We used to make similar contraptions from stripes only (without the sleeve) to practice the correct pulling with the back. However during our exercises we did not used fingers at all. I can imagine that sleeve gives a lot of stability especially during release. Thank you for great videos !
That's crazy. Last week I met Tyler Benner, one of the designers of the Astra trainer and co author of the book. Gave me a few tips at the range. Didn't know who he was at the time
Hi NUSensei. This video is almost 3 years old. Would you still recommend this product? I am a new archer and would like to practice my form while at home and for days where I cannot go to the archery range.
One way I was shown for practice at home if you have limited space is to put blunts on your arrows, hang an old blanket up, put a rug under it and shoot at the blanket.
Thanks for the video even though it is over 2 years old I found it most useful and ordered one and I am excited anticipating the delivery of the product. Thanks again I enjoy your videos so keep putting them together.
It seems that this device might alter your release, since your arm is still pulled forward by the weight of the string. I try to maintain a consistent release by finding a second anchor point after release (fingertips back to my ear). Do you find that the tension on your arm forces your hand and arm to follow the string forward, or pull your bow arm back? And what effect do you feel this might have on your shot process? It seems like it would throw me off a little on the follow through... Maybe this is more of a concern for traditional shooters than olympic recurve but I would be interested in hearing your opinion, as I am on the fence about purchasing this tool. Thanks!
If you're using this correctly, you won't in fact reach your second anchor unless you overpower the bow's weight. Rather, this allows you to practice alignment, back tension and release. Without proper back tension, you will naturally collapse forward due to the weight of the bow pulling you forward. Remember, too, that the follow-through is a natural result of your tension, and not something that you should actively try to do. If you're getting this, I suggest training with it to train your back tension, then take it off and shoot to train your release while keeping the back tension training in mind. This is not a tool for isolating your release.
NUSensei I see, so it's more of a way to validate your set-up and confirm proper expansion rather than a complete shot-process trainer. I guess the only complete approach would be to shoot a proper arrow. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. Thanks also for the great video series. Your series helped me get started in archery. Best regards from across the pond!
Possibly a dumb question, but can you use this for LH shooting? I checked out Astra's site and couldn't find any mention of LH or RH so I'm assuming it works for both, but I'd rather ask before buying one. Thanks for sharing the vid.
I practice infront of a man sized mirror to pull the arrow correctly through the clicker. This way I perfectly see what my right arme is doing in regards of back tension. I now need the astra shot in addition! Merry christmas to myself, yall.
At 2:20, I believe the carabiner hook is not closed properly? I made my own trainer after seeing this video. It is surprisingly easy to make, and mine looks a lot more comfortable (more padding) than this one. Also: I spent roughly €5 on materials, compared to the €60 this product would cost me. For anyone who wants to make this at home: either use nylon straps or a strong cotton belt. But it is essential that you use strong nylon thread for the sewing. As a rock climber / backpacker, I've seen too many people make the mistake of using cheap polyester thread for their straps/bags. Your thread should not be weaker than your fabric - a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
+NUSensei, I would love to hear a follow up on this one. While I like the living room training aspect of this, it seems like extensive use would mess with both the draw hand follow through and the bow hand drop (my two big problems). Have you found this to be the case? Thanks.
I don't use it much these days, though if you mix it in with other forms of training, it shouldn't cause a problem. As with all training tools, improper use will lead to issues.
This looks very bad for me. Either you have to change your form to prevent follow through or it is tough enough to prevent your arm moving, which means it's going to put unusually pressure on your arm and shoulder. I suspect 90% of people will unwittingly alter their technique as a result of expecting the jarring.
Plus as it costs more than a decent cheap boss does I wonder what the point is? Buy yourself a cheap boss, set it up a few yards away and do the job properly.
As a beginner I was recommended this product but I was wondering what the advantage would be since I do shoot daily at home (I tend to shoot 18 and 25m but can go up to 50m in my backyard) Is there benefit to this when you can practice daily anyway?
You can use it to diagnose back tension issues. If you've already attained competent use of back tension and maintain practice regularly, this is perhaps not so important.
Thanks for the reply! :) I only got back tension right last Tuesday after a few days of painfully trying to figure out what I was doing wrong, went over a lot of your videos (again), asked people in the barebow FB group and read through every article on back tension and shoulder alignment I could find. For whatever reason I rolled my bow shoulder forward slightly when going from setup to full draw which put strain on my neck muscles. So I am still consciously working on not rolling that shoulder but that is something that is already slowly seeping into muscle memory. At this point I am pretty sure I got back tension covered at least to come to full draw since I can now shoot 10 ends of 3 arrows without any discomfort whatsoever. To get a smooth release I still need to find the balance between relaxing my fingers and increasing back tension. At this point I still either open my hand or increase back tension too much. Thanks again for the reply and huge thanks for all your videos because it's been an invaluable help to me (and I think many other beginning archers)!
