Back release

[Lonnie]

I shot a back release tonight for the first time. Wow I didn't lose any arrows but what a learning curve to learn. I also shot a thumb release which I really like. What are you guys shooting on releases. I'm a small town guy don't get out much so I don't know what the latest greatest is.

[WapitiTalk1]

I have never shot a back tension release but heck, I just started shooting a release period about 5 years ago. Before that, it was fingers on my bows. I'm not a super techy archery gear guy (but really, I've only predominately hunted with stick and string for elk for a year or two or fourty). I would only offer that hunting elk with archery gear is really a close contact type of hunt and as long as you are comfortable with your equipment/release out to 40 yards as a max, you're in the zone. Find what is comfortable and consistent for you in anticipation of close contact with considering your quarry and you'll be fine. I will say that if you shoot competitive archery, 3D stuff, etc., and you'll be shooting at longer distances throughout the off season, then jump on the technology wagon and have at it . Most of my shots on elk have been at 30 yards or much less, oftentimes, 20 or less so personally, I'm fine with many of the current standard type releases on the market and don't need to dig any further. Just my thoughts.

[Brendan]

So - I'm going to be picky for a second

"Back Tension" is a way of shooting a release, not a type of release. You can shoot an index finger, thumb trigger, hinge or tension release all using back tension. I know some manufacturers call them "Back Tension Releases" - but I don't think that's really accurate... Most of the time "Back Tension Release" = "Hinge Release".

Ok - rant off. I've never used a hinge release, but I did start practicing with a Thumb Trigger and a Tension release this year (The tension release fires when you get so a certain pulling weight that you can set - say 3-6 lbs above your holding weight). It does help you develop that surprise shot and will really tell you when your form starts to suffer as it gets a lot harder to make the release fire.

But to be honest, what's helped me the most? Getting a release with almost zero travel or zero creep on the trigger so it breaks cleanly. And, with an adjustable trigger pull. Being able to get rid of the hair trigger release I had and use one where I can put my finger on the trigger, settle in, and slowly start to pull steadily has helped a lot.

I've had great luck with Carter - They have Index Triggers, Thumb Triggers, Tension and Hinge Releases. All of them adjustable appropriately.

[cohunter14]

The Tru Ball Sweet Spot is a great thumb release and works really well with back tension IMO. Pretty handy to be able to throw the release in your pocket when hunting and be able to have it on your string and ready to draw in an instant as well.

[Swede]

This is the elk hunting forum here, so lets talk elk hunting. (rant) So when I am taking a shot on an elk; I draw, aim, hold, place my finger over the trigger and then I squeeze when I am ready to make the shot. I practice Follow Through at home a lot, as that is something I can fail on if I am not focused clearly. So how does this back tension and surprise release really help? I want to surprise the critter, but need to release at just the right time. No surprise. If I am bending down at the waist to shoot an elk from the stand, how does back tension work?

[Brendan]

This is the elk hunting forum here, so lets talk elk hunting. (rant) So when I am taking a shot on an elk; I draw, aim, hold, place my finger over the trigger and then I squeeze when I am ready to make the shot. I practice Follow Through at home a lot, as that is something I can fail on if I am not focused clearly. So how does this back tension and surprise release really help? I want to surprise the critter, but need to release at just the right time. No surprise. If I am bending down at the waist to shoot an elk from the stand, how does back tension work?

This is the elk hunting forum, but some people aren't necessarily content with their "Status Quo" and want to be able to try to push their own limits to get better. That could be calling, fieldcraft, physical conditioning - or proficiency with your chosen weapon...

Shooting with Back Tension and striving for a surprise release will be more accurate for most people - with the big caveat being - you have to devote the time to learning to shoot that way. You'll likely be worse off to start, because it's hard to break bad habits...

What that means with an index trigger: Pin floating on the center of the vitals or the X, finger on the trigger, decide to shoot. Instead of just punching the trigger and trying to time your pin float - you begin drawing your elbow back using the big muscles of your back. This creates tension on your release - effectively pulling your entire hand back into the strap and causing the release to fire without "punching" the trigger or moving your index finger. The advantage to a wrist or a thumb release as opposed to a hinge or tension release - if you NEED to punch it, you can.

What the surprise shot is - if your body knows when the shot is going to go off - it "braces" and tenses up for the recoil (just like a gun) and can throw off your shot some. Grabbing at the bow, tensing / torquing the hand. It's not like it's a complete surprise - you've made the decision to execute the shot, you just don't know the exact moment the release is going to go off - keeps you from recoil bracing and torquing the bow at the shot.

Now - if you're content shooting at 30-40 yards and don't really have any desire or need to get more accurate, don't have target panic - then it probably isn't worth your time. But, if you want to be able to extend your range, shrink your groups, be able to take a longer shot under pressure, or thread a shot through a narrow opening, and don't mind devoting the time to it, it could help. You won't know until you try.

