Who likes contoured grips and why/why not?
i have been shaping one all day. i like em cause they fit my hand , but they really suck to make. i think from now on im just going to keep it simple...
i loved that riser of yours though. the grain really popped with the contours you picked.
Just feels better the way it falls into your hand. More secure, takes less effort & concentration to hold onto it. I like thumbhole stocks on rifles & a contoured grip on my bow. Always used to fatten up the base of the grips on my baseball bats with cloth tape to make them easier to hold & swing. Maybe has something to do w/ my big hands but short fingers? :dunno:
Its all I make anymore. It takes longer and is tedious, but worth it to me. Straight grips just dont cut it for me. I like the locating aspect of it, and I like laminating several types of wood together to make nice looking contoured handle sections.
That's what I make. I like the constant grip location. And it just feels right.
I agree, but how about some pics of those cotoured grips? i am always open to a new look or idea.
I agree, lets see some pics.
Pics X 3!!
Here is the style I use...........
(http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd390/Hy42dra/risersr.jpg)
James......................
Very nice James.
Very nice James.....how 'bout some strung/unstrung full length photos of those?
(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/SDC11155.jpg)
(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/SDC10661.jpg)
(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/SDC10226-1.jpg)
(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/SDC10121.jpg)
Green.........Here you go, all these bows are different 45#, 55#, 60# built on two different forms
(http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd390/Hy42dra/bowsunstrung1.jpg)
(http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd390/Hy42dra/bowsstringresized.jpg)
James...................
(http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss315/Mikey1949/DCP01421.jpg)
I have grown to like the way this one shoots, my riser stack was moved 1/4 inch forward through the handle and I got out the dremmel to give it a go, with the grip. It just happened that the cocobolo on the back swirled a bit as I ground away, :scared: and finally finished with true oil.
Only real problem is it shoots consistently over the back of deer.... :banghead:
Oh yeah, its a 68" RD longbow, pulls 58#s at 28 inches, has maple limb cores with bacote under clear glass, the riser is a combo of cocobolo with rosewood. I shoot 650 grain ash arrows quite well with it. :coffee:
James....nice design & handle work! Look like good shooters.
James....nice design & handle work! Look like good shooters.
I like the contoured grips for myself, but when I build a bow to give a way or sell, I don't do it. It might not fit the hand that wants it.
If I was to do a custom bow for someone, then I would get the rough shape done, then have the owner (if possible) old it and mark the grip areas.
So overall, I usually build smooth. Plus, I find your not supposed to be holding the bow when shooting but allowing the bow to just rest inside your thumb and forefinger. So that is the area I concentrate on the most.
I agree, unless I am making one for someone that can come by while Im building it, it would be better to just make a smooth grip.