brace heights

[ed]

just a query about brace heights. I borrowed a mates bow (83#@28, 102#@32) to scale myself up a bit and was at a reputable shop and was told the brace height was too low - and it is low by anybodies standards and so I twisted the string up a bit.

Thing is, I was shooting it with no difficulties, no string slap when held right and so I wonder what is the issue with brace height then? With the limbs straighter surely it is easier on the tips. The bow should be pushing the arrow for an extra couple of inches (yeh it is that low), so performance should be better, twisting the string up makes for a shorter string and even greater draw weights surely.....

[rory]

The problems arise with brace height when the brace is too low or high. There is an optimum height for every individual bow. However, with a lower brace you will get a longer power stroke behind the arrow, though you will get a less clean release from the string. Also, this longer stroke may not give you as much power as a higher brace because you won't be drawing back the full poundage of the bow.

(From what I know/have experienced)

Rory

[jindydiver]

The problems arise with brace height when the brace is too low or high. There is an optimum height for every individual bow. However, with a lower brace you will get a longer power stroke behind the arrow, though you will get a less clean release from the string. Also, this longer stroke may not give you as much power as a higher brace because you won't be drawing back the full poundage of the bow.

(From what I know/have experienced)

Rory

Yep, all that.

[humphrey]

when the brace height is correct you find a sort of 'sweet spot', and accuracy and speed is noticeably increased. thats what i found anyway. :wink:

[Axe]

Gotta say this, the draw will remain to whatever your draw length is, the brace height won't change this, the lower the brace height the less "forgiving" the bow becomes because of the extra time string is in contact with the arrow. It will increase arrow speed slightly, so if the string ain't slapp'n & accuracy ain't suffer'n leave it alone. According to yourself (yeah it is that low) therefore I would suggest you increase your brace height somewhat & I would be surprised if you don't find better accuracy, less chance of slapping your arm also :)

[Sparra]

Gaday Axe...when you say string slapping do you mean against your arm ???The recurve i use sometimes makes a loud noise as if the string is slapping against the limbs..Is there a way to stop this...ie..adjust brace height????It doesn't do it all the time so could it just be bad release??
Regards...Sparra

[Axe]

Sparra, as Coach said experiment with it a bit, if you're wear'n a jumper or loose shirt, it can also be hitting that without hitting you arm and make a slapping sound. If it is the string on the limbs, you can put a bit of felt, suede on the limb, some do, I don't like it, I recommend increase the brace height, need to talk give me a pm:D

[ed]

I measured the brace heights on the two bows, they are 5.5 and 5.75 inches. I am shooting the higher braced bow as I can't quite draw the other one yet - 100 vs 110 pound draws at 32 inches (83 vs 92 normally). Not had a slap from the lighter bow (bet it would sting though hehe) and it really does fling arrows out - this guy makes them http://www.ausbow.com.au/ausbow.html

Given what you say about "sweet spots" for the accuracy and speed then I will try some higher brace heights and see what happens. Shot 30 arrows out of the lighter one on Saturday and noticed a little fishtailing (in what little time you can see them!) and will see if a higher brace height eliminates it.

[Axe]

Ed, you sure the fishtail'n ain't to do with your arrow spine?? :)

Iv'e got a woomera also, for what it's worth, my brace 6-61/2" :)

[ed]

Ok I will play a bit with the brace heights, though not too much it seems - thanks Axe. Glad I will not have to look at taking it to seven inches or more as I think that would break my stringer.

And then I will do all the other fiddly stuff for nock points and spine etc - though I am making my own woods and it will all be approximations in reference to other arrows.

thanks guys.