If you've just picked up an UltraView Slider, getting those uv slider sight tapes dialed in is easily the most satisfying part of the whole setup process. There is something incredibly rewarding about moving that dial, hearing the clicks, and knowing exactly where your arrow is going to land at 60 yards. But, if you've ever fumbled with paper tapes or ended up with a mark that was just a "hair" off, you know that the process can be a bit of a headache if you don't have a solid game plan.
The UV Slider is a premium piece of kit, and the way it handles sight tapes is a little different than the old-school sliders we've used for years. It's built for precision, and the tape system is designed to be as clean and protected as possible. Let's get into how to actually get this thing running so you aren't wasting expensive arrows trying to find your marks.
Why the Tape System is Different
Most of us are used to slapping a piece of adhesive tape onto a curved dial or a flat plate on the side of our sight. The UV Slider uses a slightly more integrated approach. The tapes are designed to fit perfectly within the recessed channel of the sight's scale. This is a huge win for hunters because it means your tape isn't going to peel off when it gets caught on a briar or get blurry the second a drop of rain hits it.
When you open the box, you'll notice a huge stack of uv slider sight tapes. Don't let the sheer number of them intimidate you. They aren't there to confuse you; they're there to ensure that no matter how fast or slow your bow is, there's a scale that matches your specific physics. Whether you're shooting a heavy 550-grain bone-crusher or a light 3D arrow, the math is already done for you. You just have to find the right match.
Starting with the Setup Tape
Before you even think about sticking a permanent yardage tape onto your sight, you have to use the setup tape. This is usually the one with simple, evenly spaced numbers (often 1 through 10 or similar increments) rather than actual yardage marks.
Think of the setup tape as your "rough draft." You'll stick this onto the sight, and this is what you'll use to find your "20-yard mark" and your "long-distance mark." It's much easier to write down that your 20-yard zero is at "Number 12" on the setup tape than it is to guess where it might fall on a pre-printed yardage scale.
Once that setup tape is on, grab your bow and head to the range. Start at 20 yards. Take your time here—if your 20-yard zero is off by even a tiny bit, it's going to be magnified by the time you step back to 60 or 70 yards. Once you're drilling the bullseye, look at the indicator on your UV Slider and write down exactly where it's pointing on that setup tape.
Getting Your Long-Distance Mark
Now comes the fun (and sometimes frustrating) part. You need to move back. While some people like to use 40 yards, 60 yards is generally the gold standard for choosing the correct uv slider sight tapes. The further back you go, the more the "gap" between your 20 and 60-yard marks will reveal which tape you need to use.
If you're at 60 yards and you're consistently hitting the center, check your setup tape again. Let's say your 20-yard mark was at "10" and your 60-yard mark is now at "45." That "gap" of 35 units is the magic number. You'll then look at the master sheet provided by UV and find the tape where the 20 and 60 marks align with that specific distance on the setup scale.
It's tempting to just "eyeball" it, but don't. Use a calipers if you have to. A single millimeter of difference at this stage can mean the difference between a clean lung shot and a complete miss when you're out in the field.
Applying the Permanent Tape
Once you've identified the correct tape from the pack, it's time to make it permanent. First, clean the surface of the sight where the tape goes. Use a little bit of rubbing alcohol to get rid of any oils from your fingers. If the surface isn't clean, the tape might start to lift at the edges after a few weeks of practice.
Peel your chosen uv slider sight tapes carefully. I like to use the tip of a pocket knife or a pair of tweezers to hold the edge so I don't get finger oils on the adhesive. Align the 20-yard mark with the indicator position you recorded earlier. Smooth it down firmly from the center out to the edges to make sure there are no air bubbles.
One thing I love about the UV system is how crisp the printing is. Even in low light, the contrast on these tapes is high enough that you aren't straining your eyes to see if you're set at 42 or 44 yards.
Factors That Can Throw Your Marks Off
Even if you're a pro at setting these up, life happens. There are a few things that can make your uv slider sight tapes suddenly feel "wrong."
- Arrow Weight Changes: If you decide to swap out your 100-grain field point for a 125-grain broadhead, your tapes are likely toast. Even a small change in front-of-center (FOC) or total weight will change the trajectory of the arrow.
- String Stretch: If you're shooting a new bow or just got new strings, they're going to "settle" or stretch over the first few hundred shots. This will slightly change your peep height and your timing, which shifts your marks. I usually wait until I've put about 200 arrows through a new string before I bother with the final sight tape.
- Third Axis Adjustments: If your sight isn't leveled correctly on the third axis, your marks might be perfect on flat ground at the range but completely off when you're shooting uphill or downhill from a tree stand. Double-check your levels before you commit to a tape.
The Beauty of the Cartridge System
The UV Slider is pretty unique because of its "cartridge" feel. If you have multiple arrow setups—say, a lightweight setup for 3D competition and a heavy setup for elk hunting—you can actually have different tapes ready to go. While most people just stick to one, the precision of the UV Slider makes it possible to swap things around without feeling like you're starting from scratch.
Also, don't forget to check the light. The UV Slider often integrates with their lighting systems, which can illuminate the pin and, in some cases, make the tape area easier to navigate in that final ten minutes of legal shooting light. Having uv slider sight tapes that are actually visible when a big buck steps out at 38 yards at dusk is a total game-changer.
Final Thoughts on Calibration
At the end of the day, a sight tape is only as good as the archer who calibrated it. Don't rush the process. If you're having a "bad" shooting day where your groups are opening up, that is not the day to set your permanent tape. Wait until you're feeling consistent and your form is locked in.
Once you have those uv slider sight tapes installed and verified, the confidence it gives you is immense. You stop guessing. You stop "holding high." You just dial, aim, and execute. It turns your bow from a guessing game into a precision tool. And honestly, isn't that why we buy high-end gear in the first place? Take the time to do it right, and your freezer will thank you later.