Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Converml on April 19, 2011, 11:55:00 AM
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So one another thread there was discussion on what stringer to get and it seemed that with longbows the push-pull method is ok. Is that the case with all longbows?
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works fine if your strong enough for a particular bow. the older I get , I use a stringer when possible but push pull too.
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I use a stringer for R/D longbows and recurves.
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Bjorn,
is R/D reflex deflex longbows? Thanks Merle
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While I use the push pull method, I do not suggest it to others because people can and do get seriously injured with that method.
John Schultz brother lost an eye with that method. People do NOT need to try the method without
1. Understanding the risk of losing an eye (or worse),
2. Having a good coach to learn the proper method, and
3. do not try this with a heavy bow unless it is mastered with lighter bows.
For this reason, I suggest others use a stringer such as the...
E. W Bateman bowstringer. Here is a link to it... http://www.tradtecharchery.com/Details.aspx?itemNo=1970284
(http://www.tradtecharchery.com/Sources/GetImage.axd?own=LA&imageid=308100)
The webster appears to be a good stringer as well, but I haven't used it...as it costs a lot more than the EW Bateman.
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BTW, John and his brother were taught by Howard Hill...and yet despite having the one of the greatest archers in history as their teacher...accidents can happen. That is why people NEED to understand the risk prior to using the push pull method. There are "before and after" pictures of John's brother with an eye patch out there with Howard Hill. Maybe one of the Tradgang members has copies those pictures.
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The event with John Schulz's brother was a semi recurve. I had a super K slip once, after forty years of push pull bow loading heavy longbows and recurves without ever hurting a bow or myself, the tip caught me right between my eyes. Besides having raccoon eyes for a few days I was lucky. Just use the bow loaders.
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One of my good archery friends lost most of his eye sight in his right eye when he was stringing a recurve using the push pull method. Broke his orbital bone and some other MAJOR damage.
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I haven't met a bow stringer I liked. I've had some near misses and one injury from using those things.
I'll use push/pull if the bow is light enough whether it be recurve or longbow. I am always aware of what I'm doing and where my head is at during the process.
I was taught by someone very good at it and follow his instructions every time. If you take your time, keep your head back, turn your face away, pull on the bow above the grip, no gloves and dry hands, I can't see how you could get hurt.
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I've used the step-through method in a pinch a few times... and only because I forgot my stringer.
Kawika
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I was taught the push-pull method a long time ago, and my mentor told me never to use the step-through method. The safest is the stringer, and I feel a must for take-down bows. Too much danger twisting a limb with the push-pull on a TD bow. I will use the push-pull on lower poundage bows, and follow the directions listed by Red Beastmaster.
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Dan Schulz lost his eye because after an "workout session" (just guess what this means) he hadn't enough strength left to unstring the bow and handed it to John. Unfortunately the stringloop was half out on the upper tip and the string went loose so the upper limp tipp hit him.
This accident didn't happen during an "normal" stringing/unstringing a bow, but after an hard training session!
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Came home tierd one night and unstrung one of my recurves that way ,got loos and put a hole in my ear . Be carful any way you do it.
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Thanks everyone defiantly food for thought. Merle
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Selway easy and stress free. A couple of bucks (11.99 now) and a couple of seconds.
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i had a 52" bear recurve limb slip out of my hand push/pull years ago, hit me in the cheek ,about put a hole through my cheek and rattled my teeth,been using a stringer for curves ever since!
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I bought two Selways. One longbow, one recurve. Then I cut one apart and added it to the other. Now I have one stringer that can PROPERLY handle either a longbow or a recurve. That being said, I usually use the push/pull for my recurve and step-through for the long bow. Just lazy BUT very careful. I watched a friend get hit right between the eys trying to string his longbow by push/pull and did have bow slip out from my foot and slid up my shin using the push/pull method. It's not just your eyes that are in danger. That really hurt!
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Never even considered it after a local almost lost an eye trying it. Use a stringer, it's what they are made for.
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I'll bet every single one of those people who lost or nearly lost an eye never thought it could happen to them.
Learn to use a stringer!! Not every stringer will work on every bow, but there is at least one type of stringer that will work on every bow made. If yours doesn't work well for your bow find one that does.
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I have been using a Black Widow stringer, but just picked up a Webster stringer. It's for a recurve or long bow. It's all made out of nylon strap, even the pockets.
I like the feature, it has a shorter pocket for short bows, it's pretty neat. I have only used it a couple times and it works great, and I guess I'll see how it holds up in the future.
I have always used a stringer and will continue for a recurve and long bow, but I have had people tell me you can use the step through with the LB and it will not hurt it. For a few dollars its better to be safe.
