Question for you Hill style longbow shooters

[Dick in Seattle]

I'll chime in again...   someone mentioned the breaking arrow possibility...  That's a Royal Flush right there!  If you've ever seen a photo of half an arrow through an arm, you won't forget it.  (Or a hand... why I won't shoot carbons.)  Also why I wear a glove when I shoot my no-shelf bows, even though I've never had a feather spike.  Safety first seems like a wimpy thing when you're young, but I guess with age comes wisdom.   An arrow through your flesh is kind of like a collision at sea.. it can ruin your whole day!

I think one of the reasons a lot of folks don't like guards is that so many are over complicated to put on and take off... multiple lacing and buttons and such.   I use a simple guard with a 1/8" dowel sewn or glued into each edge.  An elastic string is fastened to each end of the bottom edge and slips over one button in the middle on top.  Bunch of holes punched in it in an arrowhead pattern so it breathes a bit on a hot day.  Easy to make and use.

 

[Nate Steen .]

If you are shooting ala Hillstyle, there is a tendency to hit the arm with your string if the braceheight is low enough.  However, many guys shoot with a more open stance, canted bowhand, and higher braceheights or low stretch strings and they don't hit their arms...

Hill liked the brace height low enough, and his form resulted in arm slap of the string.....the rule of thumb is...if you hit your arm, wear an armguard.  pretty simple actually....

[D Sheffey]

I hate them because they are hot. It's going to be low 80s this weekend.  Upper 90's not uncommon in Aug and Sept.  I do wear them hunting to keep clothes out of the way.

I never need one with my Longhunter but it has a 7.5" brace.  

Dick, I'll give you props on a good looking arm guard.

[GingivitisKahn]

Sure do.  You can see it (well the strings and one of the antler buttons holding it in place) here...

 

[Shakes.602]

I wear one for the "Safety Factor", I agree with Dick. Doesnt take but ONCE. I would Rather HAVE It and Not Need It, than to NEED It and Not Have It.

For those that do not like the heavy cuff arm guard. Those light weight plastic mesh things will do the job and will not feel like armor on your bow arm.

[Rik]

Some of us have to wear arm guards 'cause we eats our spinach.

 

[D Sheffey]

Rik,  I do not have that problem at all.  I got the name Stick becasue I am or uh I guess I should say I was skinny as a Stick.  Got out of high school at 6'2" and 135lbs.  I found the extra pounds but didn't put 'em on my arms....cause I didn't want to interfere with my bow string, yea that's what it was. I kept my arms skinny so I didn't need an arm guard. Take that you guys with big arms!

Stick out

[RC]

I only wear one when I have bulky sleeves or a leafy suit on.RC

[MikeM]

I don't use an armguard with my Hills unless I need to hold clothing back

[Ric O'Shay]

Popeye was a Coastie!

Popeye was a vegetarian.

[thumper15]

Depends on how consistant you are on form. When I started shooting traditional bows I didn't use a guard. I wanted to know when it hit my arm so I knew when my form was closed too much. I would say if your prcticing your form don't use it and figure out your form to just clear. Then to hunt use it.

[tradlongbow]

I always use a arm guard, and I like'em! It doesn't feel right not wearing one,arm guards are traditional. Guess I've been using them for too long.

Darren

[Buckhorn47]

No choice for me - always wear one!

[Benny Nganabbarru]

Many disagree, but there's nothing wrong with getting some slap from Hill. I can shoot mine without an armguard, but it hurts after awhile. Someone will correct me if I'm mistaken, but I have heard that Hill maintained that the string should hit your arm.

[thumper15]

I heard the same thing Ben.