Define forward handle?

[Bvas]

Many use this term(myself included). But I haven’t seen an actual defenition as to what constitutes a forward handle.

My assumption is this: If the throat of the grip is forward of the tips of the fades, a bow would be considered forward handle.

The bow I’m finishing up is the first off a redesigned form. The throat is almost dead even with the riser fades. However, the bow has a powerlam and the throat is about 1/2” ahead of the tips of the pl.

Would you consider this a forward handle?  It doesn’t really matter to me what it’s called. I like the bow and how it handles. I just don’t like using terms to improperly describe something.

[kennym]

Yep, mine might be a somewhat forward handle . Be good to know for sure!  

[KenH]

If the thickness of the handle is on the back side of the centerline of the limbs, you have a forward handle bow.

If your fades fade into the back of the limb, not the belly, you have a forward handle bow
   

   

[skeaterbait]

That makes sense but brings a question in my mind. Isn't there a line of thinking that the longer the string is in contact with the arrow (during the shot) the more speed/energy it gathers? So, moving the handle forward of the center line would lessen the contact time, therefore making the bow less efficient?

[Forwardhandle]

In the past I thought the handle & the fades had to be forward of the limbs but not sure what defines it.
 https://imgur.com/gallery/lQhFN

[KenH]

I dunno skeaterbait; the Ottoman Turks built some 800+yard ranging forward handle bows.  That seems pretty efficient to me.

Yellowwood.  I don't see any confusion.  the handle is on the back side of the line of the limbs on that bow in your picture, certainly.

[skeaterbait]

Can't argue with the stats Ken.  

[Zradix]

Originally posted by skeaterbait:
That makes sense but brings a question in my mind. Isn't there a line of thinking that the longer the string is in contact with the arrow (during the shot) the more speed/energy it gathers? So, moving the handle forward of the center line would lessen the contact time, therefore making the bow less efficient?

I know what you're saying for sure.

Having a forward handle doesn't necessarily mean a higher brace height than normal though....depends on the design of the bow.

[Crooked Stic]

[Bvas]

Thanks for the replies fellas.

Ken
I understand your defenition, but think it mostly relates to straight limbed bows. How do you discern where the centerline of the limbs go thru a riser on a highly contoured d/r or recurve riser?  Also, most glass bows have the fades in the center of the limbs.

That’s why I believe you have to use the fade tips or a nonworking limb area as a point reference for a defenition that would cover all bow types.