The modern compound bow is a true piece of tech that millions of hunters have benefitted from. These tools are so advanced that most bowhunters donât have the knowledge, or the tools, necessary to work on these gadgets. But those who do have an advanced, safe working knowledge of their compound bow(s) might consider purchasing a bow press, which can allow them to do more work with their weapon.
Of course, archery techs have been working on bows with bow presses for decades. Itâs this tool that allows for more detailed and in-depth maintenance.
But is it for everyone? Absolutely not. Only educated, qualified archery techs should use these. Operating a bow press without proper knowledge of the bow and press being used is extremely unsafe.
- Last Chance Power Ultimate
- Last Chance Power Deluxe
- Last Chance Archery EZ Green
- Last Chance EZ Bow Press
- Last Chance Archery Pack-N-Go
- Last Chance EZ Green Crossbow Press
- Western Rec Bow Medic
- Ratchet-Loc Portable Bow Press
Last Chance Power Ultimate
Features
- Pivot system goes from horizontal to vertical for easy access to finish bow set-up
- Linear style press works great with parallel limb and past parallel limb bows
- Can accommodate bows from 11â-54â axle-to-axle lengths
- Heavy-duty construction for working on high-poundage crossbows
- Powered motor for fast and smooth movement
- Includes 5 adjustable fingers, 4 standard, and 1 for working on bows with limb stop that sticks past the cam
- Made in the USA
The Power Ultimate Deluxe Bow Press from Last Chance Archery is a highly adjustable, heavy-duty press with the ability to press anything from long axle-to-axle target bows to high-poundage crossbows with ease. The Ultimate series presses are built with a much thicker grade material making this press strong enough to press high-poundage bows and crossbows. This press features an exclusive pivot system to easily go from horizontal to vertical to finish bow set-up. Using the LCA patented finger system, this press can match the geometry of any bow, including bows with a limb stop past the cam, thanks to the included draw stop finger. Versatile, durable, and easy to use, the Power Ultimate Deluxe Bow Press is a great option for any Pro Shop or home workshop.
Last Chance Power Bow Press
Features
- LCA patented finger system allows for pressing the bow exactly as if it’s being drawn back
- No extra pressure applied to your limbs and no torque to your riser
- Variable speed electric motor
- Can go from 28″-48″ axle to axle in less than 30 seconds
- Can press bows up to 70 lbs in draw weight
- Pivot system will go from horizontal to vertical for easy access to finish bow set up
- Foot pedal for controlling the press motion
The Deluxe Power press is designed for quick and easy set-up of most compound bows. This press is perfect for both home and shop use and itâs very simple to use. Comes with a foot pedal for controlling the press motion allowing you to keep both hands on the bow at all times allowing for easier/quicker adjustments. This press model has a range that spans from 25â – 48â axle to axle length.
Last Chance Archery EZ Green
Features
- Designed with the individual consumer in mind
- Quick and easy set-up of all compound bows
- Uses a hand crank rather than a handwheel
- Comes with non-adjustable legs and is available with bench mounts only
- Adjustable from 25-48â to accommodate almost every compound bow on the market
- The adjustable bow press fingers eliminate torque on risers or cams
The EZ Green Bow Press by Last Chance Archery is a linear-style bow press built with the home consumer in mind. Adjustable from 25â-48â this press is perfect for almost any parallel limb or past parallel limb bow. LCAâs highly adjustable bow press fingers allow this to be used with both wide and narrow limb track bows. The press securely mounts directly to your workbench or table using the included hardware. This press comes with a hand crank for easy use, but can be switched out for a handwheel(not included) if you prefer.
Last Chance EZ Bow Press
Features
- Designed for high draw weight bows
- Quick and easy set-up of all compound bows
- Handwheel for Smooth Operation
- Adjustable from 25-48â to accommodate almost every compound bow on the market
- The adjustable bow press fingers eliminate torque on risers or cams
Designed for high draw weight bows, the EZ Press by Last Chance Archery is a solid choice for any Pro Shop or home shop. Adjustable from 25â-48â this press is perfect for almost any parallel limb or past parallel limb bow. LCAâs highly adjustable bow press fingers allow this to be used with both wide and narrow limb track bows. The press securely mounts directly to your workbench or table using the included hardware.
Last Chance Archery Pack-N-Go
Features
- Folds down to 3″ thick for easy packing and carryingâ˘
- Easily travel with a bow press
- Bench mounted only
- Hand crank for fast, EZ and smooth movement
- Patented finger system to accommodate most compound bows
- Draw stop finger included
- Press any bow from 25″ – 48″ length
- Includes: Carrying case that will fit the press and 5 fingers
- Includes: 5 bow press fingers
With the Pack-N-GO bow press, you can quickly take your press and turn it into a huge space saver on your next trip. Using the Pack-N-GO, you can easily travel with a bow press under or behind the seat of your car. No need to move your shop press, have the Pack-N-GO ready for adjustments in the field.
