A sling is usually a small piece of leather or braided material to stop the bow from falling out of your hand after the execution of a shot. It is a simple, yet a vital part of an archer’s equipment. This article covers the types and uses of slings.

Why a sling?

The idea behind using a sling is to be able to shoot with a relaxed bow hand and increasing an accurate shot. When shooting without a sling, one must hold onto the bow during and after the shot. In doing so, the bow is likely to be held slightly different each time causing inconsistency. We all know that, consistency is the name of the archery game, we must find a way to duplicate every shot, every time.

A sling eliminates the gripping of the bow. Also, when gripping the bow you have the potential of grabbing the bow causing torque, which will cause the arrow to do unexpected things. A simple solution to the gripping and grabbing is to use a sling instead. This way the bow moves freely forward after every arrow is shot while the hand and wrist can relax.

There are three different types of slings:

The finger sling, the wrist sling and the bow sling. The wrist sling is a piece of rope that attaches to the wrist and wraps around the bow. A hook is used to secure the line. It is very easy to adjust. The finger sling is attached by loops typically attached to thumb and index or middle finger. The bow sling is attached to the bow. You slip your hand through a strap when taking hold of the bow. After release the strap will catch on the top of the hand and the strap will support the bow.

Deciding which type of sling is best for you?

All three types of slings do an equally good job. Under normal shooting circumstances and with a properly adjusted sling a bow will not end of falling out of ones hand. Every type of sling has certain aspects that influence the execution of a shot.

A bad habit that many beginning archers have is to catch the bow at the moment after the shot. This is a bad thing to do because you stop the forward movement of the bow. You want to let the bow jump forward out of your hand giving it time to complete the shot process. You’re less likely to torque the bow this way because archers tend to anticipate when the shot is going off and grip the bow causing the bow to slightly torque. A sling allows you to shoot with a relaxed, open hand and letting the sling catch the bow after the shot.

The Bow Sling:

The bow sling attaches to the bow handle just below the grip in the same thread as a stabilizer. This allows the bow to jump straight ahead after the shot causing a natural reaction to grab the bow. This is really not necessary. Grabbing the bow will cause unexpected results in the shot. A beginning archer must learn to trust that the sling will catch the bow as it falls forward, and resist the grabbing temptation after the shot. A recommended distance of about 3/4" of slack between the strap and the wrist is usually adequate. Bow slings are used primarily for hunting conditions

The Wrist sling:

The wrist sling is a good sling but not often seen on many bows. The archer gets the feeling that the bow is firmly attached to his or her hand because the piece of rope is around both the wrist and bow. Occasionally the sling can feel a little bit tight and uncomfortable but this usually takes just a small amount of adjusting. Certain archers may find the hook a bit flimsy and awkward, but with practice and a little time you will get used to it.

The Finger Sling:

The finger sling is primarily used for competitive target or 3D shooting. The archer is hardly aware the finger sling is present when shooting and the gives the feeling of no interference with the shot because of its small dimensions. The bow is allowed to move ‘freely’ in your hand as if you’re not wearing any supporting device.

Finger slings are made of rope, cord, leather or plastic. With these slings there is a fear that the loops will slip off the fingers so it is important that the loops on the ends of the sling have a tight yet comfortable fit around the fingers. If the finger sling is properly adjusted there should be no fear of them slipping off. Like the wrist sling a slack of 3/4" is enough to allow the bow to jump forward and not fall out of your hand. With enough practice the feel of the sling will become natural.

  Gary Miller

  Team AZOD