In depth, Onza 3 Tuning

[Thechevyman122]

I am a Archery Tech at a local shop. I am in no way the best tech, but I have been avid bowhunter for a long time, and am very mechanical. I have worked there for about 7-8 weeks now, and am pretty fluent with all of the common archery pro shop activities. (setting draw lenght with most modules, timing cams, serving, back serving, cat whiskers, etc etc)

With the opportunity to buy a new bow at a reduced price, I decided I couldnt turn it down. After doing alot of research and shooting, I decided I really like the Onza 3.

I ordered the Black (carbon color actually) model, I have it outfitted with with a QAD drop away. I do have catwhiskers, and I know that is hurting me. Shooting 312 grain arrows at 62lbs (5.03 grains/lb) and 28" (actually 28.5" according to measuring) I am only shooting 278. Which I below is about 20-25 low (at the 28" mark, and even lower for 28.5")

I know that their is some intense tuning that goes on in this cams, and I was wondering if anybody could outline the process, short of referencing a bunch of other forums requiring me to create a bunch of memberships.

I absolutely love the bow, and am more than happy with 280ish fps, but always trying to get as much as I can out of the bow.

I will get some pictures up later, nothing better than a little bow porn

[Rockyhud]

Here are a couple of very informative threads on tuning the CAT/CAT-2 cams that also work for the newer Nitro cams. They're on the Archery Talk website and you can check out the threads w/o being a member but you won't be able to see any embedded photos if you aren't. While I like the general demeanor of folks here (besides being Martin centric topic-wise) there are some good tech articles on AT. Membership is free and they don't send emails to you unless you set that up in your profile. I recommend signing up and visiting the site if for no other reason than these two threads. I know of several folks who've benefited from them.

http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=626601

http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1074031

[SonnyThomas]

Nothing really in depth about tuning the Onza3. If you have the manual all is there to get you going. Basically, the cams on the Onza are just CatCams and Catcams have been around for quite awhile.

[Destroyer]

So what does the Onza balance like? Good? Bad?

[SonnyThomas]

D, the two that I have played feel pretty good all round.

[Thechevyman122]

It balances very well, tad on the heavy side, but it holds very good.

Definitely worth trying one out.

[Destroyer]

D, the two that I have played feel pretty good all round.

How does it compare to the shadowcat?

tad on the heavy side

Helps stability, not a bad thing really.

[SonnyThomas]

How does it compare to the shadowcat?

Destoryer, 41 1/2" ata rigged out for target to a 33" ata set up for hunting. Tough to compare. Right off the Onza feels like a toy. Draw is smooth, but draws harder pound for pound. The Onza grip is slightly contoured top to bottom where the SC has no contour. There's not a pound difference in weight (boy, don't get me going on this - whimps and me don't get along). Onza feels solid and stable at full draw. Is the Onza a target bow? Not for me. Someone else, yes. Would I shoot it for hunting? Yes.

[Thechevyman122]

Ideally definitely not a target bow, but with an ATA of over 33", it is better suited than most of the sub 30" hunting bows hitting the market.

By setting bows to specific draw lengths and weights, and measuring the weight of the draw in diffferent points of the draw cycle and taking a weighted average for each bow. You can compare bows in the overall size and effect of the "hump". The onza actually ranks really well (to the other HUNTING bows Ive compared it to). To me it is one of the smoothest and easiest drawing bows Ive shot.

[Destroyer]

Is the Onza a target bow? Not for me. Would I shoot it for hunting? Yes.

What I would expect but you never know unless you get your hands on one. Thanks mate, you were right on the money. Exactly what I needed!

(boy, don't get me going on this - whimps and me don't get along)

Lol! Yeah, they're all light imo.

it is better suited than most of the sub 30" hunting bows hitting the market.

I just wish there was a bit more choice, all the bows seem to be getting shorter?