Concerning Bows and Archery

[Laurelin]

The curiosity is killing me. lol

[Cuiel Rilwen]

:grin:

[Illuvatar]

Okay...okay....it's me! :blush:

I was telling Cuiel about the bows I got and she made me promise to post in here for advice and whatnot....soooo....before she does somehting drastic and throws a fit.....here I am! lol

What I have is a Ranger Bow, and a Ltd Edition Lothlorien Bow (#3 hehe). I've been able to shoot both of them a few times, and whilst I know little to nothing about archery in general, I found it quite fun! The Ranger bow is a lighter draw and has a softer string, the Loth bow is like a 35lb draw, and the string is harder and tends to hurt after I've shot it a few times in succession. I'm either a wimp, or I need to get me a set of those finger gaurds. lol

Oh...speaking of pain...thank god for bracers! :p I tried a couple of shots without my Ranger bracer on and quickly regretted it. hehe And shooting without a glove gave me a nice little mark on the back of my thumb that I proudly call my "archer's thumb" now.

The weather has finally cleared up here a bit, and I hope to be shooting some more soon. The last time I actually got any shooting in was before Christmas! :rolleyes:

I appreciate you more learned folks taking the time to post all your hints and advice in here and in the Archery-101 thread, and what little I was able to pick up has helped me greatly! However...it's become rather apparent to me, that I cannot correct my stance on my own and that if I want to really enjoy this, I'd best take myself a couple of lessons. At least to have somebody there who can watch me when I draw and release and tell me what I'm doing wrong. See....when I set up my taget in my back yard, I can actually do pretty good, and I do follow some of the guidelines like starting up close and then working back on the distance. I'm also not too concerned with bullseyes or any of that as long as I can group my shots in about the same place as where my first shot hits. I've also got a big problem with my arrows "fishtailing" and flying off to the right. This seems to get better if I pull, draw and shoot in one motion, but if I take the time to try and aim, then it can get scary. :o

I even ventured out of my backyard and down to the local park that has an outdoor range where you can set your target up on a hay bail and shoot for free all day. Needless to say... I pretty much got my butt kicked by a flipping hay bail! I truly spent more time walking around with my daughter hunting for the arrows that either flew over the top, or burrowed into the ground in front of it, or even worse...went sailing off to the left or right! pfbbt Quite discouraging that was I tell ya! And to make matters worse, there is always those "hunter" types with their compound bows whizzing their arrows into 1 foot tagets from 50 yeards away! pfbbt again!

I'll probably be posting in here more frequently come the Spring and after I've taken a lesson or two. But...there it is....I've joined in and spilled okay? Happy now? lol

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Ah there's our mystery-man now! Throws a fit indeed! lol But yes I'm veeeeeery happy thank you! :grin:

Sounds like you're enjoying what little practice you've gotten, and I can certainly understand why you feel that the outdoor-range is discouraging...you should rather find a beginners- course so you can start with people at your own level! And if you find an inside-range you may not have to wait for spring either!

:) :) :) :) :)

[Laurelin]

:whoohoo: :hooray: lol Excellent to have you here Illu! :thumbs: *giggles with excitment*

Alrighty, are you shooting wooden arrows or aluminum or carbon or...?? Whatcha shooting hon? And how are you releasing? (split finger, 3 under or thumb?) It sounds to me like your arrows may not be the right ones for your bow. If they consistently shoot off to the right then its either a bad release or the shaft of the arrow is too weak for that pound bow. If they're fishtailing pretty ugly like then that could be a couple of issues. 1. bad release 2. nock isn't set right 3. hand position is off on a shelfless bow 4. fingers aren't getting out of the way of the string.

Some more food for thought... stance - make sure you don't slouch, keep the elbow up of the arrow hand. Release - split finger will cause you to shoot higher; three under will cause you to shoot lower; thumb release - hurts unless you have a thumb ring. lol Definitely get a glove, finger tab or thumb ring cause if you don't you could end up pinching a nerve in your fingers and cause permenant damage. Computer geeks can't be having that. ;)

Seriously, if you have any questions we're all here to help. :archer: Btw, don't let those compound shooters intimidate you. Remember they spent thousands of dollars for all that equipment to allow them to nearly have the bow shoot for them. So, they BETTER not miss. Or they wasted their money, right? lol Keep your chin up and practice lots. You'll get it! ;)

[Cuiel Rilwen]

See....anything that ails ya can be fixed in here! :grin:

Quite good about them compounds Laurie! ;)

[Laurelin]

Well, I just remember one person with a compound getting really bent out of shape when I was at a tournament with him. I was hitting my marks pretty well and get was struggling with his sights and whatever else a compound archer deals with. I tried to cheer him up by suggesting that he abandon all those gadgets (as he is my friend and I can rib him without angering him). Of course he looked at me and laughed and said he'd spent way to much to be abandoning it. I laughed and shook my head, continued shooting with a group of traditional shooters. Those trad shooters are a riot. They miss shots, hit shots and joke and have the best fun. Most of the time the compound shooters take it too seriously. In the end, you just gotta remember one thing about archery. Whether its compound or traditional... we're not shooting for survival anymore (unless you're a hunter and then you'll want a clean kill, quick and as painless as possible for the animal), its a hobby and hobbies are supposed to be fun. So go shoot and have fun! ;) Its ok to miss.

[Cuiel Rilwen]

That is soooo true! You see that a lot in all kinds of sports, people taking it all too seriously. I'm not shooting for anyone else, only for me! And that's what keeps it fun! :)

[Laurelin]

Exactly! ;)

[elvenrocker]

Cool, a new member to the thread of ever growing archery fanatics :) Welcome. For stance you can always watch those "expert" compound archers, or ask them for advice. It's great you get a free range cause It's so difficult for me here in my city with no where to shoot cept for school. Good luck and keep posting!

[Laurelin]

Hiya Elven! Long time no see hon. :rose: Have you been shooting lately?

[Illuvatar]

:whoohoo: :hooray: lol Excellent to have you here Illu! :thumbs: *giggles with excitment*

Alrighty, are you shooting wooden arrows or aluminum or carbon or...?? Whatcha shooting hon? And how are you releasing? (split finger, 3 under or thumb?) It sounds to me like your arrows may not be the right ones for your bow. If they consistently shoot off to the right then its either a bad release or the shaft of the arrow is too weak for that pound bow. If they're fishtailing pretty ugly like then that could be a couple of issues. 1. bad release 2. nock isn't set right 3. hand position is off on a shelfless bow 4. fingers aren't getting out of the way of the string.


lol...you are too funny! No more giggling now! :p

Okay...since you were so nice, then let me answer some of your questions.

#1. The arrows came with the bows. The Ranger bow (http://www.armsofvalour.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AOVL&Product_Code=R-002&Category_Code=B1) came with 12 wooden arrows marked with "Bow wt. up to 35#". The Loth bow came with another 12 wooden arrows, they are not marked, but you can see them here (http://www.armsofvalour.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AOVL&Product_Code=WB-016&Category_Code=B1). Both sets of arrows seem to shoot just fine with the Loth bow, but the Elven arrows seem a tad heavy for the Ranger bow, so I take both sets and switch off. I trust that Jason set me up with the right set up for my size and strength.

#2. I use the standard split finger release.

I do believe that it's a combination of a couple of things. First and foremost being my stance. And too tell true it's just about all the things you mentioned. (except for the nock) That's why I'm wanting to take a lesson so that someone who knows what they're doing can correct me whilst I'm doing it! lol I've also caught myself twisting the bow with me grip hand when I'm releasing. From what I've read in your other thread, I'm probably just gripping it too tightly, and that I can work on when I get some help. hehe I may do as you suggested and just ask one of those hotshots down at the range for a free lesson! :p

It's warming up now, and I'm on vacation this week, so I'll give your thread another read, find me a hotshot at the range, and report back. :grin:

[Laurelin]

*claps hands* Hiya Illu! :wave: Glad to see you back in here. :grin:

Ok, assuming (scary to do) you have the right arrows for your bow, then I would really try to ensure your release is smooth and your follow through is smooth. When you anchor to shoot, make sure its the same place EVERY time and when you let go of the arrow, make sure your hand stays right there where you anchored or slightly to the rear of it. You don't want your hand to fly out from the side of your head or something like that cause it will cause your bow hand to twist slightly and the arrow will fly funky. lol Not to mention you might miss the target. ;) After you've released the arrow, make sure you hold very still and keep your eyes on your mark, not the arrow, until the arrow has hit. Sounds silly, I know, but I gotta tell ya...I've missed bulls that I should have had, but I "peaked" at the arrow while it was in flight and my arrow hit the last spot I had glanced at instead of my intended mark. :rolleyes: I have a bad habit of "peaking" too. :blush:

Smooth release's are tough for us traditional folks. First, we have to anchor in the same place everytime, then loose the arrow flawlessly too. In addition to that, lower pound bows are NOT as forgiving when it comes to shooting them. But it sure is fun trying to master it. lol

[Illuvatar]

Well hello back! :wave: lol

roflmao......I do all that stuff! I look at the arrow as it's flying, and when I release, I do so with flair! lol Heck, I guess that's what I get for watching them darn movies! They always seem to fling their hand when they release. :p

I'm gonna see if I can persuade the wife to let me go down and take a quick 1 hour lesson tomorrow night! They have them every Monday and Tuesday nights and since I'm on vacation, now would be as good of a time as any!

