Fixed Crawl

[coachA]

I have recently change to a Fixed crawl method of shooting. I curious to here from other archers that have used this method. What kid of problems did you run into? I really just want to hear from people that have either tried it or are using it right now.

[longbow fanatic 1]

I use FC for hunting and string walking for 3-d season. I've found the fc is extremely accurate for hunting situations. For me, having the ability to place the tip of the arrow exactly where I want it to impact is very beneficial. For example, if you have a 20y point on, perhaps at 10 yards you hold 6" low or 25y, you hold 6" high.

The negatives of this type of aiming system is that you will notice the bow becomes louder when you crawl down the string. Some people don't like that and avoid fc because of this increased noise. Another negative is that if you're the kind of archer who uses the arrow feather to touch your nose as a draw length check, you will not be able to do so with a fc. Besides the previously mentions negatives to fc, I feel the benefits outweigh the negatives.

For archers who like to aim, as I do, the only other system I've found that I could possibly use would be gapping with a full length arrow and a really high string nock, so my point on would be somewhere around 25 yards. Using this approach quiets the bow down, however, there are arrow detuning issues associated with such a high nock position. I guess there are always trade offs with these aiming systems.

[McDave]

I tried it for a while, like I tend to try every other new thing that comes down the pike.  It has advantages, as Dennis points out.  The main disadvantage for me is that it would disqualify me from shooting in the trad division of the tournaments I like to shoot in.  So I tried using multiple anchors instead, which would be allowed.  However, I got tired of trying to remember which anchor I should be using for which shot.  I find the fixed crawl to be a little touchy if the bow is canted, sort of an extreme version of your hand grip being below the arrow.  Plus I like the feather to nose anchor.  So, I went back to my original anchor.  But I enjoyed the journey!

[KeganM]

Tried it and found it worked well with a flatter shooting arrow (small gaps, all reasonably similar), but I was constantly hitting my glasses with the nock so I'm going back to regular three under and a heavier arrow.

If it didn't bother my glasses I would stick with it. That's the only downside for me (besides competition). Everything else was just a matter of getting used to it and/or practice.

[coachA]

I am currently shooting a Fixed crawl with an ILF bow. Do any of you have an idea of what the tillering should be for a fixed crawl?

[McDave]

The first thing you have to decide is whether you want your bow to be tillered for the normal string nock or the fixed crawl nock, because you can't tiller for both, other than change the tiller back and forth when you switch.  Gripping the string at the fixed crawl nock is sort of an exaggerated 3 under grip, so I would guess tillering for it would be an extension of tillering for 3 under.  Normally, tillering for 3 under involves changing the tiller in a negative direction; for example, if the tiller for split fingers is + 3/16, the tiller for 3 under might be zero.

I've never tried to tiller a bow for the crawl, but extending the tillering required for 3 under, I suppose the tiller might end up negative.  You would test this by shooting a bare shaft at different tillers until you can get level flight at some acceptable nock point, like 3/8 or 1/2".  I'm not sure your ILF bow has that range of adjustment, but you can try.

People who regularly string walk clearly are not tuning/tillering at all the positions where they move their fingers, but I guess once they learn how to string walk, they are accurate enough that they don't worry about it.

[Chris Iversen]

If you haven't already seen this video, it's a really good one that focuses on the fixed crawl as well as other aspects of traditional shooting and equipment. It is called "The Push." Pretty long (feature film length), but worth it. I'm not sold on fixed crawl for myself, at the moment, but it really explains a lot.

 

[highlow]

I tried the FC after watching The Push. I also wear glasses but have never had a problem because of that. It fits me perfectly. I find it eliminates so many variables in the hunting situations in which I find myself, those being whitetails from tree stands. My point on is 20 yds. and as lb1 said, the tip of my arrow doesn't ever leave the vitals, either high or low depending on the distances from 10 to 25 yds. Don't give up on it without an honest effort. I really don't know why more don't use this system.
And yes, your bow will be louder but it can be quieted with proper silencing.
It will also expose any and all release deficiencies, so be prepared.

[katman]

Coach. On my ilf rig i run 2mm negative tiller. Even tiller also works but needs a higher nock point.

Also I tune my whitetail rig for a 25yd point on and a slight high nock point as it allows for a shorter crawl and quieter bow. After a while the gaps for shorter or longer ranges become almost automatic. It can be a very accurate way to shoot if your form is solid and repeatable.

[coachA]

Thanks guys! I truly appreciate it.

[Ranbro]

I have a question. This is my first post as I just joined. I've been reading a ton and want to switch from instinctive to FC.  I watched the Push and jumped in. I am getting the loudest "clank" upon release.  My arrows are great shooting instinctive (split finger), but loud with 3 under FC.  From what I've read, moving my knock point up can help this possibly?  I swear there is a post dedicated to this but can't find it.  I don't want to waste anybody's time so if there is another post already maybe just post it if you have time? And thanks so much, I started shooting traditional equipment about 3 years ago and you guys have been so helpful even though I haven't been a member until today.  I'm hoping this is the year I switch from my training wheels.  Thanks again!

[YosemiteSam]

I tiller my selfbows even and they sometimes end up a little negative after shooting them for a few weeks.  A fixed crawl quiets them down & straightens the arrow out quite a bit.  For my hunting recurve, I've tried it but still prefer to just have a heavy arrow & a small gap.  My left-handed rig is currently setup with some lighter woodies on a fixed crawl (really just a high nocking point) and it's fun to just point & shoot those fast arrows.  But I don't hunt with that setup.

[tracker12]

I use a fixed crawl on my ILF rigs that I almost exclusively hunt with these days.  I am using an even tiller and have great arrow flight as set.  I do find my bow is quieter with a deep hook with most press on my index finger.

[no]

I shoot like tracker 2, but use a 2 finger release.  Mike

[the rifleman]

I use a very high anchor w 3 under and am pt on at 20, 6" high at 15 and 4" low at 25.  I am 12" low at 30.  Today i discovered that if i lowered my anchor to under jaw i am pt on at 30.  Should work for 3d as weve had lots of 30+ targets this year.  I believe this is facewalking...