Release Aide

Gooserbat · May 28, 2019, 09:41:04 AM

Now before someone wants to crucify me over even the mention of them here's the problem. I have a medical condition, specifically psoriasis and it affects my palms and fingers out to the tips. It's gotten to the point where shooting a single shot is painful. Honestly just opening a bottle of soda pop, pocket knife, or reaching into my jean pocket is painful.

So yesterday I tied a D-loop on my tall tines and shot for the first time in several months. It's going to take a bit. My anchor is probably 1-1.5" lower and I tend to shoot about 10" lower than normal but the good thing is that I can shoot again.

My question is to anyone else who might use a release instead of fingers and if they could share any insight.

GCook · May 28, 2019, 11:10:38 PM

I used one for a while at first because of a issue wit my ring finger on my draw hand. The doctor fixed it by breaking up the growth (cyst) with cortisone I think it was.
It was effective and you'll get a cleaner release than with fingers. It seemed easier at the time on my follow through on the release but I assume that is because I've shot one for many years on equipment that must not be named.
Also it will affect your nocking height so you'll have to play with it.
There isn't any shame in it IMO. If it keeps you shooting and brings you satisfaction then go for it.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

acedoc · May 29, 2019, 03:58:44 AM

Quote from: GCook on May 28, 2019, 11:10:38 PM
I used one for a while at first because of a issue wit my ring finger on my draw hand. The doctor fixed it by breaking up the growth (cyst) with cortisone I think it was.
It was effective and you'll get a cleaner release than with fingers. It seemed easier at the time on my follow through on the release but I assume that is because I've shot one for many years on equipment that must not be named.
Also it will affect your nocking height so you'll have to play with it.
There isn't any shame in it IMO. If it keeps you shooting and brings you satisfaction then go for it.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

If it allows a cleaner release (as it should) I would go for it. What type are you using ?

Judd · May 30, 2019, 10:29:38 AM

I suffer from arthritic fingers and have had to go to a release.
Currently I am using a Scott LiL' Goose a small unobtrusive head.
The wrist strap is camo and most people don't even realize I use a release.
I have fiddled with a non wrist strap release, with little success.
A lot of videos are available to show you how to use a release correctly, I highly recommend you watch and learn!
I still have a twinge of guilt using the release, but it allows me to shoot as much as I want.

Gooserbat · May 30, 2019, 11:11:05 AM

So I spent 45 minutes talking to Bob Morrison and although I don't shoot one of his bows he helped me with my setup. I'll keep it posted as I progress.

Judd · May 30, 2019, 03:35:46 PM

I would also recommend a "D-Loop" as most of the "other" side shoots with one.
Your tuning will be different as the arrow does not bend around the riser horizontally,
it bends more vertically upon release
The cant of the bow also becomes more critical because of the vertical bending of the arrow.
Your arrow selection (size) might also change because of the release.

knobby · May 30, 2019, 04:10:04 PM

Your arrow selection will definitely change. Think under-spined. Two nock sets, one on each side of the nock. Try a third nock set a half inch to a full inch below those. The release jaws clamp the string below this third nock set, eliminating the D-loop. This'll get the arrow closer to your eye, which is what you're used to with barebow shooting. Slight tweeks and tuning will get you where you want to be...right back in the game.

Zradix · May 31, 2019, 11:45:46 AM

I shot a few release aids while shooting wheel bows.
I liked em..
When I switched to longbows I used one for quite a while.
I used a glove type with an index finger trigger. ( Winn Archery free flight I think)
It worked fine.
The glove type might help you as you don't have to grip anything...it just transfers the weight to your wrist.
The biggest problem I had was not being able to get rid of the loud SNAP sound when I shot.
I tried a few other types of jaws...still had the same sound.
I was putting the aid right on the string just as I had for years with my compound.
Doing so does keep your draw longer than using a loop.
....though using a loop may help keep things quiet.
I never tried the loop....I switched to fingers and never looked back.....might have to someday though if my body doesn't hold up as planned..lol

Doug Treat · May 31, 2019, 08:16:41 PM

I've been shooting with this because of shoulder pain. [attachment=1]

Doug Treat · May 31, 2019, 08:17:42 PM

I don't think it would help with your finger pain though

Tajue17 · June 01, 2019, 08:43:12 AM

trad archery is an individual sport,, use 1,2,3 fingers or no fingers...