Any one use a form master

[Scott E]

Has any one used a form master? Did it help your form? Is it possible to make one?-Scott  

[Todd Hathaway]

I've used them. They will definitely help your form. You will know what a clean release should feel like after you use one.

However, they must be used frequently or you will lose that muscle memory. When you use one for the first time ...or use it after not using it for a while....you will feel a definite collapse when you release. It trains you to maintain that backward tension.

You may think you have good back tension, but if you've never used a formmaster, your back tension is not as good as it could be.

The downside is that they are so expensive. If you are handy you could make one.

I recommend the static version because you don't need to buy the rubber tubing. The static version is made with nylon cord, and the length is set so that it just stops an inch or so after you release.

  Here is a link to the patent which has diagrams and descriptions should you want to make something similar:  patent

[Steve Gabriel]

Hey Scott,
    I told you at the meeting Wednesday that I love it!

Steve

[Steve Gabriel]

BTW, Todd's got a great website:

 http://staf.trinitylongbowmen.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi

[Steve Gabriel]

Todd,
   Scott's an accomplished target shooter, but he just got a longbow!

[Todd Hathaway]

Then a formaster will fit right in to his training    

[bkupris]

I use one, but not as often as I should!

[Haldir]

The formaster is a great tool to help you learn not to collapse at release, and teaches good muscle memory (the accompanying booklet is very interesting, too), but I have found that a clicker is one of the best tools to teach you to maintain back tension through the release.

[AllenR]

I didn't get much benefit from the formaster.  Everyone says that the first shot with it is an eye opener, but that didn't happen for me.  It may be because I have always worked very hard to use my back to pull through my shots and I always maintain a little bit of push with my bow arm to avoid collapse.

I don't want to discourage anyone from using it.  I understand it's purpose and use, but if you already keep a strong bow arm and use your back, I don't think that it will help.  

Of course the only way to know, is to try it and I strongly encourage everyone to do that.  How will you know for sure if you don't give it a try.

[longbownut]

One thing that helps me is to put an arrow on the bow, and actually aim at a target when I let go.  I can stand there and execute properly repeatedly with the thing (after the first couple collapses), but I find it's even more valuable to add the aiming part  

[PastorSteveHill]

How expensive are these little devices?  Where could you purchase one?

[AllenR]

Lancaster Archery - $39.99

[huntsmanlance]

Hey all, i have never heard of this but am interested. Todd thank you for posting the pattent link because it doesnt explain much at all on the Lancaster site....but i really dont understand how these are used...

Lance

[SHOOTO8S]

http://www.texasarchery.org/Photos/Formaster/Formaster.htm


Great training tool!

[huntsmanlance]

Thanks Rod!

[Scooter]

Another fan of the formaster but don't use it as much as I should.