Fact checked by Steven Lines, lifelong Hunter and Outdoorsman
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Though archery can be a fulfilling sport, it carries some risks. If you’re not careful, you end up getting injured. Thankfully, this doesn’t need to be the case. There are multiple types of safety equipment that you can use. You might want to get a thumb ring if you use a thumb release.
But how do you buy the right size?
To ensure you get the right archery thumb ring, you’ll need to measure your thumb’s size. You can use calipers to do this, adjusting them until you find the right size. In other cases, you will be able to use a piece of paper or tape measure. Once you’ve got your thumb size, you’ll be able to find the perfect thumb ring.
However, while getting the right thumb ring size is essential, you’ll need to make sure that you’re using it properly. You might also want to adjust your technique slightly to make sure that you’re safe.
In this post, we'll cover:
What Is An Archery Thumb Ring?
For those planning on using a thumb draw technique, it’s essential to use a thumb ring. This is a ring that wraps around your thumb, helping you. It will also help you get the right release, which will increase your accuracy.
A thumb ring can be an essential tool for you to use when practicing archery. This is essential if you’re planning on using a thumb release technique. This is most common when you’re using a horse bow. However, you might want to use this release technique for other types of bows.
When Is The Thumb Release Used?
The thumb release is a technique that is generally used by the mounted archer. This ensures they will have more flexibility when aiming and provide a longer draw.
The thumb release is most popular with those using a horse bow. There are a few reasons why this is the case. First, these bows are designed to have a longer draw. However, this can put more pressure on your fingers, causing you to feel the increased strain. By using a thumb draw, you’ll be able to alleviate this.
Secondly, this type of thumb release tends to be more flexible. Riding on horseback can often be highly unpredictable. For example, the horse might jerk when you’re drawing back on the bow. If you’re using a traditional finger grip, you might accidentally release it too early. This has the potential to cause injury.
When you use a thumb grip, you’ll be able to travel faster while regaining control of the bow. It will also allow you to use a floating nocking point. This can allow you to retain accuracy, even though you’re on horseback.
Finally, many archers use a thumb ring because it allows them to achieve a faster arrow speed than a traditional finger release. It might also take less energy. As a result, you’ll be able to load arrows faster, so you can get more shots off. This can be especially helpful in a hunting situation.
How To Do The Thumb Release?
To perform a thumb release, you’ll need to curl up your hand into a fist, extending your thumb. Then, wrap the thumb around the bow. Pull back on the bow, keeping the string on the thumb. When you’re ready, relax your hand and release the string.
When performing a thumb release, the first thing that you’ll need to do is make sure that you’re positioning your thumb correctly on the bow. To do this, you’ll need to curl your hand up into a fist and then extend your thumb; it should look like you’re giving a thumbs up.
Next, extend your index finger while keeping the rest of your fingers clenched. This should look like an L.
Now you’ll be able to position your thumb around the bowstring. As you’re doing this, you want to make sure you put it on a phalanx on the thumb rather than on the bend. Then, you can rest the index finger lightly on the thumb, locking it in place.
The next step is to draw the bow. This is very similar to using a traditional bow. As you do this, you’ll need to keep the back of the hand flat. However, if you feel the string is starting to slip, you might need to reposition your hand at a slight angle.
Draw the string back and line up your shot. When using this technique, you might want to use your ear or chin as a nocking point. Though, the more experience you have, the more you’ll be able to develop a nocking point that works for you.
Finally, you’ll need to shoot. To do this, you simply relax your fingers and release the string. As you release, you might want to twist your hands so that your palm is facing away. This can be a great way to ensure you have a smooth release and protect your thumb.
Can You Use A Thumb Ring In A Competition?
Whether or not you’ll be able to use a thumb ring will often depend on the type of competition that you’re attending. These will typically be allowed if you’re at a horse archery competition.
However, if you’re at a target archery competition, you won’t be able to use them because they might be classed as a mechanical release.
The type of competition will often dictate whether you’re able to use a thumb ring. You’ll be able to use a thumb ring for most horse riding competitions. This is because it’s a standard part of the competition.
However, for other forms of competition, it might count as a mechanical release. Because this can benefit the other archers, you might not be allowed to use a thumb ring or need to compete in a separate round. However, you should check the rules beforehand, as the requirements change from competition to competition.
How To Measure For An Archery Thumb Ring?
If you’re using a thumb ring, you need to make sure that you get the right size. There are a few ways that you can measure your thumb. First, you might want to use a caliper. This is the most accurate option and can be done in most archery stores. Alternatively, you might want to use a piece of paper.
There are a few ways that you’ll be able to measure your thumb, depending on the type of technology that you want to use. First, you might want to use a caliper. This can be done in an archery store. However, you’ll be able to do it at home.
To do this, you’ll need to place your thumb in the caliper. As you’re doing this, measure both the horizontal and vertical axis. When doing this, don’t press too tightly. You want your ring to fit on your thumb comfortably; you don’t want something that will be too tight or restrictive.
If you don’t have a caliper, you’ll be able to use a piece of paper to measure your finger’s size. To do this, cut out a thin slice of paper. You’ll need to form a loop, placing it over your thumb. Then, move the loop up and down your thumb. If it slides off easily, you’ll need to cut off a few millimeters and try again.
Keep doing this until the paper loop is sitting comfortably on your thumb. You should be able to slide it on and off without the loop feeling too tight—mark where the ends overlap. Then, use a ruler to measure how long this distance is. This will be the size of your required thumb ring.
