who shoots split?

[Cavscout9753]

I shoot split (to include my Hill style Vixen). One single nock crimp above arrow. I shoot split mainly because I always have and I feel more in control of the arrow but thats just me. I did try 3 under and while I was consistent with it my shot was always low. Switching to Hill style I shot low at first due to the arrow rest being so close to my hand, but I quickly adapted to that. The 3U thing I did not adapt to. Additionally, 3U was loud to me. I like quiet - my arrow wont outrun an animal ducking it so silence is my best friend. There's merit to the arrow being close to your eye, but it isn't for me.

[Stumpkiller]

I shoot split because, as many others have said, that's how I learned.  

I also like a speed/Mercury/non-snap arrow nock (anchored below the string nock point) for speed, silent string release and consistency and you can't control one with three under.

[njloco]

Split, because back in 1957, that's how the indians did it on TV, or at least that's what I saw.

[huntnmuleys]

I shoot split because it seems comfy.  no other reason I guess.

[LESKEN2011]

I shot split when I was a kid, but when I took an archery class in college the instructor recommended 3 under which I learned to shoot very well. In the 90s I went to shoot at the Texas Longbow Championships and they required split finger. I trained myself to shoot split for the tournament and never went back. When I shot 3 under I nocked under the nock point. Now I shoot over the nock point.

[coldwinterlake]

I used to shoot 3U for over a year. I got really good with it when I shot my 68" longbows. Now when I primarily shoot recurves I found out that tuning and bow silencing is MUCH easier with split. It took me 2 days to get comfortable with the change so not so big deal after all. First 50 shots were ankward but now it feels like I had always shot split. Even with long recurves like 62" Martin Hunter the noise was almost impossible to eliminate 3U style

[snowplow]

Anyone have any idea why 3 under makes so much noise?

Isn't noise an indication that it is not as smooth of a release?

[hitman]

I shoot split because it feels solid at my anchor.

[NBK]

Originally posted by snowplow:
Anyone have any idea why 3 under makes so much noise?

Isn't noise an indication that it is not as smooth of a release?

Limb timing.  That's why some bows are tillered for three under.
I shoot split mainly for the noise factor.  (shot the buck in my avatar 3 under, so it's likely not much of a factor!).

[todd smith]

Technically I shoot 2-fingers under because my lazy index finger lifts itself off the string as I draw.

I nock under because since my arrow nock is about 1/2" above the 90 degree line of my string, I figure it would be easy for an arrow nock, unless it was a too tight of a fit, would have a tendency to slide up my string if I nocked my arrows on top of the nocking point.

Works for me...  

[snowplow]

I am really similar to you Todd Smith. My finger lays against the string but does almost nothing. I actually cut the index finger off my favorite glove to try but it was too much. I settled with it being cut back about 1/2-3/4 from the tip. That  gives me just a tiny bit of protection and I still get to use my pointer finger.

[coldwinterlake]

"Anyone have any idea why 3 under makes so much noise?"


It's the limb timing as Mike already said. I could almost hear two separate snaps when shooting 3U with RC. Maybe my form wasn't perfect but for me it made a huge difference when I placed one finger over the arrow nock. Also the nock seems to stay in place better in full draw when it's between two drawing fingers.

[cch]

I shoot 3 under because I am a lot more accurate. When I switched from split to 3 under my scores jump up a bunch. The only shot I can't make shooting this way is with a severe reverse can't like shooting on my back. Also if you watch a lot of split shooters you will see that they put a bend in the arrow from finger pinch. Especially with a shorter bow.

I also shoot with a tab as it has less surface on the string an I get a cleaner release.

[DarrinG]

I actually started out 3 under and with my current bow I switched to split. My bow was just super noisy with 3 under and my arrow flight was fishtailing bad, even with varying spines. Out of desperation I tried split finger and like magic, the noise went w-a-y down and the arrows that I couldnt get to fly worth a darn suddenly started flying like lazers. Took me most of the summer to get in the "groove" of shooting split, but now it's like 2nd nature.