Why choose a traditional bow?

Due to growing popularity and distinctive advantages, the traditional bow is a wise choice.
The sensation you will experience is like nothing else! You will want it for sure! In addition to its
lightness, the feeling of stored power, the reactions of the bow and the full control of your shoot
will amaze you. It is lightning fast; only one second for one shot, without adjustment and without knowing the exact distance from the target. Its performance is spectacular.

The bows are amazingly versatile. In fact, they are used in various situations, during hunting season or for leisure throughout the year.

How to select a bow?

Selecting a bow is a personal choice. You should consider the most important criteria for you:

Appearance:		Longbow or recurve, distinguished or unusual.
Sizes:		Weight, length, handling, carrying and room while shooting.
Sensations:		Stable, smooth to draw or responsive.
Uses:		Hunting, target shooting, leisure, initiation, etc.
Draw weight:		Shooting less arrows or practicing without getting tired.

In short, choosing a bow is quite subjective.

Care and maintenance

Security
Following informations and recommendations are of utmost importance. Security must be your top priority.

-Prior to using bow, and during shooting activity, inspect your equipment for signs of wear or damage. Such signs on bow, string or arrow must be immediatly repaired.

-For your own protection, the use of armguard, glove or tab, safety glasses or any protection equipment is recommended.

-Always consider your bow and arrow as a long-range weapon that can cause serious injuries. Never point or aim a drawn bow at another person. Be sure of what you are shooting at when releasing an arrow.

-Dry firing a bow (shoot without arrow) or using innapropriate arrow reduce the life expectancy of your bow and may cause immediate damage. Be sure arrows are the correct lenght and stiffness for your bow. A ratio of 8 grains per pound of draw weight is required.

-Prior to using your bow, always do an appropriate warm-up and stretching session.

Bow nomenclature

		1. Recurve 2. String 3. Nocking point 4. Center serving 5. Tip 6. Arrow rest 7. Thumbrest

Assembling your bow

Assembling the Limbs (takedown bow)
Locate the lower limb (parts are labelled) and fit it onto the handle. Place the plastic washer and the metal one in the nut and tighten using the Allen key until the limb and handle are held together firmly. Don’t tighten it too much. A snug, secure fit is all that’s necessary. Repeat the same procedure with the upper limb. Be careful not to switch the limbs (lower vs. upper), and never use other limbs than the originals. Millenium limbs are made to fit snugly, in perfect alignment, onto the original handle only.

Arrow rest
A two-piece arrow rest is supplied with your bow. Be sure to install the arrow rest with the hairs pointing in the right direction so that the arrow will slide smoothly when released. Cut out the arrow rest in the shape you need, remove the paper backing and stick the pads on the window. The two pieces should be close enough to hold the arrow in position but far enough away from each other not to catch on the fletching when the arrow is released. You can use other types of arrow rests so long as you abide by the principles set out above.

Selecting Your Bowstring
Use Millenium Dacron or Millenium Dynaflight strings for longbows or recurve bows. Choose the right weight of bowstring for your own draw length (e.g. 42#29”). The length of the bowstring should be identical to the length of the bow, according to the ATA standard (e.g. 60” ATA bow = 60” ATA bowstring).

Note: Dynaflight string will not suit all types of bows. Dacron, on the other hand, can be used on all types.

Stringing Your Bow
Note: Always use a bow stringer. If you don’t, you run the risk of causing permanent damage to the limbs of your bow by twisting them accidentally (see procedure below for straightening bow limbs).

Place the big loop of the bowstring over the upper limb of the bow without inserting it into the limb tip. Then insert the small loop of the bowstring into the tip of the lower limb (1). Cover the tip and loop of the lower limb with the pocket of the bow stringer (2). Then insert the loop of the stringer inside the upper limb and sit the block on top of it (3). Now put both feet on the stringer cord and lift the bow handle upwards so that the limbs of the bow curve (4). Then insert the loop of the bowstring into the upper limb tip and make sure that it is securely in place. To unstring the bow, follow the same steps but in reverse order.

