Well I just put the post seen below(my first)into a read only forum. I presume this means no new posts. My apologies. I hadn't noticed that it was read only until after it was sent. So I figured I would post it here as well to see if anyone can answer my questions. And to those in charge, sorry won't do it again.
I just recently started to shoot the 3 finger under method and found my arrows were flying much faster (I shoot 692 grain arrows out of a forty five pound longbow so the speed difference was quite noticable). The reason it seems is that while using the same anchor point as split finger(middle finger in corner of mouth) shooting 3 under increases my draw length a full inch. My bow also seems quieter and my effective range has increased to eighteen meters. I did not change the nock, it still sits five eighths above the shelf. Has anyone else experienced an increase in speed and accuracy with this method as opposed to split finger? And can anyone explain why my draw length increased?
Justin,
I can only offer some things to consider. First, you may be getting a cleaner release using 3-under. Second, are you sure the arrows are faster or is it that the 3-under puts them closer to your eye and the appearance of increased speed is an illusion? If you don't have a chrono you can do a rough estimate of relative speed based on depth of penetration into a target of consistent density. A hay bale or fairly new bag target will work. The increase in draw length is a real head-scratcher but may also account for the increase in speed. The "why" is the question. Last night I tried drawing split-finger and 3-under and measuring my draw length with each. They were the same. The only thing I can think of is to ask if you are bending your fingers more when shooting 3-under. Your fingers should be nothing more than a hook attached to the string with the back of your hand flat from the wrist to the second knuckles. If you are pulling the string by curling your fingers as you draw that would account for the increase in draw length. Just a guess on my part and someone else may have a better answer.
John
Hello jhansen thank you for the reply. Yes I am sure the arrows are flying faster. After my wife and I noticed the speed increase we brought out our new foam target and every single arrow shot 3 under penetrated about one quarter inch further. And my arrow flight seemed to improve. Until that point most of my arrows flew straight but about 1 in 5 would land nock right. With 3 under that problem has disappeared completely. I am afraid I curl my fingers no matter how I draw. I cut the tendons in my right hand about 10 years ago and although they were repaired I still have to curl my fingers to draw my bow, and its only a 45 pounder. So I am pretty sure their location on the the string hasn't changed enough to allow for such an increase in draw length.An intresting note is that my wife tried shooting 3 uinder as well as her draw length increased a ahlf inch. Wierd huh?
Well, I'd have to say that whatever the cause, things are going well shooting 3-under!
John
If you're drawing an inch longer with three under, that explains the increased arrow speed. It's draw length, not where you place your fingers on the string. If it works, go with it.