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Thumb release to improve accuracy??

S

SCSaddleman

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 15, 2019
Messages
203
Not happy with my consistency with a finger release. Considering going to a thumb release. Would appreciate any thoughts. Would I have to adjust my length of pull for that type release? Are thumb releases practical in hunting situations? I don’t want to go back and forth if I make the change. Any particular brand or style of thumb release recommended? Thanks!
 
I am not an archery expert, but I switched to a thumb release a few years ago and this is what I learned along the way.
1. It changes your anchor point, for me this was an improvement and I shot better. You may have to do some minor adjustments to your sight?
2. It is easier to lose since it is not strapped to your wrist. I prefer it this way and have not attached any kind of string/strap to my release.
3. I like to hang my bow once in the tree and put the release on the D loop. Now when a deer is approaching I just grab my bow and instantly can grab my release. I dont have to take my eyes off the deer to hook up my release like I would if it was strapped to my wrist.
I'll let some archery experts tell you more about the actual shooting specifics to using a thumb vs. Finger. I wont go back to a finger release.
 
I developed a more consistent anchor point with a thumb release. I think that alone helped with accuracy. I think the only adjustment I made was to my peep sight. I think they are more practical that something like a hinge or back tension release. Hang it on your d loop, pocket, or I put mine in my hand muff when it's cold. I had a Hot Shot Vapor and it was good for the money. Have a Silverback back tension release that i'm practicing with, but not sure i'd hunt with it.
 
I switched 2 years ago and really like it. More consistent anchor point and I think it’s harder to jerk your whole hand with your thumb than the tip of an extended finger.
 
I switched to Stan releases a decade ago when I shot tournaments and just started my wife unit whose brand new to archery with a Stan thumb release. I couldn't get her to shoot a wrist rocket with any degree of accuracy and handed her my thumb release...it was a night and day difference in her accuracy so we bought her one.

I've killed deer with a hinge and a tension release during the early and late seasons, I won't hunt the rut with either of those and I'll go with the thumb release in November. Your anchor point will change which means your peep height will change too so keep that in mind. I'm big fan of Stan releases though they are very pricey! They last forever though and I shot the same thumb release for well over 8yrs and I just replaced all my Stan's with new ones even though there was absolutely no reason to do so...I just wanted new shiny stuff. Another reason for the Stan is that they are similar in handle profile which means no change in anchor point. I like to shoot my tension release in the off season and then switch to the thumb when season opens.

Like everyone else, it stays clipped to the d-loop in the tree provided its warm out and in my hand muff when its cold. I always keep it in my right front pants pocket when walking to and from the woods so it doesn't get lost.
 
SCSaddleman said:
Not happy with my consistency with a finger release. Considering going to a thumb release. Would appreciate any thoughts. Would I have to adjust my length of pull for that type release? Are thumb releases practical in hunting situations? I don’t want to go back and forth if I make the change. Any particular brand or style of thumb release recommended? Thanks!
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I bought the Nock On thumb release and I really like it. At first I wasn't happy with it because I just wasn't used to it. I forced myself to get used to it becaus it was pretty expensive and now I love it. You will have to adjust your peep since it will need to be higher. Of course, that means you'll have to adjust your sight height as well.
 
I switched to a thumb release a few years ago. At first I shot like garbage because I used a finger release for so many years. Once I got used to it things improved a lot. I shoot a lot more consistently. Plus I like a thumb release a lot more for hunting. I just keep it in the hand warmer until I need it and don't worry about clanking it on metal
 
I switched to a thumb release many years ago and my experience is similar to @Sziggy2.0, except that my anchor point changed enough that my peep needed adjusted. Other than that, I have found no downside.
 
Murph4028 said:
I switched to a thumb release a few years ago. At first I shot like garbage because I used a finger release for so many years. Once I got used to it things improved a lot. I shoot a lot more consistently. Plus I like a thumb release a lot more for hunting. I just keep it in the hand warmer until I need it and don't worry about clanking it on metal
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Interesting. One of the other small reasons I switched is because I could leave it clipped to my D loop. I hated climbing the tree and having my trigger release pop out from u der my sleeve and clanking around. Plus the sound of velcro in the woods was like nails on a chalk board so I had to leave it on. I also had an experience where I was hunting in some really cold weather and could get it to work with my glove on, so I just yanked my glove off and shot. I still take my glove off for the thumb realeae but its less bulky.
 
cliffordBRT said:
Interesting. One of the other small reasons I switched is because I could leave it clipped to my D loop. I hated climbing the tree and having my trigger release pop out from u der my sleeve and clanking around. Plus the sound of velcro in the woods was like nails on a chalk board so I had to leave it on. I also had an experience where I was hunting in some really cold weather and could get it to work with my glove on, so I just yanked my glove off and shot. I still take my glove off for the thumb realeae but its less bulky.
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I never wear gloves in the tree. I bought a Sitka hand warmer so I didn't have to. I can't count how many times my wrist release would clank on stuff. I'll never switch back.
 
