Trad Bow w/Release for Arthritic Hands?

[Huh]

So, dad's hands aren't what they used to be.  He can barely make a fist and sometimes when he does he can't actually open the hand without using his other hand to open the fist.  He wants to shoot a recurve, any thoughts on what could be a good setup with a release aid?  I was thinking something cut past center with a center rest.  I was going to suggest the Hoyt Dorado for an off the shelf solution, any other ideas?

Thanks, Josh

[Rob W.]

When I started out I shot all types of bow with a couple different types of release just messing around. Not center cut and off the shelf. Flight was very good with all the combinations given the bow was tuned using the release.

[S. Brant Osborn]

I think I read a post By Bob Morrison stating he was using one for the same reason.  Call him up.  He's a good guy to talk with.

[knobby]

I shot with a release for 4 years. You'll find that you need a REALLY underspined arrow, probably because of the lack of paradox. I used the release because of TP, but I think your Dad will enjoy shooting once again as it might get him past his hand issues. Let me know if he needs any help.

[Huh]

Hey knobby was that bow cut to or past center?  I was thinking that spine issues might sort of dissolve if shooting on the center line, just a guess.  Interesting that you needed a really weak arrow.

[Hud]

years ago, tired a leather strap, folded under the nock, and pinched with thumb and index finger. It worked quite good. The strap fit around the wrist with a snap, or loop. Has to be custom fitted.

[Fanto]

Ive played with a couple and honestly the wrist strap ones are the best because you can still draw to the same place you did before. the Tbar releases only work if you lower your anchor.

[Doc Nock]

Yup. Bob Morrison has hand issues and uses some sort of release...I think a string loop release, but that's just a "memory guess".

I second givin him a call. Fine gentleman and I'd be surprised he'd not offer advice.

Arthritis is the pits, isn't it?  :(

[knobby]

I've used it on bows that were cut to center and bows that were cut past center. I used under-spined shafts both times. Surprised the heck out of me, too, that the best bare shafts were that weak.

[ChuckC]

I am thinking whatever he gets or has can be used.  You just need to experiment with fine tuning for his particular set up.

ChuckC

[halfseminole]

I use a thumb ring mostly, but I'm getting back into shooting without it.  

 

You can see my hand is balled into a fist-it's because my fingers are trashed.  Hand was effectively shattered in an accident in my youth, and my fingers point in all different directions.  That one is pinch grip with stalls, I have been experimenting with using less to release to try to get a cleaner release on a bow that is very unforgiving (not this bow, this bow doesn't care about much of anything.)  I would recommend trying pinch and thumb grips, then seeing if a release is needed.  I see zero shame in using one, I'm just not there yet myself.  There's an answer out there, he will just have to find it with experimentation, but it's good to see that you're taking an serious interest in this.  Cherish the time you have with your father-you never know when you won't have him to shoot with.

[knobby]

Josh,
    Where do you live in Montana? I'll be in Bozeman a couple weeks from now.  If it'll help, I'll gladly send a release to your Dad along with an article from TradArchers World about using one. Just get me a mailing address if you're interested.
Gary

[Huh]

I am in Missoula.  I happen to have a release, but the article would be fun to read.....pm sent.