Using a release...

[Jeremy]

Originally posted by TC:
Can you still use wood arrows, shooting off of the shelf, with a release?

Mechanical releases were around before aluminum arrows were readily available (and long before compounds hit the scene).  So the answer is yes  

[amicus]

Hey brother, hope you find something that works for you. I would use whatever I could to be able to keep shooting/hunting.

Take care

Gilbert

[fentiger]

Gimpy hands. Shoot Dorado and warf with a release and sights. Anchor with knuckle of index finger on ear lobe and string on nose.
  Use peep or bit of flytying thread where peep would be along with mark on riser.
  Very repeatable and accurate.

[Joey V.]

I use a release because of a spinal cord injury.  Truth be told I would use it anyway they do two things reeeaaal well.
 
1. Makes most people more accurate.
2. Make the arrow speed at least 4 to 5 FPS faster.

That being said I anchor right under my cheek bone and touch the string to the tip of my nose.  Dead repeatable every time.

[fentiger]

Joey, they also allow you to use almost any ammo provided bow is cut past centre and ammo has enough umph [spine]!

 No finger paradox, no archers paradox = easier tuning, add sights, peep and accuracy sans pareil.

[Northwest_Bowhunter]

If it is a finger tendon issue, did  you ever try shooting with your other had?

I tore a rotator cuff when I was younger and learned to do many things with my left hand and was as good or better at many of these things.

[TC]

One more question ... when you use a release, do you shoot off of the bow string or do you use a loop? Doesn't a release really wear on the bow string?

[BOWNAERO]

I agree with Joey V. on the accuracy. I'm going through one of my "snap" releasing episodes again and am using a release to try and cure it. Tuned pretty easy. If one were to stay with a release, you could reduce the serving length for speed increase unless you're real prone to string slap on the arm. Whatever you try, hope it works and you have fun!!              GOD Bless,
                                      Terry

I used a release on one bow with a mono-filament serving it never did have wear problems, but when I put the loop on it, it was easier to use and did not slide around.

[Keith Karr]

I have been using a release for the last two years because of bone spurs in my fingers.

I use a D-loop on the string and a Carter "Like Mike" release. I also use a feather rest by "Trap". Great arrow flight!

Can't turn in a score at shoots using a release, but that don't keep me from going and having fun anyway.

i have switched to mostly left hand shooting because of a joint problem that flairs up if I shoot right handed too much.  My groups are tighter left handed than right, but I am not as fluid yet.  I think that mostly has to do with the foot work, not so much the shooting form.  using the release did work for me, but I did not want to shoot long term with my longbows doing that, even though it seems to work fine with them.

[atatarpm]

I've used a Winn Archery release for three years now and the things I've found are:
You have a greater spine range that is useable
It can be harder on the bow if your brace and arrow weights are to low
I anchor with my thumb knucle in the hollow behind my jaw under my ear
I also use the release on the string with no problems at all