Thanks for all the help though! :grin:

[Laurelin]

You're welcome. Glad to help if I can. ;)

Let us know how your lessons go! (or if I need to pm the misses and sweet talk her for ya - ;) ) :thumbs:

[Cuiel Rilwen]

See sweetie this wasn't a bad idea! I can just soooo relate to the stage you're going through, with all the AHA!- experiences! You're alread seeing how useful it is even to talk toother archers online, and at least I continued to have these revelations for quite a while! And all the while you're getting better you might also experience small setbacks because you correct your stance or other things, and these corrections might take a little time to get used to. More importantly if you weed out bad habits in the beginning you will sooner become a good archer! Actually I had fallen out of the good form a bit during x-mas, had to read Laurelins thread all over again and get back into shape! Oh and I'm right behind ya, Laurie...sweet-talking the good lady! lol

We had our meeting with the club yesterday and they at least were listening and seemed positive. I'm not putting the flag up until I see some guaranties tho. Will have another meeting next week I think. The meeting took too long for us to go shooting afterwards :( but afterall this is important. Last practice we had 13 little celciuses down there...almost froze kittens on myself! So we'll see. We're gonna plan an internal competition of some sorts too! :)

[Laurelin]

lol Heck, I have to re-read my thread sometimes. lol Yep, what Cuiel said! :notworthy:

Its fun to shoot with other archers that have become your friends because if you not shooting well you can ask them to watch you and just tell you what they see you doing. Sometimes that's the best help in the world. Gregg, one of the old archers there, he will tell me sometimes that I've changed something from what I usually do when I'm not shooting well. Its like, heh... I didn't even realize I was doing that. :trout:s self. lol Bad habits are soooo hard to break too, just like Cuiel said. ;)

Brrr, Cuiel. Sounds bitter cold to me there. *teeth chatter* I'm glad to hear the club thingy is coming along. :thumbs:

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Yea but I'm a bit worried that the admin tasks will take the fun out of it. Downside of belonging to a large club I guess. :( Just as long as they fix our stuff good it'll be fine I think!

[Laurelin]

I think you'll be happier in the long run sweetie. I'm sure the admin stuff won't be exciting, but then you'll be getting things sorted to make it more pleasurable to be there. ;)

[Cuiel Rilwen]

I know...I'm just a bit overwhelmed by suddenly being both the cashier and head girl...you know what it's like when all the oldies are fed up with this type of work...and I actually thought I'd just be admin of the website...but there it is!

[Laurelin]

*hugs* Go Cuiel! :gofatty: ;)

[elvenrocker]

Laurelin: Yep, still shooting although there won't be practices for a while because of exams. -13 degrees Celcius? That's nothing! It's -20 something over here and about -36 with wind chill.

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Laurelin: Yep, still shooting although there won't be practices for a while because of exams. -13 degrees Celcius? That's nothing! It's -20 something over here and about -36 with wind chill.

lol not -13...+13...but inside! Kinda harsh practicing climate...not cold enough to wear a fleece and not warm enough to skip it...so ends up sweating and then freezing!

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Cuiel..be careful..mellon nîn..you're gonna end up as an icicle!! :elfeek: Brrrrrrr! *shivers at just the thought!!* I'd be so cold at that temp. ..for sure..I would be unable to shoot! :elfeek:Good luck to all of you who have to practice in such cold conditions!! :archer:
Elvenrocker..good luck to you!!:thumbs:

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Hehehe we can't have that cus I would start dripping and make a horrible mess! :grin:

I hope they will fix some kind of walls around the range soon...but most likely not until next fall. I will certainly make some demands when we meet up again but it all comes down to money so we'll have to wait and see.

[Laurelin]

Brrr! I can imagine shooting in that kind of cold... my teeth would be chattering and my release....lousy! *hits ceiling* :elfeek: lol

Hey guys... I thought I'd ask you your opinion on this. I've completed the review of the 2 Golden Wood bows from AoV and was wondering where you'd like to see it posted? I know Orc is working on posting it somewhere outside of the forum, but I thought I'd post it in here for you guys too if you'd like? Let me know your thoughts! ;)

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Oh yes that would be great! I say make a new thread within this forum! :)

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Suilad, (hello) Laurelin,
I agree with Cuiel..I would LOVE to see the review for the two Golden Wood bows! PLEASE do post it here!:hyper: :hyper:

[Steve the Great]

Yea, we would definitely appreciate that... Please post it! notworthy

[Laurelin]

Ok, I'll probably have to do this in two posts... So without further ado: ;)

"Suddenly the great bow of Lórien sang. Shrill went the arrow from the elven-string."
- The Lord of the Rings, The Great River

Both bows are inspired by J.R.R. Tolkiens The Lord of the Rings and are not official products of New Line Cinema or the Tolkien Estates. The bows are shipped in bubble wrap and boxed quite well. Given the length of the bows, expect a very tall box.

Bow of the Golden Wood 2nd Edition

Appearance
http://www.warofthering.net/photoforum/data/500/2094lothlorien-med.jpg
This is a fully functional longbow which is created out of one piece of hickory. When strung, it is 68 inches in length. Unstrung it is roughly 72 inches in length. The limb tips are slightly recurved and the bow is fiberglass backed for added strength. The tips themselves are very narrow and short. The handle section is carved to fit the hand well. The carvings are done by hand so each bow may have slight difference in the carvings. It comes with a Flemish Dacron string. Its overall appearance is very beautiful.

Performance
It has a remarkably smooth draw (no stacking) and shoots fast. If you have the right arrows for it, it will shoot very flat so the performance is quite nice! The carvings add to the beauty of this bow and do not hinder its performance at all. According to the manufacturers, this bow can be used to hunt large game or target shoot. The slightly recurved limbs give the arrows more speed and the extreme length of the bow gives it a smooth draw. This bow is available from 30 pounds to 60 pounds at 29 inches.

Drawbacks
There aren’t many. However, the limb tips being so short and narrow can create a challenge in stringing and unstringing this bow. Many of the bowstringers accidentally cover the entire tip such that the bowstring cannot be easily removed. If you find a bowstringer that is small enough, care must be used so you don’t injure yourself by one of the tips coming out of the bowstringer.
http://www.warofthering.net/photoforum/data/500/2094lothlimb-med.jpg

The other item of mention would be the fiberglass backing that is used. On this bow, the backing is left in a rough, textured finish. A clear and smooth finish might have been more aesthetically appealing, but then I do not know if that would have affected the strength and performance in a negative manner.

...to be continued...

[Laurelin]

Limited Edition Bow of the Golden Wood

Appearance
http://www.warofthering.net/photoforum/data/500/2094Limited.jpg
This hickory bow is the most beautiful functional bow I have ever seen. It is truly a work of art. The bow itself is ovalish down the back and belly which requires quite a bit of skill on the bowyers part and resin backing to accomplish it without it breaking while shooting. It is slightly recurved as well. Instead of carvings like the 2nd Edition bow, this bow has raised leaves that are very similar to Legolas’ bow in the movies. These leaves are wrapped around the handle and all along the bow on both sides of the bow all the way to the tips.
http://www.warofthering.net/photoforum/data/500/2094limbtips-med.jpg
All the leaves are hand sculpted with an epoxy such that it becomes part of the bow once it has dried. The limb tips are more stylistically like the Turkish siyah. This bow is roughly 68 inches when strung and roughly 72 inches when unstrung. Additionally, only a certain amount of these will be made. Each bow will be numbered and signed by the bowyer(s). It comes with a flemish Dacron string. Its overall appearance is breathtakingly beautiful and as replicas go it is amazingly close to the movies.

Performance
Its slightly recurved shape and the siyah limb tips make for an amazingly nice draw. It’s very smooth and does not stack. If you have the proper arrows for it, the arrows will fly fast and flat out of this bow. The epoxy on the bow gives the bow added strength besides the beauty. According to the manufacturer, a bow of this kind with over 40 pounds could also be used to hunt large game as well as target shooting. This bow is available from 30 pounds to 50 pounds at 29 inches.

Drawbacks
The beautiful epoxy artwork in the handle section makes this bow not quite as comfortable in your hand when shooting. Other than that, there I see no other drawbacks.
http://www.warofthering.net/photoforum/data/500/2094handlesection.jpg

Overall Thoughts
Both bows are quite lovely and shoot very well. If you’re trying to decide between them then it really comes down to what you want to do with them. If you intend to shoot daily, then perhaps out of comfort of your hand you’d want the 2nd Edition bow. If you want a work of art that you can shoot as well, but it’s not going to be your main bow, then perhaps the Limited Edition would be right for you. Also, the Limited Edition bow is a bit thinner overall as compared to the 2nd Edition bow, but the Limited Edition is as close a replica to Legolas’ bow as we will probably see. Both bows are remarkable and shoot very well. My compliments to the bowyers!
http://www.warofthering.net/photoforum/data/500/2094bowreview1.jpg

Recommendations
When you get these bows, their strings are not served. I would recommend getting them served and placing either a metal nock or string nock on the bowstring. This will prolong the life of your bowstring and make it easier to shoot.

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Great job sweetie! :thumbs: I love how you've incorporated photos to illustrate your points! Very well done, and a big help I'm sure for people who are looking into buying one! :)

[Laurelin]

Thanks Cuiel! :notworthy:

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Suilad,(hello) Laurelin! Hannon le (thank you) for posting all this! :cuddles: Ummmm..this is maybe a stupid question... :blush: but gonna ask it anyway! :blush: :p Can you explain exactly what you mean by "their strings are not served."??? :huh: :blush: A lot of this terminology (like computers) is still new to me! :blush:

[Ithildiel Noldoran]

*sigh* And now I want a bow more than ever!!:hyper: Great analysis, and great pics, Laur!!:smooch:

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Yea I wondered about that too but thought I'd check the Archery 101-thread before asking...:blush: ...but actually there's nothing in the list of terminology about this term so now you've got another curious student waiting for an explanation! :grin:

[Laurelin]

Aw thanks guys. :blush:

Randi, to answer your question, serving is an extra layer of string material usually a nylon monofilament that is wrapped around the bowstring itself.
http://www.warofthering.net/photoforum/data/500/2094serving.jpg

It keeps the bowstring from fraying, but more often than not it also increases the diameter of your string such that an arrow's nock will fit it better and therefore fly nicer off of your bowstring. ;)

I haven't actually discussed bowstrings in the 101 thread...have I? :blush: Ok...I'll work on a more detailed discussion of bowstrings and post it today. ;)

(...not sure why my piccie is coming up as URL, I have the img tags in there...sorry about that guys)

[Cuiel Rilwen]

oooh I see...so you serve only the part of the string where the nock goes and somewhat above and below it?

I notice there is a number after the file-extension...is that the reason for it not showing? I never saw that earlier.

[Laurelin]

Yep, that's correct. I finally got the bowstring stuff up in the Archery 101 thread. Go have a lookie. ;)

I have no idea about that piccie not showing up. :huh: Its working fine in the Archery 101 thread. *is puzzled* Steve, if you know how to fix it in this one, go right ahead my friend! ;)

[Steve the Great]

Yea, Cuiel was right, those numbers after the file extension caused the trouble... :grin:
Btw. it was really cool review Laurelin, thank you for posting it! notworthy

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Hehehe see Laurie I'm getting the hang of this coding! :grin: Now I wonder how them numbers got there in the first place! ;)

Your last post on bowstrings was most enlightening, great job! :thumbs:

[elvenrocker]

Cool review. Those bows are beautiful. Too bad I don't have job=money. I never knew the term of serving but I've seen it before. It's like a hard kind of thread wrapped around the nock area.

