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Help using a finger sling please

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Joevobo

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Honestly I don’t even know where to begin. I know it seems so simple but it’s really awkward at first. I really just want to be able to shoot and let the bow do what it wants to do but obviously don’t want to drop it or anything.
are there any specific tips or tricks to learning?
 
#2 ·
Most finger slings are designed to attach to the index or ring finger and the thumb. They usually have a small rubber piece that can be moved up to cinch up the slack and tighten it up.

Attach one loop end to your index or ring finger, grip the bow, putting the finger sling around the riser attach to your thumb and cinch up tension around each digit.

lancasterarchery.com

LAS Finger Sling

• Adjustable nylon para-cord sling • Fits over thumb and index finger
lancasterarchery.com lancasterarchery.com

Pictures on the above link will clarify things. There are other types, but this type is easiest to learn from a beginner.



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Discussion starter · #4 ·
I’ve only tried once, and it was just awkward. Guess that is to be expected. My first main couple questions would be.. How much slack, if any, do I want in the sling around the bow? And,
What exactly should I do with my entire bow arm, wrist, and hand?
 
#5 ·
I think Jake Kaminski had a very good explanation on how to use a finger sling on his youtube, give it a watch it might help you.

 
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#6 ·
Joe -

You are basically asking us "How do I shoot a bow?".
The ONLY thing a finger sling does is allow you to relax your bow hand without dropping the bow, nothing else changes.

With commercial finger slings the slack is predetermined.

Using a finger sling requires the shooter to have noticeable interphangeal joints on the thumb and index or middle fingers, don't laugh, they are barely noticeable on some people.

A picture is worth a thousand words.
Image


I suggest that once the sling is on, the shooter begin shooting with a FORCED open hand, as in the picture. It will make torque impossible, and get him used to the bow jumping out of his hand, which it will. After he gets used to that, then a more conventional relaxed hand can be resumed.

CAVEAT: finger slings (the plastic loops) can wear out/loosen, usually without warning, before the bow ends up on the floor. For that reason, I usually recommend a wrist sling. The only way it can fail, is if you forget to engage it.
Image

In the above position, the bow should be able to move about 1" forward.

Viper1 out.
 
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#7 ·
Joevobo said:
I’ve only tried once, and it was just awkward. Guess that is to be expected. My first main couple questions would be.. How much slack, if any, do I want in the sling around the bow? And,
What exactly should I do with my entire bow arm, wrist, and hand?
Click to expand...
I would watch Jake's video posted above.

The sling should be comfortable with the bow in your hand, but catch the bow quickly. I find using the thumb and middle finger the most comfortable. When I used the index finger, I ended up gripping the bow more often and was more uncomfortable. It takes a bit, but you will get used to not gripping the bow--and probably drop it the first time you forget your finger sling (we have all been there).

I made my finger sling from Jake's video. The only modification I put on it was to have a draw sting clasp on the string to make it easily adjustable. That allows me to play with the amount of slack. It is also handy (no pun intended) when I wear gloves. I have the clasp position behind my middle finger when the sling is on.

The finger sling has nothing to do with your form per se. It does allow you not to grip the bow, but gripping the bow should not be part of your form anyway. The finger sling is really about the after shot movement of the bow. Different archer do different things. Some have the wrist fall forward after the shot. Others catch the bow. Right now, I would learn to simply not grip the bow and have it free during your shot. You have a lot to learn and slowly you will put the pieces together and figure out the way you want the shot to complete with your finger sling.
 
#9 ·
I use a wrist sling made from climbing tape for field/fun shooting and a "finger sling" made from climbing cord for "serious shooting", wraps around wrist thru first finger gap and onto thumb, effectively the same as finger 2 thumb, but gets in the way less for me.

The wrist sling does the job if all I want is to avoid dropping the bow, finger sling allows more relaxed hand for target for me.

For slack am looking at 1/2" ish max, it needs to catch the bow before I feel the need to, have a look at Jake's video.
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
Ok I just tried it some more, and it’s getting better. I think I need to add a stabilizer, might help the bow go forward a little. Right now, the bow just kind of twists, but I am not losing it lol
 
#11 ·
Joe -

Yup.

Viper1 out.
 
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#13 ·
Joevobo said:
Ok I just tried it some more, and it’s getting better. I think I need to add a stabilizer, might help the bow go forward a little. Right now, the bow just kind of twists, but I am not losing it lol
Click to expand...

When my bow twists upon release, regardless of having stabs installed or not, it's because my alignment and line of forces is incorrect; when everything is lined up from bow hand to release elbow and 'm pulling in a straight line, the bow only jumps forward.
 
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