Grip Confusion???

[Stealth Man]

It seems that the biggest obstacle I have to consistency is my grip.  I have a recurve and a long bow with a locator grip.  Many say one should not switch back and forth between the two.  I; however,  cannot make a decision which is best for me to continue practicing with. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[TSP]

Depends on the individual but for me longbows with pronounced locator grips can be shot pretty much like a recurve...with the pressure mostly into the web of the hand and less heel pressure.  Many 'longbows' made today are really just recurve risers with longbow limbs so its not an issue.  It's when the grip is straighter (very mild locator, dished, totally straight) that the bow responds better with a heel-down/hand contact around or from the side approach.  As Howard Hill used to say, a 'get ahold of it' grip.  

So if your longbow has a deep locator I wouldn't worry too much about switching back and forth.  If not, just let the bow itself tell you how best to hold it.  Straighter wrist and web-INTO-the-grip for the deeper locators, more heel-down and palm-AROUND-the-grip for Hill-style.  

There's a thread in this forum about canting that has more discussion about grips and effects on alignment.  You can also check out past threads from Terry G. on alignment (very good pics there)...and some of those pics show the grips pretty well.

[Stealth Man]

I appreciate your answer.  Do you know where that thread is?

[TSP]

"Terry's Form Clock' is near the top of the Shooter's Forum page (this forum)...and page 2 of that thread has a sketch, a photo of Terry and a photo of Byron Ferguson that show some of the differences between a deep locator (straight wrist)and a more shallow locator (heel down) style.  Byron's bow is actually a deeper locator than most Hill style bows, but he still uses the heel-down grip that is typical with straight-grip bows.  

If you can find an experienced local shooter who knows both styles it would be worthwhile to ask his/her advice.  There's nothing like hands-on tutoring to make the lightbulb go on for this kind of thing.

[Stealth Man]

Thanks TSP.  A great thread!