high wrist vs low wrist

[Sean B]

I've shot a high wrist grip recurve for about 20 years, shooting very tight groups. I've had some difficulty with my consistancy shooting longbows.  I recently bought a recurve with a low wrist grip.  I've found that I really need to concentrate and take my time when i shoot the low wrist.  I don't seem to shoot it as natrually as the high wrist. by switching off from the low grip to the high grip, will it cause me to be less accurate with the high grip?  Does anyone think that the low grip is the reason for the inconsistancy? Thanks

[moebow]

Sean,

Grip style and hand position are really personal choices.  I would suggest that the high wrist is physically weaker than a low wrist.  Think about doing pushups.  If you were to do them on your knuckles with a straight wrist, you have the added stress of keeping your wrist straight.  If you do the pushups on flat hands (palms flat on the floor) you take the instability of the wrist out of the equation.

Since you have shot and gotten used to the high wrist, you are used to it and the low wrist feels strange and you are not confident with it.  IF you are looking to change your grip, take a look at a thread here on the "shooter's form forum" called "grip question." (do a search and it'll come up)  I posted some pictures of a grip that will work for any style bow grip.  This grip CAN allow the shooter to shoot any style or contour bow grip without worrying about whether it is high or low.

I'd also suggest that the high wrist grip tries to place the pivot point of the bow and the pressure point at the same place in your hand (the web between your thumb and index finger.  Most bows have the pressure point designed to be below the pivot point and this is especially true for straight grip longbows (think Hill style bows).

As with ANY shooting style change, just trying it during one shooting session will NOT give you a fair idea of whether it is a good change or not.  You have to stay with it for a good while.

[Sean B]

Thanks Moebow;  the pictues were helpful. when i show my shot down, i shoot as well as a highgrip.  also i seem to be gripping the lowwrist a little too tight, and may be touquing the bow.

[mahantango]

As usual moebow is right on. A low wrist is a much stronger, stable and more repeatable shooting position.

[kbetts]

I started with a high wrist and now prefer a low.  In fact, I can't stand high wrist anymore.  Low is most definitely stronger.  I'm a small guy and shoot 60# bows all the time (and yes, I come to full draw).  I would not be nearly as consistent if I changed grips.

[Sean B]

im starting to tighten my groups with the low wrist.  its not effecting my consistancy with my high wrist bows.  the bow with the low wrist is a Morrison Chyenne with an A riser.  it fills my hand nicely & i really like the way it feels.

[see]

Does draw length change between the two style grips and how bout a med grip?

[see]

Does draw length change between the two style grips and how bout a med grip?