First the loose, then the points

We all think of an efficient archer as one who scores. A good loose is seen as a tool towards scoring.

Now at last we have a way to measure the efficiency of an Archer through the loose itself; flight-shooting, but with a difference. Flight shooting is always a raw distance contest, but what if Mr Little Guy with a 40 lbs bow actually shoots better (more efficiently) than Mr Brutus with 140 lbs ?

Enter his or her draw-length; enter the weight of the bow; enter a massive poundage/distance database; add to it Imperial College research; top it off with the maths and there you have it .

You can actually tell Mr Little Guy what distance he could make with the Brutus bow (and vice-versa).

In the Fraternity of Saint George this approach known as the ULFS (Universal Longbow Flight Scale) and used at it’s Shot in the Cloth of Gold.

In addition to the ladies, gents and junior prizes for raw distance, there is now that extra prize; the King’s Distance !

No-one can guess who will get it. It is Mr Brutus, Mr Little Guy, or could it just be that the little lady in the corner is actually the most effective and efficient Archer of all. Already we’ve seen some big surprises, but the biggest benefit is to all Archers.

The results are posted up at the end of the shoot (no name basis). All can see by what percentage they over-shoot or under-shoot their benchmark (the ULFS). Many make a note and are now comparing their progress shoot by shoot.

In terms of data, thanks to its many loyal Archers, the Fraternity now has by far the biggest poundage/distance database ever produced. And that database is growing explosively – every shoot adds vast numbers of additional data !

In terms of shoot profiles, by turning the data into easy to read graphs, we get a dead-accurate profile of each and every shoot. Take a guess at the better profile of the Fraternity’s shoots; July or the September Championship. Why not send in your answer; and we’ll give you the explanation.