I shot my first selfbow, now I have a problem.

[bearbowman]

I built my first selfbow, and I finally got to shoot it last night. I have the brace height set at about 5 1/4". the handle is 1 1/8" wide. it is dead in the hand and quiet.

here is my problem, every time I shoot the string hits me right on my wrist bone. If I hold the bow in my hand at brace the string is probably an inch or two behind my wrist bone. I've tried every grip imaginable to no avail.

What do you guys think is going on? I will try anything.

[Pappy]

I brace mine at about 5 3/4 to 6.Is the string down the center of the bow or off to the arrow side a little ? Plus I usually use a arm guard.
   Pappy

[adb]

Try increasing your brace height a bit. If your brace height is too low, the string really bites your wrist. R u wearing a bracer? You can shoot a longbow without a bracer, but you'll probably only do it once!

[Scowler]

Check your brace height.  You may have to increase it.  I use the fiestmiele(?) method, which gives me a 6 1/4" brace height.  If you are not currently bending your elbow when shooting you may want to try.  Good luck.

[DanaM]

Leave your elbow bent a little or if ya have a crooked arm like me it don't matter

[D. Tiller]

Ah! I know what it is. You need to send the bow to me and start the next one!!! 

Nah! Seriously though. If the string is off center you may need to heat the bow in one of the perscribed method and bend the bow in the middle so the string will align down the center of your handle. Personaly I like a bit of the string to be off center a bit on the shooting side. Means there is less archer paradox to deal with.

[bearbowman]

Thanks guys, I'll try increasing my brace height first.

you guys weren't kidding about this becoming an obsession. I'm ready to start my second bow (I have the stave) and I only shot my first bow one night.

[Hickoryswitch]

I promise you it gets worse. Before you know it you'll be building all of your stuff. I'd say bringing up the brace height and maybe wearing a guard will solve your problem.

[dragonman]

like Dana M  says are you locking your elbow ( the one that holds the  bow) that could cause it

[Kegan]

Just make a bracer to protect your arm. Solves all your problems, keeps your clothes out of the way, and lets you shoot any brace. And they look really cool !

[Gordon]

Sometimes going to a low-stretch string (i.e. FF) will solve that problem.

[Justin Snyder]

Check your brace height.  You may have to increase it.  I use the fiestmiele(?) method, which gives me a 6 1/4" brace height.  If you are not currently bending your elbow when shooting you may want to try.  Good luck.

Just below fistmele is a good place to start.  Shoot it a few times then twist a few times and shoot again.  Go until you are a little above fistmele a few twists at a time. The bow will tell you where the brace height should be. Longer bows often like a little more brace height. Keep track of the twists so you can go back to the ideal height. Justin

[Mark Smeltzer]

Another thing to consider is your grip, if the string is hitting higher up the wrist or arm.  You can rotate the bow in your hand.  It may help to rotate the bow very slightly in your hand moving the string away from your arm.  A little hard to explain but I like to shoot my selfbows with a low brace ht. and this helps some.

Mark

[JackCrafty]

....here is my problem, every time I shoot the string hits me right on my wrist bone.

What problem?  If it's not hitting my wrist the brace is too high.

Seriously, increasing the brace height will cure the problem....but it will also reduce your power stroke.  I make short bows (with short draws) so I need the longest power stroke I can get.

[nickf]

use a bracer