How exactly do you define "ASL"?

[Learner]

I understand that ASL typically stands for "American Semi Longbow", of which the Hill style is considered to be a primary example.

Can anyone explain what the "Semi" part refers to?  Why not just call it an "American Longbow" style.

Thank you in advance for your answers.

Best wishes,
Frank

[Kopper1013]

I believe a hill style and ASL are actually different hillvstyle is a true D style longbow with that fall under certain dimensions, while everything else from hybrids to reflex, string fallow or straight that when braced don't form a true D style?would be considered an ASL...... but I could be way wrong also that was just my understanding.

[David Mitchell]

The term American semi longbow was used to distinguish that style (which was also called a flat bow) from the English longbows that had deep cores that in cross section resembled a "D" (not talking about the shape when strung).  The rounded part of the D was the belly and the flat side was the back.

[Orion]

What David said.  Also, vis-a-vis the English longbow, the American semi-longbow was generally a bit shorter.i.e. semi-long by comparison.

[Crooked Stic]

Arm Shaking Longbow      

[Sirius Black]

Never any "shock" if held correctly. I think some don't want to watch Arne Moe's videos, because their opinion of the bow, and how to shoot it will change...    

I shoot according to the teaching of John Schulz and my longbows have minimal hand shock, a couple have less than an average recurve.   It does not always require a loose grab, "Get a hold of it and you will find that it will work fine for you." A bit of a bend in the bow arm helps, compared to a straight jammed bow arm, as far as the elbow is concerned.  The more difficult distinction is, when does an ASL become a flat limb?

[Yewbender]

No hand shock with any of my ASL's and i have 9 !!!

[jsweka]

Originally posted by David Mitchell:
The term American semi longbow was used to distinguish that style (which was also called a flat bow) from the English longbows that had deep cores that in cross section resembled a "D" (not talking about the shape when strung).  The rounded part of the D was the belly and the flat side was the back.

I like what David said regarding the "D" thing.  I'm kind of a stickler for correct definitions and it drives me nuts when people call the longbows I shoot "D" bows.  They are not.

Maybe the "semi" part came in because it is not quite an English longbow    

[Learner]

I had read somewhere that when Howard first started using the term, it was "American Semi-Indian Longbow".  I'm not certain if this is accurate.  But if so, then maybe it was eventually shortened to just "American Semi-Longbow".

Has anyone else here heard this explanation?

[Orion]

Nope.  And I have all of Hills books. He does define the term American Semi longbow.  

The following quote is from Hunting the Hard Way, p. 91.

"There are three distinct types of bows, the straight-end longbow, the short flat bow, and the composite or self recurve bow.  Besides these main types there are many bastard designs that may have some feature of one or all of the others.  Of all the varying designs and combinations of features there has been only one bow developed in modern times that makes a better hunting bow than the conventional English longbow, and that is the American semi-long bow.

"This modern type is not quite so long as its English prototype, but is a little wider and considerably flatter.  At that, the American semi-long is not so flat as the American Indian short bow, and many times bowers make the semi-long bow with recurved ends. However, the recurved ends make it too sensitive for a good hunting weapon."

[The Whittler]

I thought it was American Style longbow, oh well.

[Learner]

Originally posted by Orion:
Nope.  And I have all of Hills books. He does define the term American Semi longbow.  

The following quote is from Hunting the Hard Way, p. 91.

"There are three distinct types of bows, the straight-end longbow, the short flat bow, and the composite or self recurve bow.  Besides these main types there are many bastard designs that may have some feature of one or all of the others.  Of all the varying designs and combinations of features there has been only one bow developed in modern times that makes a better hunting bow than the conventional English longbow, and that is the American semi-long bow.

"This modern type is not quite so long as its English prototype, but is a little wider and considerably flatter.  At that, the American semi-long is not so flat as the American Indian short bow, and many times bowers make the semi-long bow with recurved ends. However, the recurved ends make it too sensitive for a good hunting weapon."

Thank you much, Orion.  I had read "Hunting the Hardway", but had forgotten that he defined it in there.

Best wisbes,
Frank