Vert Bow question....Arm Slap

[LondonDave]

I did a little target shooting with the compound on the weekend and discovered that the string was slapping on my jacket (never shot with bulky clothing before). I was just wearing my regular winter jacket. I also discovered (the hard way) that I get the same problem when wearing my hunting camo that I'm having the same problem. I had a doe jump the string this morning at about 20 yards.

So the question is....Am I doing something wrong with the way I'm holding the bow that is causing the slap on the bulkier clothing? Should I be bending my left arm slightly? I'm trying to figure a way to pin back the sleeve so that it's tighter on my arm.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Dave

[VixChix]

You can use a fore-arm guard - it will help hold the jacket closer to your arm. It's one of the (many!) reasons I like my x-bow!

[the elf]

I am no expert--but -- what I do is kick my bow holding arm`s elbow out slightly-----this helps-------then I sometimes use a piece of my wifes old panty hose over outside of all my outside clothes---or a good old fashioned tenser [elastic stretch medical] bandage wrapped around the bow arm .Now I have seen a woven sleeve to use as well.Hope this helps. Elf.

[LondonDave]

Good idea elf. I just cut the toe out of an old tube sock and slide it up my arm and it looks like it's going to do the trick. I'm also going to try keeping my elbow bent a little more.

If this doesn't work I might resort to using Riley's Vortex.

Dave

[LondonDave]

Thanks bstout. I'll give that a try.

Dave

[Z24pride]

Are you sure your draw length is correct??...
Same thing was happening to my buddy, who later shortened his draw length and could get the proper form and the problem was gone..
Just an idea..

Thanks,
Kristen

[buzz]

I use an arm guard.
Before i got it i would get big welts on my arm then turn into one big bruise.
Live and learn.
mike:

[LondonDave]

Kristen,

Draw length is correct for sure. I had it checked and adjusted at my local bow shop (Archer's Nook).

Dave

[Stash]

It's almost always one or more of a too-long draw length, bad elbow position and improper grip (hand too far into the grip).

Glad you got it figured out.

[captainron62]

I was doing this at the beginning of the season with my new bow. I was holding my left arm too straight. put a little bend in it and it usually does the trick.

let us know.

[Boo]

London Dave, I suspect that this is about bulky clothing and not about form with the vert bow. Assuming your draw length is correct the only real thing you can do to cause excess string slap on your clothing is an incorrect grip. Your knuckles should be nearly 45 degrees to the centerline of the bow. Someone at HNI graciously posted this image of a correct grip.

[img][img]http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c220/ ... nd/gip.jpg[/img][/img]

[Farmer]

Do you get string bite while shooting without the coat ? If not , I would have to agree that the coat is the problem . In a pinch a roll of black electrical tape will work as an arm gaurd . just wrap the sleeve up and out of the way.

[LondonDave]

When shooting in the nicer weather without a coat I was not getting any arm slap/string bite. The other night was the first time shooting with at bulky coat on. I've fashioned up a bit of an arm guard from an old sock but I haven't had a chance to practice with it so see if that has cured the problem. I think I also need to work on my form a little. Speaking to my neighbour who is an experienced archer, he tells me I need to keep my arm slightly bent and judging from the picture that Boo posted I need to check my grip also. Hopefully I'm going to get a chance to practice some tomorrow before I head back out to the woods on Monday. If only this stupid work thing didn't keep getting in the way of my hunting time!

Thanks again for all the replies.

Dave