[BrentLaBere]

I can only add my opinion on this. Swede, it doesn't change your shot at all. You need to apply more pressure by continuing to pull back (using your back muscles) for the release to go off. You can speed the process up if you apply more pressure. You can still "punch the trigger".You still have that option. Everyone that has done their sales pitch on it is a way to get rid of the anticipation of the explosion, or target panic. Its a psychological issue above all else. I dont think a tension release will help with form. It will help with the controlled shot process.

[Swede]

I learned back tension at the PSE shooters school and have practiced it on the range. It works fine there. I don't care for it in a hunting situation. I don't know why. Maybe it is because it has never become natural, or I have to think about it when I am focusing on the critter. I have never had a problem with target panic or "punching" the trigger. The alternative to back tension is not punching. I use a controlled squeeze. The element of surprise is gone, but it has not lead to target panic.
I find Brendan's point about long range accuracy to be interesting. I have not seen a real difference in 20-40 yard accuracy, so that may be why I don't work on back tension more. I think for B.T. to become more natural, I would have to practice it in about every imaginable position possible. Leaning out of a tree stand shooting down at a steep angle would have to be a high priority. That is always well under 40 yards. Stand hunters, that have to stay close to the tree, would have another issue. They would experience another form of panic.

[Brendan]

I dont think a tension release will help with form. It will help with the controlled shot process.

One disagreement here. I notice when my form starts falling apart using my tension release. It gets MUCH harder for me to make the shot fire if my bow shoulder starts collapsing or my bow arm starts bending, I've even had times where I had to let down. Conversely, I've had times where form is good with the same release, really locked in, release the safety and start to execute the shot and - BAM - surprise shot without feeling like I'm pulling all that hard.

So - The tension release doesn't change your form on its own, but it can help train you to good vs. bad.

Another story - Randy Ulmer is a very successful bowhunter and target archer. I believe he was the first to use a release pouch on his belt and carry a number of identical handheld releases with him while practicing, and I think for tournaments as well. I believe he was a hinge shooter. What he'd do was set one release to not fire at all no matter how hard you pull, and the others to go off with different amounts of tension. So - when he pulled a release out, he had no idea how much effort it was going to take, so it leaves you no choice other than to execute a smooth consistent shot without anticipation... If he grabbed the one that didn't fire - he'd eventually realize it, let down, and grab another, and start over...

[Brendan]

I learned back tension at the PSE shooters school and have practiced it on the range. It works fine there. I don't care for it in a hunting situation. I don't know why. Maybe it is because it has never become natural, or I have to think about it when I am focusing on the critter. I have never had a problem with target panic or "punching" the trigger. The alternative to back tension is not punching. I use a controlled squeeze. The element of surprise is gone, but it has not lead to target panic.
I find Brendan's point about long range accuracy to be interesting. I have not seen a real difference in 20-40 yard accuracy, so that may be why I don't work on back tension more. I think for B.T. to become more natural, I would have to practice it in about every imaginable position possible. Leaning out of a tree stand shooting down at a steep angle would have to be a high priority. That is always well under 40 yards. Stand hunters, that have to stay close to the tree, would have another issue. They would experience another form of panic.

Swede - I don't totally disagree with you. While I have no issue trying to execute a back tension shot from a tree or anywhere else - I think the biggest thing using it for practice has done for me is slow down my shot and be more methodical in my shot sequence. So even if I'm squeezing or pull into the trigger with my finger on a deer - I'm less apt to flinch or really punch the hell out of it... And - as above, it is a good reminder when your form starts falling apart at the end of a practice session when you should probably hang it up instead of shooting more arrows. And for me - my group size at all ranges has been steadily improving...

Lonnie - Lots of banter back and forth. If you were going to try one new release - I would pick either a thumb trigger or an index trigger that is adjustable and see how those work for you. I like the Carter RX-1 and the Hamskea Drop Tine. If you want to try a Thumb Trigger, I like the Carter Too Simple.

[Roj]

I use a hinge/back tension release 100% of the time. If shooting 3d targets, spot targets, turkey hunting, deer hunting, or elk hunting. I simply start punching a trigger if I try using a triggered release resulting in much poorer shots verses a hinge release.

As far as using it for hunting, I feel it actually makes me a better hunter. It allows me to make much more accurate shots on game. Anyone who has shot a hinge release enough knows that you can 'cheat' the release if you have to...meaning you manually rotate the release until it fires (similar to pulling a trigger). So if you have just a split second to get a shot off, rotate or squeeze your ring/pinky finger and the shot will fire as fast as you can squeeze your index finger on a triggered release. I have taken a trotting coyote & strutting turkeys this exact way....as well as shot many moving 3d targets. I have yet to lose a shot opportunity at game because of my release & I have only benefited from it. For the 99% of the other times you don't have to cheat the release & let the shot fire naturally, there is no other feeling like it.

