thumb rings

[luke the drifter]

has anyone out there tried using thumb rings to shoot primitive/traditional bows?  if so, any advice or comments on their use.

[Pat B]

I've used a thumb ring a few times. It feels odd and takes a while to get used to. For a right handed person the arrow goes on the right side of the bow so aiming is different. You will however get a good clean release using a thumb ring.
  James Parker(Robustus) uses a thumb ring with his short horse bows.

[MaceG]

        Try this


Just a strip of leather. Works better than a thumb ring for me.

[cracker]

Could you give a pic or two of just how to grab the string with that rig?Thanks Ronnie

[MaceG]

       Yeah, I'll try to get some pictures up tomorrow.

[MaceG]

Sorry about the pic quality but I was using a camera phone.

Hook the string in the crook of your thumb

Press your thumb tip against your middle finger

Fold your index finger over your thumbnail


And check this forum out. You can learn alot there about shooting with your thumb.

Hope this helps.

[Pat B]

When using a thumb ring, the arrow goes on the right side of the bow.

[MaceG]

Sorry, forget to post the link. The forum I was referring to is ATARNet. Here's a link to the technique section:
http://atarn.net/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=3

[ratty]

i use a thumb ring quite regular ,here is some footage of me shooting with one quite a while ago now.

i think they are great.

the trick is, every thumbring MUST be tailored to fit you and you alone , otherwise it will always be uncomftable and hurt .

and you do shoot your arrows from the other side of the bow as you can see from the vid.  (archers paradox and all that) 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_CLRyGKgUw&feature=channel_page

[MaceG]

Are you having to adjust it before every shot?

[mullet]

 That looks like a glove and you are shooting off the wrong, (right) , side of the bow.

[MaceG]

You have to click the link to see the video he's talking about.

[cracker]

Thanks for the extra photos I'll give that a try.Ronnie

[HoBow]

One reason I got into bow making was because I could not find any lefty bows. Could I use a right handed bow with a thumb bring while shooting left handed?

[Pat B]

Yes,you can use a right handed bow if shooting it left handed.    If you think about how the string comes off your fingers with a standard split finger draw then see how it comes off the thumb on the same hand you will see they come from different directions. So a thumb release with a right handed bow shot left handed would come off the thumb correctly.      Confusing enough for you now?