Old Mountain Archery
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to some of the most common questions about choosing, setting up and maintaining your Old Mountain Archery equipment.
What bow length should I choose?
The ideal bow length depends primarily on your draw length and shooting style.
As a general guideline, we recommend choosing the bow length based on your draw length, measured to the far side of the shelf. However, there may be more than one suitable bow length depending on the model and your shooting preference.
If you are unsure which length is right for you, please contact us with your draw length, intended use, and preferred bow model. We will be happy to recommend the most suitable length.
What draw weight should I choose?
We recommend choosing a draw weight that you can comfortably control throughout the entire draw cycle and release consistently.
If you are transitioning from a compound bow to traditional archery, we generally recommend choosing a lower draw weight than your compound bow.
For new traditional archers, starting with a manageable draw weight is especially important.
Accuracy and control should always come before draw weight.
Which Old Mountain bow model should I choose?
Our bows are designed to be versatile and can be used for a variety of applications, including:
- Hunting
- Target shooting
- 3-D archery
- Recreational shooting
- Traditional archery
The best model for you will depend on your preferred bow style, draw length, bow length, shooting technique and personal preference.
If you are not sure which model to choose, please contact us and tell us how you plan to use the bow.
How much arrow weight should I use?
For OMA traditional bows, we generally recommend starting around 9–11 grains per pound (GPP) of actual draw weight.
For example:
- 40 lbs → approximately 360–440 grains
- 45 lbs → approximately 405–495 grains
- 50 lbs → approximately 450–550 grains
- 55 lbs → approximately 495–605 grains
These are general guidelines, not fixed requirements.
Actual arrow selection should also consider draw length, arrow spine, point weight, arrow material and shooting style.
How should I store my OMA bow?
Store your bow in a dry, temperature-controlled environment, away from direct sunlight, excessive heat and high humidity.
Avoid leaving your bow in a vehicle for extended periods, especially in hot or cold conditions.
For long-term storage, keep the bow clean and dry, store it in a suitable protective environment and inspect the bow and string before shooting again.
Bows
How can I order OMA products?
Old Mountain Archery primarily works with archery dealers and distributors worldwide, so we do not publish a standard retail price list on our website.
If you are interested in purchasing OMA products, we recommend first contacting an archery dealer or distributor in your area. They can provide product information, pricing, availability and ordering assistance.
If there is no OMA dealer or distributor in your area, or if your local dealer does not currently carry OMA products, you can contact us directly.
Simply click the Chat button in the bottom-right corner of our website and provide the following information:
- Product or model you are interested in
- Bow length
- Right-hand or left-hand configuration
- Quantity
- Your shipping destination or country
Once we receive your information, our team will review your request and provide you with a quotation based on your requested products and shipping destination.
If you are a dealer or distributor interested in carrying OMA products, please contact us directly through the Chat function as well. We will be happy to provide information about our B2B ordering process and wholesale opportunities.
We look forward to working with you.
What kind of arrow speed can I expect from my OMA bow?
Arrow speed depends on many factors, so there is no single speed that can be guaranteed for every shooter.
Actual arrow speed can vary depending on:
- Draw length
- Draw weight
- Arrow weight
- Arrow spine
- Bowstring
- Shooting form and release
- Bow setup
A longer draw length generally allows the bow to store more energy, which can increase arrow speed.
For traditional bows, we recommend focusing on the overall balance between arrow weight, spine, bow performance and shooting stability, rather than speed alone.
Can I use FastFlight or DynaFLIGHT 97 strings on my OMA bow?
Yes. OMA bows are compatible with FastFlight and DynaFLIGHT 97-type bowstrings, depending on the specific bow model and configuration.
However, we recommend regularly inspecting your bowstring and replacing it when there are signs of wear, fraying, stretching or damage.
If you are unsure which string is appropriate for your bow, please contact us before replacing it.
How often should I replace my bowstring?
Bowstring life depends on how frequently you shoot, how the bow is stored and the type and condition of the string.
As a general guideline, we recommend inspecting your string regularly and considering replacement approximately once a year for regularly used bows.
Replace the string sooner if you notice:
- Excessive stretching
- Fraying
- Broken or damaged strands
- Significant serving wear
- Changes in brace height
- Changes in shooting performance or sound
My bow seems loud. How can I make it quieter?
Bow noise can be caused by several factors, and the bow itself is not always the main cause.
Common causes include:
- Incorrect brace height
- Arrow weight that is too light
- Incorrect arrow spine
- Poor arrow-to-bow matching
- Bowstring condition
- Hand or bow-arm interference
- Loose components
- Insufficient string silencers
We recommend first checking the brace height and arrow setup according to the specifications for your OMA model.
