Taking Care of your
New Asiatic Bow

Introduction:
The Heritage & Modern Appeal of asiatic Bows

The Asiatic bow has captivated archers for centuries, renowned for its compact size, power, and versatility.
While traditional models were made using intricate materials like horn, sinew, and wood, today’s laminated Asiatic bows—typically composed of fiberglass and wood composites—offer similar performance with easier maintenance.
These modern bows provide the look and feel of ancient craftsmanship with the durability of contemporary materials, making them ideal for both seasoned archers and beginners. This guide will walk you through the best practices for caring for your Asiatic bow, ensuring it stays in excellent condition for years of use.

Understanding The Components of your Bow

Modern laminated Asiatic bows differ from traditional ones primarily in their materials, but they retain the same signature shape and performance.

• Limbs
  In laminated bows, the limbs are constructed from layers of wood and fiberglass, providing excellent flexibility, durability, and power without the fragility of natural materials like horn.
• Siyahs
  The Siyahs are often made from wood, resin, and occasionally horn or bone. Traditionally they would use horn and bone to ensure strength.
• String
  The string is often made of synthetic materials such as Dacron or Fast Flight, which are easier to maintain than traditional sinew or silk.
• Hand-grip
  The grip is made from leather, pleather, or suede. Occasionally the grip will be bare and show the unique wood design.

The laminated construction makes these bows resistant to some of the environmental factors that affect traditional bows, but they still require regular care to maximize performance and longevity.

Basic Care and Storage

While fiberglass composite Asiatic bows are more resilient than traditional horn-and-sinew models, proper care and storage are still crucial for extending their lifespan.

• Protection from Heat & Moisture:
  Even though fiberglass is more resistant to environmental changes, extreme heat can weaken the glue used in the laminations, and prolonged moisture exposure can damage the wood components. Always store your bow in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or humidity. A padded, waterproof case is ideal for protection, especially if you frequently transport your bow. Never forget your bow in the car, especially in the Australian heat! Additionally, do not pack your bow away wet – wipe it down with a cloth to ensure you’re not contributing to any deterioration.
• Proper Storage Position:
  As with all bows, it’s important to unstring your laminated Asiatic bow when not in use. This relieves tension on the limbs, preventing potential warping over time. Store the bow either horizontally or vertically, ensuring that the limbs remain straight and undistorted.
  Most bows we ship are sent out with a complimentary bow-sleeve, and placing your bow in the sleeve will help ensure it stays out of direct sunlight.
• Cleaning the Bow:
  Cleaning is essential for keeping your bow in top condition. Use a soft, slightly damp cloth to wipe down the surface, and then wipe dry with a cloth. Using microfiber rags from Bunnings work quite well. It’s a good idea to do this after outdoor shooting sessions. Make sure never to apply harsh chemicals that can degrade the laminate or finish, and avoid applying any polish or oil, unless your bow has bare-wood sections.

String Maintenance

The bowstring is a vital component of your laminated bow, and while synthetic strings are durable, they still require attention.

• Waxing The String
  Regular waxing is important to prevent fraying, particularly for synthetic strings like Dacron or Fast Flight.
  Use a bowstring wax and apply it every few shooting sessions, or whenever the string feels dry. This will help protect it from wear and extend its life.
• Unstringing After Use:
  Laminated Asiatic bows should be unstrung after use to relieve stress on both the string and the limbs. While some may prefer to leave their bows strung for long periods of time, this practice will result in your bow becoming stressed, and your string will suffer.
  It’s best practice to unstrging after use and prevent unnecessary stretching or weakening of the string over time.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Though laminated fiberglass Asiatic bows are durable, avoiding these common mistakes will ensure they remain in peak condition.

• Overdrawing:
  Modern laminated bows are built to handle significant tension, but overdrawing (pulling the string too far) can still damage the limbs or even cause delamination. Always respect the bow’s draw weight and length specifications. Unsure what your bows maximum is? Check our store page, or send me an email.
• Dry Firing:
  Just like with traditional bows, dry firing—shooting the bow without an arrow—can be extremely harmful. The energy meant to be transferred to the arrow has nowhere to go, which can lead to cracks or breaks in the limbs or cause the bowstring to snap.
  This can lead to severe injuries, and if you’ve dry-fired a bow, you should get it checked by a bowyer or professional.
• Incorrect Handling:
  While the laminated materials are robust, handling the bow improperly (such as twisting the limbs or applying pressure to the siyahs) can still cause damage. Always grip the bow at the handle, and avoid pressing or bending the limbs unnecessarily.

Regular Inspection and Maintenance

Routine inspections will help you catch any potential issues before they become serious problems.

• Visual Inspection:
  Examine the limbs for any signs of delamination, cracks, or splits, especially at the joints where the fiberglass meets the wood. Inspect the siyahs and grip for wear or damage.
• Professional Repair:
  If you notice any damage, it’s important to consult a professional. Laminated bows require specific repair techniques, and attempting to fix delaminations or cracks without proper knowledge can worsen the issue.
• Check Your Arrows!:
  When firing arrows, especially Wooden Arrows or Bamboo Arrows, checking for damage is important. Shooting a damaged arrow can be as devastating as dry-firing your bow, and in some cases, even worse.
  Always check for signs of damage, ‘tap’ your arrows and listen for any creaking or unusual sounds, and ensure your arrows are correctly spined for your bow.

Conclusion & Summary: Ensuring the Longevity of Your Asiatic Bow

Modern laminated Asiatic bows offer the perfect balance of traditional craftsmanship and modern durability.
However, even with their advanced materials, proper care is essential to keep them performing at their best. By following these simple maintenance tips—such as regular bowstring care, thorough bow cleaning, and safe bow storage—you’ll ensure that your bow remains in top condition, providing you with years of enjoyment and success in archery.

The ABA Bow Care Cheat Sheet:

• Store your fiberglass composite bow in a cool, dry place, ideally in a padded case, and avoid prolonged exposure to heat and moisture.
• Unstring your bow after each session to relieve tension on the limbs and bowstring.
• Wax bowstrings regularly to prevent fraying, and inspect the string for wear after each session.
• Avoid overdrawing or dry firing, as these can damage the bow.
• Clean your bow with a slightly-damp cloth, and avoid the use of chemicals or polish.
• Regularly inspect the bow for signs of wear or delamination and consult a professional for repairs.