String Loops or Metal Rings?

[Steverino]

I've been shooting and hunting the past couple of seasons with the metal Tru-Nock rings with relatively good accuracy, no visual string wear, and no problems. (other than I noticed one of the screws back out last year during hunting season performing maintenance. Some Loctite fixed that)

I have been contemplating making the change to the string loop after reading some rather alarming stories of string failures, etc. during hunts on some other archery sites. Anybody have any first-hand experience with this? Your opinions are appreciated. Thanks!;)

[Virginiashadow]

Steverino, I switched over to a string loop this year and really like it. I used a Tru-Nock for several years and was pleased, however, on multiple occasions, the screws came loose. One time last year, a loose nock caused me to shoot right under a doe at only 10 yards....I was like what the heck! I looked at everything on my bow and then looked at my nock....it was loose for whatever reason. I know we should all check our nocks before each hunt but that just isn't something that is able to be done all the time. I like the reliability of the string nock I am shooting.

vashadow

[jmarriott]

I have always used the metal nocks but I was looking at the loop myself. If you are going to change up something now is the time of the year to do it. Lots of time to get used to it till it is deer season again.

I try to not change to much on my setup per year. I might change one thing.

I like my big old 2117 arrows with 125 grain muzzys, still can't seem to get myself to go carbon. I did add a 5 degree helical to the vanes about 5 years ago.

I added limb savers one year to quite the string and vibration, I keep bumping my poundage every few years. I started out at 53 pounds am I think i got it up to 65 now And I added a glowing sight pin setup for a little more prime time in the stand.

I did think about the dropaway rest for this year and a switch to carbons or easton ACC's but i started shooting everyother night july 4 th and i am still getting nice groups from the garage roof and the treehouse, and With a bit of canting of the bow i seem to get nice into and against the wind shots also.

I am still using a 8 or 9 years old PSE bow and i could i am sure i could add about 5 yards of deer hunting area from my stands if I was to do all of those changes but I think I need a whole new setup and to keep this one the way it is.
Sometimes change is tough like getting into a pool from the shallow end when you just need to jump in.

[Rustywreck]

My opinion is get rid of the metal D loop now. Don't wait.
They are unnecessary weight on the string and don't give you the added forgiveness that a string loop does.
Everyone has an opinion, and there must be enough people that like metal loops since they are still being sold - but not me.

String loops can fail too if they are not tied correctly or they get worn. I had someone at a shop tie one on for me and on my first shot I smacked myself in the mouth. He apologized, retied it. My first shot with the new loop resulted in a second smack in the mouth - I tie my own from now on.
If you want to learn to tie a loop yourself, check this out:

http://www.alseaintegration.com/ptc/string_loop.htm

[Steverino]

The more that I consider it, the more that I think that I'll be making the change real soon. As some of you have pointed out, I 'll need to allow enough time to practice and become proficient prior to hitting the deer woods during bow hunting season.

I'll need to change my mechanical release as well to shoot strings, right? I hunt with a Winn Free Flight currently.

[Rustywreck]

I'm not familliar with that release, but it will probably work fine.
It won't take you long to become efficient with a string loop. What you will likely find is that your arrow flight is more true, and will need to make a sight adjustment. People often don't realize how much they torque they impart on the string - the string loop will help to remove it.
After you become comfortable with the loop, it probably wouldn't hurt ot check the rest and string nock tuning by paper tuning.

[LoneWolf]

Steve,
I shoot the Wynn Free Flight also, and have never used a loop or ring. Usually, by the time any wear is showing on the serving, its time to replace the string anyways. Maybe I have just had good luck, but its working for me, so I stick with it:D

[Virginiashadow]

Lone, what do you do, just attach your release right to the string?

vashadow

[LoneWolf]

Yes, I have a double knock point set up. One the arrow rests on top of, the second underneath a little wider than my release is. This holds the release from sliding. My Wynn's is the style that is a flip lever . When the string goes into it, a lever flips closed perpendicular to the string. I have shot this set up on three different bows, all with the same release.

http://a1460.g.akamai.net/f/1460/1339/6h/www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/Item/41/35/35/i413535sq02.jpg

[Steverino]

I did a little research and Winn does offer two different versions of their releases. The C-10 model, which I currently use, as well as a version for string loops.

[LoneWolf]

Mine is the C10 also. The C12 is the same release, but is a relax release. You hold the trigger as you draw back, and release it to shoot. They also have a caliper style release in this same gloved design. The only draw back to me of this release style is it is always on and in your palm. Can get a little chilly in cold weather.

[deadonat100yards]

i shoot a tru-nock metal loop and i is also thinkin about switchin to a string loop. i think that my tru-nock is not lettin go of my arrow and is causin too much vibration of the string.