Do you have a 56" Bob Lee Hunter T/D Recurve?

[twostrings]

I hope all is well with my fellow Bob Lee Shooters!

I have been having issues getting my arrows to tune. They keep bumping the outside of the shelf upon release. If you have the bow that I have (56" Bob Lee Hunter T/D Recurve), I would love to hear your set up. Specifically, your draw weight and length, brace height, nock height, type arrow, length of arrow, point weight, and (if you know it) total arrow weight. I understand that each shooter is different and so what works for you may not work for me, but I would love to estimate a good starting point in order to work this problem out.

Also, if you have any ideas as to what my problem could be, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks in advance,
Twostrings

[Ryan Sanpei]

Lbs     53# @ 25.5"
Brace   7 1/4" - 7 3/8"
Nock    5/8" above center
        Double nock point
Arrow   .500 spine axis
Point   175gr
Insert  16gr
Sleeve  15gr
Arrow   455gr  27" from throat to end of shaft  

I shoot the bow three under.

I would need more info on your set up to give suggestions.  Could be shooting form, arrow spine, nock point. Not sure what you mean by outside of self?

[twostrings]

Thanks S2.

We are pretty similar in setup.

My bow is 57lbs @ 27"
My brace is identical to yours
My nock is 1/2' above center
I have a double nocking point also
Easton Full Metal Jacket, 400
125gr point
16gr insert
I am not sure as to my total arrow weight, but it is rather heavy due to weight tubes.

What I meant about bumping the shelf: When I fire, my arrow is making contact with the shelf before it leaves on the outer edge. Sometimes this hits the leather shelf material, other times  it hits the actual shelf.

Thanks

[Ryan Sanpei]

Seems like you have a nock high or low issue if I understand you correctly?  

You could try a few things.

Make sure that there is some space between your string nocks and arrow nock, if you shoot three under.  

Raise your nock point a little more.  
Also keep in mind that the way the shelf is cut, the arrow sits more towards the front of the shelf, which gives the arrow way less clearance as it leaves the bow.

Sometimes the type of pressure applied on either hand will affect fight too.  I love the grip on my BL but it did take a few shooting session to get used too.  I also try to pay attention to my release hand, sometimes if I have too much pressure on a certian finger it throws off my arrow flight.

The shelf on my BL is a little lower in terms of "dead center" of the bow.  I've found that by using an elevated rest or higher nock point compliments the lower shelf in terms of dead center for a shooter like me.  Like you said everyone shoots a little different, so what will affect one may not affect another.  

If these things don't work, let me know and add a few more things.

Don't give up, sometimes it's just the transition to a new bow.  I've had similar issues, but now I can group my broadhead arrows, feild tip arrows, and bare shaft arrows all together at 25yds.

Ryan

[trad_bowhunter1965]

Originally posted by twostrings:
Thanks S2.

We are pretty similar in setup.

My bow is 57 lbs @ 27"
My brace is identical to yours
My nock is 1/2' above center
I have a double nocking point also
Easton Full Metal Jacket, 400
125gr point
16gr insert
I am not sure as to my total arrow weight, but it is rather heavy due to weight tubes.

What I meant about bumping the shelf: When I fire, my arrow is making contact with the shelf before it leaves on the outer edge. Sometimes this hits the leather shelf material, other times  it hits the actual shelf.

Thanks

I shoot a Bob Lee at 57# at 28" I draw 27" and my arrows are Easton Axis 500 @ 29" with a 100 gr brass insert and my points are a 160 gr,I think your arrows might be over spined.

[northener]

My first thought would be, form issues showing up on the shorter length bow. The shorter the bow the less forgiving they are, hand torgue on the riser and a not so smooth release will show up quicker here.

That said, I have signs of arrow contact in the same place as you describe on my Red Wing Hunter and Falcon. Shoot, come to think of it, I have it on my Wes Wallace Mentor and Royal long bow as well.  I shoot a lot though, and expect a little contact from time to time. I beleive it is just some feather contact but my feathers show no signs of eccesive contact and I never have to replace them because of the contact.

I shoot 2016 and 2018  31" long w/125 grn heads. My draw is 30" long and most of my bows are right around the 50 lb mark at my draw length. These arrows, at least to my eyes fly really good, even with broadheads. Another note; I shoot with 4- 5" feathers, 60-120 degree.

I hope this helps a little,  Good Luck

[trapperDave]

I too think youre overspined. try heavier points and bump your nock up a bit.

[bttsj1]

I had the same issues with my lee.  I shoot a 58" td recurve.  At my draw length I'm pulling 59lbs.  I actually had worn through the finish before I noticed the problem.  I bareshaft tuned the bow and my arrows were way to stiff.  I would suggest you bareshaft tune your bow.

[twostrings]

Guys, I believe your advice will help quite a bit. I will try it all...one step at a time of course to see if it is any one thing.

I really do appreciate you being willing to help me out with your experience. I love how the trad community is more selfless than most other communities.

If anyone else has any other thoughts, or one of you who have already replied thinks of something else, feel free to voice your thoughts. I am all ears.

Twostrings

[ozy clint]

funny, i noticed a wear spot on my lee where you describe. i get great flight though. might strip a shaft bare and try it to satisfy my own curiousity.

[twostrings]

Ozy, that is interesting. I would love to hear what you find. It is encouraging to hear that you have great flight. I have always heard that archers paradox clears the bow, but both of my trad bows have contacted the shelf...it must be "user error".