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Is A Bow Wrist Sling Necessary?

I remember a time when I was at an archery competition, and I noticed one of the other archers shooting without a wrist sling.

I thought it was a little unusual, but I didn’t think much of it at the time. However, things took a sudden turn when the archer drew back his bow and suddenly sneezed. The bow, no longer held steady by the archer’s hand, leapt forward, and the arrow went flying off in a completely different direction.

Thankfully, nobody was hurt, and the arrow didn’t hit anyone or anything important. But the archer was understandably shaken, and it was clear that he needed to invest in a wrist sling. After all, accidents can happen to anyone, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to archery.

After this incident, I always suggest archers use a wrist strap or finger sling to prevent this from happening. These simple devices allow you to focus on what really matters: your shot.

Now Let’s come to the point and enlighten you more about bow wrist slings;

Archery is a sport that requires a great deal of skill, focus, and consistency. One of the most important factors in achieving a successful shot is the archer’s grip on the bow.

A bow wrist sling is a tool that has been designed to aid the archer in achieving a consistent and safe grip on the bow.

However, many archers wonder whether a bow wrist sling is necessary or not.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of using a bow wrist sling, as well as some of the arguments against using one.

First, let’s define what a bow wrist sling is and what it is used for.

What is a Bow Wrist Sling?

A bow wrist sling is a device that attaches to the bow handle and goes around the archer’s wrist.

It is made of a durable material, usually nylon or leather, and is designed to keep the bow from falling out of the archer’s hand after the shot has been released.

The bow wrist sling serves a crucial purpose in archery, as it provides a consistent point of contact between the archer’s hand and the bow.

This can help to reduce tension and fatigue in the bow hand and arm, which can lead to more accurate and consistent shots.

There are a few different types of bow wrist slings available on the market, but they all generally serve the same purpose.

Some slings are adjustable, while others are fixed in length. Some are designed to be used with specific types of bows, while others are universal and can be used with any bow.

Most bow wrist slings are made of a durable material that can withstand the wear and tear of regular use.

Nylon and leather are the most common materials used, although some slings are also made of paracord or other types of rope.

How To Use Bow Wrist Sling

Installing a bow wrist sling is a fairly straightforward process.

First, the archer must determine where on the bow handle they would like the sling to attach.

Some bows come with pre-drilled holes for sling attachment, while others may require the archer to drill a hole themselves.

Once the attachment point has been determined, the sling is typically tied or looped around the handle and secured in place.

Different types of popular wrist slings that archers use

1. Braided wrist slings: These are made by braiding together multiple strands of paracord or other strong cordage to form a durable and attractive wrist sling. Braided wrist slings are typically adjustable and can be customized to match the colors of the archer’s bow or personal preferences.
2. Strap wrist slings: These are made from a single piece of sturdy material, such as leather or nylon webbing, that is folded over and stitched to create a loop for the wrist. Strap wrist slings are usually adjustable and can also be customized with different colors or patterns.
3. Tubular wrist slings: These are made from a single piece of tubular nylon or other material that is folded over and stitched to create a loop for the wrist. Tubular wrist slings are typically adjustable and can be a good option for archers who want a simple and lightweight sling.

Here is a useful video about how to properly use a bow wrist sling

Benefits of Using a Bow Wrist Sling

A bow wrist sling is an essential accessory for any archer, and using one can offer several benefits. In this section, we’ll explore some of the most significant advantages of using a bow wrist sling.

Increased Safety for the Archer and Those Around Them

One of the most important benefits of using a bow wrist sling is increased safety. When an archer releases a shot, there is a possibility that the bow may slip out of their hand and fall to the ground.

This can be dangerous for the archer and anyone else in the vicinity, as the falling bow could cause injury or damage to equipment.

A bow wrist sling prevents this from happening, as it keeps the bow securely attached to the archer’s wrist after the shot has been released.

Reduced Tension and Fatigue in the Bow Hand and Arm

Another significant advantage of using a bow wrist sling is reduced tension and fatigue in the bow hand and arm.

