Grip

[Rogue Hammer]

I hope that I can make this clear. I switch back and forth between my recurves and longbow, I really want to shoot the longbow as well as the recurve but it's not happening. I have read on here about letting the longbow rest more in the palm of your hand, and my groups tighten up when I can force myself to do this.
Can I change the handle on the bow to give me more palm contact (straight handle now) or would I be better off looking for a hybrid type longbow that would mimic the recurve style handles?

[cbCrow]

I recently bought a hybrid and found that the handle felt just like a recurve to me. This is causing me some problems as I shoot a longbow with a locator grip very well while with the hybrid not as good as wanted. You can change the grip on the longbow but am doutful you will get the desired results. I would suggest that you look at some hybrids and try them. They may be your answer. Good luck.

[Wapiti Bowman]

Without seeing the grip on your recurve, I'm going to assume, that like many, its shape doesn't allow anything but a high to medium high wrist grip. This places the pivot point of the bow, i.e., the vertical axis, the arrow contact point on the rest or shelf and the web of your hand, all in line, and helps prevent torquing the bow with your bow hand.

The long bow, on the other hand, generally has a straight grip, (Hill style) or a slight locator grip, small indent at the top of a relatively straight grip, which, I believe, puts the vertical axis of the LB slightly forward of your grip contact point, and makes using a "high/med high" wrist grip difficult, as well as requiring great care not to torque. So, as you stated, you have to let the LB grip, seat in the meaty portion of your hand at the base of your thumb with a very low wrist, i.e., palm near vertical.

Switching back and forth can pose a real challenge, as you've discovered, as a totally different grip is required for each bow type. As mentioned by cb above, a hybrid, like a Martin Bamboo Viper, or Martin Venom, has a grip nearer to your recurve. If you have a Martin dealer nearby, you might give one a try. But, be aware that not all 'hybrids' have "recurve style" grips.

Have Fun!

[PASSTHRU2]

I agree with Wapiti.  I mostly shoot self bows and bought a hybrid longbow (recurve style grip). I had the same problems your having.  I sold the hybrid and bought a Hill long bow which is basically the same as a self bow. I can switch between the two with no problem.

[Rogue Hammer]

Thanks guys, was shooting tonight and @ 22 yards I can put 4 arrows in a 4 inch circle if I concentrate on keeping the heel of my hand down. It feels like I am short drawing or forceing more bend in my arm @ full draw. Is this normal?
I don't have alot of articulation in my wrist anymore so that may also become a problem.

[PEARL DRUMS]

I lose 1" of draw on my straight handled Bushbow, a low wrist will generally shorten you up some. If you alllow yourself to get used to a straight grip I would be willing to bet you fall in love with it. Just a hunch......

[Wapiti Bowman]

I don't have alot of articulation in my wrist anymore so that may also become a problem.

That really shouldn't matter as long as your wrist is relaxed so that the grip is seated with its left edge aligned with your life line,(RH shooter) and the draw wt is supported by the bones in your arm, not the muscles in your lower arm and wrist.IMHO