Ratchet-Loc Portable Bow Press

Had a problem finding a compressor for my antique Darton Little John Bow. This unit worked perfectly. You need to pay attention when you set the clamps on the limbs and when you release the compression when the job is done, but with a bit of care and attention the device will work just fine. In my opinon it is much safer to use than the cable modle bow presses. The Carry bag is a nice plus.

Very simple, but it works perfectly. This thing has come in very handy when I'm restringing a bow or tuning something up. I was a bit worried that I'd get some "made in China" knock-off product, but this thing is built solid. As soon as you pick it up, you can see the metal parts are built solid. I definitely don't have to worry about this thing coming apart when I've got it on the bow. With this, there is definitely no need for a full-out bow press. This is much cheaper and does the exact same thing.

I haven't used this yet so I don't know about the "ease of use" thing yet. Looks like it is good quality material and should be solid enough to keep the bow from flexing while using this. Simple design, should be simple to use, mount and center the rails, connect the strap and tighten it enough to allow string/cable removal and replace. No brain-er, right.

Used it only once so far on a crossbow that needed a string replacement. Went very slow on the cranking and only enough to get the string off. As you'd expect, it doesn't exactly pull the limbs in evenly as it is cranked. But it served its purpose and avoided a trip to the archery shop. I think it will do a lot better on my compound if or when needed due to the distance between cams. Slowly crank only enough as needed and let loose in small increments one tooth at a time.

From an engineering, material and fabrication standpoint this bow press deserves a 5 star rating. However, the description (or lack of detail) on both Amazon and the Manufacture's website deserves a 1 star. The description does not state the opening width between the two arms and it is not wide enough to go around the cam axles on a Bowtech BTX. The instructions are also not very clear. Step 2 talks about 4 pins and then step three says to repeat Step 2 leading you to believe there should be 8 pins when in reality there are only 4. The instructions also don't have any images to go with the text. If your limb width and cam axle length are less than 2 3/8" then this should work great for you, if not I would go a different routh.

Would not work on my Bear Divergent EKO bow would not go above cam and it scratched up my bow! I bought a cheap cable press and it worked fine.

I found using this portable bow press a little cumbersome the first couple of times I used it. Having used the press several times now, in the field and at home, it’s easy to use. I would recommend making a simple cradle that the bow riser sits in for home use.

This bow press worked great. It is easy and simple to use. I would suggest a little practice on releasing the strap before pressing the bow. I can see how it could be a bit tricky, but nothing too bad. I'm not sure about the lower rated reviews, or why anyone could give it a low rating. If their limbs broke, they were more than likely already fractured. And maybe, just maybe, someone needs to go back to engineering school.