started using one when I would bowfish off of bridges. just in case I lost the grip, I'd still have the bow without going swimming. I shot without it for the first time last year because I read that at the moment of truth, it is often hard to get your hand in there. so, I took it off. cannot say I liked it. I put it back on, and practiced shooting without the sling by just picking up the bow. worked like a charm. Now I know, if I need to get a shot off quickly, I can without the sling.