Now that i feel like an idiot....could someone explain the difference between a thumb and back tension release and what are(if any) are the pro's and con's of both.Thanks

cons of a Back Tension........


takes a while to master:lol:

cons of a Back Tension........


takes a while to master:lol:

And if u start tryin at indoor shoots
Make sure the club or shop already has holes in the ceiling before u start shootin.:laugh:
Then he cant blame it on u.:laugh:

dont take this the wrong way, I am not trying to say stay away from BT releases, just be prepared to put in some time to get it right.......

dont take this the wrong way, I am not trying to say stay away from BT releases, just be prepared to put in some time to get it right.......

Yes years, Pros of a thumb release, it can be fire with back tension. Then move up to that style of release.
Cons on back tension is watching your scorw drop like a rock.

Houston........................................... ........we have a problem.................and Wheels...would you be kind enough to delete the stupid thumb release thread i posted.

Now that i feel like an idiot....could someone explain the difference between a thumb and back tension release and what are(if any) are the pro's and con's of both.Thanks

Let me try, and anyone jump in and correct me please.
The thumb or finger or pinky release is just a trigger that u push to release.
The back tention release can be thumb,finger and i think pinky release with a bt mechinism built in where u hold the bow at full draw,aim and when your ready for the arrow to release,u simply pull back future to release.
hard to master i tried it and i cant use it,:noidea:

Let me try, and anyone jump in and correct me please.
The thumb or finger or pinky release is just a trigger that u push to release.
The back tention release can be thumb,finger and i think pinky release with a bt mechinism built in where u hold the bow at full draw,aim and when your ready for the arrow to release,u simply pull back future to release.
hard to master i tried it and i cant use it,:noidea:Be right back...Gotta send a pm to someone.....:laugh:

Kind of, you use back tension like trying to touch your shoulder blades together. Then done right it makes you elbow go down in turn rotating the release and it gos off. The best one to start learning BT with is a Evo
:smokin:

dont take this the wrong way, I am not trying to say stay away from BT releases, just be prepared to put in some time to get it right.......

right on......:amen:

dont take this the wrong way, I am not trying to say stay away from BT releases, just be prepared to put in some time to get it right.......

I'll say it. Stay away from back tension releases.....:biggrin1:

Any style release thumb, index finger, hinge, pinkey, can be shot with back tension.Also all these releases can be punched. Back tension is a way of making the release go off using back muscles. If you are going to learn back tension start up close 5 yards no site no target just try to learn how to excute the shot and know what a good shot feels like.If you can get with someone who currently shooting with back tension for some pointers. It will be a slow progression towards better shooting that is well worth the effort.

You guys are a bunch of sissy's...:laugh: :laugh: I started shooting a true back tension release about 6 months ago and it was one of the best moves I ever made. I used to be a drive by shooter. Not anymore my scores were horrible and still aren't great by no standard, but I am getting a little better every time I get to the range. Sure I will have a super game once in awhile but I am getting more and more consistant. If I could shoot every day I am confident I could be shooting 300's regularly but since I only get to shoot about once a week I am progressing a little more slowly.

Man,oh man.I've been shooting bows for 35years,and up untill now it has never seemed so confusing...hard to believe that something that looks so simple....could be one of the hardest things in archery to master.I can honestly say that i don't know anyone around me that uses these types of releases.."but i'm sure their are"....and reading all this here helps me to understand something i knew nothing about...Thanks everyone for posting on both threads and sharing their knowlege with me...i'm always willing to listen and learn.

Man,oh man.I've been shooting bows for 35years,and up untill now it has never seemed so confusing...hard to believe that something that looks so simple....could be one of the hardest things in archery to master.I can honestly say that i don't know anyone around me that uses these types of releases.."but i'm sure their are"....and reading all this here helps me to understand something i knew nothing about...Thanks everyone for posting on both threads and sharing their knowlege with me...i'm always willing to listen and learn.

