Recommended Brace Height (Fistmele) Settings

Brace height is a critical component of tuning any traditional bow, and it is no different for your Bob Lee recurve or longbow. Brace height is also known as Fistmele, an old-world word with origins hailing from the Saxon language. Fistmele represented the measurement of a clenched hand with the thumb extended.

In the archery realm, it references the distance between the pivot point, or most inward point of the handle’s grip, to the bowstring.

A higher brace height setting helps reduce bow vibration and noise. A lower brace height provides increased arrow velocity. But, there’s a fine line between improving performance and pushing it over the limit. Setting the brace height too low can increase noise, result in poor arrow flight and reduce efficiency. Even worse, a low brace height can permanently damage your bow.

How to Raise or Lower Your Brace Height

Twisting your bowstring will reduce its length and increase your brace height. Untwisting your bowstring or installing a longer bowstring will decrease your brace height. (Avoid completely untwisting flemish style bowstrings as string failure may occur). Experiment to find the brace height measurement that allows your bow to perform at its best with your particular style of shooting.

Here are the recommended brace heights for a Bob Lee bow: