I don't know my draw length number. A pro fitted my bow, and I think everyone should go to a trusted bow technician. This page covers what that visit includes, why the bow makers point you there, and what shops charge. Prices come from published shop price lists and are approximate as of Oct 10, 2026.
Why the makers send you to a shop
- Mathews lists the jobs its authorized retailers handle: adjusting draw length and draw weight, installing string accessories like the peep, nocks and loop, servicing the string and cables, tuning and sighting in, correct arrow selection and mounting accessories.
- Hoyt says its retailers are the best resource for fine tuning, because tuning depends on accessories, arrows, form, hand pressure and face-to-string contact. It says only a qualified pro shop should install string components.
What a fitting covers
- Draw length. Mathews and Hoyt both list draw length adjustment as retailer work.
- Draw weight. Mathews notes its bows adjust down about 10 pounds from peak, with both limb bolts turned equally. For how heavy to go, see draw weight for deer.
- Arrows. Spine and cut length depend on your draw length and weight. See choosing hunting arrows.
- Setup and tune. Rest, sight, peep, nock point and tuning. You can check the tune yourself later with paper tuning at home.
What it costs
From one published shop price list (Straight Shooter Archery) and the Archery Trade Association's survey of shop prices:
| Service | Straight Shooter Archery | Other shops in the ATA survey |
|---|---|---|
| Adjust draw length | $15 | Adjustments $10 to $30 |
| Adjust draw weight | $7 | |
| Basic bow setup | $50 | $99 complete setup at one shop, free with a bow purchase |
| Standard tune | $50 | Tuning $20 to $25 at one shop |
| Paper tune | $35 | |
| Full setup and tune | $125 to $150 (super tune) | $100 to $125 at one shop |
| Accessory install | $15 each | $5 to $25 |
| Arrow cutting | $1 each, free with arrows bought there | 50 cents each at one shop |
| Hourly labor | $65 | $60 an hour at one shop |
Prices vary a lot by shop. Some include setup with a bow purchase, as the ATA survey shows, so ask before you buy.
How to get the most from the visit
- Bring everything you hunt with. Hoyt lists accessories and arrows among the things that affect tuning.
- Ask what they set. Write down your draw length, draw weight and arrow specs for the next time.
- Ask about a yearly check. Straight Shooter lists an annual bow check-up at $40.
Other good options
- Buy where setup is included. The ATA survey found shops that include setup free with a bow purchase.
- Learn the basics yourself. A bow scale and paper tuning let you check the bow between visits. See paper tuning at home.
Questions hunters ask
How much does a bow tune cost? In the published lists above, a standard tune ran $20 to $50, and a full setup or super tune ran $100 to $150.
Do I need a pro to set draw length? Mathews and Hoyt both route draw length and string work to their retailers.
How often should I get it checked? One shop recommends a yearly check-up. Hoyt says frayed, worn or damaged strings and cables should be replaced right away.
Sources
- Mathews, owner's manual (2017): https://issuu.com/mathews-inc/docs/2017_mathewsom/8
- Mathews, FAQ: https://mathewsinc.com/pages/faq
- Hoyt, owner's manual and limited lifetime warranty: https://s3.hoyt.com/uploads/2019/5bdb215acfff6060323583.pdf
- Archery Trade Association, "An Inside Look at Service Prices Nationwide": https://archerytrade.org/an-inside-look-at-service-prices-nationwide/
- Straight Shooter Archery, Pro Shop Services and Fees: https://www.straightshooterarchery.com/info/pro-shop-services