 Most
archers, myself included, have experienced it at one time or another. Like
lightning out of a clear blue clear blue sky it can strike anyone without
warning. It makes little difference whether your young or old, beginner
or veteran. Those who have had severely debilitating cases will be the
first to tell you that it is a disease. What is it? Target Panic (TP)!
The root of target panic is fear. The fear of missing. The result of TP
is "punching" the trigger or wildly "jerking" your bow arm while either
shooting too fast or two slow. Any way you slice it though, it is a mental
glitch and not a physical one therefore your mind can be trained to overcome
it.
Now the question comes, "what can be done about target panic?" Many
archers have asked that very question and the folks at Golden Key Futura
have come up with the Answer. The Answer Release to be exact.
The Basics
The Answer Release is constructed of a CNC machined aircraft grade
aluminum body and jaws. The front of the jaws flare out in a "V" shape
to aid in loading onto the string without looking. The black nylon wrist
strap is adjustable (Velcro) to accommodate archers of all sizes. The internal
workings of the Answer are made of stainless steel and hardened steel components.
A small "window" on one side of the body allows you to see the anti-punch
mechanism in action.
How it Works
When the trigger is pulled a piston is pushed down into the body of
the release. A blocking bar is attached to the end of the piston by a pin
that allows it to pivot. Along the entire length of one side of the blocking
bar there is a tight tolerance groove. In the "at rest" position there
is a spring that rides in the groove and forces the blocking bar to the
right side of the release. When the piston is forced downward the spring
will cross over the pivot point of the blocking bar and kick it out, avoiding
the "stop". The spring has a precise pressure that only allows this to
happen if it is given time to react. If the trigger is punched the spring
does not react in time and the blocking bar remains pushed to the side
and hits the "stop". Only a slow steady pull will allow the blocking bar
to be kicked out and open the jaws. If the trigger is blocked there is
no need to let down the draw, the trigger can simply be pushed forward
to reset the anti-punch.
Once you have used the Answer to cure your target panic the release
can be used as for hunting or 3D by simply turning off the anti-punch feature.
This is accomplished by simply turning a screw on the body counter clockwise
two complete revolutions. A third mode of operation can also be chosen
by turning a set screw on the jaws that adjusts for a longer trigger travel.
Again, the three modes are: anti-punch, regular trigger release, and long-pull
trigger release.
Testing
My first task after receiving the Answer was to go over every mechanical
and cosmetic aspect and check overall quality. The workmanship and mechanical
function were top notch.
Next, I took the release in its factory set anti-punch mode to the range
in my back yard and started shooting. Heeeeellllloooooooooo! It took me
five minutes to shoot the first arrow! Did I ever say that I don't punch
the trigger? I certainly hope not! I thought the thing was broke. After
10 or 20 minutes I was shooting consistently and being totally surprised
by each shot. My arrows were grouping tight and my release was slow and
smooth. I talked to a representative at Golden Key who gave me some pointers
on how best to use the Answer, or any other release for that matter. He
told me to use the portion of my finger that lies between the creases of
my first and second knuckle joints to do the pulling. Next he said to make
a fist, squeezing my whole hand, which uses many muscles all the way up
into the forearm to activate the release. It worked great and made the
whole process easier and quicker.
The release was also used in the two other available modes and found
to work well. Adjusting between the three modes was a simple task.
To truly evaluate the Answer's potential I found someone who was actually
suffering from target panic and handed them the release and the instructions.
He was given a brief description of the Answer's purpose and then left
on his own. Four days later we got back together and evaluated his progress.
Bottom line - it worked! He said it was very frustrating at first but in
the end it was worth it. According to the cured archer he was wildly jerking
his arm but because he was using the Answer he was forced to pull the trigger
slowly, never knowing when it would go off. In time he was able to manage
a slow pull and a shot that surprised him. All of this allowed him to concentrate
on aiming instead of missing greatly reducing the effects of TP! By the
way, I didn't feel so bad about taking five minutes to shoot the first
arrow with the Answer after he told me it took him nearly 45 minutes! In
the end it was all worth it and he can again enjoy our sport.
If you are afflicted with the ugly TP disease don't hesitate to buy
an Answer Release. You will not be sorry and once you are cured you can
either use it as a regular release or keep it for friends who end up in
the same bind. This is an innovative product with the ability to correct
a major archery problem and restore joy to your shooting. This is one of
those products that I will back 100% with NO reservations!
Ratings:
5 of 5 in all respects!
For Further Information Or To Order
Contact:
Golden Key Futura®
www.GldenKeyArchery.com
Email: barbara@goldenkeyarchery.com
Golden Key Futura
14090-6100 Rd.
Montrose,CO 81401
Phone: 970-249-6700
Fax #:970-249-4108 |
