Anyone who wishes to take up archery should know all about it. It allows people to understand the different things involved in archery. Unless you know the techniques involved, it will be hard to become a skilled archer.
Slings are a vital accessory that many archers have. Archers use four types of slings, and we shall see which one is better than the other in this article.
Expert archers suggest that finger slings are better than wrist slings. However, experienced archers also feel it is often a personal choice. Both types of slings serve the same purpose, and they allow control if there is a fall of the bow after the shot, and it also protects the bow from hitting the ground and damaging it.
Contents
What Are the Sling Options?
The four sling options available to archers are:
- Finger Slings
- Wrist Slings
- DIY Slings
- Hybrid Slings
What are Finger Slings?
As the name suggests, finger slings use the fingers to control the fall. A chord or other materials between the forefinger and the thumb are used. It is at the back of the grip and around the bow. It provides greater control during the fall after the shot.
What are Wrist Slings?
A wrist sling is a chord attached to the wrist and controls the fall after the shot. The chord encircles the archer’s wrist and the bow, and the wrist keeps the bow from hitting the ground.
What are “DIY Slings”?
DIY slings are usually prepared at home by the archer. They differ greatly from one another, and however, they are designed to protect the bow from falling to the ground. Although the purpose is the same for the sling, these are constructed as per a specific person’s liking.
What are Hybrid Slings?
A hybrid sling is usually a combination of a finger sling and a wrist sling. It can differ from one manufacturer to another, and very few manufacturers make hybrid slings. It means finding a hybrid sling can be difficult for an archer.
Are Finger Slings Better Than Wrist Slings?
To understand better, we list details of each of the two common slings and their pros and cons. It will allow a layman to understand why finger slings are better than wrist slings. We also discuss how each of them works and the technicalities behind them.
How Do Finger Slings Work?
The finger slings depend on the fingers to hold the bow from falling to the ground, and the bow’s weight rests on two fingers alone. You can see many recurve archers using it to support the free-fall swing technique.
This technique allows the bow to fall freely after the shot is made. You can see Olympians and target archers using this technique. The sling does not allow the bow to get damaged by hitting the ground during this fall.
The two fingers handle the entire weight of the bow that falls after the shot is taken. When you use this, no other part of the hand is involved in controlling the fall when you use it. When using the bow for long hours, you are likely to stress the two fingers that are involved in the process.
Pros
- The bow is caught by the finger sling very early in the drop.
- It provides a lot of control when the bow is falling after the shot.
- You can get supreme control when the shot is taken.
- It helps archers use the free-fall technique with ease with finger slings.
- These are made from different materials, allowing the archer to choose the material that they are most comfortable with.
- You can find finger slings with relevant ease on the market.
- Finger slings are cheaper and can be found widely on the market.
Cons
- The finger sling can become uncomfortable for the archer when used for long periods.
- A minor restriction to the finger movement occurs while finger slings are used.
- Using a finger sling takes time for an archer to get accustomed to.
How Do Wrist Slings Work?
Unlike the fingers, the wrist slings take the entire weight of the bow after the shot. These serve the same purpose as the finger slings. Some people find the wrist slings to be better suited to their styles. Free-fall swinging is a technique that you cannot use with these slings.
However, wrist slings take less time to get used to. Wrist slings are preferred by archers using compound bows. The recurve archers usually do not choose wrist slings unless they utilize a very heavy bow. Target practice for hours is made comfortable with wrist slings.
Since the wrist can handle weights, you can use this when you intend on longer practice sessions. If you are a small-game or big-game hunter, you might not prefer this sling, and it is due to the longer duration the bow has to be carried using your wrists.
Pros
- Wrist slings require a short time to get used to and are therefore comfortable for novice archers.
- When you use the wrist slings, finger movements are not restricted.
Cons
- With wrist slings, you cannot use the free-fall technique.
- In the event of a fall, the movements of the bow can be erratic and make you look awkward.
- Your wrists can be damaged if the bow falls, depending on the material used for the wrist sling.
How Do DIY and Hybrid Slings Work?
It is difficult to put into perspective how a DIY or hybrid sling works. It is because they are made differently to suit specific personal preferences. It would take time and experience to prepare your DIY sling. Hybrid slings, on the other hand, are rarely used by archers.
Therefore, it is impossible to list the pros and cons of DIY and hybrid slings. Each of these is made differently by using entirely different materials. Both slings are manufactured to serve the same purpose as finger and wrist slings.
Tips To Select The Right Sling
Here are a few tips that you can use before you select a finger or wrist sling:
- Materials: You should choose a material that is soft on your hands. It should not be abrasive. Any material of an abrasive nature can cause injury to your fingers or wrist if the bow falls.
- Consider All Options and Experiment: Experimenting with various slings may be a good idea. Once you determine what suits your style, you can opt to use it regularly.
- Choose Cheap Options To Begin With: You should not be investing a lot of money in a sling. In your early days of archery, you can choose cheaper options. It would allow you to try all options before selecting the preferred one.
- Consult With Archers: The knowledge that expert archers can impart can be priceless. Talking with them about your preferences and clarifying your doubts can be helpful. So, talk with experts before you purchase slings.
Conclusion
To put things in perspective, it is the preference of the archer and their comfort level in choosing a finger or wrist sling. Finger slings are considered superior, and we have listed the reasons for the same.
Some experts may even argue that you do not need a sling at all, and it is because they feel that the bow is very unlikely to fall from your grip. So, it is, after all, a personal choice to select the finger sling over the wrist sling.