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Main Boards => The Shooters FORM Board => Topic started by: djanko on November 14, 2010, 08:30:00 PM

Title: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: djanko on November 14, 2010, 08:30:00 PM
Always shot split finger, just tried some 3 under and I seem to be able to line up under my eye better.  Who has switched and had success with it?
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: Nole on November 14, 2010, 08:35:00 PM
I recently switched to 3 under and I like it alot.  I am more accurate shooting 3 under.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: James Principi on November 14, 2010, 08:42:00 PM
I'd like to be able to shoot 3 under but seem to have a hard time getting the arrow lined up directly under my dominant eye.  Any tricks to doing this?
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: DannyBows on November 14, 2010, 08:49:00 PM
I switched long ago. It just feels better to me and I'm much more accurate with it. Once in awhile I shoot a couple arrows Split, but that just confirms I like the old Apache better.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: longbowben on November 14, 2010, 09:00:00 PM
Feels better to me, also and more accurate.It lines up under your eye easy.Give it a try.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: Lewis Brookshire III on November 14, 2010, 09:03:00 PM
I switched about 3 years ago and I have never looked back. I prefer 3 under over split...but that is just me. Ymmd.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: azhunter on November 14, 2010, 09:04:00 PM
I switched to 3 under about 5 months ago and I shoot so much better. Will never go back to split finger.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: Huntschool on November 14, 2010, 09:09:00 PM
I started split in the 60's.  Changed in 68 to this "Apachie" style.

I like it better even now.  The only thing playing now is eyesight.  I sometimes do not get a focus between arrow and target.  Yes, I see both and sometimes use the point as a ref.

The toughest thing for me even now is I have two anchors.  One is inside my eye along my nose (a 1.5 inch shorter draw) and the other is at full draw at the side of my face.  Each anchor is solid but they have different resulta as you might expect.

Find an anchor that works for you and stay with it.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: erierik on November 14, 2010, 09:12:00 PM
I shoot 3 under and it just feeels more natural to me.Have only been at this since late last fall so that is the way I have done it from the start.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: metsastaja on November 14, 2010, 09:17:00 PM
I just switched and am really liking it.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: jackdaw on November 14, 2010, 09:39:00 PM
Went to 3 under a little over a year ago and now there is no way I could ever return to split. 3 under for me is WAY more comfortable, more accurate as well. MO.........
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: Winterhawk1960 on November 14, 2010, 09:41:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by longbowben:
Feels better to me, also and more accurate.It lines up under your eye easy.Give it a try.
I couldn't imagine going back to split-finger. I get a much cleaner release with three-under and the inside of my index finger doesn't hurt anymore either.

Winterhawk1960
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: TKO on November 14, 2010, 09:52:00 PM
I just switched to 3 under about a month ago on the recommendation of another trad shooter I met at the range. I used to have a notoriously crappy release but, since switching to 3 under, my release has become the least of my worries. I don't know why but the improvement has been tremendous. Now my 30 yard groups are better than my 10 yard groups used to be.

All I can say is; Thank you Charlie from Wichita Archery Inc.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: Matty on November 14, 2010, 09:54:00 PM
I made the switch last year.  It felt a bit strange at first cause I like to touch the arrow.  But anyway it definately seems to be more forgiving..
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: kennym on November 14, 2010, 10:03:00 PM
I have been debating it, you guys are swayin me over.....

