Opinions on string follow asl smoothness

[Tom0728]

I've been thinking about dropping a little poundage and getting another asl. Looking to have a comfy, smooth drawing lighter bow. Anybody that shoots a string follow recommended it?

[Buggs]

It's what I prefer to shoot. Don't know that I would recommend it, unless of course thats what you prefer. But you won't know till you get your hands on one, if you like it or not.  They can be smooth shooting, depending on the build. Of course even a bow that should be "smooth" can be a slug if not constructed and tillered properly.

[Steelhead]

The draw will not have as much tension on the begining of the draw.Starts out easy.I like that vs bows with alot of preload personally.

Should be plenty smooth.Just dont get too short of bow.Longer will be better in my opinion.

String follow ASLs have many fans.Thier pleasant to shoot,stable and very quiet.

[Orion]

I prefer string follow over set back limbs on an ASL.  Gentler in the hand at release, close enough in speed that I can't tell the difference.  However, the draw force curve is different, as Steelhead points out.  The fact that it starts with less tension on the string means that it has to build it faster during the draw, stiffening up faster toward the end of the draw.  A lot of folks don't like this "stacking" effect and don't find it as smooth as a backset ASL.  However, the lower early tension seems to enable the shooter to get his muscles/skeleton in better alignment to handle the heavier weight toward the end, which for me makes it more pleasant to shoot. 

[fmscan]

Love my Mist Ramer, Reverse Handle and String Follow - so smooth and no torque....

[Sam McMichael]

I have 2 string follow ASL bows. Both are the Shelton model from Northern Mist. Both are 68" long and pull 53# at 28" draw. One is bamboo and the other is yew. I really like them, and they are what I shoot the most. I think the string follow will suit you well.

[Tom0728]

You all make they draw cycle sounds like its just what I want. I shoot heavy arrows and don't care about speed. I've got asl bows with backseat but I think I'm now convinced I need to give a string follow a try. Thanks!

[oldsledfoot]

Nice discussion .

Thanks all .

[dbow]

Love my Mist Ramer, Reverse Handle and String Follow - so smooth and no torque....

Can you explain to me the reverse handle and string follow?  Is the reverse handle for left handed shooter?

[Tom0728]

Reverse handle i think is to put the leverage point ahead of the limbs to reduce torque. Thats my understanding anyway, I may be incorrect.  But it can definitely be either draw. That im sure of

[MnFn]

Reverse handle is the third from the left, and can be made right or left handed, if I understand your question correctly.  The fourth bow from the left is string follow. The limbs point back towards the shooter when unstrung.

[MnFn]

Another reverse handle. A Northern Mist Ramer.

[dbow]

Thanks for the explanation.  Is there a benefit to reverse or string follow or is it all about feel?

[MnFn]

There are some differences to both. Orion and Steelhead described them pretty well. I personally think it’s more of a subtle thing as I shoot both equally well.

I probably like the string-follow the best. For instance, I think the Northern Mist Shelton is one of the very best bows ever made, and regret selling mine to a good friend. But, he was new to traditional archery and I wanted him to get off on the right foot.

Actually,  I laid out three of my best bows and let him try each one. A three piece takedown (Tall Tines Stickflinger) the Shelton, and a JD Berry Morning Star.  He chose the Shelton.

[TSP]

In the end it really does come down to personal preference.  I've owned both string follow and setback Hills and prefer the latter for their firmer draw and 'zippier' release.  It might be best to try both designs before buying, just to be sure of what you like/want.