1.) Firemanj - 03/08/2013

So I started a thread about this on BC but thought I would bring it back up since we have a new home here. I have been playing with several "back tension" releases and figured I would get some input from you guys. There are several different styles of shooting these releases and everyone has their own opinion on which way is right and what works best for them. Lets hear your style and why it works for you. I currently shoot a tru ball HT3 which is a hinge release and I can shoot it several different ways and all seem to be pretty accurate and consistant but the "relax" method seems to help me focus more on aiming. By that I mean, draw and anchor, then focus on the spot and relax all the tension in your thumb and index finger till it fires. While this doesn't work for others and in the beginning, a sweaty hand and a little too much relaxing ripped it out of my had, it seems to be working for me for the most part. Also, do you like the "clicker" or no "clicker"?

Hoyt em, you had some good insight and opinions on this style release before. Lets give some input to those who may be considering shooting back tension but scared of it or even may not be getting the hang of it and could find a better method.

2.) hoyt_em - 03/08/2013

Ahhhhhh...let'see how this goes for length and time.


First...I ain't no dang expert.

I played with a hinge for years, strictly as a novelty, and a training tool. I used a Spot Hogg cascade in a #10 (relax fire) version. By relax fire, you would engage the release by pressing the fireing mechanism, and simply let go to fire the release. There is ZERO travel for firing...sometimes merely thinking about relaxing fired the release. I would break out a hinge when I felt the shot (on the backside) sucked.


I am firing the hinge two different ways. The relax method, and a combination of relaxing and scapula movement. The later is the last ditch attempt for getting the release to fire, before I bail on the shot and start over. I do NOT always go to this method on a shot that has "stalled" or "hung up". A lot of that is based on how well the shot is holding together, float pattern, and how good my focus on center of the target is. Sounds like a lot to process...and when it is, I let down.

I made the switch to a hinge after being told the cascade was holding me back and watching the Scott release seminar from the ATA show. Jason Corley (BowJunky) videoed the seminar (now unavailable to see via YouTube, or Vimeo). The speakers were: Eric Griggs, Nathan Brooks, Chance Beaubouef, Darrin Christenberry, and Levi Morgan...all stellar shots IMO.

These four, in detail, described their own actual shot sequence. for the most part, they are using the relax method. George Ryals (GRIV)has an excellent YouTube video describing this method.

More to come...

3.) hoyt_em - 03/08/2013

I fire off of relaxation. As FJ stated, sweaty hands can be an issue. Lol...

I have my release set reasonably "cold", or slow to fire VS "hot" or fast to fire. I went this way, as it was strongly recommended by the seminar speakers.

I am using a click. For those that don't know, a Click is merely a safety, or notice that the release is ready to go. Some people can not handle the click, using a descriptive sentence describing a shake similar to a dog on kennel point passing razor blades. As of now, the click is part of my shot, and has been a mental check off.

4.) hoyt_em - 03/08/2013

Once I am into my reference points, and the click happens, I have two focuses. The first being relax, and the second being the center of the target. Once I switch to the 2nd of those two, I try to not revisit the release again. When it works, it is a thing of beauty...when it don't, you start over.

Relaxing: it is more or less described by letting your INDEX finger relax ( please note that I do use a thumb peg, and my thumb is off it BEFORE my release clicks). By keeping the ring and bird finger stationary, and relaxing the index finger the release will rotate the hinges and trip the release. This isn't a pronounced movement, and I barely can feel it on occasion.

The two biggest things i have learned about the relax method, in a relatively short time, but a helluva lot of arrows is:

****ANY KIND OR AMOUNT of tension in EITHER of your hands, will seriously impede the release going off. Sounds crazy, but if I keep my bow hand relaxed, the release hand relaxes with it...

****for me, no thumb peg was an issue. Seems I would put all of the draw weight on my index finger, and not be able to relax, and firing off the scapula movement was the equivalent of a work out...obviously the size of my gut says I don't like that stuff.

