Wrist sling for Traditional bows.......

[Matt / PA]

I have never seen this topic mentioned here before so I thought I would share my expereinces with using a wrist sling on trad bows.

I recently bought a DVD by Scott Antczak (sp?) called Dead On Traditional or something to that effect from 3 Rivers. In the video Scott shows you how to make a simple wrist sling out of parachute cord.
(The condensed version) Make a loop on one end that you can slip over your bow hand wrist.......then run the cord around the front of your riser between your first and middle fingers down the back of your hand. There should be a large knot on this end that fits UNDER the loop around your wrist. The sling should be just snug enough to be comfy without allowing the bow to completely flop around.
You can't drop the bow unless someone cuts off your hand.

Anyway I was having trouble with left and rights when it seemed like I wad doing the same thing time and again and looking down the shaft. I would throw arrows 6" left or right even at 8yds in my basement and I was getting pretty frustrated.
I am a tournament 3D compound bow shooter and always shoot with a relaxed open hand............I found it very hard to do that with a traditional bow because for the most part the back tension explosion on a trad bow when you release is much more violent in a forward direction than a compound. The bows would want to just flip right out of my hand, so I was grabbing the bow at the shot or gripping it inconsistently to prevent me from punting them on the floor.
(I actually allowed my new Longbow to go bouncing across the basement floor on one shot.........I was like this:[:-][][:@][:'(]in order.

So I watched the video and wasn't expecting to see the part about making a wrist sling. I made a couple up from some parachute cord and HOLY SMOKES what an improvement to my accuracy. I can confidently shoot with the same relaxed hand placement without snatching the bow or worrying about it hitting the dirt. It was a style I could relate to from compound target archery and it really made a considerable difference from the very first group.

If you haven't tried one maybe give it a thought, I won't shoot without one now.
I even made a couple to fit perfectly around the riser on my 3D compound bow and got rid of the standard bow mounted wrist sling that you just slide your hand under. First time out using it I shot a 321 w/ 23x's for 30 targets IBO score for my best of the season.........coincidence?[:-]

If anyone wants a better description of this wrist sling I'll snap a couple pictures of it by itself and on the hand/ bow later.

[BobCo19-65]

I also have the video. Didn't pay much attention during that part. Maybe I'll re-watch it. Was it an easy explaination? If not, sure, post a few pics. I'll give it a try anyway. Never used one before.

Would it work well in hunting situations?

[LBR]

I had the video, and remember that part, but never tried it. I had a problem with torque, but wrist slings aren't allowed at most tournaments. An easy fix (without the sling) is make yourself hold the bow gently, like an egg--that works for me. Another, that I've seen serious target archers use (including Olympic archers) is to simply fold all but your index finger beside the riser, not around it--you can't torque with that grip.

I can (or could at least--haven't even tried to pull it lately) shoot a bow that I pull over 100# on, that has a bit of shock, with a loose grip--just got to practice it.

Not knocking the sling, or anyone that uses it, but for me the fewer acessories the better off I am--one less thing to loose or have something go wrong. One of the main reasons I gave traditional a try to begin with.

Chad

[Matt / PA]

Here are a couple pictures........it doesn't get much simpler than this. When you unhook yourself from the bow it just hangs on yourwrist like a bracelet. Actual length will be specific to your hand/wrist size and the size of the bow riser to get a custom fit.

[Matt / PA]

The part around your wrist has a simple overhand knot tied into it so that you can snug the loop down as much as you like.

[Matt / PA]

Simply bring the sling around the front of the riser between your index and middle finger and tuck the knot under the loop on the back of your wrist.
Works great!

[JimPic]

I made one of those after watching the video,too.It really does help if you're prone to torquing the bow.I don't have a problem with that but when I was hunting with recurves,I used one occassionally in the treestand.Very simple to make and it can be a very effective tool to help overcome torquing

[Arthur P]

Nevver heard of a 'no wrist sling' rule at traditional tournaments before. Seems kinda silly to me. But then, rules are written by losers. "If you can't beat'em, ban'em."[8D]

I always used a wrist sling back in the 60's and 70's. Kinda got away from it. I haven't seen the kind I had in a long time but then I haven't been looking either.[&:] It had a leather strap that laced around the bow, below the grip, and a leather thong that went over your hand. Just like a modern wrist sling.