I’m sure this question has been asked many times, so now it’s my turn to throw it out there. I’ve only been shooting for a year and a half, and during that time, I have used trigger release. Now, I’ve decided to try a thumb release. I tried and purchased a Tru Ball Pro Diamond. I don’t hunt – all my shooting is at paper. First question concerns pros and cons of a thumb release. I’ve read that many shooters get tighter groups. Are there things I need to watch for as far as learning to use this type of release? Also, the hand position seems a bit awkward at first. Does that eventually become more comfortable? I’m only drawing at about 52 lbs. At this point my draw length is 30” so I need to shorten it for this release. I would like to anchor with my jaw bone between the first and second knuckle. Should I fit that anchor and set up the bow – peep, sights, etc. – to that anchor, or set up the bow and find/adjust my anchor to the bow? I know anchor points are a personal thing, but is there a better spot/position when using this style release? Thanks for any help and feedback.
Pros- Allows longer draw length, usually feels easier to pull bow back with. Cons- You're more accurate with your pointer if you were a rifle hunter before bow hunting and it's harder to keep up with than a trigger release. It's all preference though.
Here is some information I'll share with you. Sorry for the long read. I shoot the same exact release the T.R.U. Ball Pro Diamond for hunting. I'm not sure that I needed to, but it felt more comfortable to shorten my draw length by 1 inch. I grew up shooting handguns, shotguns and rifles, so it felt weird pulling the trigger with my thumb. The thumb is less sensitive than the index finger so you'll find many target archers shooting this type as there is less chance of jerking the trigger, thus smaller groups...overall better shooting. Be sure and play around with the adjustments and you may find removing the diamond all together is the most comfortable for you. This may include, placing the diamond on the other side of where you've been trying it. Don't forgot to rotate the diamond 360 degree around as well. I'll be the first to say it's kinda a pain in the ass. I took me alot of trial and error before I found what I like. Once you find the right spot it is very comfortable to shoot. Name of the game is trial and error, then shoot some arrows. trial and error, then shoot some arrows. trial and error, then shoot some arrows. trial and error, then shoot some arrows. trial and error, then shoot some arrows. I anchor the way you are wanting. Here is what I did. Draw the bow back with your eyes closed and come to your anchor point. Open your eyes and have someone move your peep sight so that you don't have to cock your head down or up. When you open your eyes you want to be looking right thru your peep. I recommend a kisser button. I use a bowjax string silencer as my "kisser". This serves as another reference point for consistancy. I'm no pro and archery is a life long continuing education effort I feel. Any questions?
I've got to disagree with this statement. Regardless of the release type you should never be consciously pulling on it and for this reason I think gun shooters are less accurate with a trigger style release because they consciously pull, squeeze, punch or slap it. A thumb trigger style release isn't triggered by squeezing your thumb. It's properly triggered by the hand closing in on it and the release body pushing into the trigger that is up against the thumb as the shot is tensioned. For this reason I think it's actually more accurate for trigger firearm shooters to use because it gets them away from the problems that their bad trigger habits cause with a trigger style release. The reason for tighter groups is the more solid anchor point and a generally better sear construction. Your anchor point is more important than your draw length so set your draw at a comfortable, stable and repeatable anchor point. I have noticed that the TruBall releases have an excessively long head on them. I didn't like them for that reason. Select the right release and you'll be able to keep the same draw or even a longer one. I prefer the Carters but Spot Hogg, Hot Shot and Stanislowski also make some good ones. Pay attention that the head doesn't extend much beyond your knuckle and your draw won't change.
I was reading some magazine article the other day that said science says we're more accurate with our points, that's why we tend to push pencils with our pointer and use our pointers more in everyday life. Thumbs are supposed to be used for stabilization and are less accurate. Just what the magazine was saying. You had better depth though, perhaps you're right. :P
Your more accurate with a thumb release and you can pull back alot easier with one also. On some releases like the pro diamond you can attach a strap which is nice. Your more accurate because your not jerking the trigger with a thumb release and have a better anchor point on your face with less torquing. I have this same release but don't currently use it because my anchor point changes when using it. Might make the switch next year
