3under vs. split

[bmfer]

Being a newbie, I'm gonna ask a stupid question: I was told at an archery shop to draw 3 under so that I don't pinch the arrow off the shelf, this makes sense to me. After my weekly spanking frommy daughter at a 3d shoot, I came home and decided to shoot some more because I was kind of POed. I tried shooting split and showed good improvement immediatly. It felt like the bow limbs loaded much more evenly. Was that what was really happening? My grip on the string felt less comfortable and my release felt less clean but I think I can fix that.

[mcgroundstalker]

First Thing Bret...There is no such thing as a stupid question...As to three under or split finger?...I think you answered it yourself...Whatever gives you more control or just feels right (to you) is the way to go!

Good Luck and Keep asking questions...

... mike ...

[Lee Viv]

Bret,

Go with what feels comfortable for you!  I currently shoot 2 under, but it works for me.

You're almost a neighbor, I live in Lancaster City.  We'll have to get together and shoot sometime!  

Lee

[bmfer]

Lee, you're real close, I was wondering if there are any locals on this site, turns out there is! Do you ever shoot the indoor 3d in Mount Joy? Tuesday nights, 5 to 8. This is where my daughter gives me my weekly humble pie (she shoots compound), meet us there some night. Maybe you can beat her!!!

[traditional beagle]

Some custom bows are tillered for either split or three under. That could be the difference you feel. Also if your nock grips the serving a little, then the pull of your fingers will turn the string toward the arrow plate keeping it on the shelf. Once you get comfortable you will never again think about your arrow coming off the shelf.

[NDTerminator]

I've shot both and settled on 3 Under.  I feel my draw is much "stronger" (for lack of a better descriptive term), less finger pinch, and I get my arrow closer to my eye without getting the top finger of a split draw "in the way".  In short, it just feels better for me...

[FeatherFletch]

I can never make up my mind. I seem the switch every time that i shoot. My groups are a lot tighter 3 under, but for some reason i just want to shoot split. i think that i just feel cool when i shoot like the great archers that i look up to so much. (Ron La Clair HH Fred Bear My Dad and Grand dad)

[indianalongbowshooter]

Shot 3 under serious for the first time yesterday, 1st group at 22 yds 5 out of 7 arrows were all almost touching but 3 in. low, bow was almost twice as loud as normal tried higher lower nock points and it was still alot louder then normal. While I think I can probably shoot as good or a little better 3 under I didnt care for the noise, not exceptable for hunting. Any of you guys who shoot 3 under think your bows are just as quiet as shooting split?

[Jerry Jeffer]

I used to shoot split for a few years, then tried 3 under. Stayed with 3 under for a few years. Now just recently went back to split. Feeling like I'm a little smoother and my bow seems to shoot quieter, smoother, but I think it is mental. (for me).

[NDTerminator]

Gotta tune for the most quiet sweet spot for shooting 3 under first, the I use string silencers, brush buttons, and Limbsavers.  
Limbsavers REALLY help quiet a bow down...

Many say shooting 3 under is more noisy unless the bow is tillered for it.  I'm going to find out, as I ordered my soon to be delivered Hunter 56 tillered for 3 under...

[robslifts]

my bow is quiet as can be and i shoot three under tried that split finger thing once and could never feel comfortable shooting that way!!!

again as they say shoot the way that feels most comfortable and you will enjoy shooting more

[PowDuck]

My preference is split, anchoring with the center finger in corner of my mouth. Tried 3 under a few times .... just didn't feel comfortable to me.

[2Blade]

For me split fingers is all I shoot it feels natural to me and I enjoy it more. Ive never cared for 3 fingers under at all im not saying its a bad way it just didn't suit me. My shop told me to shoot 3 under but I like my split so im sticking with it. Do what works for you to me if you want to shoot instinctively split is the way to go if you want to gap shoot 3 under is a good choice. Ive been told you can gap with split finger but I never had any luck trying it. Do what works best for YOU and let us know what you decide I enjoy hearing this stuff.

[MMilin]

I shoot 2-under and don't notice any difference in "noise."  My brother, who's my regular shooting partner, doesn't either.

And, that's with two different bows, a recurve and a long bow.

Mark

[Chris Wilson]

Yes, shooting split vs 3 under can change the way the limbs load when drawn.  The particular bow you're shooting my perfer one string grip over the other.  I've had a few bows that didn't like a 3 under hold at all and where hard to tune for shooting that way.

The change in string grip is going to feel strange for bit, as will your release, until you adjust to the difference in pressure on the fingers.  Being you are, as you said, a "newbie", take some time and experiment with shooting split.  You may find it suits the style of shooting you want to pursue better than 3 under or, after a bit, you may find it doesn't.  If it doesn't, move on and find something that does.  Eventually, you'll develope a shooting style that fits what you want to achieve.

[Orion]

A lot of folks like three undere because it gets the arrow closer to the eye and improves aiming.  I don't don't think it does anything to reduce finger pinch though.  In fact, it likely increases finger pinch.  Because all three fingers are placed even lower from the center point of the string, the string angle would be even greater on the lower finger, increasing the pinch on that finger.  With split finger, the angle is less both above and below the fingers.  Now, in most cases, this isn't going to amount to a hill of beans and folks probably aren't going to feel it either way.  The only time it really comes into play is with very short bows and/or very long draw lengths.

[JRY309]

I think it is also a personal choice,I have always shot spilt finger and always will.When I used to shoot 3-D in the traditional class that was one of the rules to shoot spilt finger.It feels more natural to me to shoot instinctive.3 under just looks more like target archery.Most people can probably shoot 3 under more accurately just starting out.Split finger just feels more traditional and natural to me in my opinion.

[Chris Wilson]

3 under just looks more like target archery.

You'd be surprised how well it works for hunting.  Looks can be deceiving.

[bentpole]

I shoot three under just always have. But like a wise man told me what ever floats your boat! Try both see what's better for you.

[rxhntr]

I have been experimenting with 3 under, it just doesnt feel right and I cant get a good smooth release. for you 3 under guys, does it take a lot of practice, or am I just too set in my ways with split fingers, that it will just never feel right? I do like the way the arrow lines up better, I just cannot get over the feel of the release.