Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: wyrnutz on April 02, 2011, 08:55:00 PM

Title: fishtailing
Post by: wyrnutz on April 02, 2011, 08:55:00 PM
What does a fishtail/tailwhip indicate?
40# TD recurve, 29" 2213 Easton camo hunter and I am a 27" draw.
The arrow appears to tail left and then correct before impact.
    Just wondering as I'm still hitting the mark, I'd like to correct it if it is a major concern.
Thanks all

Brian
Title: Re: fishtailing
Post by: rraming on April 02, 2011, 09:02:00 PM
side to side is spine, up and down is nock height
Title: Re: fishtailing
Post by: bofish-IL on April 02, 2011, 09:32:00 PM
I have found that a poor release will also cause the same problems on side to side. I know I will get a bad arrow flight from one arrow with the same arrow type and then the next 2 fly great.  However if it is happening consistently it shouldn't be a release problem.
Title: Re: fishtailing
Post by: Stephen Claypool on April 02, 2011, 09:40:00 PM
Im not experienced w/ trad set ups at all, but just want to say that 2213's are the arrows that i use to use w/ my 70# compound. Im guessing your stiff.
Title: Re: fishtailing
Post by: ti-guy on April 02, 2011, 09:43:00 PM
You can adjust with the lenght and/or the weight up front of your arrows.
Title: Re: fishtailing
Post by: slivrslingr on April 02, 2011, 09:46:00 PM
Poor release and/or wrong spine.  I too would guess that you are overspined for your bow and draw length.  Try adding point weight or go down in spine.
Title: Re: fishtailing
Post by: sawtoothscream on April 02, 2011, 11:38:00 PM
i know wen i release poorly my arrows will fish tail a little.
Title: Re: fishtailing
Post by: Bjorn on April 03, 2011, 12:16:00 AM
Good advice above. Often you can make a brace adjustment-usually more brace can fix the tail wagging condition. Try brace first cause it is easy...if that does not fix it tip weight.....also look for an out of true nock.
Title: Re: fishtailing
Post by: KSdan on April 03, 2011, 12:16:00 AM
Brian- not sure if you are new to trad and tuning a bow.  But that sounds like the problem- you must tune the shafts to match the bow.  This link may help. . .

http://bowmaker.net/tuning.htm
Title: Re: fishtailing
Post by: Lonala on April 03, 2011, 06:43:00 AM
I think your way overspined
Title: Re: fishtailing
Post by: Wheels2 on April 03, 2011, 06:54:00 AM
If you still have shafts try some left longer.  The little extra weight won't hurt with a recurve and an extra two inches will reduce your arrow spine.  Better to leave them too long and underspined and them trim a bit, thus increasing the spine to the point best for you.
Title: Re: fishtailing
Post by: wyrnutz on April 03, 2011, 10:51:00 AM
Thanks much everyone, I have a trip to the local shop set up this afternoon. I'll be picking up some different weight tips and doing a little more learning.
The owner is a great guy and has helped me a lot over the years with my compound. His "go to bow" is a 37#@27" Fedora recurve that he has let me shoot!!!!! I will keep you posted.
KSdan, I am new to Traditional so any help is unspeakably appreciated, I shoot daily at close range(to work on form), hit the yard a few times a week and read.
Thanks everyone
Brian
Title: Re: fishtailing
Post by: fishone on April 03, 2011, 11:30:00 AM
I think you are over-spined. I draw 27" and most of my bows are in the low to mid 40#'s. I shoot a 1916, cut 28" BOP with a 175 gr weight. I hope this helps.
Title: Re: fishtailing
Post by: SlowBowinMO on April 03, 2011, 04:07:00 PM
I concur with those who believe you are overspined.  Fish-tailing can also be brace height but in this case I believe spine is your issue, way too stiff.

Tail left was also mentioned as underspined, and that is correct, however in this case I believe you are so overspined you are getting a false weak in the tail left.
Title: Re: fishtailing
Post by: Javi on April 03, 2011, 05:25:00 PM
Look at the inside hen feather, if its marking the strike plate or worn it is pretty clear that you are over spined..