3 under or split ?

[mark land]

I too agree that the best 3-D shooters I know all shoot 3-under and they are impressive to say the least but I believe it has a lot to do with the gap shooting style most of them prefer.
I switched to 3-under last year and my accuracy and consistency definitely increased, not really as much at ranges under 25yds but drastically improved at longer range since I typically shoot instinctive up to about 25yds and shoot a gap system at 30-40yds.  With my high cheekbone anchor and 3-under hold my POI is right at 30yds which is perfect for me and at 40 I just hold on the back.  Works for me!
Typically with most bows nothing more then a slight nock height change is needed, if you have an adjustable limb system you can play with tiller adjustmnets and get the bow shooting very sweet for you no matter what drawing method you prefer.

[Fattony77]

Doug, the way I understand it is that the bow's tiller (distance between the riser fade-outs and string) dictates where the pressure from your drawing hand (three under or split) equals out the level of force on the limbs. Another factor that changes this is your bow hand placement, which is something Mr. Asbell addresses in his books, also. As for determining whether a bow is tillered for 3 under or split, I don't remember the exact numbers right now, but I know Byron Ferguson touches on the subject in his book "Become the Arrow" and his video "Barebow 101." Hope this helps to answer your questions, and if I'm mistaken about any of this (hopefully) someone will chime in and correct me.

[Northwest_Bowhunter]

I grew up shooting split finger so it's all I ever knew.  I tried shooting 3 under but because I use my middle finger in the corner of my mouth as my first anchor the fletching was practically in my eye.  I think if I ever need to change I could but split finger is working for me.

[bwsandite]

I shot split fingers for about 23 years, and switched to 3 under about 10 months ago. I never have shot this well before! It's great, a bad day now was my best day last year. I met someone at a shoot who has helped me tremendously, and can't think him enough! It has also made me a better hunter!
     I think everyone should give it a try, learn your point on and your gaps, and it will make you a better shot. If it doesn't work out for you split fingers is a great method as well.

[Northwest_Bowhunter]

Originally posted by Terry Green:
 

Originally posted by Tim Finley:
The best shooters I know shoot 3 under .  

HH shot split.....he was pretty good                                                

This is another subject where you will find folks defending thier choice...which may or may NOT be the best choice for you.

Find what works for you and don't worry about all the static....and don't let folks put monsters in your head.

I gave 3 under a whirl...but the arrow got in the way of seeing my targets at around 35 yards.....did NOT like not being able to see my targets out to 60+ yards.....went back to split right quick like.

But hey....that's what I do....again, find what works best for you and run with it. [/b]

I was just watching some video's and Fred Bear shot split finger also.

[LongStick64]

I just went back to Split after ripping my face apart using 3 Under. I adjusted my anchor and don't see any difference except I'm not in pain anymore.

[Sirius Black]

My anchor is the same for both ways. I choose to shoot 3 under because I don't shoot far. My bow also has an even tiller.

[dragon rider]

Some folks swear by and some at each method.  Generally three under works as well as split, or to some better, out to about 30 -35 yards or so, depending on the shooter and the bow, and then starts to make seeing what you're shooting at more difficult at longer ranges.

The "tiller" issue can almost always be rendered meaningless by moving your nock point up an 1/8" to a 1/4"

Some say three under is noisier, some say it's not.  I've found it really depends on the bow.  Some of them are louder some are not.

In the final analysis, however, it's a matter of taste and comfort and all tastes are tastes.  Shoot whichever way works best for you.  Ricky Welch and Rod Jenkins shoot three under so it's clear that it can be done at championship level.

[damascusdave]

I like to add another twist to these discussions...I long ago decided that for me two fingers under is way more effective so I shoot that way when I am hunting...I also find that for the longer ranges for shooting 3D targets split finger works a little better so I shoot that way a lot too...I have never paid a whole lot of attention to how a bow is tillered and have only known that for a couple of bows I have owned...lot of traditional shooters sweat the small stuff...if I wanted to do that I would go back to shooting my compounds all the time

DDave