:dizzy: I think your on the wrong forum:noidea:

:dizzy: I think your on the wrong forum:noidea:Thats really funny....one thing i know is that,most everyone on this site is stand up people.Bullfiddle was going to go out of his way to help me out and thats what makes this site what it is.I wish i had asked ?'s about these types of releases long ago and got a better understanding of how they work and what their used for.And now with everyones help...i do.

Thats really funny....one thing i know is that,most everyone on this site is stand up people.Bullfiddle was going to go out of his way to help me out and thats what makes this site what it is.I wish i had asked ?'s about these types of releases long ago and got a better understanding of how they work and what their used for.And now with everyones help...i do.

smaller is better sometimes:rockon:

dont take this the wrong way, I am not trying to say stay away from BT releases, just be prepared to put in some time to get it right.......

I just jumped in and started shooting one. I had watched a video about shooting the Stan and that wasn't back tension, it was a surprise release though. I was starting to get the jumpy target panic thing (yes I said it... TARGET PANIC) I have had a BT type release for about a year now and I am just getting to understand what true back tension is. I will still use it, but since I am working on shooting with real 'back tension' my scores have dropped. I think they will come back and go up in time. I just got a morrel bag and will set it up in the basement so I can set off a few arrows a day. :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :biggrin1:

smaller is better sometimes:rockon:

You might hear that..... :tape: :tape: :tape: :lol:

Kind of, you use back tension like trying to touch your shoulder blades together. Then done right it makes you elbow go down in turn rotating the release and it gos off. The best one to start learning BT with is a Evo
:smokin:

My only beef with the Evo is if you creep out of the valley it goes off before you know it.... it's more of an oh :censored: than just a surpeise release...:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: That almost lead to a shorts change out....:doh:

Well that is why I have been working on a How to section. Hope after the ATA show

My only beef with the Evo is if you creep out of the valley it goes off before you know it.... it's more of an oh :censored: than just a surprise release...:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: That almost lead to a shorts change out....:doh:

But it teaches you proper form. With proper form you would not let the bow creep right. I know some the set off the release that way. Some hold the safety on and slowly release the knob to set it off.

But it teaches you proper form. With proper form you would not let the bow creep right. I know some the set off the release that way. Some hold the safety on and slowly release the knob to set it off.

but either of those 2 ways are not back tension... it would engrain the surprise release, which can be a good thing, but not back tension. For true back tension, it needs to be done with the back, nothing moving, rotating or slipping in the hand, and not moving your fingers.

Here is my question about back tension after my first lesson....I try to shoot with a slight bend in my left elbow...I'm right handed, but trying to use true back tension (no cheating with the release hand) to set off the release, I find myself making my left arm stiff as a board and find my elbow hurting in now time. Does that mean my draw is a touch too long or am I just an idiot?

Here is my question about back tension after my first lesson....I try to shoot with a slight bend in my left elbow...I'm right handed, but trying to use true back tension (no cheating with the release hand) to set off the release, I find myself making my left arm stiff as a board and find my elbow hurting in now time. Does that mean my draw is a touch too long or am I just an idiot?:laugh: Man,have i learned alot from all of this.

Here is my question about back tension after my first lesson....I try to shoot with a slight bend in my left elbow...I'm right handed, but trying to use true back tension (no cheating with the release hand) to set off the release, I find myself making my left arm stiff as a board and find my elbow hurting in now time. Does that mean my draw is a touch too long or am I just an idiot?

Slippy a true back tension release will tell on you pretty quick if you are shooting a tad to long of a draw length. If you feel like you are working really hard to get the release to go off then your probably over extending yourself. I have always shot a 29" draw and still do on my hunting setup. I am shooting a 28.5" draw on my indoor bow and it was shortened because of what you just described. It helped me quite a bit. But I will tell you this as well if you are just learning to shoot BT you will have to work a little harder to get the release to go off at first but it will improve as you start to learn to use your back muscles. Keep at it Slippy you can achieve it...:peace:

all good stuff here........:rockon:

Here is my question about back tension after my first lesson....I try to shoot with a slight bend in my left elbow...I'm right handed, but trying to use true back tension (no cheating with the release hand) to set off the release, I find myself making my left arm stiff as a board and find my elbow hurting in now time. Does that mean my draw is a touch too long or am I just an idiot?