Brace Height
Brace height is measured perpendicularly from the pivot point of the handle to the bowstring (see photograph in introduction). This distance is very significant, as it has an influence on the speed, noise, shooting comfort and smooth release of the arrow. A longbow has a brace height of approximately 7 inches, and a recurve bow around 8 inches. Your bowstring will stretch over time, so you should periodically measure the brace height, especially when you have a new string. To increase or reduce the brace height, remove the bowstring and twist it in one direction or the other to reduce or increase its length.

Installing the Nocking Point
Before you install the nocking point, make sure that the brace height is adjusted properly. Place an adjustable nocking point on the bowstring serving 3/8” above the arrow rest pivot point (parallel line between the arrow rest and the bowstring). Shoot a few arrows to check the release. If your arrows are pointing upwards, you need to lower your nocking point; if they are pointing downwards, then raise the nocking point. If your arrows are pointing to the right or left, consult your arrow manufacturer, or use more advanced adjustment charts, especially for arrow spine. To solve this problem, you can also try changing the thickness of your arrow rest.

Draw Weight
Your Millenium bow is registered according to the ATA (Archery Trade Association) standard at 28”, that is, 26 ¼” between the string and the pivot point (deepest part of the handle), plus 1 ¾”. To make measuring easier, you can go by the distance between the bowstring and the front of the handle.

A bow registered as 30#@28” means that its draw weight is 30 pounds when drawn to a length of 28”. On average, you can add or subtract 2 to 3 pounds of draw per inch added or subtracted. For instance, a 40#@28” bow drawn to 29” will be approximately 42# or 43#.

Note: Factors such as different calculation methods, marking at ±2 pounds, human error in measuring distance or estimating forces, and the accuracy of various calculation instruments mean that you may obtain draw weights that vary by a few pounds.

Outdoor Conditions
Your bow and its finish are designed to withstand a wide range of outdoor conditions. You should avoid exposing your bow to drastic changes in temperature, however. Allow your bow to acclimatize before stringing or unstringing it. Outdoor conditions can have an effect on the performance of your bow. Avoid exposing it to excessive heat, cold, humidity or dryness.

Arrows
You can use whatever type of arrows you want: aluminum, carbon, wood or other material. Consult the arrow manufacturer when making your choice. Most manufacturers provide charts and advice tailored specifically to longbows or recurve bows. The table below indicates the minimum arrow weight for different bows.

Cleaning
You should thoroughly clean and wipe your bow after each use, as water is the enemy of wood. Use a cleaner specially designed for wood, such as Millenium cleaner. Don’t use wax, oil-based cleaner or all-purpose cleaner on your Millenium bow; they will leave a residue that will damage the bow’s finish.

Damaged Finish
If you notice minor damage to the finish of your bow, use a water-based varnish to touch up the finish. If the damage is extensive, have your bow repaired before using it. Your bow’s finish is designed to protect it. Don’t skimp on its maintenance and repair.

Bowstring Maintenance
You should wax your bowstring regularly. Wax will help maintain the uniformity and strength of the string while protecting it from outdoor conditions. If the strands of your bowstring become worn, you should replace it, for your own safety and to ensure you get maximum performance from your bow. The serving should always be kept in place. If it comes undone, have it repaired immediately. Make sure it is neither too tight nor too loose.

Straightening Bow Limbs
A twisted bow limb must be straightened before the bow is used. Twisted limbs are usually caused by incorrect stringing of the bow, such as stringing without using a bow stringer. Grip the handle of your unstrung bow with one hand, and hold onto the end of the twisted limb with the other hand. Exert pressure in the opposite direction to the twist in the limb. Apply slight, gentle pressure, several times if necessary, to be sure not to overcorrect and twist the limb too far in the opposite direction. Then restring your bow and check the alignment of the limbs. Repeat this procedure until the limb alignment is perfect.

Storing Your Bow
Unstring your bow after each time you use it in order to reduce the risk of its getting damaged while in storage. The best way to keep your bow straight and in good condition is to store it lying down horizontally. Place the bow’s thumb rest upwards so that it does not get damaged. Leave your bow where it can breathe; don’t store it in a box. Never leave it standing on one of its ends. Also, don’t place it near a source of heat or in a room that is too humid, as exposure to excessive heat or humidity can damage a bow beyond repair.