If you have done professional archery training, you might know what the true meaning of release is. The release means when the arrows fly from the bow. The archer does it with the help of a bowstring.
However, in the mechanical release, the archer releases the bowstring with the help of a trigger and not manually. The archer does not release the arrow with the finger anymore, and this makes the hunting process more accurate.
Here, in this article, we have talked in detail about archery release, its meaning, types of archery release, factors that you need to zero in before buying the release, and different types of bows. Have a look!
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1. What Is An Archery Release?
If you have ever played archery or new to it, you need to understand there are certain principles of this game, and the archer has to adhere to it.
The archer needs to let go of the bowstring, called a release, and it needs to be done with precision and accuracy consistently. Remember, if you use a similar trick every time, your arrow will hit the same spot.
It is where release aids come to your rescue. They make the process of shooting the bow and arrow differently with different shots.
There was a time when manual release aids were popular to maintain accuracy, but now with the changes in technology, the mechanical release has come into existence.
With the mechanical release, the archer needs not to draw the bow back with his fingers; he can take the help of the aids.
There are many benefits of mechanical release like:
- They increase shooting accuracy.
- Eliminates the chance of string torque that changes the path of the arrow
- It develops consistency in shooting
- It increases the confidence of the archer.
We have explained it in detail in the latter part of the article.
2. Types Of Mechanical Releases
The evolution of this game has given rise to different formats and styles. Each mechanical release has its pros and cons and can be performed in a certain situation, and has specific characteristics that make it suitable for a particular game.
Here, we fleshed out the styles that are right for the different archers. The styles include thumb release style, index- fingerstyle, and back tension style.
The finger tabs are also sometimes used in the shooting. These shootings are more popular among the archers who use recurve and traditional longbow weapon.
2.1 Index Release
In this kind of release, the archer activates the bow and arrow with the index finger through a trigger. The index release head is affixed to the wrist means it will be attached to it.
It reduces the chances of release aid falling on the field. The trigger style mechanism gives you more power as compared to other methods. The release aid will not go out of the bow and arrow until you start the trigger.
In this method, you can add a hint of personalization to make the game more powerful.
The archer has another alternative of hook and loop buckle that is affixed to the wrist wrap. While the hook and loop can be easily adjusted but the buckle strap is affixed and provides the fit to the hunters.
Ultimately, what is the best bow release depends upon your comfort and functionality.
2.2 Thumb Release Type
There is another release that has gained popularity, known as the thumb release type. Are you wondering how do you trigger release in archery for this format?
Well, it is simple instead of the index finger, you need to make use of the thumb. In this kind of archery, the release aid is handheld, although some players affix it around the wrist for more security.
It has several styles like the archer can use dual caliper method, hook style, single caliper method, thus giving the archer to utilize different methods to shoot the arrow.
The thumb release method is highly used in bow hunting and target archery games. Even in Olympic archers use releases like this.
2.3 Back Tension/Hinge Release
In the back tension release mechanism, the archer does not activate the trigger and fire the arrows. In this method, the back tension release is triggered by a hinge method that helps the archer to shoot. It can lead to surprise shooting.
Once the mechanism is comprehended by the archer it improves his target ability in a positive direction. These releases are affixed on the hand and pay huge attention to the drawing cycle.
Once the archer has reached the full draw cycle, now he needs to pay attention to the target. Since this method is unpredictable, the back tension release aids can help to signal the arrows before the release.
Though the method is full of surprises, it results in accuracy once the archer gains perfection. The bow tension release method is not popular among the bow-hunters because you never know what will happen.
3. Advantages Of A Mechanical Release
3.1 Increases Accuracy And Consistency
It improves the release of an arrow as the archer can depend upon the mechanical trigger method. Without a mechanical release, you have to do this part manually, and inconsistency can arise.
3.2 Relieve Your Fingers
Drawing the string with the back with fingers is a painful experience. The mechanical release aids have a wristband feature that relieves your fingers when shooting for a long time period.
3.3 Accidental Slippage Of The Bowstring Is Avoided
Handling a bow for beginners can be a challenge as they struggle to draw the arrow when the string is not hooked properly, and there are chances that it might be released early accidentally. It can be avoided by using mechanical releases.