Not at all.... :D I haven't had the pain in the elbo, but have you played with a shorter D loop or can you bring your draw down half an inch without a new cam and see how it feels?

I've only played with a BT once for about 30 minutes. I sucked. My best friend is sending me a couple to try out in a couple days. I look forward to the challenge....I think? :dizzy:

I've only played with a BT once for about 30 minutes. I sucked. My best friend is sending me a couple to try out in a couple days. I look forward to the challenge....I think? :dizzy:

wait, you have freinds??

do you "BLOW" them off from time to time????:lol: :lol:

wait, you have freinds??

do you "BLOW" them off from time to time????:lol: :lol::popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:

Ive been watching this thread and have learned alot from it too. I have a case of target panic, and am wanting to try one. I want to try a Evo or similar, but dont want to pay that much money just to "try" one and see if I like it. Does anyone shoot 3-D with a BT, or are they just for practice. I thought of going to a thumb release (like the Sensation), but thought if I was going to pay that much to try something diffrent then I might as well go for the BT. I would really like to try one or the other, just havent decided yet.

Ive been watching this thread and have learned alot from it too. I have a case of target panic, and am wanting to try one. I want to try a Evo or similar, but dont want to pay that much money just to "try" one and see if I like it. Does anyone shoot 3-D with a BT, or are they just for practice. I thought of going to a thumb release (like the Sensation), but thought if I was going to pay that much to try something diffrent then I might as well go for the BT. I would really like to try one or the other, just havent decided yet.

I have been shooting a BT release for both 3D and indoor for several months.:rockon: One advantage to shooting a BT release is they teach you to hold on a target because #1 you honestly have no idea when the release is gonna go off. #2 If your not on target your gonna make a bad shot. #3 your not going to be able to do drive by shooting...:laugh: :laugh:

:popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:

He will pay later. :cool:

I have been shooting a BT release for both 3D and indoor for several months.:rockon: One advantage to shooting a BT release is they teach you to hold on a target because #1 you honestly have no idea when the release is gonna go off. #2 If your not on target your gonna make a bad shot. #3 your not going to be able to do drive by shooting...:laugh: :laugh:While i was enjoying my morning cup of joe......i thought about all of this and imagined all my arrows stuck in the trunk of tree's 60 feet up....sailing off into the great unknown....i pictured my beagle hiding in back of dog house.....jeanne sticking her head out the door and asking what's wrong with you,are you ok.:laugh:

Ive been watching this thread and have learned alot from it too. I have a case of target panic, and am wanting to try one. I want to try a Evo or similar, but dont want to pay that much money just to "try" one and see if I like it. Does anyone shoot 3-D with a BT, or are they just for practice. I thought of going to a thumb release (like the Sensation), but thought if I was going to pay that much to try something diffrent then I might as well go for the BT. I would really like to try one or the other, just havent decided yet.

I only have BT types now so it is all I use. I would look at your local shop or range... I have no problem letting someone try out mine, shops will let you try one for a while... but if you do spend some time shooting one at the shop, please buy it from them. The $5 extra you might pay will be worth it if you need help setting it up, or anything else. :D

I have been shooting a BT release for both 3D and indoor for several months.:rockon: One advantage to shooting a BT release is they teach you to hold on a target because #1 you honestly have no idea when the release is gonna go off. #2 If your not on target your gonna make a bad shot. #3 your not going to be able to do drive by shooting...:laugh: :laugh:

There is a moving target opening at one of the shoots I go to... I can punch my release if I need too....:o :o :biggrin1: :biggrin1:

