String slap

[cwbyengraver]

If the nock is to tight when you let go can the arrow pull the string forward and slap the bow. the reason I ask about 1 out of 15 shots there is a loud slap. I cant figure out where it is coming from.

[McDave]

The arrow can't pull the string forward and slap the bow.  But you have the right idea.  If the nocks are too tight, it can cause the arrow to hit the riser.  Your nocks should fit loose enough that when you dangle them off the string, they should hold onto the string, but if you tap the string, the arrow should fall off.

What you are experiencing could also be caused by shooting an arrow that is too stiff.  You should research bare shaft tuning, and tune your arrows for your bow.

Since it happens 1 out of 15 shots, one of two things are happening: either your arrows need some work, or your release isn't as good as it should be 1 out of 15 times.  Since very few of us have a perfect release 15 out of 15 times, that could well be the cause of your problem.

[lpcjon2]

Is it hitting your bow arm?at the bottom of the serving is it frayed and does your armguard have a wear mark on it toward your wrist?

[Bill Skinner]

Another thing it might be...you arrows are on the stiff side but not too stiff if you come to full draw.  If you short draw or release before hitting your anchor or do not use back tension, all of which will shorten your draw about an inch or so, your arrows are now too stiff and will make contact with your riser.  If it happens when you are tired or know you messed up, it may be something to check.  Bill

[Terry Green]

Originally posted by McDave:
The arrow can't pull the string forward and slap the bow.  

Dave, actually it can slilghtly on recurves.  If your nocks are too tight, the string can come farther forward and result in more string slap on recurves making the bow louder.

However, if ALL 15 were too tight, the same thing would be happening on all shots....if its just ONE shot, it could be the ONE arrow nock that is too tight....but I get from your post thats not the case.

Did you get it figured out?  Sounds to me like if its consistently ONE arrow out of 15, then you got a bad arrow.  Did you mark that one arrow that's making the noise to see if its the same one over and over?