Bow sling

What is a wrist strap?

The wrist strap is an essential accessory for the archer, especially in barebow, recurve, or compound archery.
It's a cord used to prevent your bow from falling when releasing the string.

Why use one: don't we hold the bow firmly when shooting?

Well, no! In archery, as you learn, you'll find that it's essential not to hold your bow firmly to avoid contractions and unwanted movements at release (those infamous wrist flicks!)
The shot must be smooth, relaxed, and this comes from absolute relaxation of the bow hand. The bow rests in the hand, but it should stop there!

But equipment is expensive, and to prevent your bow from falling, you need something to hold it, and that's where the wrist strap comes in! It is placed around your fingers (finger sling) or your hand (bow sling and wrist strap) to connect it with the bow's grip and thus prevent it from falling.

It is generally made of laces, braided strings, or even leather or fabric. Attached to the fingers (thumb-index or thumb-middle finger), around the wrist, or fixed directly to the bow, it will ensure your bow doesn't fall and allow for a clean release.

How to choose a good wrist strap?

Like all archer's accessories, the choice of a wrist strap should be made according to each user. To be effective, a wrist strap must:

- Perfectly match the shooter's morphology

- Be adapted to the bow's grip if it's a bow sling

- Meet the needs and habits of each user

Another important factor that should also be taken into account when purchasing your wrist strap is the material it is made of. Ideally, it should be flexible yet durable. 

The different types of wrist straps and their use

There are 3 different types of wrist straps to meet all the needs and requirements of shooters.

Wrist strap

Attached around the wrist, it will then wrap around the bow to fasten back to the wrist.

Finger sling

This is the model most frequently used by barebow or recurve bows. With one end attached to the thumb, it will pass around the bow once the hand is in place in the grip and will then be attached by the other end to the middle or index finger.
It should be neither too big nor too small.

Bow sling

This last model of wrist strap is mainly used for compound bows. The bow sling will be attached directly to the bow's grip. The archer will then slide their hand into it.