With the "pull through" style releases can you tell when it is going to go off? I am not sure I can make myslef hold on the dot long enough to get one to go off. I guess that is what they are for though and I'd better go get one! thanks for all the info

With the "pull through" style releases can you tell when it is going to go off? I am not sure I can make myslef hold on the dot long enough to get one to go off. I guess that is what they are for though and I'd better go get one! thanks for all the info

The kind I use have a "clicker" that once I reach my anchor, I get it to click. That's what starts the shot sequence for me. If I am holding longer than 9-10 seconds, I will let down and start over. I could flip my cam over and go with no click, but I like what I am working with..... That little bit of warning for me is nice.:biggrin1: I do have to get the click to go when I get to my anchor.... I was getting to the anchor, starting the shot and when it clicked then, I would flinch :o :o :o but I am ove that now... :laugh:

i personally use a Cascade relax release and i love it. i am still working on holding on target and back tension like i really should be using. yet i can also "punch" it. i also dont get to shoot enough so i am progressing slowly.

I would surprise you the things people have showed me about aiming and releases. If you can let the target float in the yellow, Then start your release, Your brain will keep it in the middle. The Evo is a little harder the pure BT. If you are a little off in your form it will still go off. But it will make you work to get better. But bad form it most of the time will not go off. I have seen people have to let down all the time with them. :smokin:

I would surprise you the things people have showed me about aiming and releases. If you can let the target float in the yellow, Then start your release, Your brain will keep it in the middle. The Evo is a little harder the pure BT. If you are a little off in your form it will still go off. But it will make you work to get better. But bad form it most of the time will not go off. I have seen people have to let down all the time with them. :smokin:

I still struggle with this..... It is amazing when I can relax and let my dot float... I will hit the 10 if not the X. I have floated to where I see the 10 ring on either side of my dot, and hit it..... if I were rock steady, it would have been a 9......:dizzy:

I still struggle with this..... It is amazing when I can relax and let my dot float... I will hit the 10 if not the X. I have floated to where I see the 10 ring on either side of my dot, and hit it..... if I were rock steady, it would have been a 9......:dizzy:

its always better to float.........

never try to force it.......

I would surprise you the things people have showed me about aiming and releases. If you can let the target float in the yellow, Then start your release, Your brain will keep it in the middle. The Evo is a little harder the pure BT. If you are a little off in your form it will still go off. But it will make you work to get better. But bad form it most of the time will not go off. I have seen people have to let down all the time with them. :smokin:

This is the truth if it has ever been spoken. I'm still trying to get it down but I've done it a hundred times already. Just let it float around and when it goes off I think there is no way that's going to be a good shot but it hits right where I wanted it to or pretty close:D . In my opinion it does take time because I have almost given up on it a number of times but hung in there because I believe the end result will be worth it. By the way the evo is the only one I have and shot but it does force you to be consistent in your form or it will be harder to fire.

This is the truth if it has ever been spoken. I'm still trying to get it down but I've done it a hundred times already. Just let it float around and when it goes off I think there is no way that's going to be a good shot but it hits right where I wanted it to or pretty close:D . In my opinion it does take time because I have almost given up on it a number of times but hung in there because I believe the end result will be worth it. By the way the evo is the only one I have and shot but it does force you to be consistent in your form or it will be harder to fire.

It is a subconscious thing. You brain will always aim for the middle of a circle.
I have on better for you. I shot my recurve one night in 3 spot. I shot a single spot that night. I was hitting way to the side of the rings. So I was told to turn my back to the target, then twist around and shoot. 7;s, 8's and 9's that way.
I also shoot it 1 time in 3D for fun. I was screwing up, until I did it on the last target. dead center of the 10 ring. :smokin:

That's pretty wild right there.:rockon:

If you guys ever get a chance read the book idiot proof archery by Bernie Pellerite. He explains alot of the subcontious ways a persons mind works and he is dead on in his book...:cool: