Thumb Ring

[APN]

Hey Y'all!

I was curious about trying a thumb ring to help with consistency during my release. I'm going to use a traditional, western recurve shooting off the shelf and not my bow hand. As such, the arrow will remain on the opposite side of the bow. Will the ring work in that set up, or must I shoot on the same side of the bow as my draw? Just wondering if anyone has any experience with this.

Thanks!

[JNewton]

Thanks for bringing this up! I'm curious about this type of deal too.

My Rheum. Arthritis in my hands/fingers is causing me some soreness and swelling of my string hand fingers. I've wondered if a change in my string hand position, drawing technique,or something like this may be in my future????

I see gloves, tabs, and plastic "gizzies" (sorry for all the technical talk there; I can't remember what they're called, hee hee.....) for thumb releasing at 3Rivers, so it must be somewhat common to do?

[Bow-n-Head]

JNewton;  Check out the "TALON" release.

[YosemiteSam]

If you're starting out on a thumb release, I suggest starting with either a bare thumb or a leather thumb tab on a light-poundage bow (say 20-25#).  It helps get the feel of it all down better.

You can shoot either side but if the arrow is opposite the string hand (like standard Mediterranean), then drop your grip down a half inch or so.  Normally, your index finger rests on the side of the nock and exerts a little bit of pressure toward the bow.  Done opposite, it will push the arrow off the riser.  By dropping your grip down a little, you move the contact point back and avoid putting pressure on the shaft.  It's like a fixed crawl but it's just to make sure that the arrow stays on the shelf.

Have to give Joel Turner the credit for that one.  Learned it off one of his YouTube videos.

[APN]

Thanks for all the feedback! Yosemite, I looked into Joel Turner's videos and techniques and what an amazing way to shoot! I shoot left-handed, and it's always been a real pain just trying out new bows; it's very difficult t find a left-handed riser just sitting at a pro shop waiting to be tested or bought. They will order one in, but it's a huge risk for the shop if you end up not buying the riser. Oh, the conundrum!

As I was watching Joel, and in the vein of Asian style shooting, I can shoot left with the thumb release off a right-handed riser as the arrow will remain on the same side of my shooting hand! I can finally test new bows! But, I will start light (20#) - new form, new muscles, new patience... I also noticed that the anchor is much further back with this draw. I have a 30" draw, so finding longer arrows will be a challenge. Around 33 or 34"? I'll test and let y'all know how it goes.

[YosemiteSam]

Sounds like you're on your way.

The anchor is adjustable depending on what you want to do & what works best for you.  If you haven't already, watch Armin Hirmer's YouTube videos as well.  Turkish/Ottoman style is about a 28" while Manchurian is around 32"+.  I've only loosely played around with the thumb draw but it's very interesting & fun.