The Astra is a professional tool that uses the bow itself for practice, so you have the weight and feedback to work with. The String Trainer was designed for kids in the NASP who can't bring their bows home but need something to practice the motions. As a learning tool, the String Trainer works because there is no resistance and it teaches on basic concept without interference. the Astra trainer is better for practicing a concept that you should already know.
I am thinking about buying an expensive recurve bow, although I do want to have some archery training before I buy it. I was wondering how much draw weight I can handle and if there maby is a test to determine it because I am going to the gym for a pretty long time now and I do train a lot of back muscles like the trapezius etc....
Draw weight isn't so much what you can handle, but more along why you want to shoot. If you're only shooting for fun, and often, you don't really need anything above 35#. If you want to get a thrill out of power or speed, or you have a specific purpose in mind (hunting, competitive target), then you'll probably want to use something in the 40# range. You can always work up to a given draw length, as long as you do sacrifice form and technique for it. Additionally, takedown bows can swap their limbs out, so you can easily "upgrade" your bow as you progress and become more confident with your draw weight.
l0r4kpl I don't imagine it would be too difficult. A few straps of strong canvas-material for the elbow brace and some paracord is really all you need for the basic idea.
![Gunna - HIM ALL ALONG [Official Visualizer]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/HiCxoDeo0hc/mqdefault.jpg)
We used to make similar contraptions from stripes only (without the sleeve) to practice the correct pulling with the back. However during our exercises we did not used fingers at all. I can imagine that sleeve gives a lot of stability especially during release.
Thank you for great videos !
That's crazy. Last week I met Tyler Benner, one of the designers of the Astra trainer and co author of the book. Gave me a few tips at the range. Didn't know who he was at the time
Hi NUSensei. This video is almost 3 years old. Would you still recommend this product? I am a new archer and would like to practice my form while at home and for days where I cannot go to the archery range.
DevilsArms try the spt exercise
One way I was shown for practice at home if you have limited space is to put blunts on your arrows, hang an old blanket up, put a rug under it and shoot at the blanket.
Thanks for the video even though it is over 2 years old I found it most useful and ordered one and I am excited anticipating the delivery of the product. Thanks again I enjoy your videos so keep putting them together.
It seems that this device might alter your release, since your arm is still pulled forward by the weight of the string. I try to maintain a consistent release by finding a second anchor point after release (fingertips back to my ear). Do you find that the tension on your arm forces your hand and arm to follow the string forward, or pull your bow arm back? And what effect do you feel this might have on your shot process? It seems like it would throw me off a little on the follow through...
Maybe this is more of a concern for traditional shooters than olympic recurve but I would be interested in hearing your opinion, as I am on the fence about purchasing this tool. Thanks!
If you're using this correctly, you won't in fact reach your second anchor unless you overpower the bow's weight. Rather, this allows you to practice alignment, back tension and release. Without proper back tension, you will naturally collapse forward due to the weight of the bow pulling you forward. Remember, too, that the follow-through is a natural result of your tension, and not something that you should actively try to do.
If you're getting this, I suggest training with it to train your back tension, then take it off and shoot to train your release while keeping the back tension training in mind. This is not a tool for isolating your release.
NUSensei I see, so it's more of a way to validate your set-up and confirm proper expansion rather than a complete shot-process trainer. I guess the only complete approach would be to shoot a proper arrow.
Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. Thanks also for the great video series. Your series helped me get started in archery. Best regards from across the pond!
Possibly a dumb question, but can you use this for LH shooting? I checked out Astra's site and couldn't find any mention of LH or RH so I'm assuming it works for both, but I'd rather ask before buying one. Thanks for sharing the vid.
It can be used with either hand. No change needed.
I practice infront of a man sized mirror to pull the arrow correctly through the clicker.
This way I perfectly see what my right arme is doing in regards of back tension.
I now need the astra shot in addition!
Merry christmas to myself, yall.
Doesn't it hurt that you are constanly slapping your wrist with the webbing?
At 2:20, I believe the carabiner hook is not closed properly?
I made my own trainer after seeing this video. It is surprisingly easy to make, and mine looks a lot more comfortable (more padding) than this one. Also: I spent roughly €5 on materials, compared to the €60 this product would cost me.
For anyone who wants to make this at home: either use nylon straps or a strong cotton belt. But it is essential that you use strong nylon thread for the sewing. As a rock climber / backpacker, I've seen too many people make the mistake of using cheap polyester thread for their straps/bags. Your thread should not be weaker than your fabric - a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
Beautiful form, great video. :)
+NUSensei, I would love to hear a follow up on this one. While I like the living room training aspect of this, it seems like extensive use would mess with both the draw hand follow through and the bow hand drop (my two big problems). Have you found this to be the case? Thanks.
