If You’re Struggling
One of my recent blogs highlighted a common problem for archers, and they or we will most likely suffer from it at some point in our bow shooting life, Target Panic. I explained what it is, how to get past the mental struggle, and put off the panic. If you’re struggling with getting past and putting it off, there are products that may help. For instance tension style releases help reduce target panic and improve accuracy.
I’m going to tell you a secret, don’t judge me, you’re not allowed to because I’m supposed to be judging you. I started shooting my bow using an index finger release like the B3 Clash Swivel Wrist Release. A release like this one has its cons and pros as much as anything else does. To some archers, it is a more natural feel with a trigger similar to a gun that utilizes the index finger to begin the projectile’s flight down range.
The features of a release like this are:
- An auto return dual caliper release.
- The jaws are fully radiused and can be used with a string loop or off the bow string.
- This roller sear design also features trigger travel adjustment.
- Auto closing jaws and springless trigger return form the all-new clash.
- You can adjust to multiple length settings to fit different hand sizes.
- The swivel stem can even be locked from rotating with one simple set screw adjustment.
While shooting the Bear Archery Legit, the index finger release has served its purpose. But when I experienced my first round of target panic, I took some advice from a fellow archer. (Yes, I know how to take advice), if you’ve got some put it in the comment section below.
Some of the cons of this type of release are:
- A tendency to punch the trigger when the archery allows anticipation to take over.
- Can tend to get in the way when reaching for the next arrow.
- Too big to fit into a small pocket for transport.
Let’s take a look at the T.R.U. Ball The Goat Handheld Thumb Release Aid 3.
- This release can be shot as a hinge or a thumb button style release.
- Anodized aluminum on one side and nickel plated brass on the other.
- Factory set as a thumb activated release with both trigger tension and trigger travel adjustments.
- Locking screws for both adjustment screws to ensure a consistent trigger release every time.
- Easily changes to a hinge style release with 3 easy steps.
- Micro adjustable hinge adjustments for precise movements.
- Hinge mode and trigger mode are independent of each other meaning adjustments made in trigger mode will not affect the sensitivity in hinge mode and vice versa.
Retrain Yourself
Don’t think you’re going to switch from your original release to this one without retraining yourself because if you do, you’re about to find out another thing you’re wrong about. First stop trying to strap it to your wrist, it doesn’t work like that. Before nocking your arrow, understand your anchor points will be different because the position of your hand will change. I suggest getting close to your Big Shot Range Bag before taking your first few shots.
An even better idea would be to get yourself a release trainer and practice with that before ever nocking an arrow. That’s a safe bet for everyone and everything. The release trainer will allow you to get to know the tension release and what it’s expecting from you, and what you can expect from it.
Less Stress Means Improved Everything!
The tension release aids in overcoming target panic because you won’t have the option to pull the trigger, it is tension that releases the string. A slow consistent pull takes the anticipation out of the shooter’s mind, giving them more control, consistency, and less stress.
If you’re shooting could use improvement in any way, you may want to think about investing in a tension release. One of the best things about the T.R.U. Ball The Goat Handheld Thumb Release Aid 3 is it can be used as a thumb release or a hinge release. How do you know which one you will like better until you try it right?
