Before Pressing

• Always wear PPE while using LCA products
• Always confirm limb tips are equal before pressing.
• Use LCA Quick Clips archery string and cable clips to secure strings or cables during tuning, preventing them from untwisting.
• After restringing, always inspect the string and cable loops to ensure they are correctly installed and that each is within the appropriate track.

Pressing Mathews Bows

All Mathews bows can be safely pressed using the standard LCA press fingers included with every Last Chance Archery bow press. On newer, highly beyond-parallel models (such as the V3, V3X, Phase 4, LIFT, LIFTX, ARC, and similar models), angle the press fingers inward to ensure adequate limb clearance during pressing.

For the best fit on all Mathews and Mission bows, we also offer the Mathews Finger Set, featuring wider fingers and specially designed tips that fit the factory Limb Support Caps. This provides increased adjustment and optimized limb support.

The Mathews Title requires the wider 3″ finger bases for sufficient adjustment. LCA presses manufactured after August 3, 2023, include these as standard. Earlier presses require either the 3″ Block Kit or the 3″ Pin Kit. The wider bases are also beneficial for many newer wide-limb bows from brands such as PSE, Prime, and Elite.

Limb Lock Kit: Mathews bows are not recommended for use with the Limb Lock Kit because the factory half-moon Limb Support Caps prevent proper seating in the rotating finger heads. Instead, use the standard LCA press fingers or the Mathews Finger Set.

Limb Lock Kit Compatibility

The Limb Lock Kit is designed for bows whose limb tips sit flush inside the rotating finger heads. It is particularly beneficial for many modern beyond-parallel bows.

Recommended for:

All PSE bows
Elite models (2020 and newer)
Darton models (2020 and newer)
All Obsession bows
Athens Vista 31, 33, 35, and Peak 38
Hoyt Defiant, Hyper Edge, Double XL (2016-2017), and Ventum
Bear Attack and Carnage

Not Recommended for:

Crossbows
All Mathews bows (due to the factory Limb Support Caps). Use instead the Mathews Finger Set, which is designed explicitly for pressing Mathews Archery compound bows and pressing Mission Archery compound bows.
Certain older Bowtech models with large teardrop limb-tip adapters

Limb Lock Kit Usage:

Position the rollers away from the limbs, then secure the bow in the rotating fingers. Once light pressure is applied, slide the rollers into contact with the limbs before continuing to press the bow. The foam-covered rollers provide sufficient compression and movement for full string and cable service while helping to prevent limb movement and protect limb finishes. Ensure that you adjust the rollers as needed, so they apply only light pressure to the limbs as you’re pressing the bow.

Inspect prior to pressing:

Verify all press hardware is tight.
Confirm fingers/adapters are fully seated.
Check that the bow is properly positioned.
Ensure nothing contacts the cams or strings improperly.
Make sure the bow can travel freely through the entire pressing cycle.

Not every bow is pressed the same way:

Standard LCA fingers work for almost all bows.
The Mathews Finger Set is recommended for Mathews and Mission bows, but is not required.
The Limb Lock Kit is recommended for many newer beyond-parallel bows; see the Limb Lock Kit product page for more info and details.

For highly beyond-parallel bows, when not using the Limb Lock Kit, it’s very important to angle the standard LCA press fingers inward, ensuring the limbs don’t contact any part of the bow press during pressing. This is especially important on newer Mathews models.

Never adjust the press quickly. As tension is removed, continually watch:

limb alignment
finger contact
string and cable movement
any unusual twisting or shifting
Stop immediately if anything looks abnormal.
Only remove enough tension to perform the required service. There is no advantage to over-pressing a bow, and excessive compression places unnecessary stress on the limbs and components.

Some modern bows require more width adjustment range than older presses provide.

Examples include:
Mathews Title
some Prime models
wider PSE models
certain Elite models
LCA’s 3″ Block Kit or 3″ Pin Kit (presses built after August 3, 2023, already include these kits as standard) provides the additional adjustment needed.

Final Thoughts:

• Never leave a bow under pressure longer than necessary.
• Keep hands clear of pinch points while operating the press.
• Never modify press components or use homemade adapters.
• Use only genuine LCA accessories designed for your press.
• If you’re unsure whether a bow is compatible, contact LCA before pressing.
• Always follow the bow manufacturer’s recommendations in addition to the press instructions.

Unboxing Your Pack-N-Go Ultimate

Mounting & Setup

Choose a sturdy, level surface suitable for pressing
For permanent bench mounting, install with lag bolts
For temporary setups, use heavy-duty C-clamps and check tightness frequently
Confirm that the press sits stable and level before inserting a bow or crossbow

Assembly for Travel or Storage

Remove the bow press fingers
Remove the center channel lock pins
Rotate the bow press body so that the press aligns with the center channel
Store all components in the compact carrying case, including the fingers, the press/channel, and the lock pins

Collapsing the Press for Crossbows

Locate the center pin in the middle of the press body
Pull the pin outward to unlock the adjustable center quick-adjust arm
Slide the two halves together until the desired width is reached
Re-insert the drop pin securely before pressing
For crossbows narrower than 10 inches, attach the Mini Xbow Adapter – PNG for proper limb support

Installing & Adjusting the Press Fingers

Press the spring-loaded tab downward and slide each finger into its slot until it locks
Adjust finger spacing to match limb pocket width
Use the rear thumb screws to fine-tune limb-tip contact
Ensure each finger sits flush and evenly against the limb
Confirm balanced pressure with no twisting or side-loading
Always ensure clearance between the bow, limbs, and the press
Mark your most common setups on the rails to simplify future use

Placing the Bow or Crossbow in the Press

Move the bow press arm in/out by rotating the hand crank until adequate clearance is available
Center the riser and rest the limb tips evenly on the fingers
Ensure the bow is centered and level before tightening
Adjust the press arm slowly until all fingers make light, even contact with the limbs
Adjust each finger a final time to ensure all bow press fingers match up to the limb tips of your bow. Both width and forward/back adjustment need to be considered and adjusted.

Safety Tip:

• Never force a bow into position within the press
• Standard-limb crossbows — the stock faces upward.
• Reverse-limb crossbows — the stock faces downward.

Pressing the Bow or Crossbow

With the bow centered and supported, rotate the hand crank clockwise to compress the limbs evenly and counterclockwise when decompression is needed
Stop once the string and cables are fully relaxed for service
Perform timing, tuning, string installation, or cable replacement
Activate and move the bow press arm using the hand crank to release pressure until the limbs return fully to rest

After Use & Maintenance

Wipe the press clean after each use
Lightly lubricate the lead-screw threads periodically with white lithium grease. Reach out to LCA for more info
Inspect all hardware for loose screw or bolts and ensure tightness before each use
Store all components disassembled in the carrying case

Safety Guidelines

Always wear PPE while using LCA products
Always secure the press to a stable, level surface before use
Keep hands, tools, and cables clear while pressing
Do not exceed the rated limb weight or press width
Release pressure slowly and evenly every time