do you just 'think' you like your release aid?

[kato]

been playing around with some releases and noticed that the distance from the grip [the curved bit you wrap your index /middle finger around] to the clasp can vary signficantly from release to release [third to half an inch] e.g. Choc lite v Chappy Boss or Evo2 v Loesch BT

I wonder how many of us arrive at a release mainly cos it optimises the DL
and how many are rejected cos we didn't allow/adjust for this difference when evaluating? i.e. less about how it feels/operates and more about how it feels at anchor?

[Marcus26]

yeah many don't choose their releases very well.
I stumbled across the correct trigger for me by accident. I was shooting the Carter Insatiable and was shooting around 290-300 at 90m. It broke the morning of a FITA comp at my club, so I ruched into the Urban locker and grabbed the only release I had in stock, a Just Cuz.
I had tried it before but the ring was in the way, but I held teh release slightly shallower. Shot a 318 that day and from then on my scores were much higher. It was a turning point in my archery.
Of course, this bothered me as I am not a fan of just 'I shoot better with this one' so after much playing I found that I hold steadier with a 3 finger release. It seems that it helps keep the line of force through teh release arm much better than a 4 finger release does.

After a few years I started slamming my hand into the ring on the release, so picked up a Target 3. Instantly shot my best 90m in years, but soon found that the release was difficult to get the trigger mech into the right spot.

I then started looking for a release that was a similar shape to the Just Cuz, but with a longer gap between the index finger and trigger. The Insatiable 3 was bought and it's been awesome.

I have also decided that the mechanisms are best when new, so will be buying a new one every year.

It is vital that the release is the correct size and shape and I firmly believe that 3 fingers are better than 4.

[kato]

Originally Posted by Marcus26

It is vital that the release is the correct size and shape and I firmly believe that 3 fingers are better than 4.

I think they just need to be shot differently...much as I loved the evo, I found I was erratric with it...got a solid deep grip...tried to be 'solid all the way through the shot' etc like everyone says but still found myself 'hanging' on a regular basis

Found the Loesch much more intuitive to use ...got big hands so the safety sits right at the base of my thumb[you squeeze the disengage it] when I make a fist and the 4th finger is a useful reminder to pull straight back rather than rotate ...so it works beautifully for me...just squeeze while pulling and...SURPRISE

Went back to the Evo and experimented and found I could achieve the same effect...but only with a totally different execution...instead of solid grip and solid all the way through, what seems to work for me is once at anchor, transfer most pressure to index and middle fingers, then relax and...Bang

So they all work well in different ways I think and it's just a case of whether you persevere till you find out how to make it work for you or get promiscuous till you find true love...I suspect either is valid but many tmes we just settle on the one that gives us the best draw length...

But then, that applies to most things in life doesn't it?

[Marcus26]

The Evo stype releases are a different beast altogether. I don't like the concept myself so won't spend the time on one. However I have used them and they are very critical on the setup to get right.

A release is only as good as it is used, but that's beside the point really cause that should be an assumption in the thread, that the release will be used correctly.

[simon m]

trouble is without being a staff shooter or shop owner most mortals have to rely on begging borrowing releases to see what suits them, surely it would benefit a retailer to keep a library of releases they sell for try outs?.

Not that i've ever asked in a shop, just tried a club mates truball 3tttr and liked it and bought one, i'd love to go somewhere and shoot three or four different types back to back for a few hours and make an informed decision.

[Jimster71]

I'm sure most decent shops would accommodate you in that.

[Marcus26]

I encourage that in my shop. I thought they all did that.
How can you buy a release without shooting it first?

Originally Posted by simon m

trouble is without being a staff shooter or shop owner most mortals have to rely on begging borrowing releases to see what suits them, surely it would benefit a retailer to keep a library of releases they sell for try outs?.

Not that i've ever asked in a shop, just tried a club mates truball 3tttr and liked it and bought one, i'd love to go somewhere and shoot three or four different types back to back for a few hours and make an informed decision.

[Schme1440]

Originally Posted by Marcus26

I encourage that in my shop. I thought they all did that.
How can you buy a release without shooting it first?

I use to buy with out trying but I use to buy direct as a Carter sponsored shooter. Still Im quite capabe of adapting. Even so If I was to take up compound again I would defonatly try before I buy. There are so many different types its silly not to.

[geoffretired]

Very interesting thread. I have made four release aids recently. They don't all work that well for a variety of reasons, but more interesting to me is the solid reference I get with some and not others. This was accidental but it made me think that there is more to the release than just its action. What do others use as their method to achieve a solid reference? ( not the peep by the way- but the way the hand fits against the face)

[whisky]

Like Marcus my journey was a bit 'stumbling' situation, trying other peoples releases and then discussing designs/shapes etc with GD.

I've found that not all shops are receptive to you trying out releases, though have found one that is, hence I have three to sell! Expensive journey