3Rivers Archery



The Trad Gang Digital Market













Contribute to Trad Gang and Access the Classifieds!

Become a Trad Gang Sponsor!

Traditional Archery for Bowhunters






LEFT HAND BOWS CLASSIFIEDS TRAD GANG CLASSIFIEDS ACCESS RIGHT HAND BOWS CLASSIFIEDS


Author Topic: 3+ Questions from a novice  (Read 246 times)

Offline Gnat

  • Trad Bowhunter
  • **
  • Posts: 25
3+ Questions from a novice
« on: April 08, 2008, 01:42:00 AM »
Hello friends.

I'm new to traditional archery, and archery in general really, and I have a lot of questions,as I am patiently looking for my first bow right now (mostly online because there's not much at all for trad gear at my local shop). Here's 3 of the most urgent ones. Any insight is much appreciated.

I know many things are a matter of preference, but I have a few questions about why you strategically choose what you do...

1) Is there an advantage to shooting three-fingers under or split-finger? Does this determine other aspects of your style down the line...do you regularly switch amongst your bows? Also, am I right in thinking that these are indicated with the metal bead on the string, or is that sometimes found on split-finger bows as well?

2) What's the deal with fast flight string, vs Dacron, etc...why do some people not like "fast flight" despite how fast it sounds? What's best to learn on?

#) Do you determine whether you use a LH or RH bow by your eye dominance, or your hand dominance? I'm left-eye dominant but right-handed? Having not done much of this, would you recommend starting with a LH bow even if a RH bow feel more natural (as it does for me)?

Thanks for your advice. Nobody I know is much into archery.
All truly great thoughts are  conceived while walking.

Offline Bowferd

  • Trad Bowhunter
  • **
  • Posts: 962
Re: 3+ Questions from a novice
« Reply #1 on: April 08, 2008, 01:55:00 AM »
#3 Find a nice old longbow or recurve that shoots both right and left hand and enjoy.

#2 Don't use fast flight string on that beautiful old bow.
 
#1 I shoot split and have tried 3 under. The better advice will be along shortly.

Welcome to the gang and if you endeavor you will find the answers.
Fred
Been There, Done That, Still Plowin.
Cane and Magnolia tend to make good arrow.
Hike naked in the backwoods.

Offline bloodyarrow

  • Trad Bowhunter
  • **
  • Posts: 502
Re: 3+ Questions from a novice
« Reply #2 on: April 08, 2008, 01:59:00 AM »
You ansewred your on questions in the in #3 ?. What feels natural.
Just remember not to over bow yourself. Get you a bow that feels good to you.
Yes you are thinking right about the nock on your string.
You can have a bow built for 3 under or split fingers.  :)
Hunting The Way of My Ancestors
(The Traditional Way)


Eddie

Offline Brian Gillispie

  • Trad Bowhunter
  • **
  • Posts: 232
Re: 3+ Questions from a novice
« Reply #3 on: April 08, 2008, 02:04:00 AM »
Howdie Gnat,

Fastflight doesnt stretch.  You have to have a bow with nice strong reinforced tips to use it.  The older bows cant handle the shock of a string that has no give and sometimes the Fastflight will shear the tips off your old vintage bow if you aint careful,  and sometimes if you are careful.  

Welcome to the fun

Brian G
Spinning faster round the pole. Soon to old from chasing gold. Young hands wrinkle, hearts to stone. Dust to dust and ashes cold

Offline Dick in Seattle

  • Trad Bowhunter
  • **
  • Posts: 1673
Re: 3+ Questions from a novice
« Reply #4 on: April 08, 2008, 02:48:00 AM »
many people find 3 under more accurate at the shorter distances that beginners usually shoot at, say up to 20 yds.   At more distance, with 3 under, you start to have to hold over more, and split becomes more advantageous.

Another difference, at least in my opinion, is that split gives more control over the arrow has you hold it on the string.  

I shot 3 under and liked it a lot, until I had to drop my draw weight.   Then I went back to split because at light weights I had to hold too far over with 3 under to shoot any distance.

Now I shoot mostly split, but still fall back to 3 under for short range stuff... 3D at 10 to 12 yds.   On some of my bows I've started using two nock points, one at 1/2" for split and one at 7/8" for 3 under.

