That's a tuffy question, Rob...

I'm still trying to figure out the chicken and the egg deal.. 

That what I was trying to get at The older I get my options change, I have had times I had to shoot a mechanical release Critters never complained. So I figured I would try my thumb, only finger left that doesn't hurt. I feel it is as natural as my finger use to be. I've got a few months to get it right. I do see advantages I gained 2" draw, I get better releases.
BTW I have a left hand glove that Joel is using. New if anyone what to try making one like Joel and you are left handed you can have it for shipping.

Bob

i just bought one of rogers talon3 flap releases.  i hadn't shot one of those in near 40 years.  i totally forgot how good they are.  there is a technique to using them, but it's easy and the arrow flight is very consistent.  yeah, gettin old(er) sux .........

Most dictionaries do separate fingers and thumb.  They are all digits on the hand...but they are defined separately. 

Quote from: gvdocholiday on March 27, 2018, 09:05:25 PM
Most dictionaries do separate fingers and thumb.  They are all digits on the hand...but they are defined separately.

semantics - the bane of humanity. 

the point is that any digit contact with a bowstring (but with some form of flexible digit protection material, like leather) still introduces more possibilities of string torque and bad releases than a real bowstring release aid.  in most cases, using a "bare" thumb release takes as much if not more practice and skills than a spit, two, or three under finger release.  none of this is a "release aid", it's as natural as can be.

Quote from: Rob DiStefano on March 27, 2018, 09:17:16 PM

Quote from: gvdocholiday on March 27, 2018, 09:05:25 PM
Most dictionaries do separate fingers and thumb.  They are all digits on the hand...but they are defined separately.

semantics - the bane of humanity. 

the point is that any digit contact with a bowstring (but with some form of flexible digit protection material, like leather) still introduces more possibilities of string torque and bad releases than a real bowstring release aid.  in most cases, using a "bare" thumb release takes as much if not more practice and skills than a spit, two, or three under finger release.  none of this is a "release aid", it's as natural as can be.

Not arguing.  I think thumb shooting tabs(not releases) should be allowed in all trad/barebow classes.

Quote from: gvdocholiday on March 27, 2018, 09:28:57 PM

Quote from: Rob DiStefano on March 27, 2018, 09:17:16 PM

Quote from: gvdocholiday on March 27, 2018, 09:05:25 PM
Most dictionaries do separate fingers and thumb.  They are all digits on the hand...but they are defined separately.

semantics - the bane of humanity. 

the point is that any digit contact with a bowstring (but with some form of flexible digit protection material, like leather) still introduces more possibilities of string torque and bad releases than a real bowstring release aid.  in most cases, using a "bare" thumb release takes as much if not more practice and skills than a spit, two, or three under finger release.  none of this is a "release aid", it's as natural as can be.

Not arguing.  I think thumb shooting tabs(not releases) should be allowed in all trad/barebow classes.

i absolutely agree for a thumb tab.  it's just another padded digit that has all the issues of any digit applied to pulling back and releasing a bowstring.
 
but not a thumb ring - that's a ledge release aid.

as a side note, look at all the archery tournament equipment classes, it's mind boggling.  this is what we had to contend with when setting up our local tournaments back in the 60's and 70's for having trophies on hand for awards, and to three places for each class.

stickbow barebow fingers - men
stickbow barebow fingers - women
stickbow barebow fingers - under 18 male
stickbow barebow fingers - under 18 female
stickbow barebow fingers - under 12 male
stickbow barebow fingers - under 12 female

stickbow fingers limited (bowsight) - men
stickbow fingers limited (bowsight) - women
stickbow fingers limited (bowsight) - under 18 male
stickbow fingers limited (bowsight) - under 18 female
stickbow fingers limited (bowsight) - under 12 male
stickbow fingers limited (bowsight) - under 12 female

stickbow unlimited (bowsight and release aid) - men
stickbow unlimited (bowsight and release aid) - women
stickbow unlimited (bowsight and release aid) - under 18 male
stickbow unlimited (bowsight and release aid) - under 18 female
stickbow unlimited (bowsight and release aid) - under 12 male
stickbow unlimited (bowsight and release aid) - under 12 female

and if yer club also included wheelbows, yikes!!

I made myself a tab like Joel use's but my poor old  arthritic thumb would not take the pressure. That I why I made the Talon Thumb Tab so the pressure is transferred to the back of the hand. Like Bob say's it takes a little getting used to but once you find the right spot it is sure nice to shoot. And like they say I really don't care what they call it it works and that is what I am all for. It keeps me shooting.

Sidebar-- Rob, I have been playing with Roger's thumb tab and it seems good except it slips out from under my thumb when I don't want it to. What am I doing wrong?

Thanks Roy

Quote from: huntryx on March 28, 2018, 10:16:56 AM
Sidebar-- Rob, I have been playing with Roger's thumb tab and it seems good except it slips out from under my thumb when I don't want it to. What am I doing wrong?

PM incoming ........

I could use the same tip(s), Rob...

Just got my thumb tab and really like it, but I do not feel so far I am safely in control of the arrow, and it may slip.

Quote from: Hawkeye on March 28, 2018, 04:45:55 PM
I could use the same tip(s), Rob...

Just got my thumb tab and really like it, but I do not feel so far I am safely in control of the arrow, and it may slip.

i'll shortly be doing a review of the talon3 ....

When I was first introduced to them 45 years ago a competitive shooter with arthritis was force to compete in the unlimited class. They changed the rule because of him since he shot so well with it and they felt it was an unfair advantage. I don't know if that was Jersey or all over.