Hill type longbows [ASL} limbs Straight vs Back set

[dad]

What is the advantage or disadvantage of each.

[ron w]

I think the backset limbs preform just a bit better. I like them backset or straight, of the bows tried I like string follow the least.

[centaur]

I'm with Ron W. I prefer backset, seems like it is a bit crisper on the draw. I have one string follow, and it feels kind of mushy to me in comparison.

[dad]

I agree with you that the string follow is the least that I like. Everyone is talking about string follow and back set, but not the straight. I'm coming to the conclusion that it doesn't matter between back set and straight.

Back in the late 70s I made a few string follows.  They were slower, but extremely accurate and soft in the hand.  I have since learned that not all string follows are created equal.   Some are about the same as backset bows, just like not all backset bows are harsh in the hand.  It all depends on the particular layup and tiller.

[Overspined]

I'm with these guys, I just can't find a benefit of SF and haven't had anyone request one so the form was changed to make reverse handle ASL with backset. The arrow really comes off  cleaner with backset IMO.

[Bob B.]

The OP asked the difference between straight and back set ASL.  I don't think too much, unless there the backset is over an inch.  Backseat should be a bit faster.

That said, I have had different experience with string follow.  I really like how pavan said it, not all string follows are created equal.  I used to lift a lot of weights and developed a sensitive elbow ... String follow was easier on my body with both draw and release.  I have shot Chuck Jones string follow, Nate Steen's and of course JD Berry's.  They are very smooth drawing, easy on release, (not mushy at all) with surprising performance.  I do not feel I give up anything with a string follow, but I gain a lot in comfort and shoot ability.
Maybe the difference for me is I have is a 29 1/2 inch draw, that does give me a pretty good power stroke.

Bob.

[ron w]

Not to go off topic to much......I also have a 29+" draw, The string follows I have had seem to hit a wall so to speak. Never felt that with a straight or back set bow. Interesting topic, everybody is different and it's cool to hear thoughts on this.

[jhk1]

Backset vs. straight:  For 2 bows of equal draw weight, backset will have a little more weight early in the draw cycle, and will gain weight at a slightly lower rate (in lbs. per inch) at the back end of the draw.  That being said, the difference between a bow with 1" or less of backset vs. a straight bow would probably be hard to discern.  

Backset vs. string-follow is a somewhat different story.  In general, string-follow has noticeably less early draw weight, and the draw weight builds at an even higher rate at the end of the draw than a straight-limb bow.  This can sometimes give the perception of "hitting a wall" with a string-follow bow that Ron mentions above.

All that being said, my statements above are generalizations.  I agree with Pavan that limb design and tiller can make a great performing string-follow bow, and a soft-in-the-hand backset bow.

[nineworlds9]

I once tested a Northern Mist Classic and Shelton back to back for a spell.  By the end it was hard to pick a favorite.  The Classic felt like the crisper more lively bow.  The Shelton was very relaxed and quieter.  Very pleasant to draw and settle in at anchor with.  I liked the late weight peak.  They just had slightly different personalities.  Steve explained to be that the speed difference between the two is almost hard to notice, a few fps max and Classic will only have an advantage on much farther shots.  String on Shelton settles quicker, so aids forgiveness.  Both brilliant in their own ways.

[JR Belk]

It's really hard to notice any difference except for feel of the bow. The difference between a classic and a shelton is really only about 3 fps. You can't even notice that. A bad release bleeds off more speed than that. If you want a super forgiving bow, go with string follow. They do feel softer on the shot. It's difficult for me to pick a preference. It really comes down to how I feel that day.

[WESTBROOK]

No real adv or disadv, just a little different feel and a minor speed diff. I cant pick a favorite, I like one till I go shoot the other.

[David Mitchell]

Originally posted by WESTBROOK:
No real adv or disadv, just a little different feel and a minor speed diff. I cant pick a favorite, I like one till I go shoot the other.

Yep, what Eric said....