So tell me, is the bow noisier with 3under?
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: Walt Francis on November 14, 2010, 10:08:00 PM
I switched two years ago when I had shoulder problems and switched to shooting left-handed.  I am considerably more accurate shooting three under, left-handed, then right-handed split.  But then my form is considerably better on the left side too.  The shoulder is better so I shoot three under left and split right; it just doen't feel right shooting three under from the right side.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: Paul WA on November 14, 2010, 10:09:00 PM
I switched a couple of years ago. Started at 5ft from the target and worked my way back to 30yds. I have improved about 100%...PR
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: Kip l Hoffman on November 14, 2010, 10:56:00 PM
I wonder if the guys that shoot 3 under are using some kind of aiming method.  Getting the arrow up closer to the eye makes aiming easier, no doubt about it.  What you lose is any kind of longer distance shooting and ou will have to accurately guess the distance.  With 3 under you need to be aware of consistant finger pressure with all 3 fingers.  The lack of calouse on the index finger is because you are pulling mostly with social and ring finger.  Lineing the arrow up under your eye is why you see Fred i.e. Mr. Bear bending over and canting his bow.  This cant lines up the eye directly over the arrow.  However with all things traditional, "what ever pulls your bow".
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: RC on November 14, 2010, 10:57:00 PM
I tried 3 under a couple of years ago when I was mostly hunting with a recurve at the time. I did good with it but when I went back to my longbows I changed back for whatever reason. I just went back to 3 under a few weeks ago and killed my last deer like that.
 My bows do seam a bit louder 3 under but not so loud that it bothers me.RC
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: BRONZ on November 14, 2010, 11:14:00 PM
Switched about 4 yrs ago and will never go back.  Easier to sight, cleaner release, no pinching down on the nock...
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: twostrings on November 15, 2010, 12:26:00 AM
Tried it for a week 2 years ago and never went back.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: park on November 15, 2010, 12:31:00 AM
I shoot split finger and anchor with pointer finger in corner of mouth.I dont sight down the arrow and only use overall sight picture.I shoot with three finger under shooters and find they really have to aim to hit.I have put thought to it and think you have to practice trusting your aim.I think it gives me better bow hand control also because of the lower anchor.Some bows are built to shoot split finger best.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: djanko on November 17, 2010, 08:41:00 PM
Keep the thoughts coming...thanks
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: Night Wing on November 17, 2010, 08:46:00 PM
I started with split finger then switched over to 3 under 6 months. Didn't like it so I went back to split finger.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: Earl Jeff on November 17, 2010, 08:46:00 PM
I shot split fingers from day one. Then last year I'd thought I try three under. I'm still shooting it and not looking back.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: BTW on November 17, 2010, 08:49:00 PM
I switched a while back. Wasn't consistent at all with split finger.  It was like night and day after I started shooting three under.  Groups got tighter, got more confident, was able to focus on certain aspects of my form better. Took a little time to get used to, but works great for me.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: Mr.Vic on November 17, 2010, 10:37:00 PM
Ok, all the hub bub i have read here on this site about three under verses split. I have shot split since 1969 as that is the way i was taught. Two days ago i went out and tried the three under. After ten shots or so i was hitting better and more consistent at longer range with the ole Pronghorn. And i can see all the positive things wrote in this thread about it. So the only problem i have to work on is the psychological aspects of it being new to me.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: LJOHNS on November 18, 2010, 06:26:00 PM
The best trad shooters I know all shoot three under.  I am going to switch when I get another trad bow this winter.  I have always shot split but I need a change.  I think having the arrow closer to the eye has to help with accuracy.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: Rossco7002 on November 18, 2010, 07:43:00 PM
I gave 3 under a try this summer and liked it however it also caused the serving on 3 strings to unravel after about a week of shooting on each one. I shoot a FF endless loop on a Toelke Longbow. Does anyone know why this might have happened?
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: razorback on November 19, 2010, 08:54:00 AM
I was having trouble being consistant with my shooting. Inside walls of barns were safe with me around.  :knothead:   So I have been working on several aspects of my shooting form to bring it up to hunting quality. I tried 3 under and so far am happy. Biggest improvement so far is no more pinching of the inside of my index finger. Less discomfort means better shooting sessions.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: roadhogtom on November 19, 2010, 09:32:00 AM
I went to an event to see Stacey Grosscup shoot aspirin out of the air, and got the chance to talk to him. He shot "Apache" style. I asked him about it and he said it was better alignment and was more natural for instinctive shooting. I have been shooting that way now for probably 20 years . If a guy is shooting aspirin out of the air consistantly, and says "do this", I'm doing it.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: Richie on November 19, 2010, 10:13:00 AM
I just recently switched to 3under, it seems much more natural. I have not noticed any  difference in noise.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: Richie on November 21, 2010, 12:09:00 AM
I have recently switched to 3under and so far I like it better. I have not noticed any difference in noise.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: Green on November 21, 2010, 07:14:00 PM
Well I just made the switch today.  First thing I did was to raise my nock point up towards 1" and then started to tune.  First thing you notice is the arrows impact much lower as your dead on point is much closer than split fingering. By the time my tune was done my nock point was back down towards 1/2". I started off with my anchor point in the corner of my mouth as I have always done.  By mid afternoon I was concentrating on a new anchor point at my cheek bone....much higher, but more consistent anchoring to a hard point on my face.  I shot one arrow at a time the rest of the day....moving around my shooting area at ranges from 10 - 30 yards.  I have to say that accuracy and form has improved tremendously and I look forward to grooving things in over the next several weeks.  I am just returning to my longbows after10 years off....this change is helping me get back to good shooting much quicker....must have had a lot of bad form habits in the 90's and prior...but I shot well then with daily practice as I didn't know any better.  This forum is definitely helping me to become a better shot, and thus a better hunter when I return to that with Spring Turkeys.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: Pepper on November 29, 2010, 10:39:00 AM
I think that 3 under,or split, doesn't make a whole lot of differrence.
Probably the way we were taught, and what ever feels comfortable and gives the desired results.
I shoot 3 under, and have tried split, but feel the most comfortable and accurate with the 3 under.
Which ever one you choose, give them a fair assesment, and follow that venue that works the best for you.
No one way is best for all of us.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: coachA on December 06, 2010, 11:46:00 AM
I am knew to the traditional world but 3-under is a the best way to shoot for me. 3-under seemd to be a more forgiving way to shool
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: macksdad on December 08, 2010, 10:42:00 AM
I like the three under alot better, when I try split finger now i'm lucky to hit the target.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: ermont on December 08, 2010, 11:05:00 AM
I am going out this afternoon and will give three under a try.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: ermont on December 08, 2010, 05:07:00 PM
OK I tried it. Three under is now my shooting method. Once I got a consistent anchor, My 10 yard groups shrank in half and my 20 yard groups are much better. It does seem to be a little noisier on my Palmer.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: NBK on December 09, 2010, 09:33:00 AM
I shoot both ways.  Started with split, went to 3-under 2years ago and now I play with both.  95% of my shooting is 3under, but every once in a while I'll stay within 15 yards go split and practice crazy cants of the bow.  Did this because hunting out of a tent blind with my daughter and a 64" longbow made us get creative canting the bow!  I'll never be a great tournament shooter, but under 20 yards I don't feel limited by form.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: maineac on December 10, 2010, 01:42:00 PM
I shot split for a lot of years, then trained to be a NASP instructor and they teach 3-under, so I switched.  Shot three under and liked it. Just bought a used longbow that was tillered for split, so started shooting split again.  It immediately felt natural, and my s=accuracy was great.  I find my confidence at longer ranges is better.  It has gotten cold so my shooting with the new bow has been limited, but I will be interested to see how my shooting with the new bow and split compares to how I shot last year 3 under with the old bow when I start up my school archery club again.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: JrsyBowHunter on December 10, 2010, 04:13:00 PM
after reading all the replies i'am gonna give 3 under a try, i have always shot split fingers on longbows, recurves and compounds
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: JrsyBowHunter on December 11, 2010, 10:15:00 AM
well i gave 3 under a try and i think i'am gonna stick with it for awhile and see how it goes, feels more comfortable drawing the bow back and i seen to be more acurate, just had to raise my nock point a little
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: SOLDIERII on December 11, 2010, 01:24:00 PM
I switched and never went back.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: George Vernon on December 11, 2010, 01:32:00 PM
3 under gives a very different 'sight' picture.  By that I mean it brings the tip of the arrow into a more prominent position as you draw.  For folks who gap shoot, this will shorten you point on distance.