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Suilad, (hello) Laurelin,
Hannon le (thank you)for all the information..and for answering my question about the serving. :cuddles:

[Laurelin]

Thanks guys! I appreciate your input and I'm glad you liked the reviews and bowstring info!! notworthy Let me know if you need/want more info or have more questions. If I don't have the answer I can generally find one. ;)

You're welcome Randi! :smooch:

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Phew I'm back online after DAYS of withdrawals! :)

Practice on thursday turned out to be a lot of talk and less shooting. Lost the screw to my sight. :( But will go again on monday so hopefully will be more fun and more people! :)

I'm wanting a real wooden bow soooo bad now! Dang the postage from US to Norway is so pricy! :angry: Maybe gotta make one myself hmf.

[Laurelin]

Glad to have you back Cuiel! :smooch: We missed ya!

I found a couple of sites for you. There's some nice bows made nearer to you. I'll have to relocate those sites and post 'em here for ya. ;)

[Laurelin]

Here's one of the links for ya. ;)

http://www.traditional-archery-scandinavia.com

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Thanks dear! :cuddles:Those bows are beautiful tho not what I had in mind...you know how I fancy a long recurve...or deflex! Actually seems like these magyar and scythian bows are more popular up here, dunno why...I've seen several sites for such bows and also the one you provided earlier on. Gotta keep looking...maybe my search words are wrong?

Going to practice today. Haven't found that screw yet...I suspect my son has obtained it for some game and then forgotten where he put it. :( It's too big to just vanish so hopefully it will turn up soon!

[Laurelin]

I'll keep looking for you Cuiel. I'm sure there's a bowyer nearer to you that makes recurves or longbows. In England there should be longbow bowyers! Surely... I'll take a look. Apparently, the Hungarian type bows are very popular in your area because that was the bow of choice for so many years back in history.

Speaking of which, I've taken my mongolian bow up again and have been shooting it solely. The shooting style of such a bow is soooo different that I haven't even the words to describe it to you yet. Once I figure things out a bit more, I'll post it incase anyone was wondering how to shoot a shelfless bow of that style. Also... lol... another thing I've decided to try to tackle is the use of a thumb ring instead of a glove. :elfeek: This ought to be interesting. lol I'm going to try it today for the first time. Hopefully the range will be nearly empty so I don't have an audience. :blush: I'll let you know how good or ill it goes. lol

Aw, Cuiel, I hope you find that screw.. lol I told you that you had a screw loose. *giggles* No worse than me though. ;) Oh yeah, hubby tells me to tell you hello. ;)

And here's a site with several links: http://www.ping.be/olivier_picard/misc/links.htm
And one in Norway, though I'm not sure what kind of bows? http://www.mamut.com/homepages/Norway/3/18/gjknives/company.htm

[Laurelin]

Ok, here's a guy I think... in Italy. http://www.e-archery.it/index.php?PHPSESSID=cffd3d9e2be1eb6a63cd53e108079e f6&from_menu=1

My hubby said DHL shipping company is also another way to get stuff shipped to you in Norway from the US and possibly cheaper than other methods. He sent a digeridoo from Australia to Indianapolis for $30-40 USD which is pretty cheap considering the weight of that aboriginal instrument (heavier than a bow!). Just a thought... ;)

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Thanks heaps sweetie! All those links are very useful! I found a link on that first page to a norwegian guys link collection, and sent him a mail asking if he knows of any scandinavian bowyers. Gerd Jørgensen makes the most stunningly beautiful bows and I've been looking at those for a long time! :drool: They are very pricey, but will not be more than an AoV + postage anyways...AND I'll have the benefit of a local craftsman should something malfunction or break, which is reassuring and actually has been a worry whne AoV concerns...not that I think their bows will break but you know...just for my own peace of mind.

We do have DHL here so that might be an option. I sent a mail to AoV asking if that really was the correct postage, but hadn't heard the final answere yesterday. So we'll see! :)

I found the screw! It was sitting under the couch at the range...I must have dropped it and not noticed! :whoohoo: Practice yesterday was real nice, both the shooting and the sosial bit, I had a great time!

I'm off to the fair...have fun while I'm gone! :grin:

[Laurelin]

Oh good, I'm glad those links helped. ;) And I'm happy to hear you found your screw too. lol

[Elfdaughter]

I'm a happy bunny - I have bracers that actually fit now!! Oh, I shot a longbow for the first time on sundy....*whimper* Me want a longbow!!! It's SO much nicer than recurve....

[Laurelin]

:whoohoo: I'm happy you got to shoot on sunday! veryhappy

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Suilad, mellyn nîn, (hello,my friends)
I have run into some problems..concerning archery..I purchased some arrows for my Lothlorien bow..but found out that they are too long and heavy for me mecry ..so am waiting to hear from Arms of Valor to see if they make some special arrows. also the smallest bracer that I've found (8" long) is still too long for me to use..*can't even bend my elbow or wrist!:elfeek:) the bowhand gloves that I tried on are all too big! :( I found a pair of small leather gloves that fit fairly well..and plan to try to make a bowhand glove. I'm also going to try to make a quiver. ANY suggestions would be MOST welcome! :p

[Laurelin]

Oh you poor dear. I had a feeling that the arrows would be too long and heavy for you. I had asked them (AoV) about their arrows in the past and in general they use arrows for a given pound bow, but I recall that it didn't work well for light bows. Are you wanting to stay with wooden arrows or do you want to try aluminum?

Regarding bracers, I have an extra bracer that I could send you if you like. Its maybe 6 inches long if that! I want a longer one to cover my arm for all the different bows I shoot (each type of bow will slap a different spot on my arm if I'm not careful ;) )

Gloves have always been a pain for me too. You're going to laugh when I tell you this, but what I use for my bowhand glove is a pair of bicycle riding gloves that are fingerless. The palms are padded and comfy and there's a bit a leather right where the arrow rests so the fletching doesn't cut my hand. lol Hey it works! Sometimes you gotta get creative. I did find a website that had gloves specifically for the bowhand. It looks easy enough to make. I think I'll give it a try.
http://www.warofthering.net/photoforum/data/500/2094bowhandglove.jpg

3 Rivers Archery (http://3riversarchery.com) has a decent selection of quivers. EBay is another good source. There's a guy that makes quivers and bracers to match. Nice quality. I haven't seen anything from him recently though. :( Here's a site (http://www.brokenaxe.ca/diy/bc/backplan.html) for you on how to make your own quiver too. ;) Hope this helps mellon nin! :smooch:

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Suilad, Laurelin,
Hannon le for the quick answer..*HUGS* :blush: I haven't really had a chance to shoot the arrows that I have ..yet!! lol all four of them!!! :p I was going by the information that you had given me previously!
The arrows that I have are aluminum..Easton 2217, and 2219. with the points 125 grain bullet points! At the time I bought them.. four was all that Walmart had on hand..and the same with the points! :(
If Arms of Valor doesn't have custom-made arrows..I may try my hand at making some wooden ones.. :grin: (I made some years ago as a kid..but now I have a wee bit more information as to HOW to do it!)
I would LOVE to have the bracer if you are sure that you don't need it! *HUGH HUGS* for the offer! In return I will send you some leather that I have so that you can make another one for yourself if you like!(Being hobbit-size has definate drawbacks sometimes!) :( roflmao
Those bicycle riding gloves sound ideal! And hannon le for the links, too!
and it definately DOES help! :cuddles:

[Laurelin]

Suilad Randi!

Actually, using 125 grain tips with the arrows you have is a help to some degree. Let me use myself as an example. To truly test an arrow for a given bow, you should shoot it without any fletching at all. Fletching stabilizes your arrows and you don't want that if you're trying to understand if an arrow will work for you. I have 1816 Easton's that I'm using and they are 29 inches long. I stripped the fletching from a couple of them and tried them with different weighted tips. I started out shooting them with 100 grain tips and they shot terribly. I went to 125 grain tips and they shot better. Now...lemme explain what I learned from that. If an arrow is too stiff it will shoot to the left of the target without fletching. If it is too weak, then it will shoot to the right. When you find one that is just right, tip and all, then all things being equal (you shot it well) then it should fly straight without fishtailing and flying left or right. When I shot my arrow with a 100 grain tip it flew off to the left of the target. That arrow was too stiff for my bow. I put a 125 grain tip on it and it hit near the center, but slightly left. What that means is that the 125 grain tip "weaken" the stiffness of the arrow so it flew better. What I need to do now is try the same 125 grain tip on an 1816 arrow, but try it with a 30 inch long shaft instead of 29 inches (or perhaps 29 1/2 inches or 29 3/4...trial and error). That's what I'm going to try tomorrow. I suspect that it will hit dead center (if I release nicely lol ) and fly well. Complicated, isn't it?

So you can use some arrows that are too stiff for your bow, but there comes a point where you need to pick different arrows. I can tell you right now that the Easton arrows you picked will always be too heavy and stiff for your bow. Length isn't too much of a problem, but weight and stiffness is! I hope all of this helps. If I've confuszled ya (any of you), let me know and I will try to explain more. ;)

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Laurelin, Hannon le for the info!! :cuddles:
Since my bow is 25-30 lb. and my draw length is twenty three and one half in. what arrows should I look for?? lol Before I started reading on here..I did not even realize that arrows came in different lengths and sizes!! roflmao So I'm learning more all the time.. :grin: Thanks to you and all the wonderful people on here..who so freely share their knowledge! notworthy

[Laurelin]

You're welcome sweetie! Hmm... did you get the pm I sent to you awhile back? I think I had found arrows that might work for you. They were like 1713's or 16xx something. Very thin arrows but would fly well out of your bow. ;)

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Laurelin, Hannon le for reminding this forgetful elf!! lol I'll go check back on my pm's and check it out! Hannon le again!! *HUGS*

[Illuvatar]

Ummmmm.....

Well....with my Ranger Bow I got the Ranger arrows to go with it. They are these ones here (http://www.armsofvalour.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AOVL&Product_Code=WB-010K&Category_Code=B1), and they seem to fly just fine with either the Ranger or the Lothlorien bows.