But bottom line is my hinge release is one of my most important pieces of hunting equipment.

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[Roosiebull]

I have never shot a back tension release but heck, I just started shooting a release period about 5 years ago. Before that, it was fingers on my bows. I'm not a super techy archery gear guy (but really, I've only predominately hunted with stick and string for elk for a year or two or fourty). I would only offer that hunting elk with archery gear is really a close contact type of hunt and as long as you are comfortable with your equipment/release out to 40 yards as a max, you're in the zone. Find what is comfortable and consistent for you in anticipation of close contact with considering your quarry and you'll be fine. I will say that if you shoot competitive archery, 3D stuff, etc., and you'll be shooting at longer distances throughout the off season, then jump on the technology wagon and have at it . Most of my shots on elk have been at 30 yards or much less, oftentimes, 20 or less so personally, I'm fine with many of the current standard type releases on the market and don't need to dig any further. Just my thoughts.

i'm with you on this, I don't like most technology, releases included. I don't want my release in my pocket, or hanging from a strap that lets it flop around, and I want to choose when my bow goes off, often times, the window for a shot is brief, I want the ability to make it happen.

I try to stay away from ANYTHING that could be a liability, i'm not a competitive shooter, I shoot because I hunt. I like a regular index finger release, that folds back out of the way, with a crisp light trigger (wiseguy is my favorite right now)

I also don't like sights or rests with moving parts, tried lots of different bow accessories, the simpler the better...I shoot just fine at 60 yds with my setup, limit myself to 40 yds on a healthy animal, so I don't need anything "better" than I use now.

I could see a back tension release costing opportunity, just like a sliding sight, and have had a fall away rest cost me the biggest bull I have ever drawn back on.....chip shot too, 16 yds....after that, I really started looking at my gears practicality....anything that takes added thought to get ready to shoot, I don't want on my bow.

we all have different ideas of the right combination, things I see as a liability may give another guy more confidence, like mentioned above, shoot what is comfortable to you, and what makes you confident. I personally see no real world benefit of having a target release for a hunting bow, but if you like it, shoot it.

[Swede]

I do not know if anyone has experienced what I have with a back tension release or not, but I had problems before I figured it out. As I was starting out there were several "Dang" moments. My arrow was just launched into space, never to be recovered. WOW, there went $10! I was shooting in my back yard where the ground is level, flat and smooth. I got to where I could shoot an arrow and hit the target almost every time. I can't however say I noticed any real improvement in accuracy over my Scott Shark.
I have never hunted with a back tension release, but have to wonder why I would. I was not measurably better at home, where everything was optimal for consistent shooting. Out hunting I may be bent over, twisted or have one foot well above another. If I tried to shoot an a contortionist, I would expect to have more "Dang" moments. The difference would be a missed animal and the loss of a $20 arrow including broad-head.

[Brendan]

I do not know if anyone has experienced what I have with a back tension release or not, but I had problems before I figured it out. As I was starting out there were several "Dang" moments. My arrow was just launched into space, never to be recovered. WOW, there went $10! I was shooting in my back yard where the ground is level, flat and smooth. I got to where I could shoot an arrow and hit the target almost every time. I can't however say I noticed any real improvement in accuracy over my Scott Shark.
I have never hunted with a back tension release, but have to wonder why I would. I was not measurably better at home, where everything was optimal for consistent shooting. Out hunting I may be bent over, twisted or have one foot well above another. If I tried to shoot an a contortionist, I would expect to have more "Dang" moments. The difference would be a missed animal and the loss of a $20 arrow including broad-head.

For those of you haven't tried a hinge or tension activated release, if you ever do, I'd recommend one with a safety for the above reasons. Just keep your thumb on the safety until you're on target and ready to start executing the shot. Even the pros f**k it up from time to time - here's Tim Gillingham Dry Firing a Bowtech at this year's ATA show:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OFmtf0zqt0

Also - I said it above - I think you will be worse with a back tension release (hinge or tension) when you first start out. I think It takes some time and committing to it to actually improve to past where you were before. If that doesn't interest you, or you have no need at the ranges you shoot - don't bother. Stick with a thumb trigger or an index trigger release.

And last caveat - there are a handful of pros who are more accurate with aiming and hit the trigger as opposed to shooting with back tension, so it may not work for everyone.

[Swede]

I think you have this pretty well figured out Brendan. Words of wisdom. I may have gotten better if I worked at it long enough, but at $10 a pop, I decided it was not for me.