I've measured various angles using the Technique coaching app and see that my son, has a much larger string angle at anchor, allowing him a very definite chin and nose reference, whereas mine is a much smaller angle. Until recently I had a nose and side-of-chin anchor but was using the top of my thumb under my jawline. I now use the top of my finger which has moved everything 'under', my release has improved (much less plucking), few shots heading left etc., but i now don't reach my nose with the string. My horizontal group has improved but my vertical grouping has suffered. A longer bow would increase the string angle at full draw but I'm already using a 72" bow. I can get the string contact with my nose by pushing my head down but this feels uncomfortable and an unnatural position and not one that i think is repeatable; seem to spend the time at anchor poking around with my nose until the hits the string; not going to win any prizes for good form. I could go back to a more 'side' anchor. I could try some extra long limbs. But that's a big chunk of money.
Which got me thinking about other advantages/tradeoffs of having extra long limbs and an even longer bow. Measuring the string angle at the limb tips at full draw for me and for my son sees his being smaller as his bow is relatively bigger. What's going on at the limb tip as that string angle increases? I understand that there is an increase in the rate of change of draw weight after a certain draw length but what about laterally? Would any imperfection in the limbs' alignment in the riser be magnified as that string angle at the limb tip increases? How would this manifest itself in the shot?
I'm guessing being able to get a better chin/nose contact will have a bigger effect on my shooting than any mechanical improvement and I realise spending money on longer limbs won't get me on the plane to Tokyo but i like to understand these things not least to help with my son's progress.
So bowyers, archers, mechanics all information most gratefully received! Thanks.
Which got me thinking about other advantages/tradeoffs of having extra long limbs and an even longer bow. Measuring the string angle at the limb tips at full draw for me and for my son sees his being smaller as his bow is relatively bigger. What's going on at the limb tip as that string angle increases? I understand that there is an increase in the rate of change of draw weight after a certain draw length but what about laterally? Would any imperfection in the limbs' alignment in the riser be magnified as that string angle at the limb tip increases? How would this manifest itself in the shot?
I'm guessing being able to get a better chin/nose contact will have a bigger effect on my shooting than any mechanical improvement and I realise spending money on longer limbs won't get me on the plane to Tokyo but i like to understand these things not least to help with my son's progress.
So bowyers, archers, mechanics all information most gratefully received! Thanks.