When an archer grips the bow too tightly, they can develop tension and fatigue in their hand and arm, which can negatively impact their accuracy and consistency.

Using a wrist sling provides a consistent point of contact between the archer’s hand and the bow, which can help to reduce tension and fatigue.

Improved Consistency in Bow Grip and Shot Execution

A bow wrist sling can also help to improve consistency in bow grip and shot execution.

When an archer uses a wrist sling, they don’t have to worry about gripping the bow too tightly or inconsistently. This can lead to more consistent shots and better accuracy.

Enhanced Accuracy and Precision in Shooting

Using a bow wrist sling can also help to enhance accuracy and precision in shooting.

When an archer doesn’t have to worry about holding the bow too tightly or inconsistently, they can focus more on their shot execution and aim.

This can lead to more accurate and precise shots, which is crucial in competitive archery.

Maintain Focus while Bowhunting

During bowhunting, it is necessary to use a bow wrist sling to keep your hand relaxed and maintain focus on the animal.

However, it is crucial that the sling is not too loose as it may hinder your ability to quickly grab your bow if needed.

Arguments Against Using a Bow Wrist Sling

While using a bow wrist sling offers many benefits, some archers may choose not to use one.

In this section, we’ll explore some arguments against using a bow wrist sling.

Interference with Hand Placement and Shooting Technique

Some archers may argue that a bow wrist sling interferes with their hand placement and shooting technique.

They may find that the sling restricts their wrist movement or changes their grip on the bow, which can negatively impact their shot execution.

Additional Weight and Bulkiness

Another argument against using a bow wrist sling is the additional weight and bulkiness it adds to the bow.

Some archers may prefer a more streamlined and lightweight setup and find that a wrist sling gets in the way.

Lack of Personal Preference

Ultimately, some archers may choose not to use a bow wrist sling simply because they don’t prefer it.

Archery is a highly individual sport, and each archer has their own unique preferences and shooting style. Some archers may find that a wrist sling doesn’t fit their personal preferences and shooting style.

It’s important for archers to experiment with different equipment and accessories to find what works best for their individual needs and shooting style.

Who Should Use a Bow Wrist Sling?

While there are some arguments against using a bow wrist sling, it is generally considered an essential accessory for archers of all levels. However, some archers may benefit more from using a wrist sling than others. In this section, we’ll explore who should use a bow wrist sling.

Beginner Archers

Beginner archers, in particular, can benefit from using a bow wrist sling.

When learning to shoot a bow, it’s common to grip the bow too tightly or inconsistently, which can negatively impact accuracy and consistency.

Using a wrist sling provides a consistent point of contact between the archer’s hand and the bow, which can help to reduce tension and fatigue and improve accuracy.

Archers with Hand or Wrist Injuries

Archers with hand or wrist injuries may also benefit from using a bow wrist sling.

Gripping a bow too tightly or inconsistently can exacerbate existing injuries or cause new ones.

Using a wrist sling can help to reduce the strain on the hand and wrist and allow the archer to shoot with greater comfort and ease.

Competitive Archers

Competitive archers, who require the highest level of accuracy and consistency in their shooting, should also use a bow wrist sling.

A wrist sling can help to improve consistency in bow grip and shot execution, which can lead to more accurate and precise shots.

Archers Shooting Heavy Draw Weights

Finally, archers shooting heavy draw weights may also benefit from using a bow wrist sling.

The weight of a heavy bow can cause fatigue and tension in the bow hand and arm, which can negatively impact accuracy and consistency.

Using a wrist sling can help to reduce this fatigue and tension and allow the archer to shoot more comfortably and consistently.

Wrist Strap vs Finger Sling

A finger sling is a cord that attaches to the bowstring and wraps around the fingers of the archer. Its purpose is to keep the bowstring from slipping off the archer’s fingers after the shot is released.