With the Loth bow however, I got these Elven Arrows (http://www.armsofvalour.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AOVL&Product_Code=WB-016&Category_Code=B1). These I have not shot yet as it's been cold and rainy here (blech), but am looking forward to see how they fly! :p

Now...do not get me wrong. I didn't choose these particular arrows for myself. :p Knowing as to just how much of a rookie I am, Jason from AoV sent these along with the bows. He said that he basically matched up the arrows with the strength of the bows that I was getting, and of course wanted to make sure that I had the Elven arrows to go with the pretty Elven bow. :grin:

It also looks like they have a new set of Elven arrows....yellow ones for the Elves of the Golden Wood! hehe

Laur...have you had any experiance with any of these? Is there anything I should bear in mind? I hope to be off with milady to take our beginner lessons soon, and would like to take both bows to the range so that we can let loose some of these pretty arrows after the lesson. :p

Oh...and good idea about the bicycle glove! I've been using my deerskin motorcycle gloves. lol

[Laurelin]

:smooch: No worries Randi! ;) Btw, I send the bracer out yesterday via US Postal. You should get it next week sometime.

Hiya Illu! With you being a man, you'll get closer to a full draw than us women so if a bow is 40 pounds at 28 inches (for example) then you'll be shooting very close to 40 pounds. We women tend to have draw lengths of 25-27 inches depending on how strong we are and how long our arms are. Anyway, me point is that Jason probably hooked you up with arrows that will fly well for you given the weight of your bow and your draw length so you "ought" to be a-ok. ;)

The challenge for Randi, me and women in general (kids too) is that light weight bows are difficult for several reasons. The first is getting the right spine arrow to fly well for us as it takes a very light arrow. The second being that a light arrow requires smaller fletches and lighter tips to fly well. The third being that we have to release the arrow with the utmost care. Smooth release is critical because lighter weight arrows do not have the stability of a heavier arrow so they will NOT be as forgiving to a sloppy release. This can be frustrating for beginners because as a beginner you're trying to deal with more than just learning how to hit a target. You're dealing with anchoring and releasing, follow through...how to hold the darned bow even, let alone hitting your target...stance... well...everything! lol So it can be a bit frustrating. The best advice I can think of if one is shooting a light bow with light arrows is to just loose arrow after arrow until they get the hang of anchor and release, follow through consistency for awhile before actually aiming and trying to hit the center of a target. Once those things become second nature then one can focus on aiming at a specific point without the distraction of trying to focus on how to anchor and release. The mind can only focus on so many things at one time. ;)

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Laurelin, :cuddles:
Hannon le (thank you) again for the information and the advice!
I don't wish these types of problems on anyone..but still glad I'm not the only one having problems finding the right arrows! Don't feel so alone now! :p
Hannon Le again, Laurelin! *HUGS*

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Hon...did you look at my bracer-thread? You can quite easily fit the outlines of the pattern to your arm, I had the very same problem! Make a paper pattern first and try to bend your arm to check the fit before you cut it from leather. Now I don't need a glove cus my bow has an arrow-shelf...but I will if I get a shelfless bow once! Hope you get your arrow probs sorted out!

A quiver will be my next project...sometime soon! Actually there are several ways of making one...I prefer the flat types as they stay where I attach them...the tubes kinda dances around my rounded hips! lol Some of the flat quivers have separate compartements for each arrow...if you use those beautiful turkeyfeathered ones I would go for that option...they stay much nicer if kept apart!

I got myself a bow-case in Stockholm! It's a standard hard-plastic type, but I decided that was allright for this bow. When I get a beautyful bow I can make a nice leather case, it will be more fitting! Actually it was only 50 bucks, about 19 bucks less than anything I've seen on the net...and I didn't have to worry about the postage! Ofcourse everyone at the airports wanted to know what kind of weapon was in it, but they were calmed when I told them it was empty. Dunno why they believed me...I must look very innocent! It had to go with special luggage, but it was sure worth the hazzle...now I don't have to carry the bow in a plastic bag to practice anymore! :)

[Laurelin]

Randi you're definitely not alone in the arrow search. Each bow I shoot, I have the same issues...what arrow do I shoot out of it? lol You'll get it mellon nin! :smooch:

Cuiel! We missed you and we're glad you're back. Sounds like you had fun. Congrats on the bow case! :cuddles:

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Thanks dearie! I must have been lucky to have my coach fit me with arrows! lol

[Laurelin]

Yeah! That's always the best way if you can do it that way. ;)

[Ithildiel Noldoran]

I recently fired a crossbow...a friend of mine had it and had no idea what to do with it,lol I had forgotten how that thing kicks back, though... :grin: But at least, I haven't lost my shape, although I am out of shooting practice! :blush:

[Laurelin]

That's really cool Ithil! :grin: I forgot to tell you that I got to try a crossbow last month. Very different! :elfeek: lol You're right they do kick! I only shot it twice. It scared me precious. lol

[Cuiel Rilwen]

I can imagine it would kick you good! Very much like a real gun...scary! :o

Practice yesterday was good, and we even got some more members! We're having a beginners-course next week so I won't be able to practice for two weeks from then. Was weird to shoot at a small target!

[Elfdaughter]

Thanks for the site for how to make your own quiver - VERY useful!! As soon as I finish this dress I'll make that quiver.....

[Laurelin]

Yeah it was startling. lol Interesting to shoot though. ;)

Cool ED! I can't wait to see the finished product. :notworthy:

[Ithildiel Noldoran]

That's really cool Ithil! :grin: I forgot to tell you that I got to try a crossbow last month. Very different! :elfeek: lol You're right they do kick! I only shot it twice. It scared me precious. lol

lol The one I fired scared the neighbours... :p My friend thought she could handle it and shot a projectile right through a neighbour's window, be fore I went over to her house!!roflmao She'd never fired before in her life! :mmmm: Scared the neighbours horribly! :o :shhh:

[Laurelin]

lol Yeah I can see that happening easily. If I'd never shot a rifle before and a bow I could have seen myself shooting it that way accidentally. :p

[Cuiel Rilwen]

:o :o :o through the window!!!!! You guys are scary! lol

[Laurelin]

lol Just wait until you try shooting a cross bow. They're a handful! :elfeek: lol

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Well...I FINALLY found an archery range not too very far from here..and now it's time to pack up and move again! mecry But they don't have lessons there anyway. And I have plenty of room at the farm for target practice..at any time. But would VERY much like to find a place where there are Archery lessons. (Wanna learn to do this the right way!) So I'll go searching on! :p

[Laurelin]

I'm sure there would be a bunch of them in Texas. A lot of guys around here go to Texas to hunt. ;)

[Laurelin]

Sorry for the double post... I had a question I wanted to ask you guys. I know I haven't posted much about arrows in the "101" thread because I've been doing a lot of research to understand it before posting. My question is... do you want me to post what I've learned about arrows? I'm definitely no expert, but I have learned a few things. Lemme know. ;)

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Laurelin, Please DO post any information that you have about arrows! Until I read some of the articles that you had written..I did not even know that arrows DID come in different sizes and weights. :blush: The few that I bought years ago..(not gonna say how MANY years ago!) were all pretty much the same! So any information would be MOST welcome! :cuddles:
And I really do appreciate all the information that you have taken the time to give to us! It will really make the archery practice easier when I do finally get a chance to practice! Hannon le (thank you) again! *hugs*

[Nilion Elentano]

Sorry for the double post... I had a question I wanted to ask you guys. I know I haven't posted much about arrows in the "101" thread because I've been doing a lot of research to understand it before posting. My question is... do you want me to post what I've learned about arrows? I'm definitely no expert, but I have learned a few things. Lemme know. ;)


Please do Laurelin. I have always had problems understanding the Easton charts.

Do you have any material regarding that?

Btw if you want any help regarding archery and you think some of us could give it I'm up for it, I have been doing archery for the last decade flatbows mostly, but now I'm verging towards horseback archery and magyar and mongol bows.

Which style do you specialize in Laurelin? Target? Field? Instinctive?

[Laurelin]

Thank you Randi for your support of me! :smooch:

Easton charts are frustrating to understand. Recently my hubby and I went through all of those charts and materials that we've down loaded from Easton in the attempt to understand things better. Then we went to the archery range to confirm or debunk our theories. lol At any rate, we did solve a couple of perplexing issues for choosing arrows and whether a given arrow is too stiff or too weak for a given bow. Since everyone is interested, I will write up a section in the Archery 101 thread for you in the next couple of days.

Nilion - I ALWAYS welcome help! Please take a look at the 101 thread and let me know if you think of anything to add or that needs revised. Since you've been shooting quite awhile, you know how it is... everyone has their own way of shooting a bow and what works for one doesn't always work for another. So if you see anything that could be added that might help someone, please let us know! :hooray: Regarding the bows that I shoot, well... lol let's see, I have a recurve, 2 longbows (shelfless) and a mongolian horse bow made by Kassai that I'm completely in love with presently. :blush: I shoot split finger, traditional, instinctive and mainly target (indoor or outdoor + 3D shoots). ;)

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Laurelin..I'm working on a quiver (for the arrows I don't have yet!) I have it ready to put the finishing touches on..except for the straps..I don't know which is best..a back or side quiver..:huh:
I've never even SEEN a quiver before..except in pictures (or movies). So I'm uncertain about how the straps are attached to the quiver..Any suggestions from anyone would be appreciated..
lol My knowledge of quivers is even less than my computer knowledge..(at least as far as making one!)
I have the bottom attached.. and the lacing part way up the side..but am waiting to finish it ..after I know how to attach the straps.

