A question regarding ASLs and the "thump"

[madmaxthc]

Hello, TradGangers,

As mentioned in another topic, I have recently come back to shooting traditional after a break of over two years.

I am currently shooting a 63# NM Baraga; I hold it with a full hand and bent elbow. The arrow weight is just over 10gr/pound.

I do keep my elbow bent, but if I bend it a bit less for a couple of shots, that is enough for ending the training with a bit of a sore joint.
I have increased the brace height from ~7 & 1/4"  to 7 & 3/4" and the shooting is quite pleasant now. However, the bow has developed a "thump", which is pretty consistent, and I don't think is due to sloppy release. It was silent at 7&1/4". I already have silencers on.

I read on this forum of the ASL "thump" several times, so I was wondering if I should let it be, or rather search the cause in my form. Also, how do deer react to that?

Best,
Max

[Gordon Jabben]

I don't know the answer but all ASL's have a bit of a kick but some are more than others.  My elbow gave me fits when I got my first ASL back in the early 80's.  It got so bad I couldn't lift things out of the bed of my truck or similar task without a lot of pain.  I started bending my elbow a little and it took a month or so for the pain to stop but it has never returned even though I shoot some longbows that kick quite a bit although I don't notice it.

[flint kemper]

A Baraga is a deflex/reflex bow shouldn’t be much thump at all. Maybe call Steve Turay the bowyer and he can get you straightened out.

[Baylee]

The Baraga is not an ASL.

The thump  associated  with ASLs are mostly over exaggerated. If you keep the bow arm bent don’t shoot really light arrows there should be no thump or handshock to speak of.

Poor designed ASLs will sometimes be poorly timed and that causes thump and handshock. But a well made ASL should not be uncomfortable to shoot.

I have shot a Baraga and it was rough as a cob. Steve should stick to building ASLs. My advice sell the Baraga, it’s a pretend longbow. Get a good ASL and be done with it. 

[Alexander Traditional]

I almost went with a Baraga,but went another route. If you go to you tube there is a guy on there that used to post here a bunch. He loves the Baraga,and has two of them that are exactly the same. If you punch in Northern Mist Baraga it will come up. I think it's Traditional Archery pod cast. I think his name is Jason Sancovaia or something like that. When he shoots that bow it's quiet and he hits where he is aiming.

[Baylee]

The guys name is Jason Samkoviak and he now shoots a Northern Mist ASL and has sold the Baragas, fyi

[Flem]

I'm with Baylee, the thump is campfire lore these days. Unless the bow was constructed or tillered improperly and you employ the traditional swing draw, rather than a squared up target style (locked elbow), shooting should be fluid and painless.

[MnFn]

I’ve had a half dozen or so asl’s. Only one had noticeable hand shock or thump, and that one was 60# and made in the early 1990s.

[PrimitivePete]

The thump is a matter of perception for most bows, there are exceptions to every rule but I find if I don’t focus on the thump, it’s not a big deal

[madmaxthc]

Thank you everyone for your feedback.

Maybe I am still rusty, and still need to refine my form and my ear 😅 I watched the Traditional Bowhunting And Wilderness Podcast video, and his Baraga did not seem any more silent than mine.

I'll keep training, and messing with the brace height, and take it from there 🙂👍

Best,
Max

[Ken E.]

As stated in the other post. String material makes a difference. 

[Steelhead]

If you do have a sore elbow joint a thump will feel greatly exaggerated by the pain you experience compared to if you do not have a sensitive or painful elbow.Something to consider as far as whats called handshock typically.It will travel up the arm and you feel it in the elbow if thiers a problem thier.