The Pack-N-GO includes a handy carrying case that your press fits inside perfectly. The bow press case includes five pockets for your five bow press fingers. This case makes it super easy not only to save space but also to carry your press to different locations with little to no hassle.
Last Chance EZ Green Crossbow Press
Features
- The ability to press every compound crossbow on the market
- Can press all reverse limb crossbows
- Equipped with the EZ Green hand crank for fast, EZ and smooth movement in and out
- Will compress down to 11″ and out to 32″ in length
Designed with the individual consumer in mind, the EZ Green crossbow press is built and designed for pressing most crossbows on the market today. This press is perfect for both home and shop use and itâs very easy to use. The EZ Green crossbow press uses a manual hand crank to move the bow press arm in and out with ease; and also comes with our standard height legs that will mount directly to your bench top. This press model has a range that spans from 11â – 32â axle to axle length.
Western Rec Bow Medic
Features
- Light weight
- Compact
- For most solid limb bows
All of the capabilities of a full size bow press, yet lightweight and compact. The Bow Medic Portable Bow Press allows you to make a full range of adjustments and repairs at home or in the field. The Bow Medic Press has a 6â bolt and more adjustment nuts on the cable .
Ratchet-Loc Portable Bow Press
Features
- Fast, easy to use, light weight, portable
- Allows you to work on your bow at home or in the field
- Slides over the limbs
- CNC machined aluminum
- Will work with most bows
- Easily fits in your case or travel bag
- Made in the USA
The RATCHET-LOC Bow Press is specifically designed for use both at home and in the field. CNC machined from aircraft grade 6061 aluminum, this bow press is light (2.5 lbs) and compact enough to easily fit and carry in a day-pack. This is the best bow press available that allows archers to maintain and repair their bows while out in the field. Archers will no longer have to lose out on valuable hunting time or miss a 3-D shoot if their bows need repair.
Reasons to Buy a Bow Press
For those with the necessary knowledge to purchase a press for a bow, there are numerous reasons to own one. These are but a few of the important ones to consider:
- Addressing cam lean
- Installing a peep sight
- Straightening a peep sight
- Replacing a set of strings
- Installing a string silencer
- Replacing a string silencer
- Synchronizing bow cams
- Changing bow cables.
- Fixing jumped strings.
Points to Consider When Choosing a Bow Press
Bow presses are not built the same. These are quite different from one to next. So much, in fact, that bows oftentimes arenât compatible with certain bow presses. Itâs incredibly important to research the right one, and select a bow press that works with the brand and model you focus on.
Here is a partial summary of considerations and important factors to take into account when selecting the best bow press for specific needs and scenarios.
- Most bow models require specific bow presses, or only compatible with certain ones.
- Choose your preferred compound bow brand, then begin the press selection process.
- Using an unqualified bow press is dangerous and might even void your bowâs warranty.
- Decide whether you are better suited with a portable or full-size bow press.
- Understand that some (even most) portable bow presses pose greater risks, less durability.
- Examine how much space you have for a press.
- Determine what size of a press best suits your needs.
- Gauge the durability, versatility, price, and safety of the press in question.
- It will be necessary to build or buy a bench for your new bow press.
Bow Press FAQs
There are many different questions surrounding the use of bow press. The following are commonly asked questions and concerns.
Q: How do you use a bow press?
A: To learn how, itâs important to shadow an experienced archery technician.
Q: What can be done with a bow press?
A: Several things, including addressing cam lean, installing a peep sight, straightening a peep sight, replacing a set of strings, installing a string silencer, replacing a string silencer, synchronizing bow cams, changing bow cables, fixing jumped strings, and more.
Q: Do you need a bow press to adjust draw length?
A: Some bow models require a press to adjust draw length, and others do not.
Q: Is it safe, or even possible, to re-string a compound bow without a press?
A: While a few bow models allow for this, most cannot be re-strung without a press.
Q: Should I wear safety equipment when using a bow press?
A: Always wear safety glasses and use other safety equipment.
Final Thoughts
Using a bow press isnât for everyone. Not all bow ownerâs should have one. Only those with enough knowledge of bows and presses should purchase one, as these can be very dangerous to use. However, with a safe working knowledge, it opens a whole new world to bow maintenance and tuning otherwise only accessible with a trip to the local archery pro shop.
For those with the proper knowledge and training, in time, a bow press investment can save serious archers and bowhunters quite a bit of money and keep them out on the hunt.
Full Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. Thereâs no extra charge to our readers for using these.
