified Pro Shop for the proper rest selec-tion for your style of shooting.

Shoot Through Shoot Around

fig 3

NOCK SET INSTALLATIONA nock point is a reference on the string thatmarks the exact location for you to nock yourarrow. The arrow’s nock is positioned under thenock set. To install the nock set at the properposition begin by slipping the nock set on thestring. Then, using your rest as a reference, posi-tion the nock set just above level. A finger shoot-er should initially position the nock set atapproximately 3/8” above level. The releaseshooter should begin at approximately 1/4”above level. (See fig 4) Once the nock set is at thedesired location use a special set of nocking pli-ers to crimp the nock set into place. NEVERshoot a bow without a nock set or with a nock setthat has not been properly crimped. For properinstallation Hoyt USA recommends that this bedone by a qualified Pro Shop.

fig 4

CABLE GUARD INSTALLATIONAll aluminum Hoyt USA bows are designed witha built in cable guard bar attachment. Before

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mounting the cable guard bar, you must removethe nylon screws used only for shipping purpos-es. To insert the cable guard bar, simply slide thebar through the two mounting holes on the risermaking sure that the bar is pushed completelythrough and flush with the end of the front

mounting hole. After the bar has been insertedfasten with the 1/4-20 x 1/2” set screws provid-ed. (See fig 5)

Hoyt USA’s magnesium bows are designed witha high mount stylecable guard bar thatis mounted directlyto the side of theriser by two 10-24screws. (See fig6)Prior to mountingthe cable guard bar,you must remove thenylon screws used

Screws

Flush w/Front of Riser

10-24 SHCSScrews

fig 5

fig 6

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only for shipping purposes. Warning! On someshorter axle to axle models, adjustable cableguard bars can be off-set too much causing thecable to track off the cam. This can cause dam-age to the bow or personal injury. To preventthis from happening, NEVER SET THE BAR ATTHE THREE O’ CLOCK POSITION.

CABLE GUARD GLIDE INSTALLATIONHoyt USA uses a specially designed cable glidethat has off-set cable slots. To correctly installthe glide on all Hoyt models except the ExcelCam, make sure that when the cables are insert-ed into the glide the shortest slot is to the rearand the longer slot closest to the grip. For all

Excel Cam model bows, make sure that thelongest slot is to the rear and the shorter slot isclosest to the grip. (See fig 7)

Note: If you have trouble pulling the cables backfar enough to get the glide over the end of thecable guard bar, you will need to use a bow

Excel CamGlide Positionfig. 7

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press. Hoyt USA recommends that the cableguard glide installation be done at a Pro Shop. CAUTION: Do not pull bow back withoutproper installation of cable guard bar andglide.

TILLER ADJUSTMENTTiller is the difference in actual distance betweenthe upper limb to the string and lower limb tothe string measured from the base of the limbs(where the limb and riser meet) at a 90 degreeangle. (See fig 8)

Tiller

Tiller

Tiller

Tiller

fig. 8 fig. 9

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Redline cam models must be measured from areference line from axle to axle. (See fig 9)

The main function of tiller is to allow the archer tomore easily and comfortably aim during the drawand release of the shot. Most bows will shoot bestwith an even tiller which means the distance fromthe string to the limb is the same on top and bot-tom. Tiller adjustments are made by adjustingeither limb weight adjustment bolt. (See drawweight adjustment section pg. 15). Example: Toomuch tiller on the bottom limb, decrease theweight on the top limb or increase the weight onthe bottom. Hoyt USA recommends that you ini-tially set tiller equal top and bottom.

CENTERSHOTCentershot is the alignment of the arrow in thepower path of the string. This is accomplishedby moving the arrow rest left or right. Release shooters should line the arrow up withthe power path of the string. (See fig 10) Fingershooters should position the arrow so that thetip is just to the outside of the power path of thestring. (See fig 10)

Centershot is critical to how accurate a bow willperform. These are initial centershot settings, forproper alignment Hoyt USA recommends thisbe done by a qualified Pro Shop.

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Release Setting Fingers Setting

FLETCH CLEARANCEFletch clearance is the ability of your vanes or fletch-ings to pass cleanly by or through your arrow restwithout impacting the rest so severely that the arrowsflight path is disrupted. It is necessary that you haveadequate vane clearance to achieve proper arrowflight. (See fig 11)

COMPOUND BOW ADJUSTMENT

DRAW WEIGHT ADJUSTMENTWeight adjustments can easily be made by turning theweight adjustment bolt clockwise to increase weight

Incorrect Correctfig. 11

fig 10

or counter clockwise to decreaseweight. Note: Always turn thetop and bottom adjustment boltsin equal amounts. Some HoytUSA model bows are equippedwith a Dual Locking Pocket

System. Before draw weight adjustments are made onthese models you must first loosen the Pocket Lockingscrews located on the side of the pocket. (See fig 12)When adjustments are completed, re-tighten the PocketLocking screws.

