I use the KSL (aka BEST method) hook which is designed to distribute the weight 50,40,10 from index to little finger. I still think I may end up with a bit more on the middle. The KSL hook has the string cross the fingers diagonally, rather than right down the joint line. The picture is on page 32. It was developed for split finger but can be used for three under as well. Keep in mind that finger pressure changes will change the balance of your bow. If it is drastic you may need to redo you nock height.

http://www.kslinternationalarchery.com/Translations/Chapter 4 Hooking.pdf

 

Redfin don't tell the trad police but I just made a change in my release that really improved my shooting.I never knew how bad my release must have been until I made the change.I bought a cheap $20 dollar index finger wrist strap release.I learned how to tie a torqless D loop on youtube and put it on my recurve.I never tried a release even with a compound until recently.The benefits were no left or rights with my shots and NO urge to release early as long as my finger was away from the trigger while drawing.
Of course there is no class for this style of shooting so my scores won't count.

 

Hank I will definitely check that out. Thanks.
Mamba, I was thinking of your idea too. Mostly because I want give my fingers more rest. Thanks. I will report back if this works.

 

There is general consensus now that the fingertip hold is inferior to the deep hook and the deeper hook. Deep would be to about the crease of the middle finger, and deeper would be into the flesh beyond the crease, my preference. So I would make that change first. It will feel unnatural for a little while but then will become normal.

If you index finger still gets pinched by the stringy angle could reach it forward a bit almost as if it were reaching for a trigger, taking most weight on the second finger. That is what I do.

Even with instinctive aiming and training for hunting you can and probably should pause at anchor to allow the aim to settle. Take as long as you like or need to. There is no need to hurry with a bow weight you can handle with comfort.

It sounds as if your shot process could use a rework. You can do that at home without an arrow. I am doing that once again while sitting out a heat wave. Up to 110 predicted for Sacramento, with humidity. A good time to review the fundamentals. - lbg

 

I also have recently experienced a similar situation. I started playing with a tab and it seems to relieve some of the pressure ive been experiencing but it helped to clean up my release as well. Its different after shooting a glove for so long but im going to give it a fair shake. One thing i notice is it allows me to shift my fingers without drastically affecting my release.



Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

 

1mm of finger protection thickness per 10# of draw weight.

 

I would think that not using a deep hook is the reason for the finger stress.
Using a deep hook lowers the load on the tendons as opposed to finger tip shooting. Finger tip shooting is also harder on the flesh parts of the finger.

Most deep hook users put much less weight on the ring finger than the other fingers - generally its not really an ideal way to get less load on the middle finger. The ring finger largely serves as way to protect the middle finger the string moves along it.

 

My initial try with the release was with 28#limbs on my BBwarf.I tryed this morn with 34# on a 17''riser.I don't know exactly what happened but I am blaming it on a poorly tyed catfish d-loop.I think my jaws got stuck on a thick spot on the loop.I launched one into the abys .HOPEFULLY I will find it in the fall when the shrubbery drops.

 

If you are shooting split finger, try curling your pinky and thumb into your hand or even hold down the pinky with the thumb. Where is the pain in your index finger?

 

Maybe string pinch? Haven’t heard of too many cases of the index finger being a problem. Usually the middle or ring finger.

 

There are deep hooks and there are very deep hooks. I go with the more European version where just the fingernails aren't visible from the side but you aren't holding the string further in than the first joint which seems more common in the US.

 

The "American" version is also holding the string at the distal crease. Im not saying thats how everyone does it but its how most do it and and its standard way taught here.

 

I appreciate all the feedback. I mistakenly described the problem being with my index finger. My mistake. It’s the middle finger. Sorry for the confusion. Specifically the knuckle on my hand behind the middle finger. The pain is on the side of that knuckle facing the ring finger knuckle also on my hand. Hope that makes sense now. I am going to an orthopedic this week to have it looked at. I am pretty sure I am over working the tendons because of the string position on my hand but I want to know for sure. Thanks for all the advice. As for now I am laying off the shooting until I can get some clarification on what is going on. Now that I explained it more correctly if anyone has additional device I still would appreciate any feedback. Hopefully I can resume shooting soon and will be working on that string position across my fingers. I have always been a glove shooter. Maybe it is a good time to switch to a tab when I resume.

 

One day a number of years ago, shooting a 96 pound longbow, I was doing some warm up draws and then a couple blank draws with an arrow on the bow. Then something gave way in the base joint, knuckle, of my middle finger. It affected my guitar work for years and forced me to go left handed. After years of being very careful in has recovered enough that I can shoot right handed again, but if I over do it, it will get stiff.

 

I was taught to always have a roll of flesh in contact with the string when using a deep hook. It's a zero pain thing coupled with a great smooth release. When shooting a flight arrow, I only use the first two fingers and the arrow under the nock, again with the roll of flesh, above the first crease, holding the string. I gain significant distance shooting that way because of zero string torque.

 

Great explanation Larry; that is what I do with the second finger. I develop a small callous there. Whether I am shooting two fingers or three, split or under, the load is mainly on flesh of the second finger. It is the strongest and I believe this produces the smoothest release.

Anchoring in the crease can cause pain and even nerve damage. - lbg

 

Many archers having issues with the string hand are suffering from weak archery hands. To solve this issue I suggest the following:

TheraBand has several products to improve hand and finger strength. Take a look at Amazon and search for: TheraBand Hand Exerciser, Black, X-Firm @$10.86 the dims are: 2" dia. x 3 1/2" long... This item will allow you to squeeze with the entire hand, press with each finger as well as your thumb. Be sure to work each hand completely. Keep one in your range bag and one by your TV / Computer desk. Use the tool throughout the day.

The key to a great string release is being able to keep the string in the first joint (finger nail end). You must strengthen to achieve a flat back hand. Back of the hand flat to the forearm. When you push / pull the fingers will loose the string in a straight line...your string hand will end directly behind your neck (no plucking allowed). Watch the follow through of the Gold Medal Recurve Archers.

 

yes.

 

In my experience, going to a deep hook gave me confidence in my hold/control of the string. This allowed me to anchor solid, focus on back tension and not 'rush' my release. I prefer a cordovan tab for this (Bateman.)

 

Ive been putting a little more load on my ring finger which seems to balance the pressure a bit better. Bow seems to shoot smoother and more evenly when I do this.

 

I’ve been trying out a deeper hook based on the comments in this thread. I can’t say why, but it seems to lead to a cleaner and more reliable release. Thanks!