Newbie question on forward grip

[awbowman]

I'm pretty new at this trad thing.  Would someone explain me the pros and cons of a bow that has a "ghandle forward" riser?  They look funny, but I tend to shoot them better??????

Thanks

[CoilSpring]

Forward handles (because the pivot point at the hand/grip-area of the handle is in front of the working limbs) are inherently more difficult to torque (twist sideways) during your draw/shot/release, and therefore, are more forgiving of grip/hand-position on bow.  Try all types to see what shoots best for you, but others with more experience than me should chime in here...

[awbowman]

I am worried about the larger brace heights of these types of bows.

I come from a compound bow background.  I have a 26.5" draw with a compound and it has always been more efficient to increase the powerstroke, ie, lowest brace height.

Is it the same for trad bows?

I currently shoot a 58# @ 28" Black Widow SAG at about 25.5" DL.  It shoots hard, but teh forward handle bows seem to draw smoother and are easier for me to shoot.  I shoot a PSA and a TF better at the same draw weight.

[awbowman]

Anybody else.

[JRY309]

The forward handle design also aids in allowing a longer draw shooter to shoot a shorter bow.The brace height looks high in pictures but I brace my forward handle Griffin right at 7".I also had a Super Shrew 58" that I braced at 7" also.Now for a low brace height bow,I brace my HH Half Breed 66" right at 6 & 3/8".Some really short bows like in the 48" to 52" AMO length usally have a higher brace heights.I adjust my brace height until I hit the sweet spot I like.I too like lower brace heights on most of my bows.

[CoilSpring]

I come from a compound b/g, too, after I started with a stickbow as a kid. Now I'm back to trad.  Yes, a lower brace ht, increases powerstroke/speed all things being equal, but also makes the arrow hang longer on the string, which is less forgiving - that's one reason you shoot better with the forward handled + higher braced PSA/TF.  They may be a tad slower, but in the trad world, at average or lower draw wts, it's more about mass in the tip of the arrow (MOMENTUM upon impact of bone - as opposed to speed) for better penetration. Trad bows are simply limited to an almost-linear draw-force curve (line), unlike the compound's mountain-plateau d/f curve. The difference in speed b/t the forward vs reflexed handle or b/t the low/high brace isn't as significant as is accuracy and heavy arrow for taking down game.  I've learned the hard way here that accuracy trumps speed. Please use what you shoot best, the animal will experience the difference.  There are lower braced, forward handles, however, and these may just be what you're looking for.  Maybe some others of the Gang will offer some models they've shot...Come on guys... we need some more input.

[Friend]

For me, trad hunting is a 20 yard and under game except for turkeys then it is 15 yards and under.

Unless my site window is effected at 20 yards I take little notice. Takes ~100 grains difference in arrow wt to notice a difference at 20 yards provided the arrow is tuned properly.

Forward handles and brace height offer a little more forgiveness. Shooting traditional is a great fuflilling challenge and finding a match and developing your skills may be a long journey. Choose what shoots best and most enjoyable for you personally. Trad Bow personal matches are quite individualistic.

[awbowman]

I have a great belief in shooting heavy anything.  You are talking to a guy who shoots Louisiana deer with a 180 gr. Nosler Partition.  I want anything I shoot to bleed at both ends, read pass through.  I shoot about 10.2 gpp with an FOC of about 18 or 19% and like the smack I get.

I currently shoot a Black Widow SAG recurve, but have always loved the R/D longbows.  Looks like a Shrew, N.A.T. or Hoots bow is in my future.

[RainyDayBows]

Forward handle bows are my choice I find that I can shoot a better group with a black widow type bow. but then again this type bow is not for every one. shoot what shoots best for you.

[awbowman]

I shoot PSAs well, but don't want the bulk.  Prefer something streamlined, which is why I like R/D longbows with small grips, cut past center if I can get it.

Best bow I ever shot was a small grip Acadian Woods treestick.  Tim is looking for some "special" wood and veneers for me now.

[tg2nd]

They are more forgiving.