Modifying platform tabs

[Cakemeister]

I'm playing about with adding layers of plastic onto my tab platform. The idea is to drop my release hand slightly thus increasing the arrow elevation & distance capability. I'me doing this as I have a relatively short face, limiting the options between eye & chin.

Anyone else tried this? I will report back on relative success or not

[geoffretired]

Yes indeed.
The first time I saw this done, I was watching our county champion.
He had nearly 1/2 inch of cork built onto the platform.
I think you are trying to improve sight marks at long range or am I wrong?
There are other ways of getting a sight mark clear of the arrow flight path.
Have you tried the sight at full extension and putting the sight block under the arrow?( if it can go that low)

[Cakemeister]

Last year I tried (at full extension) turning the sight inside out, which I hated. I'm not sure how I could get the sight block under the arrow...
Other things have changed since last year- improved release, lighter arrows, so this is not very scientific as there are too many variables. What I want to be able to do is sight on the target at 100 yards with the setup I've got & reach it. It should be possible with 36# on the fingers, which is what I shoot.

[wingate_52]

Get a bowstring with fewer strands, or a faster string. I get 15mm difference between 18 and 16 strand Fastflight strings.

[geoffretired]

When you said you had the sight inside out did that mean the actual aperture or dot was between the riser and the string?
What I meant by under the arrow is having the bar with the aperture below the arrow at the full distance forward. It works if there is plenty of forward travel on the extension bar. The sight disappears until the arrow is fully drawn then it looks as normal. I use that set up all the time when I'm clout shooting.

[Rik]

Originally Posted by Cakemeister

Last year I tried (at full extension) turning the sight inside out, which I hated. I'm not sure how I could get the sight block under the arrow...
Other things have changed since last year- improved release, lighter arrows, so this is not very scientific as there are too many variables. What I want to be able to do is sight on the target at 100 yards with the setup I've got & reach it. It should be possible with 36# on the fingers, which is what I shoot.

Don't borrow trouble. See if your current setup can make the distance, before you think about changing anything.

One thing to think about first, if you do need alterations: is your nocking point correct? Too high a nocking point can have an effect on sight marks.

[joetapley]

Messing about with tabs and sight blocks doesn't really change anything as regards bow elevation and distance. All it might do is enable you to use a longer sight extension. With respect to building up tabs you probably lose more on less accurate string-face positioning then any feasible gain on a slightly longer extension.

While I use a platform myself (?) most coaches these days seem to very much against them and recommend finger to jaw contact only.

when I shot recurve I had exactly the same problem. I have a short face too. Some people just don't understand how difficult and frustrating this can be. Face shape makes a huge difference to the possible site mark.

I did try building up my tab but found the reference point felt very uncomfortable. Almost like my hand was floating about. Try it by all means, but for me, it did not work.

I found the only way to get the distance, with my 39lb bow was to buy the lightest arrow I could ( ACE670). Even then I could only just make it. Rik made a good point here. Check the nock point. It can make a world of difference to the sight mark too. Keep it as near neutral as you can. You need to squeeze as much power out of the bow you can, you need speed, but I'm sure you know all that. It's quite frustrating. When it got cold or started raining I was again back in the same problem and had to aim off. Something I hate to do.

I hate to say it but if you are struggling you may need to upgrade to ACE's. They are a good 30gn lighter than the Navigator, maybe a little more, but I have no info on the 660, only the 610. The ACE will in theory give you between 5 to 10 feet higher hit at 90 m. based on 1gn = 2" to 4"@90m. Try and borrow some as a test.

Hope this help
Rich

[Murray]

You MUST have a good solid reference, so I'd steer well clear of any built-up platforms - as Joe says, you will sacrifice a LOT in terms of accuracy.

Good set of fast limbs, fast string material, light arrows, small fletchings and a good slick serving/tab combination is about all you can do.

Personally I don't see myself as having a long face, but I managed 90m with 32#. now that I'm on 38# it's even easier (and that's with a +8mm nock point)

RGS - practice aiming off, it'll give you a big advantage if you can nail it!

Originally Posted by Murray

RGS - practice aiming off, it'll give you a big advantage if you can nail it!

It seems I don't need to, I shoot compound with X10's. This combo' makes life a lot easier, no need to aim off. I shot in a very strong wind yesterday, front and to the side, still nailed the 9 and 10 ring at 70m. If I did shoot recurve you may be right. Different mind sets can cope with aiming off, but I need circles withing circles, even if I do aim off, my head aims in the middle anyway.