What is the recommended brace height?
The recommended brace height can vary depending on the bow model, bow length, string and shooting setup.
Please refer to the specifications provided for your specific OMA bow.
Brace height can affect:
- Noise
- Vibration
- Arrow speed
- Shooting feel
- Bow stability
What was the small “pop” or “cracking” sound when I first tightened the limb bolts on my take-down bow?
A small “pop” or “crack” sound may occur when installing the limbs for the first time.
When the limbs are initially installed, the limb insert and mounting surfaces may not yet be completely seated. As the limb bolts are tightened, the components can settle into their proper position and produce a small sound.
This can be normal.
However, if you hear a loud or repeated cracking sound, or notice any visible damage, cracks, movement or abnormal gaps, stop using the bow and contact OMA for inspection.
Can I change the draw weight of my OMA bow?
For most traditional bows, the draw weight is determined by the bow's construction, materials, limb design and finished specifications.
Draw weight should not be modified without proper evaluation by a qualified bow technician.
For take-down or ILF-style systems that allow limb replacement or adjustment, the draw weight may be changed by using compatible limbs or making the appropriate adjustment according to the model.
Can I use different limbs on my OMA take-down bow?
This depends on the specific OMA model.
Take-down bows are designed around specific limb and riser configurations, so limbs are not necessarily interchangeable between all models.
Please provide your bow model and specifications before purchasing replacement limbs. We will confirm compatibility for you.
Arrows
What type of arrow should I use — Wood, Aluminum, or Carbon?
There is no single arrow material that is best for every shooter.
Wood
Traditional, natural and popular among traditional archers.
Wood arrows can provide an excellent shooting experience
but require more attention to straightness, weight and consistency.
Aluminum
Durable and relatively consistent, with a long history
of use in traditional and target archery.
Carbon
Lightweight, durable and highly consistent. Carbon arrows
offer a broad range of spine and weight options.
The most important factor is choosing an arrow that is properly matched to your bow and draw weight.
What arrow length should I use?
Arrow length should be determined by your draw length, bow design, arrow spine, point weight and shooting style.
As a general starting point, many traditional archers prefer approximately 1 inch of arrow overhang beyond the bow shelf at full draw.
However, there is no universal arrow length that works for everyone.
How do I measure arrow cut length?
Arrow length is generally measured from the throat or valley of the nock, where the inside of the bowstring contacts the nock, to the specified cutting point.
The exact reference point can vary depending on the arrow and point system being used.
For example:
- Wood arrows: measurement may be taken to the back of the point or broadhead.
- Aluminum arrows: measurement is generally referenced to the insert/point system.
- Carbon arrows: measurement is generally referenced to the insert/point system.
How do I choose the correct arrow spine?
Arrow spine is one of the most important factors when matching arrows to a traditional bow.
The correct spine depends on several factors, including:
- Actual draw weight
- Draw length
- Arrow length
- Point weight
- Arrow material
- Bow design
- Shooting style
A traditional bow generally requires careful consideration of dynamic spine, not simply the spine rating printed on the arrow.
Why does my arrow fly poorly even though the arrow spine seems correct?
Arrow flight can be affected by many factors besides the arrow's static spine.
- Incorrect arrow length
- Point weight
- Nocking point height
- Brace height
- Bowstring condition
- Shooting form
- Release technique
- Arrow weight
- Bow/arrow compatibility
We recommend checking the entire setup rather than changing the arrow spine alone.
What arrow setup do you recommend for hunting?
For hunting, we recommend prioritizing reliable arrow flight, appropriate arrow weight, sufficient penetration and consistent accuracy rather than maximum arrow speed.
- Actual draw weight
- Draw length
- Arrow spine
- Total arrow weight
- Broadhead weight
- Bow performance
- Local hunting regulations
Always follow the hunting regulations applicable to your location.
General Maintenance
How often should I inspect my bow?
We recommend checking your bow before every shooting session.
Pay particular attention to:
- Limbs
- Limb tips
- Riser/handle
- Limb bolts
- String and serving
- String grooves
- Any visible cracks or damage
- Loose components
If you notice anything unusual, do not shoot the bow until it has been properly inspected.
What should I do if I notice a crack or damage on my bow?
Stop shooting immediately.
Do not attempt to repair, sand, drill, glue or otherwise modify the damaged area yourself.
Please take clear photographs of the damaged area and contact OMA with:
- Bow model
- Bow length
- Draw weight
- Serial number, if available
- Description of the issue
- Photos of the damaged area
Our team will review the information and advise you on the next steps.
Need assistance?
Need More Help?
Still not sure which bow, draw weight or arrow setup is right for you? Our team will help you find a setup that best matches your shooting style and needs.
Contact Us