Release With A Longbow?

[Deadsmple]

TC,
Yes it will increase wear on the serving. That's why I now double serve the contact area of my serving with mono. Which actually serves two purposes, it protects the string and also acts as a nock point.

A string loop would probably be the best as far as string life but, I personally don't like the idea of using a string loop because I don't want to lose any draw length, however small.

As far as being harder on the limbs? I would say no, I can't think of how it would be harder but then again I might be the one that's way off base here. I just don't know.

[Mudd]

I had a homemade rope release at one time. I wish I could remember where it is or how it was made, I'd try it again after season. I have enough "arther" issues now-days I might see it in a more serious light than I did 10 years ago.
It was a simple looking device but worked slick as a whistle. But it wasn't traditional enough for me back then..hahaha

[elknut1]

TC, I too feel the loop would take a bit out of the draw length but not a big enough deal to be concerned with. I used a string loop on the compounds I used to shoot, thing is I always had mine very short in comparisons to others, just enough to snap on the jaws. I always would finger nail polish or  flecth tite the string loop part itself & that would make it stiff as wire, it was quick & easy to get the release on without looking at the loop with practice.

 Too, I feel I would be way less apt to short drawing with a release than fingers, this is especially so during crunch time hunting! Nothing written in stone yet but will try a few out for the fun of it. (grin) I feel with a cleaner release I'll add speed, penetration & great arrow flight, it should give me the best my bow has to offer & that instills confidence! These are very important to me on a hunting rig setup! Good Luck guys!

 ElkNut1

[donw]

i do not "fool around" with using a mechanical release aid in shooting a longbow (and recurves)...that's the ONLY way i shoot.

there's NO reason you cannot do it.

yes, i've used a loop, too...it works just fine.

you just have to work out what release works to your satisfaction and whether or not you wish to use a string loop.

my recurves are set up to shoot off the shelf, with a 3/8" above horozontal nockset and my preference is the tru-fire 3d hand held as it has a head that rotates 360* in either direction allowing canting of the bow. (any rotating head will work fine if you don't use a string loop, though...the sting loop will allow 'cant' very easily, too)

i currently have a howatt bushmaster set up with a string loop.

i find i can shoot a 10-15 heavier bow with a release aid, too...it relieves pressure from the fingers.

i can give you better details if you want to EM/PM me.