split finger pain

[vermontrad]

So, my bow shoots whisper quiet shooting split finger, even with no string silencers, I would rather do that. BUT. When I shoot split my index finger, along the inside edge of the nail, that bit of skin right next to it (the nail) feels like sand paper skids across it at 300fps! Becomes insanely tender and has even gotten a blood blister there. I where finger stalls, have tried a few different ones and it happens with all of 'em. Is there a solution? Keep shooting, endure the pain, till the area turns to a stone callous? And why is my bow SOOO much quieter split finger anyway?

[Starkman]

Bryan,
I'll be watching this thread closely.  I'd like to know the same thing (why split is so much quieter than 3 under).
Bob

[joebuck]

I had the same thing back in 1988 when I started shooting traditional....i fixed it in one shot....................currious..............it's so simple......................ok..............here it is.............take you index finger off the string!!!!!!!!..........think about it..you don't need it. It's not there when you shoot 3 under?!... The way to do it is slowing straighten out your index as you draw the bow. Mine just barley touches it at full draw. it's not a factor...and quess what..it's a more accurate string grip too because less torque on the string..  good luck and let me know if you need pics.. if you can't pull bow back with 2 fingers...it might be too heavy IMO

[Orion]

Are you using a metal nock point?  Could be cutting/abrading your finger with it.  How long is your bow and draw length?  If you shooting a very short bow and/or if you have a very long draw length, the acute string angle might be forcing your index finger into the nock -- extreme finger pinch.  Don't know why the bow would be quieter.  Perhaps you're getting a better release despite the pain.

[2Blade]

This is interesting ive never had this problem even when shooting bare fingers. Id suggest dropping the index finger like most wheel shooters do with the ring finger just let it lightly touch the string and keep most the pressure on your ring and middle finger see how that feels.

[jhansen]

Are you using a deep hook?  When I started I tried to keep the string on the pads of my fingers and had the same problem.  Now I let the string ride in the first crease and my finger hasn't hurt in years.  Well, not from shooting a bow anyway.  I whacked the dickens out of it the other day with a hammer but that's another story.

John

[bowmofo]

Try a Superglove! I forgot mine one day,so i borrowed another brand "man" I don't miss that!
Mike

[vermontrad]

jhanson, The deep hook helps, it takes longer for the discomfort to set in, I also shoot more consistently with it. Dropping the index finger just feels weird, might as well be 3 under. bowmofo, what's the super glove and where do I get one?

Thanks for the ideas everyone!

[tamure]

I had the exact same problem, blood blister and all. I now have a serious callous there, even though I got a Superglove, switched to three under, and use a deep hook. I can only figure that, even shooting three under, the pressure of squeezing the two fingers together maintains the callous. One other thing to check is to make sure there isn't a seam of your glove rubbing against your finger.

A Superglove is a full-palmed glove with Cordovan fingertips. I got mine at  www.alaskabowhunting.com

My understanding about the noise is that most bows are louder shooting three under because they are tillered to be shot split. Three under changes the relative pull on the limbs, so it "throws it out of balance" so to speak. My Pronghorn, for example, has a pronounced noise when I shoot it three under, and is noticeably quieter when shot split.

[vermontrad]

Well, I think the problem has been solved! A deep hook (thanks jhansen) has helped, maybe even more so with my release, a tighter fitting glove (HH with longer stalls) and the thing that really clinched it was changing anchor and shorting my draw by an inch. I now draw 28" and anchor my index finger at the front of my cheek with a second reference at an upper tooth. NO finger pain or even a hint of discomfort. Shortening my arrows cured some flight problems as well but thats another story. Thanks for all the input...

[longstick]

A deep hook does help for sure but after a while of constant shooting mines starts to pain me so I have reverted back to the Cavalier Tab..I need my consistency and switching back and forth just messes me ALL up

[slow walker]

I had the very same problem on the inside of my index finger.  Finally build a "custom" tab out of thin cordovan with "flaps" to protect the sensitive areas.  This imo is what trad is all about....making/finding gear that works for  you.  Best Wishes.