Normally these mechanical aids help accurately hit the target, as there is no finger movement.
If the archer is adopting traditional archery, he will use a longbow or recurve bow, but when the archer prefers the compound bow, he will prefer mechanical release. It is the most used archery gear.
4. What Bows Are Suitable For Mechanical Release?
4.1 Compound Bow
The compound bow is suitable for mechanical release but shooting arrows from this bow requires a lot of practice.
These bows do not depend upon physical strength and hence are more accurate if shooting is done from a distance. That means the archer does not need to possess skills like stealth and concealment.
A compound bow needs more personalization than the traditional bow. Additional accessories such as stabilizers and scopes are more commonly used with a Compound bow.
4.1.1 Benefits
- These bows are more accurate and powerful
- They can be used if the archer has to target at a distance
- It does not need upper body strength
- The arrow can be customized
4.1.2 Disadvantages
- It is heavy than conventional bows
- It requires more maintenance
- The draw length should be accurate while hitting the target
4.2 Recurve Bow
The recurve bow is similar to a self-reliant hunting bow. These bows have similarities like that ancient era bow that dates back to thousands of years. Mastering it requires a lot of practice, the right techniques, etc.
However, they are easy to carry and are perfect for the hunter. These bows rely on your strength, so upper body strength is crucial for a recurve bow shooting.
4.2.1 Benefits
- It is easy to carry
- Less maintenance is required
- Highly used as archery gear for traditional sports
4.2.2 Disadvantages
- They require more upper strength to uphold the arrow
- It should be close to the target
- And it needs more efficiency
4.3 Longbow
A longbow is a type of bow that is tall- roughly to the user’s height, thus allowing the archer for the long draw. The limbs of the bow are normally narrow so that they can form a D shape in the cross-section. These bows are primarily used for hunting and warfare.
5. What Is The Best Bow?
A compound bow is the best way to enter into the game of archery. It lays the foundation of the game and amps up your skills. It is a lot more forgiving; that means you will be more accurate even with some minor errors and faults.
It hones your target ability skills. The kind of bow that you should use should depend upon your experience as well as the game.
On the other hand, a recurve bow is much better to learn the correct form and stance for Archery. A Recurve bow has better feedback than a compound bow, which makes identifying minor issues easier.
6. What Should I Look For In A Mechanical Release?
Archers favor these aids because of the above-mentioned benefits. The release aid improves target accuracy. But there are certain factors that you need to consider before buying a mechanical release.
6.1 Length Of The Mechanical Release
The most important factor to look into a mechanical release is the length of the release and whether its head is flexible enough or not.
The connector system on the release head may vary depending upon the material used, such as nylon straps.
The nylon strap provides the archer an option of fixing the release head. Its swivel design provides the archer with a firm grip.
6.2 Understanding Different Types Of Mechanical Release
Specialty release- another factor to think about is specialty release. These releases help the archer in shooting the target with accuracy and speed. An archer can select from a plethora of specialty releases available in the market.
Back Tension release- Competitive archers and 3D shooters use back tension releases, and they have become highly popular in the present times.
There are much back tension releases available in the market like a hinge, thumb-activated, and index- activated. You can select them after weighing down the pros and cons of the same.
Conclusion
Archery is a game of precision, and mechanical releases make the process simple and straightforward.
If you are welcoming to the idea of using a release aid, or in fact, any other equipment that may help you in your archery, then understanding the subtle differences between different releases will help you make an informed decision.
References:
- Release aid
- Choosing a Mechanical Release Aid: Styles and Choices
- HERE’S YOUR BASIC GUIDE TO ARCHERY RELEASE AIDS
- A BREAKDOWN OF DIFFERENT ARCHERY RELEASE AIDS
- RELEASE AIDS 101: WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
- Archery Guide: Should I Use a Release Aid?
Hi, I’m Vineet. Creator of DivinioWorld. I am an outdoor enthusiast and absolutely love researching, learning, and applying skills and knowledge in the real world. I started DivinioWorld to share everything I know so that even a beginner can follow the ropes and master the subtle art of outdoors adventure and survival.
