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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Zradix on December 04, 2013, 12:01:00 PM

Title: why are reflex bows less forgiving?
Post by: Zradix on December 04, 2013, 12:01:00 PM
I asked this on the pow wow but I'm thinking bowyers might be the best to ask....

I've heard time and time again that longbows with reflex limbs are less forgiving....the more reflex the less forgiving....the farther the tips are in front of the grip when unstrung the less forgiving...
...can anyone tell me why?

Thank you
Title: Re: why are reflex bows less forgiving?
Post by: LittleBen on December 04, 2013, 12:54:00 PM
Higher string tension at brace height is my understanding.

The string is accelerating the arrow more strongly as the string nears brace height than a bow with deflex. I've heard this tends to exagerate errors in form.

Seems like it would work the same as a bow with lower brace height vs. higher brace height. The lower the brace height the less forgiving.

Honestly though, I don't find a whole lot of difference except maybe between the most extreme cases, i.e. a hill bow with string follow and a reasonably brace height vs. a short static recurve with the tips 4" in fron of the back of the bow and a 5" brace height.

You're thinking yourself into a state of paralysis. Don't worry about it so much. If you're going to try making a highly reflexed bow, lack of forgiveness in shooting will be nothing compared to the lack of forgiveness in tillering.
Title: Re: why are reflex bows less forgiving?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on December 04, 2013, 04:06:00 PM
They arent less forgiving. That's just a tale that gets passed on to sell string follow bows.
Title: Re: why are reflex bows less forgiving?
Post by: Roy from Pa on December 04, 2013, 04:13:00 PM
You're thinking yourself into a state of paralysis.

Just build the darn bow, John:)
Title: Re: why are reflex bows less forgiving?
Post by: Roy from Pa on December 04, 2013, 04:14:00 PM
Why do farts stink? Who cares, it's fun to cut them, then run:)
Title: Re: why are reflex bows less forgiving?
Post by: Zradix on December 04, 2013, 04:17:00 PM
Thanks guys.

The only thing paralyzing me at the moment is $$$$.

...gives me too darn much time to think...lol

I don't rush into things very often..I'll be building asap.