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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Bvas on March 11, 2018, 02:47:00 PM

Title: Define forward handle?
Post by: Bvas on March 11, 2018, 02:47:00 PM
Many use this term(myself included). But I haven’t seen an actual defenition as to what constitutes a forward handle.

My assumption is this: If the throat of the grip is forward of the tips of the fades, a bow would be considered forward handle.

The bow I’m finishing up is the first off a redesigned form. The throat is almost dead even with the riser fades. However, the bow has a powerlam and the throat is about 1/2” ahead of the tips of the pl.

Would you consider this a forward handle?  It doesn’t really matter to me what it’s called. I like the bow and how it handles. I just don’t like using terms to improperly describe something.
Title: Re: Define forward handle?
Post by: kennym on March 11, 2018, 03:07:00 PM
Yep, mine might be a somewhat forward handle . Be good to know for sure!  :)
Title: Re: Define forward handle?
Post by: KenH on March 12, 2018, 07:23:00 AM
If the thickness of the handle is on the back side of the centerline of the limbs, you have a forward handle bow.

If your fades fade into the back of the limb, not the belly, you have a forward handle bow
   (https://i.imgur.com/E93S0aom.jpg)

   (https://i.imgur.com/HjLbM4bm.jpg)
Title: Re: Define forward handle?
Post by: skeaterbait on March 12, 2018, 08:45:00 AM
That makes sense but brings a question in my mind. Isn't there a line of thinking that the longer the string is in contact with the arrow (during the shot) the more speed/energy it gathers? So, moving the handle forward of the center line would lessen the contact time, therefore making the bow less efficient?
Title: Re: Define forward handle?
Post by: Forwardhandle on March 12, 2018, 09:02:00 AM
In the past I thought the handle & the fades had to be forward of the limbs but not sure what defines it.
 https://imgur.com/gallery/lQhFN
Title: Re: Define forward handle?
Post by: KenH on March 12, 2018, 11:05:00 AM
I dunno skeaterbait; the Ottoman Turks built some 800+yard ranging forward handle bows.  That seems pretty efficient to me.

Yellowwood.  I don't see any confusion.  the handle is on the back side of the line of the limbs on that bow in your picture, certainly.
Title: Re: Define forward handle?
Post by: skeaterbait on March 12, 2018, 11:12:00 AM
Can't argue with the stats Ken.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Define forward handle?
Post by: Zradix on March 12, 2018, 12:29:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by skeaterbait:
That makes sense but brings a question in my mind. Isn't there a line of thinking that the longer the string is in contact with the arrow (during the shot) the more speed/energy it gathers? So, moving the handle forward of the center line would lessen the contact time, therefore making the bow less efficient?
I know what you're saying for sure.

Having a forward handle doesn't necessarily mean a higher brace height than normal though....depends on the design of the bow.
Title: Re: Define forward handle?
Post by: Crooked Stic on March 12, 2018, 07:22:00 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/YlW4e79.jpg)
Title: Re: Define forward handle?
Post by: Bvas on March 12, 2018, 08:09:00 PM
Thanks for the replies fellas.

Ken
I understand your defenition, but think it mostly relates to straight limbed bows. How do you discern where the centerline of the limbs go thru a riser on a highly contoured d/r or recurve riser?  Also, most glass bows have the fades in the center of the limbs.

That’s why I believe you have to use the fade tips or a nonworking limb area as a point reference for a defenition that would cover all bow types.