As far as string goes, folks who want every foot per second they can get are generally in favor of fast bows and fast flight string, but that string can break down older bows that aren't built for it.   As a beginner, you're better off to go easy and not worry about fine points like that.   Just gset a good bow and learn to shoot that bow.  Once you've learned to shoot and developed form, you can start to change things.   A year from now, you won't believe how much you've learned.

Someone above recommended finding an old longbow with no shelf... the kind you shoot off of the top of your fist and can shoot from either side.   Wonderful idea.  I love those old bows.  They're slow, but not expensive to find and can teach you what you need to know about archery.

You're going to have a blast... just remember to stick to the basics at first and don't worry about all the fancy technicalities
Dick in Seattle

"It ain't how well the bow you shoot shoots, it's how well you shoot the bow you shoot."

Offline JIM B

  • Trad Bowhunter
  • **
  • Posts: 27
Re: 3+ Questions from a novice
« Reply #5 on: April 08, 2008, 04:47:00 AM »
#1 experiment with both.
#2 fast flight's advantages over dacron are minimal.
#3 search this topic and you will find you're not alone. one way feels right the other dont.Short of my left dominant eye going wonkie, i'm not changing.

Offline Yazoo Bowhunter

  • Trad Bowhunter
  • **
  • Posts: 29
Re: 3+ Questions from a novice
« Reply #6 on: April 08, 2008, 08:40:00 AM »
Hello Novice,

I've only been shooting for about 6 months, so new myself.  But I understand your 3 finger vs 2 under 1 over finger question.  I started doing 2-1 but just this past month i switched.  For me, the 3 finger has given me greater control, accuracy, a FAR superior follow through, and topping it off, confidence.  try both. and try at all distances. don't know why, 3 under just "works" for me and my still. i had a bad problem of dropping my bow hand - thus killing my follow through - and now with 3 under i keep it up much better - ie better follow through. don't know if it's just b/c everything 'clicks' with 3 under for me and im more comfortable in this position or greater confidence in my shots, thus, keeping bow up, but ask Horne Shooter, another TG member, he's seen me shoot both ways, and will vouch that finding the right finger position really can affect one's shooting.  good luck. you'll find what's right for you.
To become a professor, one must start as a grasshopper.

Offline Gnat

  • Trad Bowhunter
  • **
  • Posts: 25
Re: 3+ Questions from a novice
« Reply #7 on: April 08, 2008, 10:17:00 AM »
Thanks. This is all very helpful.
All truly great thoughts are  conceived while walking.

Offline R H Clark

  • Trad Bowhunter
  • **
  • Posts: 1089
Re: 3+ Questions from a novice
« Reply #8 on: April 08, 2008, 12:44:00 PM »
It would be great if you could get together with some trad folks and learn a little.I'll bet if you ask around you could find some trad guys close enough.

Don't spend too much on a bow right away.It will take you a while to even know what you like and what works best for you.You should be able to find a good used recurve for around $100.Get in touch with some of our sponsors who deal in used bows.Try to stay under 45# to start.When you get a bow we will help you get the right arrows and get set up to start.

Offline ChuckC

  • Trad Bowhunter
  • **
  • Posts: 6775
Re: 3+ Questions from a novice
« Reply #9 on: April 08, 2008, 12:53:00 PM »
Hey Gnat..  welcome.  
Great advice already given.  I will repeat.  try to get a lightweight bow or bows for both left and right handed and try them.  Obviously the right hand will feel better quicker if you are right handed, but you can learn, fairly quickly, to shoot both ways.

The "bead" on the string is likely a "nock point".  It is an indicator of where to put your arrow.  Typically beneath the nock point.  It is used for any style grip, three under, two under, split finger etc.  The location of this "bead" ( or wrapped string, or tape etc) should be from maybe 3/8" to maybe 3/4" above parallel to the arrow rest.  There is an inexpensive tool available to help you place the nock set.

Get some help with obtaining a handful of arrows that work on that bow and do some shooting.  Be safe.  

After you get a little shooting under your belt, then there will be many more questions and you will likely be bit by the "let's try a different bow" bug.
Later
ChuckC

Users currently browsing this topic:

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
 

Contact Us | Trad Gang.com © | User Agreement

Copyright 2003 thru 2024 ~ Trad Gang.com ©