5.) hoyt_em - 03/08/2013

When you, the bow, and the release are working correctly you will never experience shots that are so crisp and clean anywhere else.

When making the switch to a hinge, EXPECT a dip in your scores...this is a long term project to build a better shot. It isn't a magic pill for points. You will be frustrated, but along the way your going to feel what I call "flashes" of how pristine the shot can become.

6.) TRAVELER - 03/08/2013

I attended a seminar with George Ryals last year at Lancaster Archery. He pretty much describes the relaxed method to a tee. I recently switched back to a hinge (Stan BlackJack) after I began to develop softening issues with my Shootoff. (by softening I dont mean the medical variety). I also shoot it with a .006 click and have it set up pretty slow. I've been blank bailing my ass off as well as walking around my house with a string and the release irritating my wife.
I will say that if you want to really commit to it, it will mean alot of blank bail shooting and you'll probably get worse before you get better but you will get better.

7.) hoyt_em - 03/08/2013

I mentioned earlier about keeping the ring and birdie finger stationary. This has much more importance on it than I gave it then. By keeping them stationary, you keep the release more of a surprise.

IF you get into the habit of pulling or squeasing them two fingers, you will train yourself as to when that release is going off...and that starts the process of anticipating the shot and all the bad ju ju that comes with it.

8.) Firemanj - 03/08/2013

Awesome input buddy!! I tried an evolution+ and although its a great release, I was having a lot of left and right issues with it due to the pulling through method. I definitely prefer the hinge and my thumb release for hunting

9.) Dan-o - 03/08/2013

Im no expert either, but the only thing additional i can offer is that My shot is different from Jim's but I agree with everything he says. I have removed the click, because I flinch at the click and basically shoot every shot twice with it. I also don't have a static shot using the relax method so much. I pull through more, while relaxing. If I can't get it to go, I pull harder. If I'm not pulling hard, my shot is weak and I push it up and out of the x.

10.) Dan-o - 03/08/2013

I'm shooting the HT3 pro and the longhorn 3 brass. And trying not to go back to my shootoff, but it's a crutch

11.) TRAVELER - 03/08/2013

[QUOTE=Dan-o;1919]I'm shooting the HT3 pro and the longhorn 3 brass. And trying not to go back to my shootoff, but it's a crutch[/QUOTE]

I feel that pain. You'll shoot inside outs for a little while and then it starts going south slowly

12.) Dan-o - 03/08/2013

[QUOTE=TRAVELER;1920]I feel that pain. You'll shoot inside outs for a little while and then it starts going south slowly[/QUOTE]

Removing the click made a big difference. Using the crutch less now ;)

13.) Old Crow - 03/17/2013

Just getting into the Hinge my self .... got along way to go and learning a lot .... Think it has true merit and has improved my sores over all .... As many mention this still comes with highs and lows as I develop a shot ...

Currently I am using a HT3 Pro as well and love the feel and how inherent the release function is to me. Right now I am using a click and pull through action to get the release to go off ....although I may try Jimmys relaxed method to see how it works for me.
I will look for the Vid from Griv he seemed to present the best detail that stuck with me in the 330 Outdoors vids !!!

At about 4 weeks of using any back tension ever my best score is still only a 297 30 x shooting VAP's but I feel I'm getting over the hump and moving forward and cant wait for 3d !!!

14.) Ventilator - 03/18/2013

I just bought a Carter Attraction last week. It can be setup for thumb or pull thru. Ive got it set for pull thru right now. Really liking it so far.

15.) Vortex69 - 03/18/2013

I like the click. Have mine (0.010") set up so when I have all the tension out of my release hand it sounds off. With the release just hanging on my neutrally loaded fingers and all noticable tension transfered to my back, I start the execution portion of the program.
I used to use the click as a signal that the bow was about to go off. Bet I put a doz arrows in the woods behind the bails. Might work for some, but for me it was a big mistake.