Bent or Locked Bow Arm?

[Smallwood]

I am just starting to shoot again after about a year of not shooting. And thought I'd play around with this part of my shooting. I have always had a bent bow arm, but can see where having it locked, would eliminate some movement while at full draw while you are aquiring the target, and possibly keep you from short drawing as much since you are not having to push toward the target.
      Just wanting to ask this question to everyone and see what the majority out there do?
thanks,
sammy

[m midd]

I shoot with a bent bow arm

[moebow]

There is a third option.  Bow arm straight but NOT locked.  This is what I recommend.  I feel that with a bent arm, you need to hold the whole weight of the bow with your muscles and IF you lock the joint, there is no "give" or shock absorber effect available.  Nature gave us the ability to "lock" certain joints for the ultimate strength we are capable of producing.  When we use that "locking" feature, we are essentially saying, "I'm willing to sacrifice that joint to what ever task I am trying to accomplish at that moment."

Can you do it with bent arm or locked joints?  OF COURSE you can, BUT....

Arne

[LinemanARK]

This has been a big problem for me in my entery into trad but I am still working on this and Moe your take on this is how I think I need to try it out this afternoon.

[FarmerMarley]

I'm going to have to work on this next on the close bale...once I get my string hand locked down and my continuous back tension.

[gringol]

I'm with Moe.  With a bent arm I get a lot of fliers.  It's tough to remain motionless after the release with a flexed arm.  Also, it's tough to get the same draw length on every shot.  With a locked arm, lots of string slap.  Everything works pretty well with a straight arm (not locked).

[FarmerMarley]

When I first started shooting alongside compound shooters at the local club  I was really surprised how most of them keep their bow arm elbow bent! How do they get away with that? I would think they would have trouble maintaining a consistent draw length.

[NJWoodsman]

That's easy, when you're pulling against the back wall of a cam, the draw length is fixed. Doesn't matter what your bow arm is doing unless you collapse.

[toddster]

Smallwood- When I was shooting a recurve I usually had my arm straight.  When I went to Longbow, I was all over the place.  then after rereading "hunting the Hard way" and going to Mr. Wesley school, I started to use the bent elbow.  my groups tightenup and was alot more accurate.  Once other big notice for me and few others I helped was less handshock.  Like moebow already said the bent elbow is the shock absorber.  If you are using a "swing draw" the bent elbow is paramount.  Push-pull can get away with more of a straighter arm.  Once you put the heel of your hand down on the grip the bow release becomes litle more drastic or noticable.  (yes, there is and always will be a release of the bow arm as the arrow passes, alot less noticable on centercut bows).  just my few pennies.

[Terry Green]

Find the option that works be for YOU.    

[Smallwood]

So far, i'm liking Moebow's suggestion of straight, but not locked. seems to be working for me. thanks guys.

[njloco]

Not locked, but pretty straight, and also be careful, many people don't hold the bow correctly and develop tendonitis in the elbow.

[Kamm1004]

straight but not locked. use your skeletal structure to hold the bow at full draw, not muscles. it'll help you get back tension and have a consistant draw.

[Ruff Hewn]

Yeah...what Moe said.

[Northwest_Bowhunter]

I have to use "bent but ridged" or I thuack my arm, but like Terry said... try everything and use what works best for you.