Traditional Archery

Most 3D shoots and Field archery let you use them(but check local rules) I don't think FITA or IBO allows them but I could be wrong.(My wife tells me I most often am)
Jon R.

I have seen some correspondence saying that thumbrings are classed as 'release aids' and banned in competitions. A thumb draw without a ring should not meet with any objection.

Stephen Selby wrote:

I have seen some correspondence saying that thumbrings are classed as 'release aids' and banned in competitions. A thumb draw without a ring should not meet with any objection.

What type of strings should I use to be comfortable with bare thumb, because when I try that without ring, it makes the knuckle hurt, I may be using the wrong spot on my thumb, so correct my method.

Or maybe use a leather thumb pad instead? Hope that shouldn't be classed as a release aid.

Ashbow wrote:

Or maybe use a leather thumb pad instead? Hope that shouldn't be classed as a release aid.

Where can I get one?

You can easily craft one, just get some leather off cuts (you just need some small T-shaped piece) and either glue it or sew it. It's more like a 'soft' version of a thumb ring.
For some general look and the idea of a leather thum ring I recommend you to look on the thread on thumb rings and have a closer look on excellent examples posted by Osmiu;
http://198.170.107.188/phpBB2/viewtopic ... c&start=30

And just one thing, don't be misled thinking that it won't give you sufficient protection.
When I had started with the thumb draw using such leather pad there was some noticeable pain but after few sessions it stoped hurt at all and now it fells just comfortable.

When you make the leather tab, just remember to make sure you can still touch the middle segment of the middle finger with the tip of your thumb. If the lip is too long and gets in the way, you will have difficulty getting a clean release.

i am not a crafter type of person except for arrows, so were can I get one?

Well, I think it would be easier to make one than to buy one, I'm afraid I don't think anyone's selling them.

If however you would like to try your hands at it don't be discouraged though, it's not so difficult as it may seem.
Even if your first try won't be a success you can make another one in a very short time, you just need some leather.
I recommend you to have a closer look at the picture of the shape of a cut out pad before gluing that Osmiu has posted, I hope he wouldn't mind you to use his pattern as a reference (look for the link above).

It only requires using scissors to cut out the leather and and tying some thread around the ends. A person who makes arrows is easily skilled enough to make a leather thumb guard. If the first one does not work another will.

Archers are very skilled people capable of many things.

i agree with you bede, and some reasons why I dont craft as much as I would like to is because I become addicted whenever I craft something. That is what happened when I started making arrows, I cannot stop, I keep on making new variations and everything. But also, do you know where I can get qing style arrows, or a guide on making them?

also, do you know who makes good starter yuan style fiberglass wood bow? for a cheap price?

None of the fiberglass/wood reproductions I have seen imitate Yuan bows. They all seem to accept the Manchu style as reflecting 'Mongolian' bows.

Stephen Selby wrote:

None of the fiberglass/wood reproductions I have seen imitate Yuan bows. They all seem to accept the Manchu style as reflecting 'Mongolian' bows.

Well what about Jaap Koppedrayer's and Lukas Novonty's mongolian yuan bows? They claim to be the yuan period has anyone seen these models? Mr. Selby?

I did not include them because I was not aware that they make fiberglass reproductions. I have Lucas's Mongol type bow, but it is made with traditional meterials. Although it is not like a Manchu bow, it is also not like an ancient Mongolian bow.

I have never seen a fiberglass bow from Jaap.

S