Author Topic: Newbie: Armguards and string wear (Read 446 times)

Blunderbus · « **on:** June 21, 2004, 05:39:41 PM »

I just got a new PSE Bruin set up with a peep and fiber optic sights, Whisker Biscuit arrow rest, bow sling and stabilizer. My draw length is 29" and I'm shooting PSE Carbon Force arrows with field points using a Tru-Ball caliper release with a D-loop. I burned my arm up with the string when testing bows about a week ago without an armguard. Bad idea! Today I shot my new bow for the first time since taking it from the shop. I wore a long cordura Neet armguard (bends at the elbow) and at one point in the shooting session, darned if it didn't slip around enough (unnoticed by me) to allow me to put another inch long, half-inch wide welt on top of the massive bruise that was just starting to fade!

I'm trying to self-adjust my shooting form to try to minimize these scrapes. I assume the added noise alone is bad news in the field. Evidently, occasional string contact with the forearm is common or armguards wouldn't be standard archery gear. But how often is too often?

I also noticed that my string now looks awfully frayed and fuzzy below the serving where it whacked my armguard several times. Have I ruined my bowstring? Can I shore it up by having the serving extended? Or should I replace the entire bowstring and then have the serving extended to protect the string from excessive wear when I whack the armguard?

A lot of questions, I know. But I am relatively ignorant and trying to rapidly become less so between now and bow season.

Blunderbus

Scottyluck · « **Reply #1 on:** June 22, 2004, 03:47:42 PM »

Whacking your forearm is a product of bad form. Doing it even once is too often.
Since you're just starting out I suggest you get that corrected now before bad habits are formed. Try to find a seasoned shooter who can help critique your form.
Is your bowarm straight or bent? Is your drawlength too long? Are you flinching when you shoot?
The only time I wear an armguard is when I'm hunting. That's to keep my clothing away from the string. I don't wear one when practicing.
As for the string, wax it and it should be ok as long as there aren't any broken strands. If there are, do not continue shooting the bow. Replace the string immediately before it fails.

Blunderbus · « **Reply #2 on:** June 25, 2004, 03:13:54 PM »

Thanks! I'll seek out a competent local coach and try to cure what I'm doing wrong.

HuntenNut · « **Reply #3 on:** June 29, 2004, 06:17:08 AM »

Try opening up your stance a bit (turn your body slightly toward the target).

I agree with waxing your string. Its just good maintenance practice. I also recommend changing out your string at least once a year depending on how much you shoot. I usually change mine out with my annual tune up mid summer. This allows me to make any changes/adjustments in plenty of time for the season opener. I keep the old string as a backup in the field along with a portable bow press. Do not attempt to change the string yourself unless you are confident in your ability to do so. This is a very dangerous operation.

cam69conv · « **Reply #4 on:** July 27, 2004, 06:31:52 AM »

Howdy bud...You arent alone..Most new archers have this very same problem..50% of the time is because the draw is a little bit to long..The other 50% is just a little problem with your form..Here is a lil trick that may help you figure out wich one it is....If you have a kisser button..get in a safe area..nock up an arrow...Close your eyes...draw your bow keeping your eyes closed bring the kisser button to the corner of your mouth as you normaly would...Open your shooting eye...If your eye aligns up with the peep WITHOUT you having to tilt your head back any then you are most likely on track with your draw...Now as far as your arm...If its STRAIGHT then its to long...Seat the grip in the palm of your hand keeping your hand compleatly open your thumb should be positioned almost 90* up and your fingers pretty much straight out...this form will turn the (meaty) part of your forarm down and you should have a small bend in your elbow about 6 to 8 degrees..If you have done all this and you are still smackin your arm then in all likelyhood you are torking the bow at the grip turning it slightly in towards your hold arm....Another little trick if all this doesnt work....Use a short sleeved shirt without the arm guard....If all it is is form trust me your body will change up all by itself after whackin yorself a few times....funny how pain will train ya aint it :shock: