Can anyone recommend a good backtension release for target/3D shooting? I've never had one, but I've tried a few (Carter models) and think it would make me a better shooter. I don't want to invest the money withoutgetting some feedback first. Thanks!

Most of the release companies all make good quality BT releases.

You can have a 4, 3, or 2 finger release. Some handles have more of a swept back geometry to them and some are more straight.

You need to find one you like, and that's the hard part- being able to try some of them before buying. If you're able to go to some of the bigger target tournaments (Vegas, Lousville) the manufacturers have booths there with everything for you to try.

Carter, Zenith, Scott, Truball etc all make good BT releases. Deciding on one that's right for YOU is a personal decision because what feels good to one person won't necessarily feel perfect for another. I know Zenith makes a nice starter pack with video to get you going and trained on how to properly use a BT release.

LOTS of used ones around on Archery Talk and Ebay.

I really think that the tru ball sweet spot is the best release out there for learning. Once you have the hang of it and the confidence so that you don't need a safety on it,then go get one that you like best.

I started w/a sweet spot, and now am shooting the BT Gold. I ABSOLUTELY love the BT gold release, I shoot it w/ a clicker.

Yep a release is like a pair of shoes, you have to try to see what fits you the best... Too bad they cost so darn much...
I shoot a Stanislawski, but what works for one, doesn't always work for another..

i really like my tru-ball ultra-2, but the little scott 2 finger is really nice. you just can't flick it around to get it ready for the next shot - the only reason i didn't buy it. but man is it crisp. i may get one.

but i agree with what someone else said, think about getting a starter used and learn a bit about it. it takes time, then go find what you like. there is absolutely no way, imho, to know what you're going to like, or want one to feel like in 6 months - when you've figured out what you want one to feel like.

Well, I went to the Vegas shoot this weekend and ran into James Loesch. He is known for his awesome custom grips. One thing new this year was his TRUE Backtension release. He took time away from the booth to accompany me to the practice range where he helped me set it up for some practice. I can tell you that this is a great release that forces you to use "True Backtension". After about 15 arrows I was already feeling muscles in my back that I didn't know existed.

The way it works is that you set it to your bows holding weight and add a few more pounds to it. Then you draw the bow, push the safety lever down and begin aiming while at the same time using your back muscles to pull through the shot.

I would recommend anyone looking for a great release for either a first time user or a Pro this is the one for you. It really tightened up my groups and even caused me to keep my bow arm up all the way through the shot.

Check out the website and see what I am talking about.

http://www.truebacktension.com

Dave

I second the Tru Ball sweet spot. I have been using one for a little while now and really like it. It has a safety so you don't have to worry about it going off while drawing back. Without a safety, hand position and finger pressure is critical. I had a problem with a sore index finger from drawing my 50 pounder back with it.

The neat thing about the Sweet spot is the fact that the travel is the same, regardless of hand position at full draw. Its set when you click the safety off. Then, just execute back tension.

My shooting has suffered a little with it right now, but the more I shoot, the more consistant I'm becoming and my scores are improving. One word of advise though. Give all other releases to your buddy to hide from you while you use the BT. That way you'll force yourself to stick with it and learn it. Its definitely worth it in the end. I"m by no means close to where I want to be, but I'm getting there.

Tru Balls are great releases!!!! Anyways be careful when first trying one of these releases I know a few people that have gave them selves a good 1 in the nose........

ok so i don't understand the whole back tension release idea. whats the deal?

the 'true back tension' release mentioned above may be good for those that pull thru the shot, but when properly ececuting back tension there really isn't added tension on the release, string, or bow. the movement of your releaseelbow isn't in line with the arrow, it is perpindicular to it. the angle of the release is changed by constricting the rhomboid. this is very different than pulling thru a shot, which is done with the arm and shoulder. when the rhomboid contracts - if everything else is relaxed, and your neck is vertical (the scapula can not get the rhomboid to execute the function if the neck is not vertical) the angle of the release changesand the mechanism releases at an unknown time, making it impossible to drop you bow arm. pulling thru a shot makes dropping your bow arm impossible because of the added tension. the one is easy to learn, the other takes a long time.one is push and pull, the other is back tension. just my 2 cents.