DRAW LENGTH ADJUSTMENT (INNERCAMADJUSTABLE MODULES)Many Hoyt bows utilize the patented InnerCamadjustable module for draw length adjustment. TheInnerCam can generally be adjusted without the aidof a bow press.

TWO-CAM DRAW LENGTH ADJUSTMENTTo adjust the draw length on Hoyt’s two cam (inner-cam) model bows, use a standard allen key to loosenthe fastening scre-wand remove theDraw Length screw. Rotating the inner-cam in the (+) direc-tion will lengthen thedraw. Rotating theinner-cam in the (-)direction will shortenthe draw. Once the Draw Length

Screw

Inner Cam

Fastening Screw

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Pocket Locking Screw

fig 12

fig 13

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inner-cam is in the desired location, reinstall andtighten the Draw Length screw first and then theFastening Screw. Each position will provide approxi-mately 1/2” longer/shorter draw than the previoussetting Note: You must make the same adjustments tothe top and the bottom inner-cams or the bow cannotbe properly tuned.

OPTIMIZING COMMAND CAM PERFORMANCEIn order to verify optimum performance of yourCommand Cam bow you should examine the cam'sbuilt in alignment marks. When viewing the moduleside of the cam your bus cable should lie somewherebetween thea l i g n m e n tmarks as shown.It is not neces-sary to have thebuss cable exactly centeredbetween themarks. In fact,the optimumposition may beat either extremeside of the timing marks for your particular combi-nation. Exact cam alignment varies slightly with dif-ferent limb and riser combinations. Your bow wasshipped new in the optimum postion. If your busscable lies outside the alignement marks we recom-mend you take it to your nearest Hoyt dealer foradjustments.

AlignmentMarks

StringBuss Cable Buss Cable

Yoke

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VERSACAM DRAW LENGTH ADJUSTMENTAll VersaCams feature the patented InnerCamadjustable draw length module system and adjustablelet-off. When adjusting the draw length on VersaCambows, both the module and draw-stop peg must beadjusted. When the module is rotated to its furthestposition in the minus (-) direction, the module is in the"A" setting (the shortest draw length position).Rotating the module in the (+) direction to the nexthole available for the module screw is the "B" settingwhich will provide approximately 1/2” longer drawthan the previous setting. Eight modules are availablefor a total draw length range of 3-4”,

Year 2002 Hoyt VersaCam draw stop holes are num-bered 1 thru 8 on VC-2 & VC-3 and 1 thru 7 on VC-1.Each InnerCam module position has a set of draw-stop peg positions that will provide a useable range ofeffective let-off values. The table to the right providesthe correct peg setting for 80% effective let-off and65% AMO let-off for each InnerCam module position.

Draw Stop Peg

Draw Length Screw

Inner Cam

VersaCam

fig 14

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*Measured as Effective let-off which includes friction. **65% AMO let-off is required for entry of trophies into the Pope &Young Record Book.***Remove the peg entirely on VersaCam #1Moving the draw stop more than one position awayfrom those shown in the chart is not recommended.Note: changing the draw-stop position independent ofthe module to manipulate let-off will alter draw lengthby approximately 3/16" for each draw-stop hole; drawlength will be shortened when changing to a lower let-off position and lengthened in higher let-off positions.Slight variations in peak weight (up to two pounds) mayoccur when changing the InnerCam position.

ALIGNING DUAL TRACK IDLER WHEELTo ensure your dual track idler is functioning withinits intended rotational limit, periodically check theidler’s built-in rotational alignment marks scribed onthe wheel as shown in the Figure on the next page. Forright-handed bows, the alignment marks should be atthe bottom of the idler on the side marked with an "S".

Inner-Cam Recommended Peg PositionModule Position 80% Let-off* 65%Let-off**

A

BC

DEFG

H 8***

VERSACAM CHART

1

123

4

56

1

2345

67

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To check the idlerposition, sightdown the buss cableyoke and verify thatit lies between thealignment marks onthe idler. It is notcritical where thebuss-cable yoke liesbetween the align-ment marks, butsimply that it iswithin the marks.Left handed bows require the same examinationexcept that their timing marks will lie on the bottomof the idler on the side marked with an "L". In theevent that your buss cable yoke falls outside the align-ment marks, you should take your bow to an author-ized Hoyt dealer for adjustment prior to its next use.String damage and poor arrow flight may result fromshooting improperly tuned equipment.

