stiff handle vs. bend thru handle

[Butch Speer]

What are the pros and cons. Just curios. Thanks.

[mmattockx]

My $0.02:

Stiff Handle Pros
Can make whatever grip shape you prefer and find comfortable
Positively locates your bow hand for consistency
Allows a significant shelf to shoot off of for consistency

Stiff Handle Cons
Reduces working limb length for any given bow length
Some people don't like the looks

Bendy Handle Pros
Maximizes working limb length
Lighter overall bow weight
Many people think it looks better

Bendy Handle Cons
One grip shape regardless of what you like
Less positive location of bow hand
Less positive location of arrow rest (though a small rest is possible)

I am sure there will be many others added to these lists.


Mark

[Aksel]

Iīd say thereīs a third option and thatīs a grip section like many primitive bows of the past typically had. A slight thickening of a slightly bendy grip allows you to :

narrow the grip for the arrow to pass at the same time is it more comfortable to hold than an ELB.

It allows you to keep the bow short with flat wide limbs that start bending more just outside the thickening of the stiffer (but still working) grip-middle section.

I guess technically it is a bendy handle bow but with advantages of a flatbow.

In addition to the above, I had a discussion about this with Paul Comstock and he pointed out, as an idea, that a bendy handle bow has an inbuilt durability mechanism where the whole arc can compensate for stress but on a stiff handled bow each limb is put on individual strain and I think that makes a lot of sense.

[bradsmith2010]

I think they both are great bows,,

[Del the cat]

Iīd say thereīs a third option and thatīs a grip section like many primitive bows of the past typically had. A slight thickening of a slightly bendy grip allows you to :

narrow the grip for the arrow to pass at the same time is it more comfortable to hold than an ELB.

It allows you to keep the bow short with flat wide limbs that start bending more just outside the thickening of the stiffer (but still working) grip-middle section.

I guess technically it is a bendy handle bow but with advantages of a flatbow.

In addition to the above, I had a discussion about this with Paul Comstock and he pointed out, as an idea, that a bendy handle bow has an inbuilt durability mechanism where the whole arc can compensate for stress but on a stiff handled bow each limb is put on individual strain and I think that makes a lot of sense.

+1
Del
(btw, I reckon all handles flex to some degree, so it's really a matter of how much.)

[organic_archer]

Adding a couple more to the already mentioned:

Stiff handle Pros -
Easier for novices to tiller, since limbs are observed and worked individually.
Longer bows are forgiving and accurate.

Stiff handle Cons -
Less working limb requires more length to reach any given draw.
Requires more wood.

Bendy handle Pros -
Typically requires less wood to make.
Shorter bendy bows can handle the same draw as longer stiff handle bows.

Bendy handle Cons -
Can be difficult to tiller because the bend of the entire piece is accounted for.
Can be a real turd in a variety of ways if bending too much in the handle.
Can be more challenging to shoot if you go real short.

Not universal, of course. Just personal opinion.

[George Tsoukalas]

It comes down to personal preference.  I like them both.

I heard somewhere that bend in the handle bows store more energy. I think it was in one of the TBB's.

If one only had a short stave bend in the handle bows can be very functional.
Sometimes I'll tiller a narrow handled bow to bend just about in the handle.

Jawge

[JW_Halverson]

If you want to build up the handle of a bendy to fit a more customized grip just pick up an old yoga mat and cut pieces out, stack and glue them up, shape them with a razor knife, and cover with light leather.

It won't change the bend of the wood much and you have infinite variety in how you shape your handle/grip. For that matter, you can even build up an arrow rest.

[stuckinthemud]

I use cork placemats to build up handles on bend through handle bows. A floppy arrow rest gives positive location for the arrow

[Butch Speer]

I sure appreciate all the responses. I've seen a few made at MoJam. Just never tried them.

[bassman211]

Bendy handles really come into their own when making short horse bows. For longer bows I prefer the the stiff handle with an arrow shelf . All just personal  choice.