Regardless of whether you’ve been shooting for several years or you just started, you’ll find that a release aid can help improve upon your shooting more than anything else. You will also learn that it can be beneficial in virtually all shooting situations through reducing the string torque or eliminating it completely. Overall, the end goal will be enhancing the flight of your arrow.
When you’re considering selecting a release aid, your first step is to identify the kind of shooting that you tend to partake in. There are numerous release aids on the market, and all of them have various features that make them perfect for different sports. You will learn that the variance between the release aids that you use for target shooting, tournament shooting, and bowhunting are very different, and though it is possible to use the same one for all of them, it is beneficial to understand what you’re looking at.
Wrist Style Release Aids
When looking at wrist style release aids, you’ll learn that they have the ability to be activated by your index finger and the anchor will be beneath the chin or cheek bone. With this aid, you will notice that the tension and weight is held by the wrist, allowing your fingers and hand to remain relaxed. The stress of drawing your bow is held through the forearm and then distributed down the back, ensuring you have a much steadier aim. These aids are often ideal for long distance and are popular for hunters because of the power of the release and their simple design.
Handheld Release Aids
The style of aid uses the forefinger and thumb for the release, which allows a significant amount of sensitivity for the delivery and release of tension. Don’t forget that this can be a drawback since it allows for a quick and occasional erratic release. You may actually favor a thumb release, which allows the squeezing of the trigger or a third finger can be used on the trigger. These releases will take a little bit of time to successfully master, so you’ll want to give a few of them a try before you determine which one works best for you. Handheld release aids are quite popular with both bowhunters and target archers.
Automatic Trigger Release Aids
With this aid, you’ll realize that there isn’t a trigger to punch or push. You will also realize that there’s an automatic timer with these aids that allow for you to aim and then have the arrow released. There are also possibilities for the release to halt or shut down with the simple press of a button. This device is electric, battery-operated, some of which actually come with a mechanical backup. It is an aid ideally utilized by shooters in tournaments and are not suited for novices.
Once you get the use of a solid release aid down, you will realize that your shooting is much more reliable and consistent. Take the time to consider the different types of release aids and what they can offer you so that you can purchase the one that is best suited for you and your bow. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Full Draw Archery.
