Newbie question on grips

[awbowman]

I am a newbie and have learned a lot in the six months I have been shooting a traditional bow.  But I am unclear of one thing....

Please explain to me the reasons for low/medium/high grips and what "usually" goes with the longbow and recurve?

Thanks

[TDHunter]

it's just about comfort, fit and personal preference

[awbowman]

I thought it had to do with better shooting also?

[moebow]

Not to be flip awbowman, but "comfort, fit and personal preference"  are what leads to better shooting.  Find which you like and have at it.

[awbowman]

Thanks

A Hill style longbow can have from a straight grip to a modified locator grip. they are much lower than most hybrid or recurve grips.  the R/D longbows tend to have grips that are lower than recurves, but not always.  A straight grip or very low grip will let one keep more of a bent bow arm, while a high grip prefers a straighter bow arm.  the argument on that point is one of flexibilty and the ability to take more varied shots while hunting, versus a tighter straighter form which can help one shoot recurves better at still targets.  there is a lot of wiggle room in between these ends.

[Jim Wright]

I find the lower grip spreads the resistance across the heel of your hand, centering with the bone in your forearm and taking the stress off your wrist. Some shooters find the higher grip often found on recurves an advantage in the straight arm that it requires by forcing the bottom of your hand down and back but personally I dislike the stress it puts on the upper side of your wrist, especially with heavier bows.

[Jim Wright]

Should have added per your question, almost always Hill style or "D bow" long bows will have a low grip, deflex/reflex or hybrid long bows will have medium to low medium grips and recurves, while usually found with higher grips can be had with the medium to low medium grips as well.

[CoilSpring]

On my recurve whether or not it has a deep grip or shallow grip, I grip them all with a high wrist, using only the thumb and 1st finger to hold lightly.  It's more comfortable for me, puts wrist bones in-line with hand bones (more stable) and lengthens my draw length slightly, too, but this will add a pound or so of wt to what you hold. My palm doesn't touch the bow, so there's no torquing the handle.  Practice serveral different ways and see what is more consistent for you. Everyone's anatomy is slightly different, and most bow handles are, too.