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Ben Graham of Hummingbird Bows uses a leather device strapped to the inside of his leg that he places the end of the bow in and then pushes and pulls to string the bow.The bow end cannot move this way.If he's on here maybe he can chime in and comment on how he uses this own method of his.It sure seemed real safe the way I saw him use it.
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I use Ben's stringer on every recurve I shoot. Mine is just a thick nylon strap that you fasten around your (right) leg above your ankle, it has a loop in it that your bow tip slides throug, it allows the enitre bow to move if you turn it rather than have the limb twist. You insert your leg through between the string and the bow limb just as you would the old step through method, brace your bow handle against your leg and while pulling the top limb tip toward you you slide the string into place. There is no way to twisyt the limb using this method and the bow tip is always pointing away from you as you string it. Works well on any recurve. I believe Ben demonstrates this procedure on his web site.
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I have seen several very seasoned Archers doing the push pull thing I wonder why? a stringer is way safer and won't twist a limb as easy and Yea! won't take your eye out :readit:
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Personally, I don't have a problem with someone using the push pull method as long as they...
1. Know the risks, and
2. Know how to do it properly.
My concern was people seeing it done and then trying it themself without really understanding these two things.
I also think a person should be trained how to properly use a stringer as well...things like where to put the cups or pads, how far to spread their feet, and how to properly pull up on it so their body/hands are not in dangerous positions. I know of people that have had them slip off and had a bow hit them.
Both methods can be risky. These bows are giant springs wanting to release energy.
Anyway...I am not trying to diverge off topic, but on these forums we just need to consider that not everyone has an experienced archer guiding them with what many of us take for granted.
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I was in a pawn shop the other day looking at an old 52" 50# bear magnum. I asked to look at it and could they string it. So I could check it out properly. Now both these guys were definitely taller , bigger , burly and definitely stronger then Myself. I was finding it a tad amusing watching these guys trying several times and trading off and on to push pull string this thing and they could not even get close to doing it. There was actually no danger because the bow was barley bending etc.... I stopped them and said would they like me to do it. I was handed the bow and safely strung it instantly. So the point of this story is not how wonderful and great a bow stringer I am. It is that Just like shooting the bow accurately , shooting a gun, skipping rocks or doing anything . There is a proper technique, concentration, absolute attention to what you are doing, and practice involved to achieve your goal . Everyone finds "their own" best way to do things. Anything can be turned dangerous if not given proper attention. I have had a bow break and hit me in the head while drawing. C
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Think I'm gonna stick with stringers :archer:
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I use the push/pull method often, but only on bows under 45#. Use it mainly on the Grandkids bows. Although I can use the method on bows up to 60# easily, I won't... just a lot safer using a stringer. I shoot longbows up to 105# and it is not possible for me to Push/Pull one over 65#. Don't know if it is a strength issue or mental. Just because you can draw a bow of a particular weight doesn't mean you can safely use the Push/Pull method to string it.
If I happen to forget my stringer when using a heavier weight bow, if I can't borrow one, I would opt to use the step through method. Would much rather take the risk of harming the bow than harming any body parts. And I've never harmed a bow using step through, just be aware of what your doing and normally you will have no problems.
JMHO on the matter.
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As I said I use a stringer. For the recurve I use 2 feet at least shoulder width apart and my right foot closer to the limb tip that I slid the string on. It bends that tip a little more and makes it easer. That was from Black Widow.
The long bow I just use 1 foot (read it some where), and it works great.
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I just use the stringer. I'm still new enough that even that methods gets my attention completely, and I hope it stays that way.
YMMV
Pete
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I have used all the above methods and I prefer the Push Pull over the other methods. they all have risks. I did a video a couple of months back to show the method using a recurve and a longbow.
Here is the link
youtube video (http://youtu.be/9g8ckdO_stE)
If you watch the video I lean to one side when stringing the Bows and Make sure I have a good grip on the limbs.
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great video, I'll be looking at the rest later today.
Pete
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Just got a Howard Hill 70 inch longbow. What will be the best way to sting it since my hand won't reach the nock using a bow stringer?
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I don't and have never trusted those tiny cups on the ends of a bow stringer. I want both my hands on that bow, controlling it in the event something doesn't go as planned.
I've use push pull for a long time. Limb tips never come anywhere close to being lined up with my eyes! I can't imagine why someone would be looking down a loaded limb.
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I believe the safest way to string a bow is with a stringer.
Yes, the cups can break on a stringer, but the push pull method can damage (twist) a bow's limb or if something slips, take out an eye. :eek:
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Again, if that limb tip is anywhere close to in line with your eye, you aren't doing it right.
As for twist, I have never seen a bow twisted by push pull. Ever. I've seen them twisted from step through and I have seen them twisted from improper storage, but you'd have to be the friggin hulk to truly twist a bow push pulling it.
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i like my eyes..i only have 2 an i make alot of mistakes..i'll stick with my stringers