[Laurelin]

Well, I've never made one, but you'll want the straps to lay comfortably on your shoulder and chest. Side quiver...back quiver... now that is really personal preference. If you find that reaching over your shoulder to get an arrow is uncomfortable for you then a side quiver might be the way to go. I have both, but I like my back quiver better. My side quiver bounces around on my leg a bit when I walk whereas my back quiver stays in place. lol ;)

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Laurie...I know this may be premature..while you're working on the arrow-info I mean...but could you please take some piccies of your quiver...back and front...perhaps also where the straps are attached? I'm also gonna make a quiver some day soon...when I'm done with my other projects...and I too feel that the side-quiver is bothersome. I would so much like to see how a back-quiver's strapping is done! Puleeeese? *makes puppy eyes at Laurie.* :grin:

[Laurelin]

roflmao You guys are too funny. Yes, I'll take some piccies for ya. ;)

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Thanks sweetie! (Puppy eyes work every time hehehe!) lol

[Laurelin]

Alright sweetie...here ya go. I know both you and Randi will enjoy this. ;)

http://www.warofthering.net/photoforum/data/500/2094misc_006.jpg
http://www.warofthering.net/photoforum/data/500/2094misc_007.jpg
http://www.warofthering.net/photoforum/data/500/2094misc_010.jpg
http://www.warofthering.net/photoforum/data/500/2094misc_011.jpg
http://www.warofthering.net/photoforum/data/500/2094misc_012.jpg

And for those wondering what a 3D shoot is...
http://www.warofthering.net/photoforum/data/500/20943Dshoot.jpg

And here's me shooting my Mongolian Horse Bow out in the mud hence the funny boots lol (compliments to hubby for taking the piccie):
http://www.warofthering.net/photoforum/data/500/2094Me3D-med.jpg

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Laurelin! Oooooh! Hannon le for the wonderful pictures! :cuddles:They are such good pictures showing each little detail! What's that old saying... a picture is worth a thousand words!
Now I can finish my quiver! :whoohoo: :hyper:
*HUGH HUGS*
Navaer,
Randi

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Too right Randi...those are great piccies! Makes it all very clear! Looks comfortable too, with the broader shaped strap over the back and shoulders! And I must say you look fine with your horse bow! :thumbs:

[Laurelin]

:blush: Thankee! I do love me horsebow. I'm thinking of trying to become a dealer for them. *crosses fingers*

Yes, the quiver is way comfortable with the wider strap and seems to stay put better too. Doesn't shift around on you too much. ;)

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Laurelin,
Some more questions.. :blush: on the inside of the quiver..at the bottom..do you have some type of padding there, for the tips to rest on..or is it just plain leather??
Also, on the sheepskin around the top..is it sewed onto the leather or glued on? And is there a particular reason why the shoulder strap is wider near the quiver and then narrows down??
:blush: Sorry about all the questions..but... :blush: inquisitive minds want to know! :p
And can you explain a little more about the 3D shoot?? :huh:
:blush: Now I'm playing "Pippin" again with all the questions!! :blush:
btw..love the appearance of that Horse Bow!! One like that would be excellent in the woods.. I would think!

[Laurelin]

No worries mellon nin. Ok, yes there's more sheepskin at the bottom. One, to pad it and two to help silence the arrows. The sheepskin at the top is sewn as well. Now the strap is wider at the top because of comfort. A skinny strap will shift on you and dig into your collar bone, whereas this one lays nicely and evenly distributes the weight of your quiver across a larger area than a skinny strap would. I hope that makes sense. And then it narrows down toward the bottom for weight and ease of buckling.

3D shoots - most often are for hunters so they can practice hitting the "kill" zone so when they actually shoot for real the idea is that they will have a "clean kill" (animal dies quickly and doesn't suffer). I'm not a hunter by any stretch of the imagination, nor would I unless I needed to for food. However, 3D shoots are tons of fun because different animals (deer, racoon, elk, moose, rhino, lion, squirrel, aligator, dinosaur, orc - I wish lol ) like you saw in the picture above are placed in the woods such that we archers walk through a trail to a colored stake. Each color defines what class of bow you're shooting (white - traditional, blue - compound without sights, green - compound with sights, yellow - youth) and depending on such you will be shooting at different yardages. Some 3D shoots define it even further: longbow, recurve, shelfed and shelfless for example along with compound in its various forms. Youth class always shoots closest to the target, followed by traditional, and compound with sights is always the farthest away from the target. From the given stake, we shoot at the fake animal. If we hit it any part of it, we get 5 points. If we hit the outter ring of the kill zone, its 8. If we hit the inner ring of the kill zone its 10 and there is a tiny circle that is worth 11/12 points which is a perfect "kill". If they only had orcs and uruk-kai, perhaps Sauron himself and a balrog or two...it would be perfect! lol It is good fun to walk about the woods and loose arrows though. ;)

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Laurelin..
The wider part of the quiver strap in the picture appears to be only a couple of inches in length, before it narrows down..But how many inches does it actually measure?? and yes..it makes perfect sense about the comfort zone..:cuddles: it's just that it doesn't appear that the wider part would hit the shoulder area..*Hope that I'm making sense on this!* :blush:
Hannon le for all the info. :smooch:

[Illuvatar]

Wow...how kewl is that!! They should set some of those up around my neighborhood! lol

And the quiver! Ooooooooooo.....that is just plain kewl!! I want one of those! My little hang-on-your-belt-with-a-clip is WEAK compared to that! hehe

[Laurelin]

Randi, I will post another piccie tomorrow with it on my shoulder and give you the measurements too. ;)

Illu - actually a guy that makes them and sells them on ebay is where I got mine. I have an arm bracer to match, though the arm bracer isn't as comfortable as the quiver. ;) And the 3D shoot... gosh it was a ton of fun! veryhappy

[Illuvatar]

Well....hmmmm....gotta link? And how much? :p

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Oooooo that 3-D shooting sounds like fun! No hope in getting that here tho. :(

But that's a good idea on becomming a bow dealer! Hope the stakes aren't so high so you can make it! :)

[Laurelin]

Illu - Here's the link (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=20839&item=7138105154&rd=1) for you! Apparently his new stuff is even better than mine (price went up lol ).

Thanks Cuiel! :rose:

Here's some other stuff that guy is selling too: here (http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZjw517)

[Cuiel Rilwen]

I'm getting closer to getting a new beauty! I got a much better freight rate than before, and I've almost desided on getting a bow from AoV! :veryhappy: I think I might get Beleg Strongbows Black Bow...it looks absolutely fabulous! Gotta find True Swordsman and ask some about it first tho! :o

[Laurelin]

veryhappy for you Cuiel! :hooray: Let us know which one you decide. :hyper: ;)

[Orc]

However, 3D shoots are tons of fun because different animals (deer, racoon, elk, moose, rhino, lion, squirrel, aligator, dinosaur, orc - I wish lol )


You do realize that orcs have the tendancy to shoot back! :p

:Orc:

[Laurelin]

roflmao Of course Orc and that's why it would be good fun! :p ;) Its all outta love of course. :grin:

[Laurelin]

Ok guys... I finally got the arrow bit finished and posted in the 101 thread. Hopefully it makes sense. Sorry it took so long, but arrows are a difficult topic to speak well on. It required some research. lol ;) Enjoy and if you have questions just ask. I shall do my best in answering.

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Laur..ooooops!! :blush: Forgive my blunder?? I should have remembered not to post in the Archery 101 thread!! :blush: Hannon le (thank you) for the reminder!! :blush: (but sorry I made that necessary..)mecry
Great job there..btw..:thumbs:

[Laurelin]

No worries sweetie! ;) Thanks for the feedback too. I hope my ramblings made sense and help you guys. :blush:

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Well..mellon nîn (my friend).. lol if that is "rambling" please continue it!! Once it soaks into my dense brain..I have no doubt it will be a big help!! Hannon le..(thank you) :cuddles:

[Laurelin]

Anytime! :smooch:

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Oy that chapter about arrows is extensive....I never knew it would be so long! When I started out I thought like "an arrow is an arrow".....pfffft! I'm so glad you posted it, I'm as you know contemplating byuing an AoV-bow with arrows! :grin:

I have my eye on Beleg Strongbows Black Bow....it's soooooo beautiful! I got my answere yesterday about the arrowshelf, and they can customize it so I've almost decided to get one! :drool:

Practice yesterday was great, been without for two weeks because of the beginners course. I shot like a nilly at first, but suddenly I managed to get my release right and started to hit target again. Couldn't stand through the whole 2 hours tho, felt the strain in my arms from being out of practice. We're getting more members too so that's wonderful! :)

[Elfdaughter]

*kicks the nearest object...* Ooops....sorry, Cuiel!!!! :blush:

Right - reason I'm so annoyed is beacuse my longbow just arrived, and I've had it checked over. Great! Except for one thing. Draw it to its full length, apparantly, and it'll snap. Not so great. I've had to send it back.


Edit: Hmm, just had a thought. Anyone know when recurves were starting to be used? I.E - what century?

[Cuiel Rilwen]

*ouch* lol

Where did you get your bow from? What a drag that it malfunctions...hope you figure out what caused it! :(

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Elfdaughter..AWWWW! I'm sorry about your longbow!! :cuddles:
I've got a question for you if you don't mind?? (seems as tho I always have plenty of those! an unending supply!) :blush: I'm still learning about archery...and this may seem like a foolish question..you said if you draw your bow to its full length, it would snap. If you did not draw it it to its full length..then how do you know it would snap?? (I'm not trying to be a smart-alec here, just trying to understand) What was there about it that made you think it would? Something visual, or sensed?? When I get another bow..I'd like to know what to watch for..
btw..where did you get your bow and what kind is it? The one I have is a Lothlorien 2nd Edition..from AoV.

[Elfdaughter]

I got the longbow from an american site over the internet - I can't remember the adress, though I will find it out for you. Ran - I didn't chack my bow over, a friend of mine who was a bowyer did. He drew it about quarter of the way, but didn't dare try to draw it further. Apparantley it wasn't finished properly, and would have needed a lot of seasoning, more so than advertised. (It was advertised as a rough and ready bow!) I can't give you any more info than that - sorry!!

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Hmmm...it would sure be useful to have the addy it the bows from this site are no good...something to stay away from. Must be frustrating to have waited for it first and then this.

[Laurelin]

Aw ED, I'm sorry to hear that hon! :cuddles: I hope it gets sorted out for you. Regarding your question, the earliest bows date back to 25000 BC from what I've read, based on the findings of arrow tips and what not. Recurves specifically are a bit more difficult to get a date on since "recurvish" bows also include horsebows. Anyway, the nearest reference I can find is 200 AD for recurves. The Huns did a composite recurve in around 400 AD. History (http://www.centenaryarchers.gil.com.au/history.htm) Hope that helps some. ;)

Cuiel, I'm very excited for you!!! veryhappy You'll have to post piccies of it when you get it. Glad the arrow stuff helped you too. ;) How are ya feeling after shooting 2 hours? :p :smooch:

Good points about the bowyer... it would be good to know so we don't go there! :nono:

[Cuiel Rilwen]

You are just a well of knowledge! I don't think I've ever seen a question unanswered...learning so much from you sweetie! :)

And ofcourse I'll post piccies...it will be quite a while tho...so don't hold your breath! lol

[Elfdaughter]

Aw, thanks guys!! Yeah, it was REALLY frustrating -and I still can't find that addy!!!

