Going to a release

[LKH]

A navy buddy of mine has been coming up hunting the last couple years and shoots a release.  He has been a wrencher his entire career and arthritis makes it tough for him to shoot fingers.

Its starting to catch up to me and limits the amount of practice I can take.  Thinking of switching to a release and am open to suggestions.

[DRR324]

I personally don't think you arrow flight will be otimum with the release.  It won't allow string travel to create paradox for the arrow to clear the riser.  I'm sure others will add more- but you may have to shoot from a plunger type rest- with real stiff arrows to have some success.  Just my quick thoughts.

[Jeremy]

You'll be fine, and so will your arrow flight.  Mechanical releases were around long before centershot risers and plunger rests.  Paradox is more a function of dynamic arrow spine than anything else.  An arrow shot from a drop-away rest with a release still needs to be set up correctly to recover from paradox.

I can't make a recommendation on type of release beyond go to an archery shop and try a bunch out to see what is most comfortable.  Also make sure it's adjusted correctly for you!  I can't tell you how many Bowhunter Ed students I have come through the class where their release length is really screwed up!

It'll limit your shots somewhat - no quick shots at rabbits, treerats or pheasants, but you need to do what you need to do to keep shooting!

[Naphtali]

I, too, have arthritis in my hands. I attempted to use a thumbring with some success until my thumbs developed symptoms. Now I use a Winn FreeFlight C-12 relax-release. Stress of drawing and holding is transferred to arm from fingers. And the action of releasing the arrow is as close to finger shooting as a release can get. Its most severe downside is that the release takes up substantial space in your release hand -- takes practice to manipulate it eyes-off.

Hope this helps.

[MI_Bowhunter]

I used one for 20+ years shooting a compound.  Everything from wrist releases to the back tension target models.  I've never tried one on any of my trad bows.

I would definitely use a wrist type release, esp at the beginning.    When I initially made the switch from fingers to a release I flung several of them down the shooting lane as my hand had learned to release its grip to let the arrow go rather then push a button.  Trust me it hurts when it hits your thumb on the way down.  As for brand, just try a few and find one that feels go to you.

Just like shooting with fingers, find a good comfortable  consistent anchor.   Its just as easy to creep with a release as it is with fingers.
 
Good luck

[Billyjack]

Just curious but could a d-loop be added?  

[Keith Karr]

I started shooting a release about 10 days ago. I have bone spurs in the second joint of my ring finger. I have known this for some time, but continued to shoot almost every day. My doctor suggested another hobby...No way was I going to quit.

I am shooting a d-loop with a Scott single-jaw wrist strap. My arrow flight is great.

I will be glad to offer more if you want to give me a call. Cell 404-372-9515 Any time between 7 AM and 9:30 PM Eastern.

[Naphtali]

I had D-loop on one of my Oneida Black Eagles. As part of a hunting rig, it is a tool of the devil -- subsequent shots are S L O W and eyes-off target. Their only advantage when using Winn C-12 release is D-loop reduces wear on serving.

[DAJ]

Jeremy,

[DAJ]

Jeremy,
 I shoot a release as well.... same problems as listed above. I like a rope type release made by Fletchomatic with a strap that goes around my wrist for easy drawing. It was the same release that I used with my compound so I am familure with it. I anchor with my thumb directly under my ear lobe, this brings the arrow nock to about the corner of my mouth. I get great arrow flight with my release and it is a little more repeatable than fingers and it sure doesn't hurt your finger tips as bad after a day of shooting.
Just my thoughts....

[Bird Dog]

I had a PSE Coyote laying around that I use for bowfishing. For kicks, I put a Hindsight and stabilizer on it along with a flipper rest and a metal D loop for the release. It's like shooting bullets--super accurate and consistent. It's not my "cup of tea" but it was an interesting experiment.