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TUNINGTo tune your bow have on hand three fletched arrowsand three bare shafts, all identical and straight. Fromabout 15 to 20 yards shoot your fletched arrows, makingnecessary sight adjustments to hit the target at the samespot each time. Once you have sighted in, shoot thethree bare shafts and note where the group of bareshafts are compared to the fletched arrows.

If the bare shafts are grouping below the fletchedarrows, lower the nocking point. (See fig 14) If the bare

AlignmentMarks

String

ControlCable Buss Cable

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shafts are grouping above, move the nock point up.(See fig 15) Be sure to only move in small increments(never more than 1/16” at a time). Each time the nock-ing point is moved it will affect your sight setting, soyou will have to re set your sights after each move.Continue to make adjustments until both groups arerelatively close together. If the bare shafts hit to the rightof the fletched arrows decrease bow weight, check forvane clearance or check arrow spine stiffness (weak).(See fig 16) If the bare shafts group to the left, increasebow weight, check for vane clearance or check arrowspine stiffness (stiff). (See fig 17). Some adjustments canbe made slightly moving the arrow rest to the left of theright. Note: Left handed shooters need to reverse theseinstructions for left and right results. Hoyt USA recom-mends that you work closely with your local Pro Shopwhen tuning your bow to ensure best results.

fig 14 fig 15

fig 16 fig 17

TUNING WITH BROADHEADSMost archers discover that they must make slight tun-ing adjustments when switching from practice pointsto broadheads (even at the same weight). Broadheadscreate a dramatic aerodynamic change in arrow flight.For this reason, slight adjustments may need to bemade in nocking point height, rest position or bowweight to achieve desired broadhead flight.

HOYT USA COMPOUND BOW WARRANTYAll Hoyt USA compound bows are warranted againstdefects in materials or workmanship to the originalowner on aluminum risers, limbs, limb pockets, andeccentrics for the life of the product.

ACCESSORIESAll Hoyt USA sights (excluding sight pins), arrowrests, and bow quivers (excluding hood foam andarrow gripper) are warranted 100% for the life of theproduct to the original owner. Hoyt USA must per-form warranty work.

You must have the following items in order to obtainwarranty work:1. A dated proof of purchase (sales receipt).2. Products must be purchased through a Hoyt USAauthorized dealer (no exceptions!)3. All compound bows must have a serial number.

Hoyt USA, at its discretion, voids all warranty claimseither expressed or implied including but not limitedto evidence of abuse, modification to original design,

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use of attachments or accessories that cause excessivestress.

Hoyt USA reserves the right to make substitutions onwarranty coverage at Hoyt USA’s discretion for anyreason. Warranty is subject to available parts.

OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICETo obtain warranty service, you should return to thePro Shop where you purchased your Hoyt USA bow.The dealer can help to determine if Hoyt USA factoryservice is required or if the repair can be completed bythe Pro Shop. If the bow must be returned to the fac-tory, the bow owner is responsible for the returnfreight to Hoyt USA. Hoyt USA, in turn, will pay forthe same return freight of the repaired product.

Before any bow is returned a Return Authorizationnumber must be obtained through an authorizedHoyt USA Pro Shop. Bows returned to the factorywithout a Return Authorization number will be sentback. Do not send accessories with bow unless other-wise instructed to.

Hoyt USA bows requiring factory service should besent to:

Hoyt USA543 N. Neil Armstrong Road

Salt Lake City, UT 84116

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There are no other warranties expressed or impliedthat extend beyond those written here. No agent,employee or representative of Hoyt USA or its dealershas the authority to bind Hoyt USA to any agreementnot herein stated. Buyer agrees that the sole andexclusive remedies for breach on any warranty con-cerning Hoyt USA bows shall be repair or replace-ment of defective parts. Hoyt USA shall not be liablefor injury or property other than the bows themselves.Hoyt USA reserves the right to replace defective partsaccording to availability with compatible replacementparts.

NOTES

NOTES

WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD(Or register on-line at www.hoytusa.com)

Bow Model____________________________________

Bow Serial Number_____________________________(Located in rest plate area)Owner’s Name_________________________________

Address_______________________________________

City__________________ State____ Zip____________

E-Mail Address_________________________________

Place of purchase_________________Date__________

Age ___________ Gender M F

How many years have you shot? 0-5 5-10 10 +

Is this your first Hoyt bow? YES NO

How often do you purchase a new bow?__________

What type of archery do you participate in? Bowhunting 3D FITA NFAA Traditional

Will you hunt with this bow? YES NO

How many days a year do you hunt?0 - 10 10 - 20 20 +

What are the top three Species of animals youhunt?__________________________________________

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543 North Neil Armstrong RoadSalt Lake City, UT. 84116

www.hoytusa.com