Realease triggering

[hocktl]

Would be interested to hear technical facts or even opinions on the advantage/dissadvantages of the reglular wrist strap type trigger realease and the releases that fit in the hand and have the thumb trigger.

Basically a comparison between a regular trigger and a thumb trigger.

[Bow 1]

Opinions, here it goes, first a fact, more tournaments and money are won by thumb triggered or pure back tension releases than the wrist strap index finger fired release. Most people hunt with the latter. I use a thumb triggered release the same one I use in tournaments. I used to use the strap on release but have just opted to keep using the one I shoot the most. It just feels better and I get a more accurate shot. Both have draw backs, the thumb type, most do not have a stap although some do. I think the thumb ones are more prone to being lost or dropped. They also (most, at least mine does) can be clipped on my loop and just hang there. With a wrist strap this would not be productive to sit there like that for any long period, of course it does not take but a second to lock it on the loop. Most of the wrist strap releases are quiet, but mine is loud when activatiing the sear due to the heavy springs. I have learned to muffle it when I clip it on and that is really not an issue. Most of the thumb design releases are more technical in that they have more internal mechanisms and most are of higher quality and precision. Now some finger type are of high quality as well, some brands to look at are Tru Ball (what I use, is a tru ball Chappy Boss with the talon head), Scott, and Copper John (Stan). There are more but these are some that I prefer.

A little more on my ideas of why I use, when I am competing on the 3D course, I am aiming so hard and concetrating on that part, aim aim aim and the back tension fires the trigger, I find that when hunting with the thumb release I tend to do the same therefore I am more accurate. It is a little different as in the woods the animal is moving about and so on, were on the 3d course they are not. But I still am able to really squeeze of a great shot, just like a 3d course, I suppose so many years of doing 3d that I figure I should keep with what I do the most of. It also helps as the nervousnous is not there, its like I go into a mode and I dont see horns, It is almost like a machine, a zone, once I determine its going down, its aim aim aim and it fires, and its down, brown its down. ;D Now before when I was still using a finger release for hunting, I noticed I would not be like that, I could feel more nervousnous, and I was more likely to punch the trigger. Even when I was out back shooting at targets. So that is why I use the thumb for everything now. My advice is get one of each, both have to be of good quality and fool with the two, to see which one you prefer, and stick to that one you like best and sale the other one. I have had the Chappy Boss (same one) since 1996 and I have since bought two other ones as back up, but I still use the first one as my number one.

Keith

[hocktl]

Great response!! I have a scott finger release caliper wrist strap release, don't recall the model but it is of good quality but I too have an issue with punching the thing. I really have to concentrate not too. The Mathews Ultra 2 I shoot is not very forgiving when you punch.

Been considering a thumb style but most are $100 and up. Hate to spill a bill and not like the product. I have a feeling my shooting style is more suited to the thumb style and I think I will buy one and give it a try.

[Bow 1]

Thanks, I sent you a PM with a suggestion.

Keith

[toppin]

Thumb Release all the way!! I bought a Carter and it took out all anticipation of the shot and tightened my already tight groups dramatically. Well worth the money spent. As Keith commented, make sure you don't lose it and at the price you spend, your most likely to be aware of where it's at, at all times. Good Luck. TopPin

[hocktl]

Ok guys, I broke down and spent the bill. Actually thought I would start slow and see what I like. Was in the local Gandier MOuntain returning the G5 ME sight I put on my bow (don't recommned them as after changing my rest and shooting through paper I was down to tweaking the sights back in and after a shot something fell to the ground. Turns out it was the sight minus the bracket. THe cast part broke. Wouldn't expect that for the money they are asking) Anyway, they had a Carter but I went with the Truball Pro Diamond
www.keystonecountrystore.com/Archery_Equipment_-_Supplies/Releases/Tru_Ball_Releases/Tru_Ball_Pro_Diamond_Std_Caliper_Release/Page_1/REL302002.html

Felt good and and I like the caliper. I added a loop (never had one before) to get the additional 1/2 inch to draw and set it up. I also put a new sight on. I got the SPot Hogg sight and was ready to go. I have a range outback that I can pretty much shoot at night to 20 Yds if I turn on the flood light.

Well, I gotta admit I like the thumb release. It will take a little getting used too but I think it is an improvement. Will let you know what I think after I play with it awhile.

[toppin]

hocktl,
I hope you didn't dry fire your bow like I did, when you first drew back with your new thumb release. I didn't realize how sensative they are, but I guess that's how you eliminate the anticipation aspect of the shot. Once you get used to shooting with it let us know the effect it has on your groups. Good Luck, Top Pin

[hocktl]

Nope, no dry fire here. I am still tweaking it to get the feel just right on the trigger. Not the sensitivity but the actual position of the trigger itself. That combined with the spott hogg sight is a real winner.

Just can't get day light hours at home to play with it. Still go the lights but would like to play in the daytime.

[toppin]

Hocktl,
Today is the shortest day of the year,. They just keep getting longer from here on out. Pray for spring! You ever go after turkeys with your bow and if so, any experience with the Gobbler Guillotine Broadheads? Top Pin

[hocktl]

I've never shot a turkey with my bow. Folks around here use the shoot through blinds w/ broad heads. I had a long beard at 38 yds one time and was at full draw but didn't release. I often wonder how that would have went. I pictured myself chasin a wounded turkey cross country. I used to shoot squirrels all the time with my bow but it is hard on arrows and I don't take the shots anymore.