Thumb ring type for a first timer?

[Duncan]

What type of thumb ring should I try to use as a beginner? I have seen different types here as well as on different sites, one looks like a horse hoof and some look like ..... well a hoof that needs trimming which is best for an old fella who wants to give this a try.
Just so yall know I will be making it my self so if yall hear a lot of cussing from the area of Texas you'll know what?s going on.

[Stephen Selby]

If you're a complete beginner, why not try without a thumbring? Get the technique right (check my YouTube instructions http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frY5RolIAlE ), then decide what sort of ring you want after.

Either start with a light bow, or if have to use a heavy bow, put some elastoplast around your thumb.

[Duncan]

Thank you I will give it a try and a big thank you for starting a channel like this on youtube.

[Byron]

Speaking as a beginner here I'd have to agree with Stephen. While the urge to make or buy a thumb ring is strong and to 'just get going' might be there, that's usually the best time to stop and consider the process of learning anything. Patience and a structured, repeatable approach are key.

Yes, I've made or bought several thumb rings and have attempted to shoot with them too, but there's more to the technique than the actual ring, much more and as a direct result I've gone back and started all over again.

I use a leather thumb 'sock'. It affords a little protection to your thumb when you start out.

Don't, for what ever reason use a high draw weight bow when you start out! It's the fastest way to damage your thumb and learn really bad habits. I have a 30# hungarian bow that I use for practice. Yes, that's pretty light, but it's not about hammering an arrow downrange hundreds of metres and a lighter bow will still help you learn the technique and to build up your thumb.

A heavy draw weight bow right out of the gate, coupled with a lack of technique can result in serious, permanent damage to your thumb, think ligament and joint damage.

A word of warning. Even with a thumb sock, or a ring after shooting a few hundred arrows while walking, standing etc your thumb can swell and look like an ugly breakfast sausage. A couple of obvious thoughts: stop shooting before you seriously damage your thumb. Work on technique over and over again. It takes time to learn and to be consistent.

Set realistic goals. Practice often. Take workshops. Watch Stephen's video on the subject.

[Bede]

Swelling, discolouration and blisters are usually evidence of a badly fitting ring, poor technique or both.

I put a simple pattern for a leather thumb ring in another thread with an indication of where to rest the string. Light bows are the way to go for training. Once you have developed the correct technique you will be able to move between different weight bows with ease. Anything you can pull with three fingers should be within your strength with a ring or leather guard.

Everyone has said it before, but I will repeat it again anyway. A badly fitting ring will do more harm than good.

I am just re-examining Mustafa Kani's comments on string position on rings. I will post a discussion of it next week if I have time. It is very clear and I have tested it when shooting for long periods.

[Duncan]

Thank you all for the help.
One consistent is that I will need a lighter bow till I get the hang of this, the two bows I have are on the heavy side (65 # and 76#) so they are out for now but in time I will get a lower weight bow.
As to proper fit well the one?s I have made must fit horrible because they cause quite a bit of pain but as yall said it takes time and that I have.
Practice and find the right fit seem to be the key words so will do.
Bill Duncan

[wildwills]

Speaking as a beginner here I'd have to agree with Stephen. While the urge to make or buy a thumb ring is strong and to 'just get going' might be there, that's usually the best time to stop and consider the process of learning anything. Patience and a structured, repeatable approach are key.

Yes, I've made or bought several thumb rings and have attempted to shoot with them too, but there's more to the technique than the actual ring, much more and as a direct result I've gone back and started all over again.

I use a leather thumb 'sock'. It affords a little protection to your thumb when you start out.

Don't, for what ever reason use a high draw weight bow when you start out! It's the fastest way to damage your thumb and learn really bad habits. I have a 30# hungarian bow that I use for practice. Yes, that's pretty light, but it's not about hammering an arrow downrange hundreds of metres and a lighter bow will still help you learn the technique and to build up your thumb.

A heavy draw weight bow right out of the gate, coupled with a lack of technique can result in serious, permanent damage to your thumb, think ligament and joint damage.

A word of warning. Even with a thumb sock, or a ring after shooting a few hundred arrows while walking, standing etc your thumb can swell and look like an ugly breakfast sausage. A couple of obvious thoughts: stop shooting before you seriously damage your thumb. Work on technique over and over again. It takes time to learn and to be consistent.

Set realistic goals. Practice often. Take workshops. Watch Stephen's video on the subject.

I have also found that athletic tape around the thumb is good for starting out too. And definitely start out with a lighter bow. I use a Samick SKB 50 Korea bow. It's 35# at 30" and I'm now drawing up to 32" length. The tape on my my thumb has afforded me feedback by way of the feel of the bowstring on release while still preventing blistering of the thumb. Plus athletic tape is relatively cheap and can be gotten at almost any pharmacy or sporting goods store here in the U.S.

[Pikkuhannu]

If you're a complete beginner, why not try without a thumbring? Get the technique right (check my YouTube instructions http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frY5RolIAlE ), then decide what sort of ring you want after.

Either start with a light bow, or if have to use a heavy bow, put some elastoplast around your thumb.

Must say, i don?t feel like complete beginner anymore, but your video is very good, i find many helpfull hints to use with thumbring.

Bows are 70# turkish and 80# hungarian...

offtopick;
Just bought ring from 3rivers archery, but it has too long lip.
I made some modifications and now it is good.
But how do you polish horn ring? i like it to be shining like it used to be...

[Justin Ma]

offtopick;
Just bought ring from 3rivers archery, but it has too long lip.
I made some modifications and now it is good.
But how do you polish horn ring? i like it to be shining like it used to be...

There was a previous thread discussing this (something about how to polish horn), but you could use a nail polishing block that you can get from a local pharmacy: https://picasaweb.google.com/jtma04/Cop ... 6494768130

I haven't tried it with horn, so your results may vary.

[Bede]

I had a friend who finished off a horn ring to a high polish using an emery board from his girlfriends manicure set. My advice is to buy your own from the pharmacist. It saves a lot of unfortunate discussion.