Hi guys.

Quick questions- what are the benefits (if any) to a forward handle?
How do you make them?
Are there R/D longbows with forward handles or just recurves?

Most bow designs can be made forward handle. Forward handle enables you to reach longer draw lengths with shorter bows without stacking.
Basically what you are doing is adding more deflex to a design. Which in general will be smoother, but less powerful.

As Bvas said allows a longer draw with a shorter bow.  The limb tips don't have to move as much as they would with a more reflexed handle at the same draw.  Most shorter bows have forward handles and deflexed limbs.  It is generally accepted forward handles are more forgiving helping with accuracy makes them easier to bring to brace also.

Thanks for the info guys

Most importantly though,  is it looks cool.

QuoteOriginally posted by LittleBen:
Most importantly though,  is it looks cool.

I don't agree.. I don't like the looks of it. Just wated to know why they are made.

I find the benifit to me is the stability at anchor over other designs. I only build 56-58" hybrids for hunting so adding that stability in and reducing the stress on my limbs are all pluses.

I have gone back and forth on building the riser but the through the handle works fine. I builed the portion on the back of the bow with an i-beam of g10 lay the lams on top with the glass and then stack the wood strips that will become the belly of the riser on top. I dont let the tips of that stack protude onto the working aera of the fades. just cut the shape on the bandsaw and sand carefully.

There are both R/D longbows and Recurves with forward risers.

"I don't agree.. I don't like the looks of it. Just wated to know why they are made. "

My preference is sort of the same, they are different for sure, in my view it makes the limbs look whimpy.  But thats just me.

Good topic found out a few things about the forward design. May have to build one some day.

QuoteOriginally posted by arachnid:

Are there R/D longbows with forward handles or just recurves?

Not only are there R/D longbows with forward handles there are also straight longbows with forward handles.  With this type of bow, the advantage sure isn't in allowing for a shorter bow, it's in creating a bow that is less prone to torquing in the hand at the shot.  I tend to shoot this bow better than the other straight longbows I've made with regular type handles.