The Meggy
Active member
I have been spending too much money on archery gear already this year, but what the heck - I recently came to the conclusion I've tended to underspend on release aids, and I accordingly have just shelled out on a Carter Lucky. I've always been a wrist release shooter really, but this is the first time I've spent anything like this much on a release, or indeed bought a Carter model. Other ones I've had include a classic Fletchmatic, Skorten roller type, TruBall Loopmaster (actually several of these), and Hotshot Nano (in current use). For a fair few years now I've worked on pulling through the shot using (dare I claim it?) increasing back tension - with I think at least fair success. I admit that some shots are more of the command variety, having said that, maybe especially so in windy conditions. I try to look at the middle and keep the pull going basically. But the reasons for buying the Carter Lucky being:
a) The dimensions/geometry look about spot on where I like them - trigger not too far forward, and nice straight shape. Somehow I don't fancy the swept-back triggers I see on some wrist releases.
b) This release is said to have virtually zero trigger travel, with an independent trigger tension adjustment (via removable magnets) - I really think this will help me to shoot cleanly and without the occasional anticipation issues I sometimes have. The Hotshot Nano is fairly good, but I do sometimes still detect a little movement of the trigger before the shot goes, and it can be disconcerting. I think I could say that I've have similar issues with every other wrist release I've tried over the last 20 years.
c) It's a double sear design, and they reckon this means that the pressure needed to set it off stays constant, regardless of holding weight. With my current release I do sometimes find myself at full draw still waiting for the shot to go off, when the ideal window for that to happen has passed. Maybe it's down to me pulling on the wall a little harder than usual, which does cause the Hotshot Nano to load up a bit more. OK, one can always come down and start again, but not ideal. Consistency in how gear operates has to be a good thing, so I hope the Carter Lucky will help my shooting in this respect.
Hope I made a good choice - I was also looking at the Carter 2-Shot and Like Mike models, although the Like Mike really is a bit on the pricey side for me. I'm sure either of those would have done me proud also. Just posting out of interest though, as ever...
a) The dimensions/geometry look about spot on where I like them - trigger not too far forward, and nice straight shape. Somehow I don't fancy the swept-back triggers I see on some wrist releases.
b) This release is said to have virtually zero trigger travel, with an independent trigger tension adjustment (via removable magnets) - I really think this will help me to shoot cleanly and without the occasional anticipation issues I sometimes have. The Hotshot Nano is fairly good, but I do sometimes still detect a little movement of the trigger before the shot goes, and it can be disconcerting. I think I could say that I've have similar issues with every other wrist release I've tried over the last 20 years.
c) It's a double sear design, and they reckon this means that the pressure needed to set it off stays constant, regardless of holding weight. With my current release I do sometimes find myself at full draw still waiting for the shot to go off, when the ideal window for that to happen has passed. Maybe it's down to me pulling on the wall a little harder than usual, which does cause the Hotshot Nano to load up a bit more. OK, one can always come down and start again, but not ideal. Consistency in how gear operates has to be a good thing, so I hope the Carter Lucky will help my shooting in this respect.
Hope I made a good choice - I was also looking at the Carter 2-Shot and Like Mike models, although the Like Mike really is a bit on the pricey side for me. I'm sure either of those would have done me proud also. Just posting out of interest though, as ever...