I switched 2 years ago. I use a Tru-Ball Fang 3. I've been really happy with it. The biggest thing I noticed after the switch was I felt it forced me to pay more attention to my anchor point, which in turn has led to more consistency.

I didn't have to adjust anything for draw length. And I do like it for hunting. I let it hang from my d loop so it is ready to go. I prefer that over having something on my wrist. Especially in below freezing temps.

I would absolutely make the switch again. Very few downsides IMO
 
I tried the Nock On thumb release a couple years ago and sent it back within a week or two because my accuracy took a noticeable step back from my old faithful wrist-rocket trigger-style release. I’ve shot well with my Scott wrist release ever since, but have kicked myself for not giving the thumb release more time to really give it a fair shot (pun intended). That said, I was trying to use the thumb release to mask form flaws, but fixing those form flaws With practice did more to improve my accuracy than any release ever could.
 
SCSaddleman said:
Not happy with my consistency with a finger release. Considering going to a thumb release. Would appreciate any thoughts. Would I have to adjust my length of pull for that type release? Are thumb releases practical in hunting situations? I don’t want to go back and forth if I make the change. Any particular brand or style of thumb release recommended? Thanks!
Click to expand...
I've got a Stan long neck you can have at a discount!!! Brand new, maybe 50 shots thru it. Maybe it's too loose, maybe it was operator error (with no support from local guys), but after three launched arrows and a score of nose smacks, I went back to my finger release. Never had a problem with jerking the trigger or target panic. Maybe I didn't give it enuff time, just not for me
 
Like many have stated it will change some things on your bow setup. It changes your anchor and with it the peep, your sight, draw length,etc. Like Murphy said it 's a step back for a minute in your accuracy especially if you've been shooting a trigger for a while. I made the switch a few years ago and I like it better. I have a Scott but the type I shoot is not important, I went thru a few before I found the right one for me. I think there are a lot of good brands to choose from. The key is to commit to the switch and be patient as you break yourself in to the new style. Like everything else in life if you'll find some cons, but overall it was a good move for me. I'm not a target archer, my primary focus when I switched was will it help me in the deer woods.
 
Kurt said:
Like many have stated it will change some things on your bow setup. It changes your anchor and with it the peep, your sight, draw length,etc. Like Murphy said it 's a step back for a minute in your accuracy especially if you've been shooting a trigger for a while. I made the switch a few years ago and I like it better. I have a Scott but the type I shoot is not important, I went thru a few before I found the right one for me. I think there are a lot of good brands to choose from. The key is to commit to the switch and be patient as you break yourself in to the new style. Like everything else in life if you'll find some cons, but overall it was a good move for me. I'm not a target archer, my primary focus when I switched was will it help me in the deer woods.
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Yeah I agree completely, you've gotta commit to the switch. Find someone that can help you dial it in
 
I had a mild case of target panic...bought the Carter Wise Choice...gone immediately...I just set the trigger travel very low to guarantee a surprise release and started shooting fletchings off of other arrows which I NEVER did with a trigger style release. I live the thumb trigger. I will say though, I bought a cheap Fletcher thumb trigger first and the fact that it doesn’t allow micro adjustments as far as tension and trigger travel is a pain...buy once cry once (like all things) when it comes to gear, particularly releases.
 
I switched to a thumb release this year and committed to it. I had dabbled in the past. I won’t go back.


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I like my thumb release because I don’t have anything flopping around my wrist. I just clip it on my dloop and hang my bow.

With that said I think it’s a good idea to own a thumb, wrist and hinge. When you start getting comfortable with one change it up. Keeps ya on your toes. Atleast during the off season... I hunt with my thumb release.
 
I have a new bow coming and for the same reasons some of you mention, I'm considering switching back to thumb release. For you guys that say it changed your anchor point, I'm assuming you mean your hand anchor point and not the string touching the tip of your nose anchor point?
 
Gator said:
I have a new bow coming and for the same reasons some of you mention, I'm considering switching back to thumb release. For you guys that say it changed your anchor point, I'm assuming you mean your hand anchor point and not the string touching the tip of your nose anchor point?
Click to expand...

It changes hand position. Whatever anchor you use with your hand will change. Kisser nose to string etc will not change.
 
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