What release are you shooting?

[GF.]

After yesterday's SNAFU, I'm ready for a second release so I'll always have a spare in the pack, and it seems like it could make a decent thread....

I've been shooting a FreeFlight with good results, but am not wedded to them at their usual price (got mine on clearance for about $25). Also, I used another style at the bow shop during my initial sight-in session, and I was a lot more precise with it. I just don't recall what it was :D

What's your favorite & why? Any sleeper bargains to be had in this category?

Am shooting a loop, BTW, since that does matter, so let us know what style you're shooting, as well as make & model....

[LampLighter]

Tru Fire Tru Caliper 3 Finger- because I shot fingers in the 80's, and it was an easy transition since I still use the same 3 fingers.

[ncboman]

Gator Jaws

I have two of em, just in case. ;)

[GF.]

Gator Jaws???


:confused:


Nevah hoid of 'em. Are those still being made?

I thought about the 3-finger type, briefly, but switching to the trigger was easy enough and I really like anything that keeps my draw length as long as possible, on account of my stubby-ish arms...:D

The one that I borrowed from the shop owner must've been a Scott or a Cobra... those are what he carries, but I don't recall much beyond that...:o

[Twanger]

I'm shooting a mid-priced caliper release, but I honestly couldn't tell you the model. Maybe it's written on it.
Just like a rifle trigger, the release should fit you, not be creepy, not be overly heavy to pull, and and break like glass.

[Limbhanger]

Cobra... but need a new one!

[ncboman]

I'm not sure why gator jaws isn't what everyone is shooting. Marketing, or lack therof, maybe.

The only thing comparable is a string loop and you give up draw length with a string loop, ... not with gator jaws though.

I'm sure an engineer could make a list of inherit accuracy advantages of an arrow being square on the string at release (from a well tuned bow). All I know is it's very accurate for me. Mechanics aside, the way the entire gator jaws release centers the 'feeling of control' directly behind the arrow instead of under it can't be adequately described with words. It's one of those things I never noticed until I started using it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v50/ncboman/Archery/Bows%20and%20Equipt/71506gatorjaws2003r.jpg

It seems to help keep a straight forceline all the way to my elbow and that seems to help the arrow point exactly where I'm looking, an overlooked quality in today's mayhem for speed.

James Greene Gator Jaws Release (http://www.keystonecountrystore.com/James_Green_Releases.html)

be forewarned; addictive item. :rolleyes:

[GF.]

What's actually gripping the string there, NC? Is the gator holding the metal 'C' clip that's attached to the string, or is the 'C' a part of the release's jaws? (I do like anything that helps me preserve what draw length I have to work with....

And another thing... If they're so danged 'unpopular', how come you gave us a link to a place that has sold out of 'em? ;)

Anyway, I think I've solved my back-up issue for now: my brother's buddy up on the hill last week has an old Free-Flight just like mine, only without the trimming job the local shop did for me, and he's gonna send it my way. Won't be 'perfect, but the price is right and I'm familiar with it....

[ncboman]

That was just the first source I found. There are others, and cheaper too. I paid around $40 for the last one I bought... ebay I think.

You won't know the difference if you never use one. :D

[Glockboy]

I have been shooting a free flight release with the metal C design since I started bowhunting about 17 years ago. I sold my first one along with my first bow way back when, quit bowhunting for a couple years, then got back into it again, bought another free flight at that point, along with a new bow, and have had great luck with it, same as my first one. I change out the glove every five or so years. Otherwise it works great for me. Lots of good options out there though these days. Anyway...

[Twanger]

One thing I've noticed about releases, is that the ones that have wrist-straps made of padded cloth and velcro start to reek by the end of summer because they soak up a lot of sweat. No doubt a deer could smell it. Before the season starts I always soak mine in a hot water bath of unscented laundry detergent, rinse well, and hang it outside to dry. I usually do this again in mid-October after it cools down, and before the rut starts up.