It also allows the use of short sight windows for folks who don't cant the bow much.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: Fischman on December 12, 2010, 12:48:00 PM
Split fingers works best for me . Kinda curious if all the guys shooting 3 under have any bow tuning issues since a lot of bows are tillered for split or 3 under ?
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: BWD on December 12, 2010, 04:50:00 PM
Did any of you folks who switched from split fingers to three under have to retune your set up, from an arrow spine standpoint? Every time I try it, the arrows I shoot split fingers with impact left, as if they are too stiff. Could it be three under cleans up my release that much, or is something else going on here?
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: Rossco7002 on December 12, 2010, 08:02:00 PM
Some people seem to experience a slight reduction in draw length from what I've read, that may cause your arrows to act stiff. Don't take it from me though..... I shoot split.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: kenn1320 on January 08, 2011, 02:09:00 AM
I used split and found I was pinching the arrow often. I would focus on not pinching it, but that only hurt my focus on target. You know your pinching when the arrow comes off the shelf, even a little. I tried 3 under and ZERO arrow pinch. That alone accounts for most of the accuracy improvement guys experience, in my opinion. Ive tried split just for giggles and Im lucky to hit the target now. I see no reason other then trick shots to use split where you can pinch the knock on purpose. AS for tuning, yes the bow needs to be tuned for 3 under in terms of knock height. I have never measured my bow to determine if its tillered for split or 3 under. I can tell you my short Kmag does not like 3 under, get unusual wear on the shelf and the arrow makes noise as it hits the shelf. I only shot that bow 3 under for a month or so and got a 64" long bow and its silent and no finger pinch. 8^)
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: bkyrdshooter on January 09, 2011, 04:01:00 PM
Do you really need a bow that is tillered for three under to shoot that way? I shoot three under and don't have a bow that is tillered for three under. I'm assuming that it's not that big of a deal. Is it really that noticable?
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: cyred4d on January 09, 2011, 04:16:00 PM
You don't need a bow tillered for 3 under to shoot that way. You most likely will have to raise your nocking point a bit though.
Title: Re: Going from split finger to 3 under??? What do you think??
Post by: Huntschool on January 09, 2011, 07:24:00 PM
I posted early on this thread but want to add some stuff.  

I have been shooting 3 under since the late 60's.  Changed from split when a really good target archer told me to try it.  This discussion has been going on for a long time.  Seems we will always have the question.

I am truely more comfortable with three under because I have more confidence in it. I can also say that over the last bit of time, even as old as I am, I have finally refined my anchor to one spot.  However, I have experimented with string walking a bit.  It works like a charm at closer the POI distances.  Since we are bowhunter who take good shots it makes sence to me.  Think turkey out of a blind situation at 15 yds or so.

Your bow does not have to be tillered for 3 under.  In fact, of all my bows, only the one that is currently on order is/will be tillered that way.

I think the allignment under your eye makes the difference.  Now, that having been said, I know some tough three under shooters that do not anchor under their eye.  The still shoot lights out.

Guys, its like choosing to shoot trad...  Its a personal thing.  What ever floats yer boat.  However, take a look at the really good recurve and I think Long Bow NFAA shooters......