three under vs. split whats the real difference?

dutch the deadly · October 06, 2010, 12:23:00 PM

one is more instinctive? the other is better suited for "aiming" and gap shooting?? it's only a "feel" thing???? for those who have done both or are dedicated to one or the other...what is the difference and which is "better" / not trying to start WWIII...just really don't know. tks

PEARL DRUMS · October 06, 2010, 12:26:00 PM

Thats a decision each of us would make. Some may like the arrow posistion in regards to their eye, some may like the feel of the shaft above their fingers rather than splitting them. Its a personal preference and what works for each shooter best.

lpcjon2 · October 06, 2010, 12:33:00 PM

The difference is having a fletching in the corner of your eye

.I shoot split it's the way I learned and will always shoot.I like to feeeeel my inner chi taking over the shot.

bsimm78 · October 06, 2010, 12:36:00 PM

I started out shooting split but recently switched to 3-under. Totally eliminated and chance of pinch. I feel like my release is more smooth as well. I don't think I'll be changing back.

Zradix · October 06, 2010, 12:39:00 PM

I tried 3 under.
Made me nervous having that arrow so close to my eye.

crotch horn · October 06, 2010, 12:42:00 PM

I started shooting split for over two years. I tried 3 under a few times and just did not like it. After missing both deer I shot at last season I switched to 3 under over the winter. For some reason it felt good this time. My groups were better and I stuck with it. Got my first trad turkey the last day of spring season & got a bear this fall. Seems to be working for me, but like stated it is really personal for each.
Good luck.

Tom Leemans · October 06, 2010, 12:43:00 PM

I've shot both ways. In fact, I used to shoot 2 fingers under. Now I shoot split, but not because it is better. Just got used to shooting that way. "They" say that a bow should be tillered for 3 under because more stress will be put on the lower limb and the limb timing can be thrown off, etc. I think it's easier to line up, aim, gap (whatever you want to call it) your arrow when you shoot 2 or 3 under. It's easier to get the arrow under your eye IMO, when shooting under vs splint. Either way you shoot, you have to be consistent and practice. Do whatever delivers the arrow where you want it to go. Why do I shoot split then? I don't know.

stickhead · October 06, 2010, 12:55:00 PM

Momma says shootin three under is the devil

straitera · October 06, 2010, 12:59:00 PM

Good luck. Split here matches my personality.

Pon · October 06, 2010, 01:05:00 PM

I shoot split because 3 under is not allowed in the longbow class at local 3d' shoots, you have to shoot in the recurve class if you decide to shoot 3under anyway, I wonder why?, silly rule

Shakes.602 · October 06, 2010, 01:22:00 PM

Then I MUST Be The DEVIL!! I never Could hit anything split, and I just got used to shooting 3-Under!! That Rule does Suck!!

KentuckyTJ · October 06, 2010, 01:57:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by stickhead:
Momma says shootin three under is the devil

Hahaha, I thought that was Vickie Valincort Bobby?

Shot 3 under for years. Then got a bow that was tilled for split. Switched and shoot most of my bows that way now. It's all what you get used to. Felt really weird at first but it didn't take long before I knew exactly where the arrows would go and it felt normal again. The big benefit to split over 3 under for me is all bows are quieter shooting them that way.

jonsimoneau · October 06, 2010, 04:16:00 PM

Neither is better than the other. Just go with the one that works for you.

Red Tailed Hawk · October 06, 2010, 08:24:00 PM

Neither is better than the other. Just go with the one that works for you.

I agree with jonsimoneau. I shoot 3 under but used to shoot split. I switched to 3 under and at first didnt like it so I switched back to split.

Only to try 3 under another time and now it's the way i shoot.

droptine82 · October 06, 2010, 09:21:00 PM

Go with 3 under, its what jonsimoneau does and you see the deer it lured in? LOL. I shoot 3 under cause it feels good and I like my sight picture better. Just looks good with the pink fletching in my periphery touchin my nose.

TKO · October 06, 2010, 11:31:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by droptine82:
Go with 3 under, its what jonsimoneau does and you see the deer it lured in? LOL. I shoot 3 under cause it feels good and I like my sight picture better. Just looks good with the pink fletching in my periphery touchin my nose.

I recently tried three under. Unfortunately, instead of fletching in my periphery, I ended up with fletching in my eye.

droptine82, in what area of Kansas are you located? I'm Northeast of Wichita.

sstewa · October 08, 2010, 09:29:00 PM

I shoot 3 under, but only because of a broken twisted index finger. I anchor with my index in the corner of my mouth, keeps the arrow in the normal position,

October 09, 2010, 03:58:00 PM

I tried three under for a time with a 50" browning, finger pinch. I went back to longbows and split because I could not rip off an accurate shot fast enough when hunting pheasants and rabbits three under. I think the switch has allowed me to get that fast second arrow into deer that would not have been possible for me with the three under method. Also, index finger at the corner of the mouth three under is about the same arrow to target angle for the eye, as middle finger in line with the corner of the mouth. That does not approach the angle of those that gun barrel their arrow with a very high three under, I do find it amusing when my three under gun barrel aiming friend tells me that it works better and he cannot see the arrow to aim with.

S.C. Hunter · October 10, 2010, 10:28:00 PM

I shoot three under and always have tried three under and shot ok. I shot in a 3-D shoot today and took second but saw a lot of shooters shooting 3 under. When I was in S.C. longbow shooters could not shoot 3 under so never changed. I did try it today after the shoot and found it to be more comfortable than I remembered and I shot really well especially at 30 yds and beyond. I still just picked a spot and let her go with no thought of aiming. I wish I could use a gap system I have always just looked and let it fly. If anyone can give a little help here I may try it. I understand that this was a method used by the Apache indians is that correct? I am referring to the 3 under shooting by the Apache indians not the gap.

OkKeith · October 10, 2010, 11:14:00 PM

This really is a "Pepsi or Coke" sort of a deal.

I shot split for a long time and like many, tried 3-under and it didn't click. I went back to split for a while. A finger injury caused me to try 3-under again and it did click. It clicked really well!

Who knows, I may get a wild hair and switch back one of these days.

You can draw with your big toe if you want. If you consistantly hit the mark that way, go for it.

OkKeith