Formaster in action

[onesharpbroadhead]

A while back I was told about a product called a "formaster" by an Olympic Archer in another forum. I could not visualize what it did or how it worked and could not find any video's of it on the net. I ended up purchasing it and believe it is an awesome aid to our form.
I made a short video of me using it so that others who might be interested can see what it is and what it does.

   

Excuse the cheap camera and unrehearsed dialogue (and the ugly guy demonstrating it) - but i think you can get an idea how this thing works and how much it could possibly help new and experienced archers alike.

The only place that I know of that carries this is Lancaster Archery Supply at this time.

[Hardhed]

That's a great video - Thanks

[pseman]

Great demo video. I watched it last night and can see how it could be a great practice tool. Thanks.

[onesharpbroadhead]

No problem - I was hesitant to buy it - a  member of the 2004 US Olympic Team recommended it to me on the *********** - but I could not grasp what it did - I searched the net for a video of someone using one and could not find one - I bought it - and loved it - and then tried getting other guys to try it - and the same problem - they could not fully grasp what it did without seeing someone using it - so I decided to make a quick video of me using it - and that was it.

Hope it helps other archers as much as it does me.

[McDave]

That's basically the problem I had.  I couldn't visualize how it would work one way if you had back tension and another way if you didn't, but your video does a good job of explaining that.  I suppose I'll find out for myself pretty soon in Rod's class, if he has one there.

Interesting that you would think you needed it.  Most of us who have been shooting for a while probably feel like we have good back tension, and I know you've been shooting longer, or at least at a higher level, than I have.  Did it tell you anything about your own back tension?

[onesharpbroadhead]

My back tension was pretty good - but it told me a great deal about the muscles in my bow arm - when I first started using that my bow arm would move quite a bit - but now I have much greater control over the bow arm and it barely moves - someday I hope to have no movement at all.

It also helped me to realize that follow through is not just in the bow arm - but also in the release - and I now follow through with my releaase and allow my release hand to fly back - in immitation of Olympic archers releases.

[SHOOTO8S]

Good vid clip!
I've been using a formaster for several years and they definitely make you a better shooter in short order.
 The Formaster also works well when adjusted where you can't get purchase on the string with the drawing fingers to learn or reinforce drawing the bow with back muscles vs using the arm.

[cjgregory]

I had some back tension so I didn't collapse the first time I used it.  I was just not isolating them enough.  It really helped with maintaining back tension and just relaxing my hand for a release.  

My weekness is just like broadhead's.  My bow arm.  Once my back is locked I can hold a 60# bow for over a minute with no problem.  Its my bow arm that starts loosing it rather quickly.

[onesharpbroadhead]

I hope that the video encourages more guys to buy one - it is an awesome product that can really help us become better shots.

[Scooter]

Nice video.  They are also available from K1.

[tyee]

I made one thanks to this video, good job

[flyguysc]

Does that mean that it only works with recurves& compounds,not longbows?

[joebuck]

In OneSharp's video he is shooting the RIGID Formaster not the Formaster as he states. The Formaster has rubber tubing. The Rigid Formaster has a "rope" to catch the string. Guys shooitng over 55# i would suggest the Formaster not the Rigid Formaster as in the video.

[onesharpbroadhead]

you can use them with a longbow too

[Wampus]

Nice video.  There's also a demo on "Masters of the Barebow 3" by Rod Jenkins.

[Blackhawk]

ttt

[AKM]

Thanks for the great video! Cool range!

[kenn1320]

I had never heard of one of these, but found it interesting so I made one. Took all of about 2min thanks to some strap I had with buckles already on it. I found I had great back tension right from the start. It did get my right back muscles burning after a few shots, might have been the jolt of the string catching the bow string. I had about 1.5" of slack in the string, to ensure a clean release past the fingers. I thought everybody must use their back, so I tried it on my 6yr old son with his 15lb bow. He had excellent back tension, as his draw arm didnt move any either. My question, is there any point in using this if ones form and back tension seem to be good? I didnt notice my bow arm jumping around as was mentioned above. Do you guys practice drawing your bow with just this device and not your hand? Guess I dont see the bennefit of this?

[onesharpbroadhead]

You draw the bow with your hand just like you would if you were shooting - when you let go of the string is when you find out if you are using good back tension and have good control of the bow arm.  I use it once or twice a week for about 10-20 shots just to make sure I am using the right muscles, etc...

[parspektiv]

Assuming that my arm is not moving forward after release when using a formaster, is the back tension then "perfect", or are there still improvments to look for?

 

Look at this. Any comments on my form are welcome!