more clicker questions

[pHz]

all the recent clicker threads has set me thinking about probably the most basic one

what would i gain (or lose) by trying a clicker ?

i dont use one and havent tried one but spoken to a few club members who do and my current thinking is probably summed up like this -

clicker plus - consistency of draw length / shot power

clicker minus - slave to the click

anything else i should be considering in deciding whether to try one or not ? - the small cost is not an issue but i dont want to be having to think about yet another thing when shooting if the payoff isnt big enough

slainte rob

[JohnK]

Making yourself a slave to clicker is missing the point of using the clicker. You don't have to go down that path and you absolutely must not start off using one thinking that way.

YOU control the clicker. YOU control when it goes off and YOU control when you shoot. If you approach it positively and get help setting it up from an experienced and positive archer/coach, it will improve your shooting.

Have fun

[buzz lite beer]

I would consider myself partially slave to the clicker, If I can see any yellow or my chosen point of aim if its windy and aiming off, when the clicker goes so does my arrow. Somehow though, if I'm not on my chosen point of aim when the clicker goes off I am capable of coming down without making the release.

[SLOWHAND]

Clickers were first used as a draw check, not as a signal to shoot. I use mine in this way, sometimes I dont release untill a second or two after the click and I will only release if I am happy that my sight pin is in the middle of the gold. I know that I am probably wrong in doing it this way and wouldn't advocate anyone using this method but I have tried using it in the 'conventional' way and I am simply not as accurate. If you do try this you should use a fairly firm anchor and avoid the arrow creeping forward .

Clickers are also very useful in another way. If you find that it is harder than normal to pull through the clicker (or alternatively that it's going off too soon) then it's probably because your stance is different to your usual one and should be ajusted.

Lastly, they aint half handy for keeping your arrow on the rest in a strong wind.

[Murray]

Plus - outdoors scores increased dramatically when archers started using the clicker - there's a lesson to be learned there.
Minus - you have to work to make it work for you.

If you don't want to put in the time and effort to learn to control the clicker, then it's probably not for you, and your results will probably reflect that lack of effort in any case. It all comes down on where you, as an archer, want to get to.

If you're happy shooting at the club and doing the odd competition for fun, then I'd say there's no point if you're content with your style etc. If you want to be competitive and start climbing the competitive ladder, then a clicker is a must.

[geoffretired]

I agree with Murray about putting work in and getting results out.
The quality of the work put in reflects the quality of the results coming out.
I've seen archers work hard with their clickers, but the quality of the work wasn't there and the results reflected that.
A very clear understanding of the process is essential. Also, there are two schools of thought on this; draw check or trigger to launch.Make sure you know which way you are going or conflicting advice can be counter-productive.
The learning process requires time. If you have competitions lined up for the next few months, I would not try to do both.
I hope this doesn't sound negative. It's like buying a Porsche, you get lessons to show how to get the best from the car. You could drive it like a tired old van, but ...........
If you were offered the Porsche, would you wait for the MOT to run out on the van before driving it? Will you wait till the competitions are over before starting work on the clicker?.............. I think the answer depends on how you view the clicker. See it as the opportunity to improve and you'll want to get started.Enjoy!