Armguard

[Fattony77]

I posted a question about string slap once on the "Form Forum," and Moebow posted a link to a thread where he went into great detail about the proper bow hand position. In the pictures he clearly demonstrates that the knuckles closest to the hand (or "punching" knuckles, if you will) should be at a 45 degree angle from the center line of the bow.

When I remember to do that, as well as have the elbow rotated in such a way that if I bend that arm the bow goes in FRONT of me horizontally and NOT up or down, I don't get slapped with the string.

That said, I recently bought another armguard because (all too often) I forget to do one of those things and slap the crap outta myself!

Moebow had the perfect analogy with the helmet statement. Or as they taught us in the Correctional Officer academy, regarding security equipment..."It's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it."

Sorry for the long post, but I hope it helps.

[Terry Lightle]

Only for sleeve control here

[Bowwild]

I always wear one.

[KenH]

If you wear it, you won't need it. If you needed it you won't have worn it.

[Rob DiStefano]

it's all about yer shooting form.  some require an armguard, some don't, there is no right or wrong, only necessity.  i've never needed an armguard but sometimes i do need to lace in a loose bow arm sleeve.

[Over&Under]

Originally posted by Rob DiStefano:
it's all about yer shooting form.  some require an armguard, some don't, there is no right or wrong, only necessity.  i've never needed an armguard but sometimes i do need to lace in a loose bow arm sleeve.

That hittin the nail on the head.

The only time I ear an armguard is when I hunt and have long sleeves on.

Bisch

[Cavscout9753]

I've never tried one. My bows are center cut and mostly not a problem. I've knicked myself a few times, but I just drive on. One less thing to keep track off. If I have long sleeves on I just slip a couple of my wife's hair ties on my arm, I always have a few hanging in my truck. I can see how some of the guys shooting some narrow shelfs need them though, that string is grazing right down their arms. I say try it, like mentioned - removing the mental worry could help cement very good form. Had a buddy who bought a wheelie bow slap his arm bad. Never picked that bow up again for fear of doing it. Turns out the bow was messed up. Gave him my old wheelie and it still took a while to not flinch-up at the shot.

[BRONZ]

I would add that if you're REALLY slapping, your stance may be too open and/or you're over-drawing.  I would be cautious to accept that really slapping your bow arm is acceptable. ... it could be negatively affecting arrow flight.