It should be noted that you’ll need to try to measure your thumb ring at the end of the day. This is when your thumb will be at its biggest.
Finally, if possible, you might want to try shooting using the thumb ring. This can be a great way to get a feel for whether it’s comfortable to shoot with. You might want to be careful when doing this, as you don’t want to risk injuring your thumb if the ring doesn’t fit properly.
What Happens If You Don’t Measure The Thumb Ring Properly?
You must make sure that your thumb ring fits appropriately and is not a different size. Otherwise, you might end up having an accident. The ring won’t offer any protection if it’s too loose and might slide off your thumb. However, if it’s too tight, it can end up restricting blood flow.
It’s important to make sure that you’ve got the right thumb ring fit. If it’s too loose, it will be sliding around on your hand. This won’t be very comfortable and won’t offer much protection. It might also make it harder for you to aim.
However, the most significant risk occurs when the thumb ring is too tight. When this happens, you will notice that your thumb is starting to turn blue.
When you see this, there won’t be enough blood flow getting to the tip of your thumb. Over the long term, this could be very serious. In some cases, this might result in nerve damage.
Because of these risks, it’s essential to make sure that you take off any thumb ring that starts to feel uncomfortable. You might also want to try multiple thumb rings to ensure that you’re getting something that has a comfortable fit.
What Types Of Thumb Rings Are There?
Many thumb ring materials are available for you to choose from, depending on your preferred style. As an example, you might want to get leather, metal, or stone. You can also choose between an off-the-shelf ring and a custom-made one.
Many types of thumb rings are available on the market, depending on the ring you’re looking for. There are dozens of different ring materials available. For example, you will be able to find leather and stone.
You’ll also be able to find more traditional materials, like those made from wood or animal skin. However, most modern rings will be made from metal, ensuring they will last a long time.
When deciding what type of material you want to employ, you should try to get something that feels comfortable. You might also want to ensure that you get something that offers adequate protection.
It should also be noted that you’ll be able to purchase an off-the-shelf or a custom thumb ring. An off-the-shelf ring tends to be the most affordable option. If possible, try to shop for a thumb ring in-store. This will allow you to try on multiple rings to find the one that fits you the best.
In other cases, you might want to get a custom-made ring. This is designed specifically for you, based on your thumb measurements, which you’ll need to submit to the provider.
This will ensure that the ring fits your thumb perfectly. You might also be able to specify the type of material used to make the ring and its color.
How Much Does A Thumb Ring Cost?
The price of a thumb ring can vary dramatically, depending on where you purchase it from. Typically, they will start at around $8. However, if you want a custom-made thumb, you can pay as much as $80.
In most cases, a thumb ring will be a relatively inexpensive tool, which you’ll find in most archery stores. However, the prices can often vary, depending on the type of model that you want to purchase.
For example, a basic off-the-shelf model will start at around $8 to $10. However, there are more expensive options, such as getting a custom ring. Choosing all the materials and sizing them precisely to fit your thumb will require more work. As a result, you might need to pay around $50 to $80.
How Can You Protect Your Thumb During Archery?
While a thumb ring is a good start, you can do a few other things to protect your thumb during archery. The first thing that you should do is wrap your hand on tape.
You might also want to wear hand protection, especially when first learning to shoot with your thumb. The best safeguard, however, is to work on your technique.
The thumb release isn’t an especially dangerous form of archery. However, the power of the string and the arrow still have the potential to do damage. As a result, you should take some safety measures.
First, it’s common for archers to use the thumb release to wrap their hands in tape. This will ensure that you are protecting your fingers, helping them deal with the strain of pulling on the string. You will be able to wear tape under the thumb ring.
You might also want to wear extra hand protection, like shooting gloves. This can be a great way to ensure that you won’t be seriously injured if the string accidentally hits your hands. This is especially important when you’re just learning to shoot, as these accidents will be the most common.
Finally, try to perfect your technique. Learning how to perform a successful thumb release can often be difficult, especially if you’re used to other forms of archery.
However, the more you practice, the more successful you’ll become. Get comfortable using the bow in front of a target before you try to do it while riding on horseback.
You must practice your release. You must ensure you get your hands out of the way after you’ve fired the shot. This will ensure that the string doesn’t come back and hit you. As we mentioned, you might want to try holding your hands at an angle to keep the string from hitting them.
Related Questions
- What kind of bow is used in mounted archery? If you’re planning on going to a competition, you’ll need to use a curved or recurved composite bow. This is to ensure that everyone has an equal chance.
- What were thumb rings made from historically? Most historic rings were likely made from leather. This material was cheap and commonly available. However, many of these rings were probably lost to history because they were easy to break. Instead, we have evidence that they were made from harder materials, like jade or metal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning on using an archery thumb ring, you must get one that’s the right size. There are a few ways you can make sure you get the correct measurements. First, you might want to use calipers to measure the size of your thumb.
In other cases, you might want to use paper to get an accurate measurement. You’ll then be able to use this information to find the perfect thumb ring for you to shoot safely.
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Steven Lines is a hunter and outdoorsman from Safford, Arizona, USA. Since he was a child, he has been hunting and fishing and has over 20 years of outdoor experience. Steven works as a hunting guide in Arizona during his spare time and runs a Youtube channel dedicated to sharing his outdoor adventures with others.