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Fingers and Releases?

Discussion in 'Bowhunting Talk' started by mike.b94, Mar 12, 2014.

  1. mike.b94

    mike.b94 Newb

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    Ok, so I've been hunting all my life but I only started bow hunting about 6 years ago. (I'm 19 now) I've only had 2 bows since I started with archery and they were both older compunds. I have an old recurve too, but I don't really do anything with that except target shoot once in a blue moon. The first bow I had was an early 90's Browning compound that my dad gave me. I don't remember the model or specs. Then I bought a Hoyt Spectra Eclipse, which I still use now. I have always used fingers but I have a release and have used it enough times to know that I still prefer fingers. I'm planning on getting a new compound but I've had a few people tell me that if I get a new bow I'm going to need a release. They said that I could use fingers if I really wanted to but that it would be difficult and awkward to shoot. Is any of this true, and if it is, why? My bow now is fine but I really wanted to get a new bow with a longer draw length and a little more weight. But I don't want to be limited to having to use a release. If anyone has opinions it would help. Thanks
    (Don't know if it matters but I'm planing on getting a Hoyt. Either one of the Pros or the Spyders.)
     
  2. uncljohn

    uncljohn Weekend Warrior

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    This was posted to AT in reply to someone wanting to use fingers on a modern compound bow.

    This type of accident. Pardon the language. It's not my video but one that explains a lot about accidents that happen with modern bows. It's kind of funny too. Compound Bow Accident - YouTube
     
  3. Blarney22

    Blarney22 Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Going from finger shooting to release is awkward at first but once you get the hang of it you will wonder why you didn't switch sooner. If you are dead set on finger shooting you will want a bow with a long axle to axle. If you get a short axel to axel the angle of the string is very steep and does not leave adequate room for your finges.

    Switch to a release and you will be happy you did.
     
  4. mike.b94

    mike.b94 Newb

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    Ok, thanks for that info. At least I know now. And I have a release I just prefer to use my fingers.. Oh well.. Thanks again
     
  5. tfox

    tfox Grizzled Veteran

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    You want a longer axla to axle bow. 36"+ preferably longer. The cams need to be softer without the real aggressive teardrop shape.

    Hoyt still makes a finger bow. The tribute would fit your needs. http://www.hoyt.com/compound_bows/details/tribute

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk
     
  6. Spear

    Spear Grizzled Veteran

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    Finger bows? lol Derailing the bow has to do with user error and torquing, whether its with your draw arm or support arm. I'm sure the cams are different to help prevent it but I will adamantely disagree that using fingers alone is the problem. I have been shooting modern compound bows with my fingers and deer fur finger tab for years and this hasn't happened once. No special finger bow or whatever. ANY bow can be derailed regardless of using fingers or not, possibly easier by using fingers - but it's user error regardless.
     
    Last edited: Mar 12, 2014
  7. tfox

    tfox Grizzled Veteran

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    I do agree, however, the teardrop shaped cams like what bowtech and diamond have are very easy to derail with your fingers. Doesn't take much torque at all for it to happen.

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk
     
  8. uncljohn

    uncljohn Weekend Warrior

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    Using fingers alone is not the problem, the video clearly shows its using fingers plus tourquing the bow. When you draw with fingers and tourque the bow, the string does not move with the bow, leading to what is shown.

    If you draw with a release, when you tourque the bow, the string moves the same way, so at worst you are inconsistent with your shot.
     
  9. Spear

    Spear Grizzled Veteran

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    True, I edited my comment (noting that exact point) because I do realize the cams are different to help prevent it, I just didn't want him to think he HAD to get a new bow because he shot with his fingers.
     

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