Three fingers under or split-finger method?
Like many aspects in archery that has remained controversial e.g., straight fletch vs. helical, feathers vs. vanes, etc, so has the debate whether finger shooting three fingers under or using the split finger system. The finger method debate also brings into the argument whether it is necessary to tiller the bow according to the finger system used.
Forty some years ago, for a brief period I shot recurves with the split-finger system. However, through trial and error and some input from a veteran stick shooter, I converted to the "three fingers under" system. I have always been a good shot using three fingers under. However, if I were to give in to the other side of the argument and change to the split-finger method, all things say I would be an even better shot. I will not because the wheel is not broke. I will throw out some of the pros and cons I have read and been told over the years regarding the two types of finger shooting methods, and let the debate begin.
The reasons I prefer the "3 finger under" is:
1. The method puts the nock closer to my line of sight with the shaft and my bow hand. For me, this allows me to shoot instinctively, but to be able to "gap" shoot if distance and/or lighting conditions warrant it.
2. No pressure on the nock allows me to have a cleaner release, and eliminates dragging the arrow and arrow tipping.
3. I can get into finger position faster, especially when doing so while keeping my eyes on the quarry.
4. My anchor seems more positive and stable than when I shot "split-finger."
As for tillering to the finger method used, which was not a concern back then, being I do not shoot off the shelf and I use a higher nock point, I cannot see the value of tillering. Additionally, the system of tillering seems, as least to me, that it would rob some poundage from the limbs. In addition, I would be concerned that a limb or both limbs might develop a weak spot due to a faulty tiller job and start to "hinge" and possibly break.
I discussed this "tiller" and "3 under" aspect with the bowmaker who is making my bow and has shot recurves in competition and hunting for 36 years. He said he would tiller my bow if that is what I wanted, but in answering my question as whether it was necessary, he said that, for hunting purposes, he could put 2 bows in my hand; 1 tillered to my specs and 1 standard. At the end of the day, he doubted that I would detect much difference when shooting either bow.
What sayeth you to all of this?