Joel Turner thumb release

[quail]

seems like I may have noticed our friend Joel Turner shooting with a thumb ring or glove utilizing an Asian technique of sorts holding the string with his thumb. Anyone have any similar observations or experience with this technique? Would like to experiment. Any info on where to find or make a suitable glove or ring? Thanks in advance!

[Woodeye]

Joel Turner does, at times, use a thumb ring and has an interesting You Tube video on the subject.  I bought one from 3Rivers and will be giving it a try soon - what the heck.

[Flingblade]

The last time I saw Joel he was shooting with a glove he made.  He sewed a piece of cordovan onto the thumb of a regular mechanix style work glove.  I tried using a regular leather glove and couldn't even get to full draw with my thumb but I didn't give it much of an effort.  Felt very unnatural to me.

[cleenreelees]

I've been shooting with a thumbring for the last 10+ years but the 'Asian' way with the arrow on the 'wrong' side of the bow (righty shooter with arrow on right side of bow instead of left). Joel shoots with the arrow on the 'normal' side of the bow when he uses his ring. I WANNA KNOW HOW TO DO THIS! I've watched his video and tried it with a light #31 bow. I get an extra 1.5" draw but my arrows group to the left about 1-6" at 20 yards. I think it may have to do with head tilt. I need to investigate this more. It'd be great to shoot all my split finger bows with a thumbring!

The difference between what Joel does and 'Asian' style is that he keeps his thumb about 5/8" BELOW the nock and keeps his index finger off of the arrow. In Asian thumbring form one gently presses the index finger against the nock (this is very handy for keeping the arrow on the bow when shooting from horseback).

I'm out of condition (or should I say my thumb is) as I've been shooting primarily split finger for the last year. I may just need to re-condition my thumb to shoot my hunting weight bows and get my arrows on target.

Should be good weather tomorrow so I may go stump hunting using the Joel thumbring method.  

J.  :-)

[riivioristo]

Hi

How many pounds one can handle with a thumbring? - or is it just the same, like with normal release - just wonder if the stress is on thumb only it would be too much easily?

Looks fine anyway  

[cleenreelees]

Riivioristo,

The thumb can handle tremendous weights!

BUT. -One MUST condition it over time! I got an inflamed tendon shooting heavy bows too quickly. I'm relatively skinny and prone to tendinitis. I just started using a ring again last year and started with my 20# bow. I can now easily handle my 45#ers.

Good luck!
J.