Stickbow Target Archery Forums

RE: IFAA Longbow Rules changesn
I don't think a few people can effect proper changes in so short a period, nor without receiving more backing. Maybe some changes would get by, but that would not be as effective as illiciting more involvement from around the world.

Good luck Larry, you'll need it.

Very good point Rob, and why shouldn't this movement be multi pronged. Let's stick with your approach in developing the Longbow rules and developing world wide support.

If we are lucky, we will have some significant proposals on the 2004 agenda and they will be available for the attending IFAA board to discuss and decide on.

The issues we need more time on will most likely be ready for review in 2006. Please excuse me for interrupting the flow of the current threads.

Respectfully,n
Larry

Good points, Martin.
And yes, there will always be those folks who just *love* to find a way to bend or circumvent a rule - re: the stealth hybrid longbow.

We are all in this game at least for the love of the ancient lore of the longbow, and the arc of the arrow's flight.
Yet technology moves ever onward, and few of us have, or use, true ancient bows, self made of wood, with horn nocks and no arrow rest.
A modern flat longbow, made of composite materials, sporting forward set limbs, has a mechanical advantage over an ELB. And likewise, so a hybrid r/d flatbow is typically a better performer than all the later.

Can all three types compete on even ground?n
Well, aside from the arrow (thank heavens the woodies don't appear to be controversial!), even though the common denominator is the archer, I think that at IFAA world class longbow levels the r/d archer will outshoot the ELB archer.

I think that at 3D distances (to 35 yards) it's mostly a moot issue - all longbow types would have a chance in the hands of a world class archer.

At IFAA distances to 80 yards, the modern r/d bows very much have a distinct advantage.

Since r/d bows have already been IFAA legal for years, it makes sense to simply eliminate the silly stealth rule and allow reflex to show in a braced longbow.

Interestingly, a year or so ago the Texas Longbow Champs did just that - now any r/d longbow can compete at their tourney, and that alone has increased shoot participation at every level.

As Larry suggested, the 1/2" limb back curve rule, and the 2" static limb rule simply make sense. Time to move forward and increase longbow comp attendance.

The handle wrap rule is plain silly, IMO.

Stuff for discussion ...n
Unmarked distances for all targets and rounds, and have those distances changed frequently.
Two types of rounds: 35 meters max and 90 meters max.

Hi Rob
just to show that there isn´t anything that is not possible:
We had in Germany/Switzerland the discussion, whether the usage of Kiudo Arrows (made from bamboo, very light by having the same spine as zedar wood) is ok.
Within FITA Field, they have tried to use the idea of "unmarked" rounds with the result, that measuring the distances with primitive aids has become a part of the skill of the archer. Meanwhile FITA officials publishing ways of how to get a handle on the distances (by stating that the methods are still illegale) to level the playing field again...

To my taste, the only real difference between longbow class and recurve class is in the centre shoot and in the regulation that wooden arrows have to be used. Other rules are there only to protect a spirit that has never been formulated nor really honestly followed ("longbows have to stay primitive..") Otherwise we would all shoot either the traditional English Longbow or the Viking Bow made from organic components only.

Rob, personally I'd prefer Field Archery to avoid unmarked distances, and not become a game of yardage estimation like 3D. One of the things that makes Field so attractive to me is that it is a pure test of archery skills and not yardage estimation. This also makes it a much faster game. I've spent as much as 4-5 hours to shoot a 30 target round at some big 3D shoots; never spent over over 3 hours shooting a 28 target Field/Hunter Round.

I agree with Foxler. Leave field as field and 3-D as 3-D. It would become to controversial and I can imagin the arguments that would come up.

I'm glad to see the opinions on the bows get a little real. I shoot the Texas Longbow every year...just got my shooting number today...yeeha!n They have shooters scrambling every year just to get in. They only allow so many shooters.

It is the best shoot bare none that I have ever attended. Very challenging...up to 60 yards at a buffalo and 45 at an elk, mountain goat high on a bluff...great shoot. It runs absolutely smooooooth. And, no protesting going on at all.

Simple rules, simple standards. Their only concern is to make sure there is no mass risers and you shoot wood arrows......They have a jig the bow riser must fit in...the rest of it is up to you.... no rule bending (cheating), no crap, as in the other org's.

Hope everyone does well at the "Glenn" beautiful country from my home State. By the way....world class trout fishing is near by.

Is Larry going to post as to how the new recommendations to the IFAA were received????
Art

Are these rules to keep shooter's out of these tourney's or invite them in ? What do I know ? I am a 3-d shooter and have no archery skills.

Bill Leslie