I don't use it much these days, though if you mix it in with other forms of training, it shouldn't cause a problem. As with all training tools, improper use will lead to issues.
Thanks, I'll be making one of these.
This looks very bad for me.
Either you have to change your form to prevent follow through or it is tough enough to prevent your arm moving, which means it's going to put unusually pressure on your arm and shoulder.
I suspect 90% of people will unwittingly alter their technique as a result of expecting the jarring.
Plus as it costs more than a decent cheap boss does I wonder what the point is? Buy yourself a cheap boss, set it up a few yards away and do the job properly.
i have bought one its great works left hand ok
never seen this , but omg its awsome i really want that trainer tool..i can shoot at my home but only at 3 meters
As a beginner I was recommended this product but I was wondering what the advantage would be since I do shoot daily at home (I tend to shoot 18 and 25m but can go up to 50m in my backyard)
Is there benefit to this when you can practice daily anyway?
You can use it to diagnose back tension issues. If you've already attained competent use of back tension and maintain practice regularly, this is perhaps not so important.
Thanks for the reply! :)
I only got back tension right last Tuesday after a few days of painfully trying to figure out what I was doing wrong, went over a lot of your videos (again), asked people in the barebow FB group and read through every article on back tension and shoulder alignment I could find.
For whatever reason I rolled my bow shoulder forward slightly when going from setup to full draw which put strain on my neck muscles.
So I am still consciously working on not rolling that shoulder but that is something that is already slowly seeping into muscle memory.
At this point I am pretty sure I got back tension covered at least to come to full draw since I can now shoot 10 ends of 3 arrows without any discomfort whatsoever.
To get a smooth release I still need to find the balance between relaxing my fingers and increasing back tension. At this point I still either open my hand or increase back tension too much.
Thanks again for the reply and huge thanks for all your videos because it's been an invaluable help to me (and I think many other beginning archers)!
I think I shall get (or make) one.
Seen the price? No way...
So how does the "Astra Shot Trainer" compare to the "String Trainer" (as seen in your resent Back Tension video) for back tension training?
The Astra is a professional tool that uses the bow itself for practice, so you have the weight and feedback to work with. The String Trainer was designed for kids in the NASP who can't bring their bows home but need something to practice the motions. As a learning tool, the String Trainer works because there is no resistance and it teaches on basic concept without interference. the Astra trainer is better for practicing a concept that you should already know.
+NUSensei Thank you.
I am still waiting for a stabiliser video!
I am thinking about buying an expensive recurve bow, although I do want to have some archery training before I buy it. I was wondering how much draw weight I can handle and if there maby is a test to determine it because I am going to the gym for a pretty long time now and I do train a lot of back muscles like the trapezius etc....
Draw weight isn't so much what you can handle, but more along why you want to shoot. If you're only shooting for fun, and often, you don't really need anything above 35#. If you want to get a thrill out of power or speed, or you have a specific purpose in mind (hunting, competitive target), then you'll probably want to use something in the 40# range. You can always work up to a given draw length, as long as you do sacrifice form and technique for it. Additionally, takedown bows can swap their limbs out, so you can easily "upgrade" your bow as you progress and become more confident with your draw weight.
+NUSensei Thank you very much for your advice and keep up the good work because your videos are really informative and interesting!
wow that's brilliant
Could you use this with a longbow? I'm assuming yes, but figured I'd ask anyways
Sure, no reason why you can't.
Someone said the vibration and tension goes through arm and causes tennis elbow
Costs a 100 bucks and are basically some straps and a sleeve.
I have your Desmond t-shirt haha cool!!
This tool looks so simple, that you could make it yourself for 5$
I really need to shoot my bow more XD, the club I do is longbow only so I can't use my recurve :(
Wow, I actually can't think of anyone, that wouldn't be able to make this thing himself for cheap.
l0r4kpl I don't imagine it would be too difficult. A few straps of strong canvas-material for the elbow brace and some paracord is really all you need for the basic idea.
Indeed, all I dislike about it, is that you somehow steal the idea, but I guess it's fine, if you don't want to distribute it. :D
The idea isn't original. There are several brand making these shot trainers. The principle is the same, but the manufacture is different.
So they have no actual patent on that. But the tool works, and I think it's worth to give a go to making it myself soon.
The design of their sleeve may be patented, but the functionality isn't unique (see: Formaster).
...I need dis
Tq😎👍🏹🥇🇲🇾
Like all the golf crap to better your score
$101.49 to my brisbane :v