[Laurelin]

lol Ah Cuiel... I know nothing. I'm just good at researching everyone's questions. ;)

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Laur...'tis an excellent job you do too!! notworthy :thumbs:

[Laurelin]

*bows low* Tis my pleasure! ;) I've learned a lot from researching things for everyone! notworthy

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Laur..:cuddles: Well..I started to say "We" but can only speak for myself..I have learned a LOT from you..and I thank you for it all!! :thumbs:
Your comments and information has been very helpful!! notworthy

[Cuiel Rilwen]

T'is true....I've learned loads! We're so lucky that you wanna do this...it's so incredibly valueable...to everyone I think! And don't say you know nothing...a person with no knowledge of the subject could never write about a complex subject in the manner you do...and you always have an answere for the questions that rise in here! :)

[Laurelin]

:blush: You guys give me far too much credit! :smooch: I'm just glad I can help others with the sport that I love so much. ;)

[Elfdaughter]

OK guys - found the link - www.macs-traditionalbow.com

[Laurelin]

Thanks for posting this ED! :thumbs:

[Elegost]

Which is better built and will last longer,traditional or compound bows.I would like to have a traditional,but if compound is better built and will last longer ill get one of those.
mecry :archer:

[Laurelin]

Well... imho, comparing compounds to traditional bows is like comparing apples to strawberries. They're both sweet and they're both different...very different.

Compound bows are rarely made out of wood or laminates. They are usually made of fiberglass so they will last the longest as they are made of man made materials. ;)

[Elegost]

A Traditional bow offers more of a challenge dosnt it?

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Defo...compound bows do all the work for you. Traditional bows are soooooo beautiful tho...I don't care if I have to work more. If you get a good bow and treat it well it will last for ages...don't worry about that. Get the bow you want.

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

I have never shot a compound bow..but I love the appearance of the traditionals and hopefully in just a little over a week..will get a chance to FINALLY shoot mine!! :hyper: have only had it for three months now.. :p

[Cuiel Rilwen]

ohhhhhh you're gonna love it sweetie! Can't wait to hear how it went! :)

[Laurelin]

I can't wait until you get to shoot your bow Randi! veryhappy

[Elegost]

I'll be getting a longbow in a while.I just couldnt resist traditional! :grin:

[Laurelin]

Ah see, we knew we could sway you to the traditional side! ;) :hooray: You'll have to post pictures of it once you get it.

[Elfdaughter]

Thanks for posting this ED! :thumbs:

No probs! Don't want anyone ordering a bow and it snapping on them!!

I have just discovered Eagle-archery - very good by all accounts, but expensive.

[Laurelin]

Hiya ED! Just curious, but it it this Eagle Archery ?--> http://www.eaglearchery.com/ Or is there another one? :blush: I love hearing about new archery places that I've not stumbled across yet. :whoohoo:

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Ah see, we knew we could sway you to the traditional side! ;) :hooray: You'll have to post pictures of it once you get it.

Hehehe I tried my very best to be objective...I guess I didn't succeed! lol

[Laurelin]

lol Well...I knew I couldn't be objective so I thought it best for someone else to try. :blush:

[Naru`vatar]

Last weekend during the Sci-fic convention here in Gotheburg, I bough a wonderful leather quiver. It has a nice elven/nordic culture design. Ive still not decided if Im going to have straps on it or have it in a belt. Now I also need some arrows and a bow. I know some good sites which sell these things so I hope I can finish my archery set soon.

[Laurelin]

Cool! Will you post pictures when you get your set finished? :hyper: I'd love to see pictures. :grin:

[Elfdaughter]

Hiya ED! Just curious, but it it this Eagle Archery ?--> http://www.eaglearchery.com/ Or is there another one? :blush: I love hearing about new archery places that I've not stumbled across yet. :whoohoo:

lol - nope, that's the one....

[Naru`vatar]

Cool! Will you post pictures when you get your set finished? :hyper: I'd love to see pictures. :grin:

Sure dont worry. It will probably take some time im afraid due to lack of time and money :(

[Cuiel Rilwen]

But...but...we could see the quiver right? Oh puleeeeeese can we see it! *makes puppy eyes.*

[Laurelin]

Good to know ED. Thanks again hon! ;)

...what Cuiel said! Love to see the quiver!!! :grin:

[Naru`vatar]

Ok. A pic is up at the photo-forum.

[Laurelin]

Lovely quiver Naru! :thumbs: You know...a horsebow would fit nicely in there too. Now all you need is the horse. ;)

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Yea, I like it too! :) A horse? to go inside the quiver? :grin:

[Laurelin]

lol No, to sit on while riding and shooting the horsebow. :p

[Cuiel Rilwen]

:grin: :grin: :grin:

[Laurelin]

Hi guys! Anyone do any shooting lately? :grin:

Also... for those that have read my archery 101 stuff... does anyone have any questions or items that need better explained? *is bored and wants to do more research* lol

[Cuiel Rilwen]

A week ago yes...bad practice for me...have been having troubble with the shoulder of my bowarm...and my metalbow is quite heavy compared to a wooden bow...in fact I found it necessary to switch to one of the practice bows in order to keep the shooting up. Did NOT come out well, had to learn it all over again or so it seemed! :( I still have that ache, hope it will go away soon!

On a lighter note we're having a local competition on the 18th of april, we're gonna draw animals on cardboard and pin to the targets, and shoot in different hights and angles. I'm gonna make diplomas and we're gonna have prices for the 4 best archers.
Sounds like it's gonna be good fun! :)

Dunno what isn't covered yet to...how about shooting from horseback...? :grin:

[Laurelin]

Well... as soon as I get an opportunity to try horseback archery I will let you guys know! Um, I will look into it and see if there's any info out there though. ;)

Shoulder pain can be...well.. lol a pain! Whenever I switch from a lighter to a heavier bow I have some trouble with my shoulders too. Generally I notice the rear shoulder hurting me the most. Besides rest and ice, training it to gain strength is what I try to do. Go here: http://www.tenzone.u-net.com/Physio/trnwhat.htm - and click on Shoulders for some nice exercises. Hope this helps! ;)

[Laurelin]

Hey anyone been shooting lately? I finally found some time yesterday! :yahoo: Ack! I need to practice more. I'm getting sloppy. lol

[Cuiel Rilwen]

In fact I've been at practice today, and I had a good shoot! I changed my anchorpoint and I think this combined with my shoulder feeling much better did the trick! We're practicing for the local tournament...shooting at different ranges and angles...it's on next monday and I think it will be fun...something different than usual practice! :)

[TrueSwordsman]

I shot about two weeks ago. I would have this weekend, but had to rake leaves instead.

I used my new 50 pound Mirkwood Recurve for the first time. Arms of Valor does not sell them any more due to the long construction time. It is a true recurve with bamboo backing, which makes it shoot extremely fast. I am used to a longbow, so shooting the Mirkwood is like driving a sports car compared to a truck. Anyway, I was very inconstant and even missed the target the first time I shot from 30 yards. When I did hit the target it took both hands and a foot to pull the arrows out. This is definitely the hardest hitting bow I own!
:witchking :archer:

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Awwwww the Mirkwood bow! That bow is soooooo pretty...we wants it yesss preciousss! I could never pull 50 pounds tho...my 32 is sometimes giving me a hard time! ;)

I'm still wanting that Black bow...think I will be able to place an order in may...gotta get a new bicycle first! An even if I really want that I sooooo wanna be iresponsible and get the bow instead! lol

[Laurelin]

Wow! I didn't know that Mirkwood bow was such a nice bow. Pity they don't make it anymore. Glad you two have gotten to shoot recently though. :whoohoo:

How's your back doing Cuiel? :smooch:

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Back is fine and shoulder is not hurting anymore! :) It pays off to take a break when my body tells me to!

[TrueSwordsman]

The Mirkwood offered by AoV has gone through several stages. The name was also changed several times as the bow was changed. The latest Mirkwood Bow combined two bowyers (as with the current Limited Edition Bow, which I would rather have but the waiting list and time continue to grow). One bowyer made the body and did the bamboo backing then the other bowyer did the finish work and painted the designs. The gold designs on this Mirkwood are better than all the previous Mirkwood bows AoV offered and any other bow based on Legolas’ Mirkwood bow I have seen on the market.

Anyway, back to shooting. Now that the leaves are raked maybe I will get to shoot this weekend. My daughter has totally lost interest in shooting, so I need to come up with a game to make it more fun to hopefully persuade her to start again.

Last year I had planned on a 3-D shoot filled with cardboard orcs, but never finished the project (lack of time). I may start that again this year. What I really need is about a dozen bails of hay to use as backstops.

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Sounds like fun with the orchsesssss! Do you make stands for the cardboardfigures or what? Maybe I'll suggest that for our next event! Will depend on how well this first one goes...it's a forest kind of thing with animals at different angles and distances...also shooting from higher ground....aka a table! We plan to pin the critters to the standard targets...as we don't have an outdoor range...I'll report back after next monday.

[Laurelin]

Oh that does sound like fun TS! lol I hope your daughter finds interesting in archery again, though you know better than I do that kids interests wax and wane pretty quickly with most things. ;)

Glad your should is better Cuiel! :cuddles: Pinning the cardboard critters/orcsess to hay bales or regular targets isn't a half bad idea. :grin:

[Cuiel Rilwen]

But how do you pin something to a haybale? :p lol

[Laurelin]

Hmm... Nails? Anything that will work...rope? lol :p

[Cuiel Rilwen]

I think perhaps I was thinking of a stack of hay! :lmao:

[Laurelin]

:lmao: I see the confusion now. lol

[Cuiel Rilwen]

I had THE most fun evening yesterday! One of my archerymates picked me up at work and we met up with a third guy at the range, bringing lots of large cardboard for the targets. Then we went to work with large pens and drew animals...errr well sort of lol ...I guess you could say that a large number of new species were born! :grin: I drew a mexican wild cat which initially started out as a bear! Niels drew a gigantic arse-moscito...Hallvard the murderous rabbit from Monthy Python and the Holy Grail! There also was a slightly worried elephant with Legolas on it's back, waving his bow...a large firebird with an upset stomach...an orch with a high primate-factor...and a miniature pterodactylos! All these animals ended up making the most weird noices too! We laughed so hard we had troubble getting serious enough to start shooting!

