Archery term
Tiller
What does Tiller mean?
Tiller is the relationship between the upper and lower limbs of a bow, measured as the perpendicular distance from the string to the point where each limb meets the riser. The difference between the two measurements describes how the limbs are balanced relative to each other.
Primary source for this term: World Archery Coaching Manual: Archery Glossary (Updated 2015)
Why it matters
Tiller affects how the bow sits and reacts in the hand during the shot, influencing nock travel and vertical tuning. On bows with adjustable limb bolts it can be altered in small amounts to fine-tune balance, so measuring and setting tiller within the manufacturer's range is part of a careful setup.
What to check
- Measure both limb distances from the string to the same riser reference points.
- Use the bow maker’s setup range for the exact model.
- Have a technician check adjustments if the bow uses a press or special hardware.
Useful next steps
