Backtension releases

[Hidden Hippo]

Hi everyone,

I know this is a topic that has been debated often on these forums, but I have a couple of questions that I couldn't find the answer to in a search. I am currently trying to get over a possible target panic situation - I can hold steady on the gold until I put my thumb on the trigger - the second that happens I drop right the way down either to the bottom of the target or below it and can't bring my sight back up. This only started recently and I don't know if it is simply the fact that I don't like shooting at the club in question (never have done really, but it is convenient), but I thought I would investigate this anyway.

Anyway, I have an Evolution and have been trying to use it but I absolutely hate the safety on it - I can't get over the anxiety of coming off the safety, and generally when I do my entire release hand jerks forward in an effort to take my thumb off causing the release to fire anyway as the full weight of the bow kicks in.

This leads me on to my questions:

1. I know that Carter have just released a wrist release which has a safety on by default which is deactivated when you press the trigger - does anyone know if they have plans to release a handheld version of this (I don't like wrist releases)? Alternatively are there other releases that operate in this way?

2. My second question is this - does anyone have some decent tips on coming off the safety? All that is preventing me from using it is this anxiety - I can draw up and anchor but then just freeze entirely until I almost rip my thumb off the trigger.

Thanks in advance.

[GeoffT]

I use an evolution about 90% of the time and would suggest that you try the following ...

1. make sure the spring is set so that the release is a fair way from going of when you remove your thumb from the safety

2. Try shooting it at about 5 yards from a blank boss with your eyes shut until you get the feel right.

3. Take your thumb off as soon as the anchor is established and repeat the mantra (aim, aim, aim,...) as you push and pull.

The loesch release works the opposite way (i.e press to release the safety), this may help.

[Hidden Hippo]

I currently have it set to almost the maximum weight (around 27#, although I've not tested it accurately) as it was sometimes going off unexpectedly, but I can't seem to take my thumb off without my arm dropping forwards causing it to go off, even at short range.

[ASW1973]

you are dropping off the target due to the back elbow coming back round at ful draw as you move your thumb. Probably poor alignement. cure this. It is not a release issue. that loss of tension/alignment backward pressure balanced against the front (call it what you will) means there is nothing there to execute the shot so you have to punch it. Target panic is a poor name for this and gives totally the wrong idea of a route to remedey.
as to evolution/loesch release aid trigger weights for a normal 60lbs bow start with it set at 30- 35lbs (change the spring) and get to aposition were you the release aid fires as a long travel release aid. IE slowly roll your thumb off the trigger never losing contact with it expecting the release to go at the end of this movement NOT release trigger completely then do something. this is why you are struggling as you are not setting the shot up properly before movement of thumb too the trigger (normal release) or off it (evolution)

[Hidden Hippo]

Thanks ASW, certainly food for thought as my recurve alignment was never that good. I'll have to get the camera out and take some piccies.

[Marcus26]

Perhaps your anxiety is caused by your routine having trigger points. IE. you know that the release will fire soon when you put your thumb on the safety or take it off.
Perhaps trying a hinge style release with no click would be better for you. I shoot mine by just setting up he shot and then pulling it like an Evo while I aim, it will fire eventually.
Another thing to try is put a heavier spring into your trigger and setup your thumb before you reach the gold, then when you reach the gold aim and pull.
Basically your anxiety is caused by you beginning your routine after you reach the gold, so change your routine.

[Hidden Hippo]

I'd never thought about it like that but you may well be onto something there Marcus. I'll have a look next time I get down to the field, both at the alignment (assuming I can get the camera working) and the shot sequence. I'm currently using the second lightest spring supplied with the Target 4+ (can't remember the exact weight) but will have a look at putting in the next one up, possibly the heaviest, although that one was incredibly difficult to fire even without it on the bow. I also took the thin trigger off the evo and put it on the target 4 which worked for a while (was shooting reasonable scores for me) but I might well put it back onto the evo and use the original with the target 4.

[sambow]

Originally Posted by Hidden Hippo

I can hold steady on the gold until I put my thumb on the trigger - the second that happens I drop right the way down either to the bottom of the target or below it and can't bring my sight back up.

You have my sympathy, I came close to throwing in the towel due to a similar problem. But was helped by ArcheryMum and Marcos26 and you should find a similar thread I initiated on this with some great advice. See here: http://www.archery-interchange.com/f...g-release.html

I am currently trying a couple of BT releases mainly to get my brain used to using my back muscles (since its the only way I can release with them!). BUT you don't need to use a BT release to shoot with back tension (Chris White doesn't!).

Take a normal release and put a very stiff spring in it. At full draw and on target hold the thumb firmly on the release "trigger" (this only works with a strong spring!). Then with the dot hovering over the centre of the target use back tension to draw your wrist back. This movement will pull the release into your thumb and should give a surprise release. If you find this hard, try gradually squeezing your hand together as you do it, but don't conciously depress the trigger with the thumb.

It isn't easy to master, I currently acheive it for about 4 shots out of 6 but they are the four that hit, the two that I get wrong miss (and you know before the arrow hits when its wrong!)

[raktor]

Originally Posted by Hidden Hippo

1. I know that Carter have just released a wrist release which has a safety on by default which is deactivated when you press the trigger - does anyone know if they have plans to release a handheld version of this (I don't like wrist releases)? Alternatively are there other releases that operate in this way?

I emailed carter to ask about a handheld version of the squeeze me release. This is the response I got:

Hi Chris, Not at this time and especially with the popularity of the Evolution. We have no designs for a release of this type.

Thanks, Forrest Carter

[geoffretired]

Hi Hidden Hippo,
Your description of the problem is so clear it brings back unpleasant memories for me. I can almost feel myself shooting as you have explained!!
It can be overcome. Others have already explained what needs to be done. I also feel you need to replace what you are doing, with something different. Patiently adding pressure onto the trigger till it releases. If you use the evo, then patiently relaxing the safety. While you learn this new routine, it might help to shoot at short range. You may find anxiety builds as you reach the triggering stage, but once you execute a few shots, in the way you planned, you will find confidence grows.