The shoot went well...we were only 5 as there appears to be some flue going around...I didn't make it to the finals for which I was happy because my left shoulder was hurting so much by the last shoot that I honestly couldn't face another round!

All in all it was fun and I had also made some diplomas which everyone received. With Leggy on it ofcourse....! :grin:

[Laurelin]

lol How cool Cuiel! I'd love to see the diplomas ...since Legolas is on it. :blush: Sounds like you guys had tons of fun. :thumbs:

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Indeed we did! Shall I perhaps post the diploma in PF?

[Laurelin]

I would love to see the diploma! :thumbs:

[Cuiel Rilwen]

ok...I'll get it up there! :)


http://www.warofthering.net/photoforum/data/3022/skogrunden_1plass_diplom_thmb.png

[Laurelin]

Sweet! I love it. :grin:

[elvenrocker]

I'm alive! I can't believe I've forgotten about this place, but with school, addictive computer game, and web site making... well... *cringes* I came back right?

So... what's happened? (I can't read 10 pages without my eyes going bad)

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Hey...nice to see ya! Not so much exciting happening...not really...no! lol How about you then? What website is that you're making?

Thanks Laurie...both for the edit and the comment! :grin:

[TrueSwordsman]

You should find a way for us to earn the diplomas. Then you could e-mail them to us. Come up with a game of skill that each of us has to accomplish like:

Shoot 6 arrows from 30 meters with 4 of them within two inches of center. Then shoot the same distance as fast as you can (time how long it takes to shoot 6 arrows) then see how many arrows actually hit the target. If 4 of the 6 managed to hit the target (size tbd) then you survived the Orc charge.

Just a fun idea to get all of us involved with the fun sport of archery. Of course scores would have to be on the honor system.

[Cuiel Rilwen]

That would be fun...tho I myself cannot accomplish the task you just suggested...heck I haven't shot from a farther range than 25 meters yet! lol How about you other guys, is this something you could manage, or is too difficoult? I'm up for making diplomas if you wanna play! :p

[Laurelin]

I love your idea TS!!! :thumbs: Of course pictures say 1000 words so those of us with digital cameras can take a picture of their shots. :grin: I like this idea! Orc charge... :lmao: I love it.

:wave: Hiya Elven! Nice to see you around here again. veryhappy

No worries Cuiel. :smooch:

[elvenrocker]

Hey...nice to see ya! Not so much exciting happening...not really...no! lol How about you then? What website is that you're making?

I'm offering free webhosting on my site, and all i've got so far is the forums, and an idea. :) If anyone wants some space, bandwidth, mysql, php, or cgi, you can apply on my forums, or just pm me here ;)

The game sounds fun, but I'm not that talented (YET ^_^). hehe.

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Me neither...so I figure those less experienced that would want to try could suggest to what meassures their own contest or shoot should be? Like try to stretch a bit beyond what you normally can master? How does that sound? I certainly would belong in that cathegory myself! :grin:

Sounds fun with the site, elvenrocker...what kind of forum is it?

[Laurelin]

I think that sounds great... I would certainly fit into that category too. :p

[elvenrocker]

Me neither...so I figure those less experienced that would want to try could suggest to what meassures their own contest or shoot should be? Like try to stretch a bit beyond what you normally can master? How does that sound? I certainly would belong in that cathegory myself! :grin:

Sounds fun with the site, elvenrocker...what kind of forum is it?

minibb :)

http://recycledair.info
(that's my UNFINISHED site) :blush:

[Cuiel Rilwen]

I can't get in there...can you check the link? I wanna see....;)

[elvenrocker]

hmm... odd, i think it's down today.

[Elfdaughter]

I think that diploma idea is FANTASTIC!! Hmm, for the real beginners (like me!!) how about being able to shoot the battlefield requirement - 15 arrows in a minute, and at least 6 have to hit the target? That's a challenge for me, anyway, I don't know about the others. I've got an event coming up soon in a couple of weeks - I'll try and do that there.

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Noted, ED! At what range do you shoot them 15 arrows? I think I'll try the same today...as a test...just to see if I can stretch a bit longer or not.

What shall we call it? The Legolas Online Archery Challenge? lol

[Laurelin]

lol Sounds good to me Cuiel! BTW, mae govannen from the Land of the Rising Sun everyone! :grin: See ya soon!

[Cuiel Rilwen]

You managed to find a pc! lol Couldn't stay away from the green screen eh!? Are you having a ball?

Practice on monday was semi-good cuz of a sore hip...dunno why it was sore it just was. The targets still were in Forest-Round mode so I didn't try the shooting-fast thing. To my horror I now see that ED's post says ONE minute not FIVE like I thought it did...I think I need glasses! lol I'll never be able to fire 15 arrows in a minute and hit anywhere near bullseye! :o But next practice we'll take down the animals and line up the targets again proper, so I'll do my very best and try anyways! :grin:

[Laurelin]

lol Yeah, its difficult to stay away. :p *pets laptop lovingly*

15 arrows in one minute? Hmm...dunno...I'd have to try it. It would defo be a challenge! :elfeek:

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Wanna see piccies of the Forest round comp? Go here! (http://www.home.no/floyabueskyttere/skogrunden180405.html) :)

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

:whoohoo: :whoohoo: Just shot my bow for the first time today!! :yahoo: :yahoo: And I LOVED it!! I spent about 20 minutes..shooting at approximately 30 paces..at a box 12" wide and 18" high. I hit the box six times :yahoo: :yahoo: ..but NOT the bullseye...mecry I'm SO out of practice..but it has ben probably 18-20 years since I used a bow. :p
Had to stop..'cause it was starting to rain.. :(

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Wow! Fantastic Randi!!!! :whoohoo: I'm so glad for you...I know it must feel absolutely great! Continue practicing darling! :thumbs:

[elvenrocker]

lol Yeah, its difficult to stay away. :p *pets laptop lovingly*

15 arrows in one minute? Hmm...dunno...I'd have to try it. It would defo be a challenge! :elfeek:

I could probably shoot more arrows than that in one minute. Whether they'd go anywhere at all is the issue lol. It'd also be dangerous for anyone within shooting distance :nono:

[Laurelin]

Hi guys! :wave: *dances around all excited* I got to shoot a Yumi bow!!!!! I learned how to use a thumb release and shoot off of the other side of my thumb (right side for right handed shooters) and all sorts of things. lol Here's some piccies for you.

http://www.warofthering.net/photoforum/data/500/Kyudo_practice.jpg
My friend and I - both of us never shot Yumi before.

http://www.warofthering.net/photoforum/data/500/bullseye.jpg
Somehow I managed a bullseye. Probably dumb luck. lol

http://www.warofthering.net/photoforum/data/500/medium/yumi_bowyer.jpg
This is a famous Yumi bowyer in Japan and the US. I'll have to look up his name...can't remember how to spell it. :blush:


CONGRATS Randi!!!! :yahoo: :yahoo: :smooch:

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Looks fab darling! Congrats on the bullseye! Wow those Yumis are large...I would love to try one but as of now I'd have to go to Oslo for that sole purpose! Such a drawlength! Tell us all! :whoohoo: :whoohoo:

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Hugs..Cuiel and Laur...and hannon le for the encouragement..:cuddles: Got in a bit more practice today..but have run into a bit of a problem..the fletching on a couple of my arrows is coming loose.. :(
Question..what type of glue should I use to repair it?? :huh:
Today..Aerhiril wanted to try my new bow..on her second shot she hit the box..and on her third shot..the arrow hit the ground in front of the box..bounced up .. and hit the BULLSEYE!! roflmao We were shooting today at 40 feet..and even some at 50 feet. Sometimes mine would go to the left..some to the right of the box..but more of them went UNDER the box..and it was sitting on the ground..So I got lots more work to do yet!! :blush: A few times, at 40 feet.. the arrow went all the way through the box..which is why we moved it back to 50 feet.

[Cuiel Rilwen]

There actually is something way back in this thread about glueing fletches...if you perform a search you might find it!

If your arrows hit beneath target you have to aim higher...it's because of the distance. What am I saying ofcourse you know this! :p

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Cuiel, Mellon Nin, (my friend) hannon le, (thank you) for the info about the glue for the fletches..knew I'd read it somewhere..but couldn't remember for sure where.. :blush:
As far as the info about the target..even if it's something that I might already know..I still very much appreciate you taking the time..(and caring enough) to give me pointers..
There is SO much about archery that I DON'T know ...that every little bit of info I receive is valued..
Hannon le (thank you) again..:cuddles:
I shot several different times today..think I may have overdone it a bit..shoulder hurts worse tonight!!
My son is getting interested in archery also..he shot several times today..hit the box several times..and once the arrow hit the top of the target..(box) bounced off and went OVER the backstop..and hit a portable building about 150 feet away!! Think I'll tell him to get a more powerful bow and practice for hunting season!! roflmao
Daughter-in-law also tried her hand at archery..she hit the box once!! Gonna make this a family affair yet!!

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Hehehe...aint that the way...we all need to be reminded all the time! Must be great that your son and daughter-in-law also takes an interest in archery...so much more fun when you have someone to play with! :grin:

I'm off to see "Kingdom of Heaven" today...with my archerbuds! Can't wait! :hyper:

[Laurelin]

I'm soooo happy you're getting your family involved Randi! :yahoo: That is so cool!

