String slap

[Jessebeaux]

Is it normal for the string to hit ones forearm on each shot? Is this why so many Trad shooters wear arm guards? Growing up I always shot compound and was told my form was bad if I hit my arm... Now converting to Trad IV noticed a lot of people wear arms guards?

[trasher]

Yes, it is usual to wear a guard, but its is not usual to hit ones forearm on each shot.
The reason why is not easy to clear without any picture.
But I think your arm is too straight during the shot. You have to turn your elbow outwards!
This might be a reason.
Take a look at this Video, which explains the Hand placement:
 

[BWallace10327]

I believe that people have a tendency to grab well past the life line and put a lot of heel into the bow.  This induces string slap early on.  That hurts.  So people rarely abandon their protective gear, even after they learn to not slap their arm, just to be safe.  I know that is true for me, and possibly for others.

[longbow fanatic 1]

In my case, the  brace height of the bow is really the culprit of string slap. I shoot a compound bow with the same grip (hand position) as I do trad bows. I make sure to roll by bow arm elbow out ( elbow pointed at approx. 9 o'clock ). If I shoot the bow this way, I don't hit my forearm unless the bows brace height it low, say between 6"- 7".

[McDave]

I think a lot more longbow shooters use arm guards than recurve shooters, for two reasons.  First, as Dennis mentions, longbows are usually braced lower than recurves.  Second, more longbow shooters hold the grip fully in their hands, as demonstrated by Kirk in the video.  Both of these make it more likely that the string will slap the forearm.  Neither of these are bad, per se, and most of the top longbow shooters do use arm guards.

If you are shooting a recurve braced at 8" or more, and gripping the bow with the offset grip demonstrated by Kirk, you shouldn't be slapping your forearm, anymore than a compound shooter.  If you are, you may be either gripping the bow too far into your hand, past the lifeline, or not rotating your elbow out of the way.  

Or, you could be hyperextending your elbow, rare in men, but common in women.  If that is the case, you may have to get used to shooting with a slightly bent bow arm.

Some shooters always wear armguards, whether they need to or not, just to keep their shirtsleeves or jackets out of the way of the string.

[Jessebeaux]

Thanks guys! I don't have the problem of string slap but I do want one of custom leather worked arm guards

[Bladepeek]

Now the truth comes out  

[crazynate]

That was a cool video thanks for posting it.