It’s important to note that finger slings are not necessarily superior to wrist slings. They are often preferred by recurve archers because they facilitate the free fall swing technique.

When the bow drops, it’s much easier to control the descent with a finger sling compared to an arm sling.

As the bow falls, it will tilt until it is supported by either the finger or wrist sling. This results in the classic swing commonly seen in professional recurve archery known as the free-fall swing.

Wrist slings are often mounted on the stabilizer or just below it, making the bow very top-heavy and prone to swinging quite far.

As there is no stopping point, the bow can become quite unpredictable when dropped entirely.

That’s why archers who use a wrist sling tend to catch the bow after the arrow is shot rather than letting it swing freely.

When it comes to choosing between a wrist strap and a finger sling, there is no right or wrong answer. It ultimately depends on the archer’s shooting style and preferences.

Do I really need a wrist or finger sling?

It’s natural to question whether you really need a wrist or finger sling for your bow. After all, dropping the bow is not a common occurrence.

However, it’s essential to consider the potential damage that could occur if the bow were to drop. Without a sling, fragile parts could break, resulting in a frustrating and costly experience.

While a wrist or finger sling may not be necessary if you only shoot on soft grass, it’s still a good idea to use one.

Accidents can happen, even in the most controlled environments as I narrated an incident in the introductory part of this article. So, using a sling provides peace of mind and helps prevent any damage to your equipment.

In short, a wrist or finger sling is a simple yet effective investment in protecting your bow and ensuring a more enjoyable archery experience.

Making A Wrist/Finger Sling At Home

Archery wrist and finger slings are simple yet essential accessories for any archer. If you are an archer on a budget, you can easily make a wrist or finger sling at home with just a few materials.

Materials needed:

• Paracord (or any durable cord)
• Scissors
• Lighter or matches

Making a wrist sling:

Step 1: Measure the length of the paracord by wrapping it around your wrist twice and add an extra inch. Cut the paracord to the desired length.

Step 2: Melt the ends of the paracord with a lighter to prevent fraying. Step 3: Tie a knot in the center of the paracord, leaving a loop big enough to slide your hand through.

Step 4: Test the fit by sliding your hand through the loop and adjusting the knot as needed. Step 5: Trim any excess cord and melt the ends to prevent fraying.

Making a finger sling:

Step 1: Cut a length of paracord to about 10-12 inches.

Step 2: Melt the ends of the paracord with a lighter to prevent fraying.

Step 3: Tie a knot in one end of the paracord, leaving a loop big enough to slide your fingers through.

Step 4: Test the fit by sliding your fingers through the loop and adjusting the knot as needed.

Step 5: Tie another knot about an inch or two from the first knot to create a small loop that will fit over the bowstring.

Step 6: Trim any excess cord and melt the ends to prevent fraying.

It’s important to note that making your own wrist or finger sling may not be as durable or comfortable as a store-bought one.

However, it can be a great temporary solution or a fun DIY project for archery enthusiasts.

If you experience any discomfort or problems with your homemade sling, it’s best to invest in a professionally made one.

Some Useful videos about making bow wrist slings at home

Conclusion

In conclusion, a bow wrist sling is a useful accessory for archers of all levels. It provides a consistent point of contact between the archer’s hand and the bow, which can help to improve accuracy and consistency.

Additionally, it can reduce fatigue and tension in the bow hand and arm, allowing for more comfortable and consistent shooting.

While there are some arguments against using a bow wrist sling, such as interference with hand placement and shooting technique or additional weight and bulkiness, these concerns are generally outweighed by the benefits.

Beginner archers, archers with hand or wrist injuries, competitive archers, and archers shooting heavy draw weights may benefit the most from using a wrist sling.

It’s important for each archer to experiment with different equipment and accessories to find what works best for their individual needs and shooting style.

However, a bow wrist sling is a small investment that can have a big impact on an archer’s shooting performance.

By using a wrist sling, archers can improve their accuracy, consistency, and overall enjoyment of the sport.