Asking for help with off-season storage

[F250-2]

I have a Matrix 380 and a Tarantula case. What steps should I take to properly store this equipment ? I will not be using it for at least 6 months.

[colouredchameleon]

I personally
Clean my entire crossbow. Wax the string. Relax the limbs by removing string.
Paper clip loops inorder the maintain twist then store in ziplock bag.

Note
Some say removing the string is not nesscary. However I prefer to do so.. I find string creep continues to occur over time especially enough over a 6 month time frame requiring periodic checks to be done ensure the string is not cutting into your REDs. So if you decide to leave strung while in storage make sure to do periodic checks.
The string removal and restring only take minutes . Easier and cheaper in the long run especially if forgetfulness sets in over the next six months as lifes little demands
and priorities distract.

Plus when I remove the string it gives me a chance the inspect the limbs in relaxed state for issues that my not be as obvious otherwise. As well as give me access to clean the string loop contact surface groove on the limb tips.

Once all surfaces are cleaned and dried and inspected I store the crossbow in it's case in a location that is dry and not prone the major temperature shifts especially out of direct sun contact.

[racking up points]

What's an 'off-season'? I shoot all year long!

[bubba]

I hear ya rackin up points .... Don't plan on ever storing my bow... Down here in the south Gods country there are hogs and sows to harvest all year also varmits that need taken out. Or just shooting paper in the back yard... But hey if you do want to put your bow up, The tips mentioned is the way to go............

[paulaboutform]

What's an 'off-season'? I shoot all year long!

Attaboy Derek....that's what I'm talking about!

[xcaliber]

Yep, off season means no hunting, that's the best time for shooting, fiddling, and upgrading!

[Talltines]

When hunting season is over its tinkering season.

[paulaboutform]

In all seriousness, it may not be necessary to unstring the bow but I still think if I was packing it away for half a year I would remove the string as was previously mentioned.

[awshucks]

if I was packing it away for half a year I would remove the string as was previously mentioned

Dunno, kept an Emax strung for 3 yrs w/ no loss of fps............

[F250-2]

Thanks to each of you for replying. If I remove the string, am I supposed to loosen or remove another part also ? Too much snow and too cold up here for target shooting during the winter months !

[paulaboutform]

if I was packing it away for half a year I would remove the string as was previously mentioned

Dunno, kept an Emax strung for 3 yrs w/ no loss of fps............

Agreed. If you haven't got a stringing aid you should look into getting one. You would need it to remove the string or adjust your brace height. It's really a must have. I just thought if it's not being used it doesn't cost you anything to relieve the tension off the limbs. If you're storing it strung it's a good idea to attach the stringing aid as if you're going to load the bow and just leaving the hooks on the string. This way if the string stretches it can't hit the bumpers.

[awshucks]

Well, I'd often walk by it in the garage and plunk a doz or two in the 'off' season..........YMMV........

[Cossack]

Once tested two identical compound bows, one new and one that had been left strung over winter (there is an off season in northern MN ).
The latter bow was 12 fps slower using the same arrow! Do I unstring? You bet.