Regarding the fletching repair, make sure you clean the shaft with finger nail polish remover before gluing it back on. That way any oils will be removed from the shaft and the fletch with adhere better. ;)

Thanks Cuiel! :smooch: It had been raining all day that day. We were supposed to go sailing, but that obviously was cancelled due to weather. So we found a Kyudo shop and I got to try my hand at shooting a Yumi bow. Oh man is it completely different from anything I've ever shot before. lol The bow itself is very easy to draw so drawing it to your shoulder isn't hard. In the pictures I posted, I didn't have it quite right so don't use me as an example of how to draw it. I got the job done, but my form was off. My friend Kanae, her form was better for her drawing hand, but her bow hand was off. Poor girl got string slapped so many times that her arm was purple the next day. She had never tried archery of any kind before. She loved it so I think she might actually go shoot more often! Yay! :grin: Anyway, so you curl your thumb around the string just under the arrow and draw back to your shoulder with your elbow slightly lower than your hand. When you release the bow, your string hand goes backward (see The Last Samurai for an example) and your bow hand is relaxed enough that the string will actually rotate around to the outside of your arm. Kinda hard to explain. :p

The next day we went to a Kyudo competition! That was educational and totally cool! I have more pictures. :grin: I wish I had taken an .mpeg of the whole thing.

http://www.warofthering.net/photoforum/data/500/medium/kyudo_competition.jpg
This is just before full draw. Kinda a half draw. They are so focused. The shot itself seems to take nearly 3-5 minutes. Very zen like.

http://www.warofthering.net/photoforum/data/500/medium/kyudo_competition2.jpg
Here's full draw!

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Wow that is so exciting!!!! :o What a totally different form than we're used to...oh you're so lucky to have tried this Laurie! I'm amazed at how hight they hold the bow before full draw...not to mention how far back they draw the string!!!! Looks absolutely fantastic...I gotta tell my archery buds the minute I see them before the movie starts! :hyper:

[Elfdaughter]

*Dances around, avoiding all the bows and arrows....*

I'm getting a longbow, I'm getting a longbow!! Finally! I've been saving up for well over a year for this....Problem is, I'm still having to dig hard into my overdraft.

[Laurelin]

lol :yahoo: I'm so happy you're getting a longbow!!! :yahoo:

[Elfdaughter]

Yip! £110 it cost though! *ouch!!*

[Laurelin]

:elfeek: Ouch! But hey, its worth it and you will have a ton of fun with it, right? ;)

[Elfdaughter]

Too right! I'll have to try to find somewhere to practice now...

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Weeeeee ED I'm so happy for ya! Tell us more about it! :whoohoo: :whoohoo:

[Elfdaughter]

Well, I've put it up in the Photo-forum!

it's a laminated english longbow measuring 72" overall, made from american white oak belly, purpleheart inner core and backed with english elm, drawing approx 37lb at 28" fitted with soft suede hand stitched hand grip and finished in traditional danish oil!

[Cuiel Rilwen]

It's soooo beautiful! 37lb...wow...mine is 32lb and I can't draw any heavier...not getting enough practice I'm afraid!

[Elfdaughter]

I'm drawing a 35 at the minute, so it's not too much different.

[Laurelin]

Wow ED! Nice bow!!! :thumbs: :gofatty:

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Everyone at practice is in awe of them Yumi-bows...and that draw! Practice today was nice...hit well but I get tired very fast I need to work up strength. We were all wanting to chat about KoH so wasn't very productive...rather lazy in fact! But that's nice every once in a while too! :)

[Laurelin]

Really? lol That's cool. Let me know if they have any questions Cuiel. I will try to find more info on it. ;)

I really want to shoot one of my bows soon. I haven't shot anything since Japan. :(

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Well yes I can think of a few! lol How come there is no bullseye on the target? How can they judge who won?

[Laurelin]

Well there is a bulleye on the target. The pictures above of the Japanese archer is a practice target. I'll try to post a piccie of when I went to the archery range there. The target is white with a large black circle in the middle. ;)

As for judging, the majority of it comes from presentation/form and a small part of it comes from actually hitting the target well. I'll find out more and post it. ;)

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Oh I see! I know the rest of the guys will love hearing more about this, so it's greatly appreciated...thanks a bunch!

Hey...maybe you should add this to you Archery 101 thead! :)

[Laurelin]

Hmm... not a bad idea. I will do that once I get my thoughts together. lol

[Cuiel Rilwen]

:) Fine things oh our Master Archer!

[Laurelin]

:blush: You give me far to much credit. :notworthy:

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Not at all dear, you're the authority on the subject! :rose:

[Laurelin]

:smooch: You guys do wonders for my self esteem. ;) Anything I can do to help.

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Laur, You do a wonderful job, and we appreciate all the hard work..all the research that you do! :thumbs: keep up the good work! :cuddles:

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Defo! :thumbs:

[Laurelin]

:blush: Thanks guys! :rose:

So how's the shooting going Randi? veryhappy

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Hi, Cuiel, Laur, :cuddles:
Good to see you both! Haven't had a chance to shoot for several days...due to rainy weather..will try to get in a bit of practice today, tho..had to wait for the ground to dry up a bit!!
Hope you are both getting in some time at it...'cause it's SO much fun!! :whoohoo: :grin:

[Laurelin]

Sadly I haven't shot since Japan... but I'm planning on fixing that this afternoon after work. I've gotten all my chores done around the house so I'm shooting by the Valar! I am! lol

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Laur..Good luck on your shooting today..and congrats on getting all the chores done...I NEVER get everything done here...(esp.with babysitting) There is ALWAYS something else needing doing here at the farm...Just have to get the most important things done first...namely...feeding time at the zoo!! roflmao Next is keeping the three little ones from doing something they should NOT be doing..which is a three person chore...(one person per chlild!) lol (while one is chasing the dog..another is grabbing a cat by the tail, and another is checking out a fire-ant bed..or trying to find out what the thorns on the rose bushes are!) :elfeek: So never a dull moment! They will learn and will make fine farm kids..IF we all survive!! :elfeek:
Gonna try to make some minature bows and arrows today and get them started on that!! :whoohoo:

[Laurelin]

:cuddles: Ah Randi... you've got your hands full mellon nin! Keeps ya young at heart I'm sure. You'll just have to get the kids involved in archery! ;)

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Well, Laur..it might keep me young at heart..but it's sure hard on the body!! :elfeek: Chasing after three little ones!!! roflmao

[Laurelin]

I can only imagine. Sooner or later I will learn first hand. ;) :smooch:

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

:whoohoo: :hyper: My arrows from AoV finally arrived yesterday!! :yahoo: but mecry...I was babysitting and doing the mowing and did not get a chance to shoot...but if the rain holds off for awhile today..maybe I can...:hyper: :p

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Awwww that's too bad! Hopefully the rain will stay away then. Guess what...it snowed here today! :elfeek:

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

SNOW???:elfeek: In the middle of May?? WOW!! It's pretty much hot weather here at this time of year.(almost warm enough to go swimming!) Will the snow prevent you from getting to practice?? Or do you have an indoor range?? And are the roads usuable in snow storms?? (SO much I don't know about your country!) :blush:

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Oh we got an indoor range so that's not a worry! :) When it snows in winter we have snowploughs that clear the roads...we usually get some snow this time of year...it's for the reindeer calves...they need it for some reason when they are born don't ask me why I don't remember! lol It's gone already...as long as our national liberation day on the 17th is without rain or snow I'll be happy!

Really it's been quite lovely the past weeks...+8 celcius and sunny. (That should be multiplied with 3 I think for you Fahrenheit guys.)

[Laurelin]

lol Still pretty brisk by what we're used to in May. 8 degrees would be a little warmer than freezing so I'd guess high 30's low 40's...roughly. :p Its 60's here today in Indy and rainy as heck. :p No shooting for me today. :(

So raindeer calves need snow? :o Hmmm... interesting. lol

[Cuiel Rilwen]

A lot warmer than freezing I should say...if the sun is out we take off our jackets and wear only fleece or woollies!

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

I followed Laur's instructions on the bow string..*it had stretched out way too much* and my :archer: target practice improved ..enough that I was able to hit the bullseye twice!! :whoohoo: and the string did not hit my thumb at all today...the string was so stretched out that yesterday everytime I shot the bow..the string would hit my thumb :elfeek:..felt like I was using the thumb for a target!! :( it's kinda black and blue today..

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Wow...I never encountered that before! Good that you got it fixed tho! And congrats on the bulls-eyes sweetie! :)

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Cuiel, Hannon le (thank you) for the congrats...:cuddles: and I wouldn't wish that pain on ANYONE where the string hits the thumb...I had on thick leather gloves too...but it still bruised it :elfeek:..(also have arthritis in that thumb that has it swollen a bit at the base of the thumb)...kinda sticks out like a sore thumb!! :p

[Laurelin]

Owie Randi! :smooch: *gets her some ice for her thumb* Congrats on the bullseyes!!! :yahoo: :yahoo: I'm very proud of you!

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

Laur..Hannon le (thank you) for the ice..It has already helped..soreness is going away a little now.. and :blush: hannon le for the congrats too... :blush: but probably just lucky on the bullseyes..I'm not that good at it yet..When I can consistently hit the bullseye..then I'll consider it an achievement!! lol I still miss too often right now!! :blush: But I'm having FUN with it!!

[Laurelin]

lol I understand...just remember though...sometimes its better to be lucky than to be good. ;) You'll get there sweetie. I'm so rusty right now that you'd probably kick my butt! lol I haven't had any time to shoot and the times I did have it rained. *cries* Ah well...hopefully tonight or this weekend. You're doing good though Randi! I don't care whatcha say, I'm still proud of ya. :yahoo:

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

awwwww!!!! Laur...don't cry, mellon nin..(my friend). :cuddles: *Randi takes neckerchief from around her neck and dries Laurs' tears.* :p Maybe you'll get to shoot soon!! *Keeps fingers crossed for Laur.* ;)
Hannon le..(thank you) for the words of encouragement!!! :smooch:

[Laurelin]

You're welcome sweetie! :cuddles:

[Elfdaughter]

*sits and taps fingers* I need somewhere to practice! I have a new longbow - but nowhere to shoot!!

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

ED!! congrats on the new bow!! :cuddles: What kind did you get??? Wish you lived close enough to come to the farm and you could practice with me!! :( Good luck in findiing a place!! I had the same problem in Or.

[Elfdaughter]

Aw, thanks! It's a laminated english longbow measuring 72" overall, made from american white oak belly, purpleheart inner core and backed with english elm, drawing approx 37lb at 28" fitted with soft suede hand stitched hand grip, finished in traditional danish oil.

[Laurelin]

Tis a beautiful bow!! :thumbs: Can you make a small target in your backyard anywhere?

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

ED..WHEN can we see a picture of your new bow??? :hyper: :hyper: lol It sounds beautiful!! :drool:

[Laurelin]

I think she has a piccie in the PF. :huh: You did post one there...right ED?

[Randiriel of Wilderland]

hmmm...:huh: I've looked for it...but may have just missed seeing it...mecry it really sounds like a beautiful bow...