Another noob question

[Anders22]

I appreciate all the patience you guys have with answering my questions-

Here is another...I have never shot trad this late in the season, and over the past few days with heavier clothing on I am starting to whack my armguard a bit.

Could it be the 'bulging' clothing under the armguard causing this?  Or have I started over drawing?  I guess this is a hard question as you are not watching me shoot, but never had this issue prior to weather changing.

If it is the weather and bulkier clothing, what do you do to avoid that?  Arrows fly poorly when I do and I am worried about later season hunting.

Thanks

[Wudstix]

Correct; it is difficult to give concrete advice without watching you shoot.  In South Texas we don't unusually have that problem.  Solution could be to wear lighter/thinner base layers and clothing to eliminate bulk.  Also, always practice with the clothes you're going to be hunting in.
 

[Mike Bolin]

Bulky clothing in cool/cold weather can definitely be an issue. I use a thin elastic arm guard when I have to go to heavier clothes and also when I wear my leafy suit. Mess around with the position of the arm guard a bit. With a heavy leather arm guard slid down toward the hand too far, the string can actually catch on the back of the arm guard. Also, be sure to keep a close eye on your brace height. I started having a little forearm/string contact earlier this past summer. Turned out I just needed to twist the string up a couple of turns to eliminate the slap. Good luck!

[elkken]

Be sure your arm guard is not too small or slipping like Mike suggested. You might try shooting without your arm guard and see if your string catches your outer garment.

[bowbender1]

This is a difficult question without seeing you shoot (as already stated). If you have recently switched  to trad from compound, it's likely you are still drawing the same length you did with a compound (or close). The shooting form should be entirely different; bow arm should have a slight bend in it and you should have a slight bend in your stance. Not necessarily standing straight up and stretched out in your draw. By changing your form will create room for the released string to not strike your arm or clothing. I have shoot this way for over 40 yrs and I have never needed to wear an arm guard or have a problem with striking my clothing. No one could describe this form better than G Fred Asbell in his book instinctive shooting. Hope this helps.

[Wudstix]

David;
Excellent advice, it has been so many years since I've shoot a wheel bow I forgot.  Also, I have read all Fred's books.
 

[Maclean]

Expanding further on what others have said with respect to Asbell's form, a more open stance (facing the target more) will help to avoid string slap. Sometimes it's just a small adjustment. Best of luck.

[Orion]

Lots of good advice already. Form can certainly affect string slap.  So can bulky clothes.  When I really bundle up, I do a number of things to avoid string slap.  I incorporate a vest into my outer layers, obviating the need for one jacket/shirt, etc. with sleeves.  I also use an extra long arm guard, one that starts at the bicep, bends at the elbow and ends at the wrist.  I might also put a little extra bend in my bow arm.  Opening my stance a little, i.e., turning into the shot a bit more, also adds string clearance.  Any one of these helps.  Use all of them and you won't hit your clothing.  Good luck.

[Anders22]

Thanks for all the advice, I changed my grip a bit and it stopped the slapping- And improved accuracy- double win!

Years of 'modern' bows takes a lot to deprogram