why I switched to apache style...3 fingers under

[wandering monk]

about twenty five years ago I was first introduced to three under as an alternative to the method I had used since a young boy...one over two under...

I was never a "gap shooter", and never used a sight...always just instinctive , both eyes open and focusing on my target.

I had a friend who had his bow set up for three under, and he asked me to try it out...he said just use your tab, but put all the fingers underneath...it was a long bow similar to the one I shot, so I tried...

Immediately I was aware of how my view was different. Also how even though I never really looked at the arrow, somehow it was right there.

then he explained to me how the tiller was different so the fistmele(brace) was closer to my eyes line of sight...and that the bow was balanced closer to even because the rest was right on top of my hand.possibly because the tillering ws even rather than reducing the pull of the upper limb??

Long story a bit shorter...I havent switched back since. I really appreciated the difference when hunting especially...

shooting bows cut to center, and shooting with the bow at a cant seem to be a natural for this set up. Tiller is even or 1/16" less on the lower limb, closer to even the lower the shelf is. The paradox of the arrow since the bow is canted does seem a bit less , and the arrow is nocked at square or 1/16" above (depending on tiller) on bows that are tillered at 1/8" the nock seems best at 1/4 above...one thing I do notice well is arrow flight...

...my accuracy became more consistent, and my hunting shots seemed much more managed..maybe sub concientusly the arrow is being looked at??I cant say yes or no...

I can say that having my draw fingers even with the throat of the bows grip must be the reason it works so well for me.Possibly it is more a natural move for Hand Eye coordination??

I am curious if any others have some ideas about this...all the best...ted

[McDave]

I like your analysis, as it's similar to the process I went through.  As humans, we always look for reasons for things.  In the end, though, 3 under or split or the Japanese way of holding and shooting the bow doesn't need any justification; it either works better for you, or it doesn't.  Happy that 3 under worked better for you, as it has for me.

[beaunaro]

Always rewarding when we change things and see improvements.
I've always shot 3 under, teach other to do the same and really don't want to try to change since it works well for me.
I like the sight picture of doing it this way.

[bwsandite]

I shot split for 24 years and switch to 3 under about a year ago and wish I had sooner! I do gap shoot and shoot better than I ever have. I do love the sight picture that it gives me!

[TubbsTru]

For the first time in 25 years I tried 3 under tonight (it's a dangerous thing, of course, to change your form in the middle of hunting season!). All I can say is my consistency went through the roof- just amazing. I like being able to sight down the arrow more than is able with a split-finger approach. Everything just seems lined up now in ways it never did before. Time will tell if I stick with it, but for right now I'm stoked with three under.

[LongStick64]

I have gone back and forth and while I love all that 3 under offers, for me shooting 3 under was ripping at my face. I tried modifying my stance, anchor and either the string would rub my nose or the arrow would rip against my cheek.

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

Man, ya'll are weird!    
I can't stand to shoot three under. It just doesn't work for me and I don't know or care why. Granted, I shoot the equivalent of 2 under so it shouldn't be such a big deal but...  

[dwh74]

I've been shooting traditional for a couple of years now and I've always shot split finger. I recently tried three under and it seemed to work better for me.My accuracy improved, but my bow seemed to be louder. I shoot a bear grizzley 55 @ 28. Any suggestions?

[Green]

I have gone back and forth over the past three years myself.  Recently went back to split as I just never got used to the noise (especially from a Hill bow which is pretty much silent when shot split).  The nose damage was also an issue with certain bows.

With 3Under it was tremendously easy to be consistent with the elevation of shots.  With split, it's very easy to be consistent re windage.  Now, if I can just settle on one arrow for awhile I think I'll get the elevation issue solved with split.  Lol.

[Paul_R]

Originally posted by dwh74:
I've been shooting traditional for a couple of years now and I've always shot split finger. I recently tried three under and it seemed to work better for me.My accuracy improved, but my bow seemed to be louder. I shoot a bear grizzley 55 @ 28. Any suggestions?

Try raising your brace height.

[dwh74]

Originally posted by Paul_R:
 

Originally posted by dwh74:
I've been shooting traditional for a couple of years now and I've always shot split finger. I recently tried three under and it seemed to work better for me.My accuracy improved, but my bow seemed to be louder. I shoot a bear grizzley 55 @ 28. Any suggestions?

Try raising your brace height. [/b]

[dagwood64]

I just switched to 3 under and what an improvement.
Would I have better results with a tab? I am shooting with a Dura-glove right now.
Also I don't seem to hear any difference in shooting 3 under, of course I moved my brace height to 7 3/4".

[mahantango]

Why raise brace height? Nock point usually needs to be raised a little, but brace height?

[Hattrick]

I switched a few years ago at first it was a struggle. After abit of practice my groups tighten up. I shoot much better now because of it

Originally posted by mahantango:
Why raise brace height? Nock point usually needs to be raised a little, but brace height?

Nock point location has less influence on noise (vibration, etc.) than brace height. Most bows quiet down nicely when the "sweet-spot" of brace is found.