My son and I really got into bowfishing this past year and are getting ready for the upcoming season.He is 10 years old and shoots a 30# recurve with a AMS bowfishing reel. I shoot the same reel and have taught him to twist the string around the arrow several times before nocking it so it will not get caught on anything and snap back on him and have had no problems. I have read about the cable slides for the arrows and was wondering if anyone can tell me the pros and cons of using this type of system and does it really work. His safety is the most important thing and I worry about the arrow coming back on him. All information will be appreciated. Thanks

I use the slides and really like it, works fine.

Get one. Every person I know of that bowfishes uses one. I knew a guy, a few years ago, that didnt have a slide on his. When he shot the arrow snapped back and went right through his head. It killed him. I suggest everyone that bowfishes use one.

i had one of the old school leader setup break and had the leader come back and bust me right under eyeball.. Im sure it would have blinded me if it had got me in the eye.  IM lucky dont wait for an accident get a safety slide.

Wear safety glasses at least.  There are some cool looking ones out there now.  We have them at work, sunglass anti reflective also, they are around.
 Good luck and be safe.  Personally to me the carp are not worth  the smell, let alone the safety issues.

I always tied to the back and shot with 808s or synergys.  Its not a good idea to use the slide with a spin cast real.  At least thats what I think and many others.

I used the leader slide system for years and never had an incident.  I have had them wear and the arrow bust free.  I now use the arrow slide.  It works on the same principal, but is safer and more durable.  I use a "Bear" spinning reel or a "Bear" barrel type reel.

The slides are the best thing goin!!! When you are at full draw, no matter what reel you're using, you slide the line  and slide, out to the tip end of the arrow, and it keeps the line out front, away from your bow, so it won't snag on anything at the release!!!

The down side with a spin cast real and slide is if you forget to push the button or bump it and the bail shut you get the same snap back everytime.  If you tie to the back the arrow pops off the string.

Ams retriever reel and safety slide by far the safest. I have not found anything better and have had no incidents with arrow snap back since going to this system.

I've used the both types of setups and am now a believer in the slides.  Just seems like the line stays under control a lot better.  Put me down in the retriever/slide combo.

I wouldn't think of using anything but a slide.The cable will work,but the slide is more user friendly.

Definately go with the slide with the retriever reel. They are the ultimate hi-tec fishing tool and they are so simple. Kind of ironic.

If you accidentally bump the button on a spincast reel, either the arrow will fall of the string when you pull the slide to a point past the reel or if you manage to reach full draw and release, the reel still has a drag system that will let line out. remember thjet a spincast reel does not lock the sring in place but has a drag system.I use the slide system and the cable before I got the slide,The slide works bettewr for me.

Thanks for the info I will be ordering a safety slide system. Good luck to all bowfishing this year.

I'm glad to see you're going to go with Safety Slides. Personally, I won't bowfish without them. One snapback is one too many. It's just not worth the risk.