Talk to me about Brace Height

[GMMAT]

I have my bowyer's recommendation.  I also know that each bow will tell you where it likes to be shot.  I'm "good" with that.

What I'd like to learn is....what does being low or high mean in relation to the bow's:

1.  noise?
2.  peformance?
3.  other?

I'm just trying to learn the "why" side of it as I tune this new bow (added a new string, today).  I'm assuming (maybe unintelligently) that the string material would make a difference, also.  I "hope" this new one is a little less "plucky" sounding than the last.  I installed my bow hush and hush puppies, just now.  I'll let them settle in, overnight, but I'd like to know why high or low is preferred by you guys......and why.

Thanks for your replies!

[katman]

1) higher brace USUALLY means quieter for me but each bow has its sweet spot.

2) lower brace yields higher speed due to longer power stroke.

3) raising brace height will normally move my arrow impact to the right and down (RH) and soften the dynamic spine.

Hope that helps.

[twotimer]

i agree with katman on all points.i personaly don't prefer high or low.i want my brace height to be at the optiumun for that paticular bow.were it shoots the quiest and smoothest.when setting up a new bow,i start out with a low brace,ie,6 3/4,and work up in 5 string twistincrements,when it levels out,i take in on up a few increments to be sure,then move it back to were it was the best for me.then record the info for that bow and string.ever time you change strings you need to go thru this again.regards,robert          

[GMMAT]

I plan on finding the sweet spot.  I was just curious as to the "rules" for high/low BH.

I recently switched from a LB to a 'curve, and the 'curve seems louder than the LB.  Maybe it's my proximity.  Maybe it's in my head.

I'm probably gonna play with some heavier arrows in the coming months.  That should also help.  I'm having a blast shooting 3D right now, and the extra flat arrow flight is a blessing, there.  Come about Aug. 1, I'll get into hunting mode and make my final adjustments.  Right now, I'm thinking 15yds is my max. eff. range.  So getting used to the added weight shouldn't be too tough.

[k9jones]

I was just getting ready to ask a question about brace heights also.  I have been shooting mine with a 7.25" brace height for many years.  The owner's manuel didn't give a recommendation, it just advised you of the lower brace will give better speeds, and longer will be more forgiven.  I read in one of their brochures that my model had a recommended brace hieght of 8.25-9". Yesterday I decided to increased the brace height to 8.75, and man what a difference that made.  It shoots a lot better, and I swear it seems faster.

Is it possible for it to be faster?

[James Wrenn]

I just shoot the bow without silences first.I find where it is quietest with nothing on the string and then add silencers and leave it at that distance.Sometimes it is lower than recomendations and sometimes higher.Many times on recurves depending on how much curve is in the tips lower is really quieter than higher.

[Otto]

In my experience, BH can have a huge effect on noise, but can only have a tiny effect on speed.