1st experience with clicker

[Stinger]

After reading all the clicker threads on here I broke down and bought one to see how it might help my target panic issues.  I set it up using all the good advice from you guys and gave it a test drive this evening.  My first impression was, wow those arrows fly fast.  I guess I was drawing a lot shorter than I thought.  I found it relatively easy to use and it made a noticeable difference right away.  I tried to incorporate the pull through the shot and push forward and will need some time getting use to that at the click.  What I found interesting was that I felt like I was fishing for my anchor.  Now I have had problem getting there the past 6 months or so, but I kept drawing the way I always do and waited for the click to tell me I was at anchor.  Is this a normal feeling at first with this thing and will I relearn the feel of the anchor eventually?

[s_mcflurry]

Clickers are dangerous.  They can be either an aid or a crutch.  I became what I call "clicker dependent" and was reacting to the clicker like Pavlov's dog.  Click!  Bang!  The arrow was off.  If used correctly, though, it should get you on your path to recover.

First, come to your anchor where it is most comfortable and where you feel you're in proper alignment.  Have someone set the clicker at this point.  However, it shouldn't actually click until you've gone through the expansion phase.  So, ideally, you set, draw, anchor, expand through about 3mm, THEN it should click.

A really good exercise when using the clicker is to go through expansion so that it clicks but not release.  Instead, let down and repeat.

[vernon]

I bought a clicker two years ago and have yet to put it on out of fright.  However, in more recent days I am really thinking of putting it on and giving it a chance.  Keep me posted on your experiences.

Thanks,

James

"...  but I kept drawing the way I always do and waited for the click to tell me I was at anchor."


NO, that is not the "proper" way to use one.  You first come to anchor and expand through the clicker.  When the thing clicks, the shot isn't over.  You have to follow through to conclusion.

s_mcflurry, is on the mark.

[Stinger]

I guess what I was trying to describe was the feeling that I had 'lost' my anchor.  This evening I was able to have someone check my alignment and made a small adjustment to the clicker.  I could come to my anchor and then pull through the clicker and release.  What I found was that I release pretty quickly after the click.  It is strange but the release feels almost like hitting full draw with a compound and using a release.  It feels smooth.  The one thing I noticed is that a number of my shots went 5-6 inches high at 10 - 15 yards.  I'm not sure what caused that.  I don't believe it is because I am now drawing further (since I was short drawing previously).  Perhaps as I push forward I'm forcing the bow up?  I still can't get over how fast the arrows are moving now.  I also took out my longbow, which does not have a clicker, and found that I could hit anchor properly and shoot well.

[BobCo 1965]

Originally posted by s_mcflurry:
Clickers are dangerous.  They can be either an aid or a crutch.  I became what I call "clicker dependent" and was reacting to the clicker like Pavlov's dog.  Click!  Bang!  The arrow was off.  If used correctly, though, it should get you on your path to recover.

 

Not understanding. Are you saying this is a bad thing?

[s_mcflurry]

Yes, "clicker dependency" is a very bad thing.  I was using the clicker as a draw-length-determiner rather than a draw-length-checker.  I would pull the arrow and wait for the clicker, sometimes in spite of how long it took.  So, I wasn't feeling the shot internally and I relied on the clicker to control that for me.  When I shot without the clicker, then, I really had to learn to develop good timing of coming to anchor, transfer, expand, aim, release.  A sure sign that someone is "clicker dependent" is if their timing is different (and inconsistent) between shooting with and shooting without a clicker.  That was me, guilty as charged.

Stinger, it's possible that pulling further is causing your high arrows.  If you were short drawing before your aiming may have adapted and now pulling further gives the arrow more power?  Either that or you have too much pressure on your middle/ring finger.

[BobCo 1965]

I understand, thanks for the clarifiaction.

Clickers are certainly not for everyone. And if it causes more harm then help, then I certainly understand your frustration.

Personally, I won't put them on any of my hunting bows. I have tried though.    

They also take a very long time to use correctly.

No matter how your put it though, a clicker always develops an anticipatory response which is a little different than a Pavlov response. The key to using one as mentioned is having a consistant draw to hold and expanding (mostly internally) though he clicker.

[Mitch-In-NJ]

When I shot FITA I used one.  The folks who say that you should expand thru the click are correct.

Unlike the "Cricket", the type of clicker I used was mounted on the riser and rested on the arrow.  You pull to anchor and the clicker would hang on to the end of the point.  Expand and the clicker would slip off the point and click.

 

The problem I had with it, was that in FITA everyone stands in a line.  Sometimes I would hear another shooter's clicker and flinch.  Once I actually shot thru the clicker.  Ripped my fletching right off.

[cj3a]

Stinger, What clicker do you buy and from who?

[Stinger]

John, I bought the Clickety Klick from 3 Rivers, but the Crick-It looks to be the same basic design.

[2Blade]

Givin the time it takes to learn how to use a clicker properly (most guys dont give it a real chance) why would you not shoot one? If your suppose to expand durning the shot why not have the benefits of a consistent draw length and follow through? The clicker was one of the best things ive done for my shooting and I certainly shoot better with one than without.

[BobCo 1965]

Originally posted by 2Blade:
Givin the time it takes to learn how to use a clicker properly (most guys dont give it a real chance) why would you not shoot one? If your suppose to expand durning the shot why not have the benefits of a consistent draw length and follow through? The clicker was one of the best things ive done for my shooting and I certainly shoot better with one than without.

I can only speak personally why I don't use them on my hunting bows. I don't care for the anticipatory response that it produces. I'd rather be concentrating and focusing on other things. Also, most of my shooting with my hunting bows comes at pretty close range, @20 yards and under. Even a 1/4" inconsistancy on draw length is not going to matter all the much at that yardage.

But if it helps someone with their hunting equipment, I surely am not against it.

[Margly]

Remember to change the chain to some paracord or similar. If not you might scratch of some of the finish on the limb  :rolleyes:  

Margly