How to use a Formaster?

[Kenboy]

How do you use a Formaster?

A while back I bought a Formaster that now, unfortunately, is gathering dust in my workshop. I've seen plenty of great testimonials about its effectiveness, but not much on how to use it properly. The instructions that came with it weren't all that good, and the popular YouTube video posted by Onesharpbroadhead didn't help me much. Maybe it's just me.

Would someone please offer a good step-by-step instruction of how to properly use a Formaster? The more basic, the better: putting it on; properly adjusting its length; how to do the actual training exercises; what you're looking for when you release? what bow do you want to use, a light one or heavy one? do you want to use it with an arrow or not? and so on.

Thanks

[moebow]

Ken,  If you got the commercial version, I found the instructions very detailed and useful.  That said here is a quick rundown of it's use.

There are basically two settings to use, one for each different "exercise.

1.  Set the length of the string/rope on the FM to be about 3" shorter than than the distance from your string arm elbow to the string.  With this shorter setting, hook the rope on your bow string, put the straps on your arm so one strap is above your elbow and one below.  The straps should "cradle" your elbow.  Now with your fingers OFF the string and your string forearm RELAXED, draw the bow using ONLY your elbow.  This will teach you a rotational draw and force you to draw with your upper back shoulder area and back and when you get it back you will find the weight of the bow being supported on your bones.  Do this frequently and learn a really good draw technique.  You will find this very difficult to do with a "hunting "weight bow so start with a light bow if you can.

Second, reset the length of the string/rope to be about 2 or 3" LONGER than the distance from your elbow to the string.  Now you can use an arrow or not, your choice.  Come to full draw using the feel you learned from the short string set up but with your fingers on the bow string as normal.  The FM will have a small loop of the rope hanging below your forearm from elbow to bow string.  Come to full  draw and release.  DON'T WORRY, THIS IS NOT A DRY FIRE!!!  The strap on the FM WILL try to pull your string arm elbow forward -- DON'T LET IT.  If you do this part correctly, you will learn what you must do to absolutely NOT let the strap pull your arm forward.  Try to "resist the strap" as you release.   After this exercise, take the FM off and shoot a few arrow really duplicating the feelings you got with the FM on.  You will find a more efficient draw, better alignment, and better follow through.

Like any tool, you will get out of it what you put into it. And, probably some sore muscles in the next day or two. Good luck.

[ammoeater]

Well put, Moe!  That about sums it up!

[Kenboy]

Thank you, Moe. That was great -- a much better explanation than the one that came with my Formaster from Lancaster. I'll try it tonight.

[Bowmania]

That's a very good explination.  Haven't used mine for a while - I'll have to break it out.

Kenboy, How come you have two posts at number 18?  Shouldn't the second one be 19?

Bowmania

[South MS Bowhunter]

Todd,  the reason for the same # on Kenboy post is he only gets credit for this post once (since he started it), when he make another post on another topic it will change.

[Boesman]

Moe, can you or someone else tell me. Should one lay off the actual shooting for a while and only work with the first excercise of the formaster for a week/month? or do you use the formaster and still do some daily shoothing practice on the target butt as well?

Jasper

[moebow]

For most folks, a few "short string" exercises followed by a few "long string" repetitions then to normal shooting will work.  Get the feel of the process then try to duplicate it with real shooting.  In a practice session you may want to go back a forth a few times.  No real need to concentrate on only the FM.  Just find the feel and try to get it into your shooting.

[Boesman]

Thanks.

[fmscan]

Kenboy, I too found the instructions more like a chiropractors manual than a shooting manual. Moebow did a great job of simplifing the exercises. Thank you for starting this thread. Arne thank you again for helping w my shooting.

[NJWoodsman]

When I first started using it, it took a few sessions to get it right (not collapsing). When you release properly, the bow will move very little.

Oh, and make sure the ends of the bolts that tighten down the string are turned in (away from draw arm wrist), or they might cause an unpleasant slap!

[fmscan]

I got the Formaster and it has helped, mainly on the exercise using the shorter cord length to train the back muscles. That is fine. The second exercise on drawing and releasing the string, I am careful to have bolt side out but still get a real slap on inside my forearm. Like getting hit with a whip! I tried moving the metal bolt up and down and still get stung. I get the bolt and cord hitting the inside of the forearm. VERY unplesant and bruise stays for over a week. What am I doing wrong???

[moebow]

fmscan,  How long is the string/rope set at?  It should be only long enough to have the bow string clear your fingers.  With your fingers extended on the release it should not have more than an inch of clearance.  The commercial FM with the "U" bolt adjustment can be a bit of a problem.  Wear a long sleeve shirt and keep the adjustment as short as possible to still allow a release.

[fmscan]

Arne, I can always count on you. I did buy the commercial one and the bold and even the string really slaps my arm. I will double check your suggestion above, I may not have it the correct length. Thanx.

[Gordon Jabben]

Guys, where did purchase your form master?

[Green]

Gordon....most of us made them. Do a search and you'll find at least two threads on making your own.

[fmscan]

3 Rivers! Has been a big help esp. the exercise to train your back muscles. Will do better when I get the other exercise down.

[arrow flynn]

the formaster made my form more consistant stronger it will let you know if you are collapsing upon release and answering the question what made that arrow miss so badly lol

[Gil Verwey]

In addition to improving form there is a excercise program with it to help increase bow strength. Here is a link to the excercise program I use with it. It also has pictures and describes how to use the Formaster.

   http://www.texasarchery.org/Documents/FMaster/formaster_exercises.htm

[Keith Langford]

I have the same model amd problem as fmscan, that u clamp eats me up, that is why I stopped using it. I had mine set about 1 1/2 " longer than the draw. Moebow do i need to lengthen or shorten it some more to stop this from happening. Or is their some other way to secure the length other than the clevice.