The Pine Ridge Archery Finger Savers Black Made a Bold First Impression
Let’s face it, archery can be a pain, literally. For years, I wrestled with finger tabs and releases, constantly seeking that perfect, consistent draw. The Pine Ridge Archery Finger Savers Black promised a return to simplicity, a throwback to barebow shooting without the finger bite. Pine Ridge Archery claims these little wonders save time and create consistency, especially for beginners and bowfishermen.
My search stemmed from a desire to simplify my bowfishing setup. I was tired of fiddling with a release while balancing on the bow of my kayak, trying to line up a shot on a fleeting carp. The Pine Ridge Archery Finger Savers Black seemed like a simple solution to that complex problem.
Upon unboxing, the Pine Ridge Archery Finger Savers Black were surprisingly unassuming. They’re small, black rubber pieces, seemingly basic in design. They felt soft and pliable, and I appreciated that they didn’t seem overly bulky.
I considered other options, like traditional finger tabs from Saunders and specialized bowfishing gloves. However, the finger tabs always felt cumbersome, and the gloves lacked the tactile feel I wanted. The Pine Ridge Archery Finger Savers Black appealed to me because they promised a direct connection to the string.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. They looked and felt like they could work, but the real test would be on the water, under pressure. I was eager to see if they lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Pine Ridge Archery Finger Savers Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test took place on a local reservoir during a bowfishing outing. The conditions were sunny, but there was a slight chop on the water, making for a challenging shooting environment. I installed the Pine Ridge Archery Finger Savers Black onto my recurve bow string quickly and headed out.
The immediate difference was striking; I could draw the bow faster and more intuitively. There was no fumbling for a release or adjusting a tab. I simply gripped the string through the Finger Savers and drew back. It was far more instinctive than anything I’d previously experienced.
After about an hour, I began to notice some slight stretching of the material. The rubber felt like it was beginning to wear where I held the string. Still, no immediate breakage or failure was apparent.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Pine Ridge Archery Finger Savers Black, primarily for bowfishing, I’ve formed a solid opinion. They still provide a decent level of comfort, though the initial softness has diminished slightly.
The Finger Savers show noticeable wear and tear, particularly where the string contacts the rubber. I’ve noticed minor tears appearing on the edges. I have to replace them approximately every three to four weeks with regular, heavy use.
Maintenance is simple: rinse them with water after each use to remove dirt and grime. Compared to cleaning and maintaining a mechanical release, the Pine Ridge Archery Finger Savers Black are remarkably low-maintenance. While a release aid may last for years if cared for, this is an inexpensive and easily replaceable item.
In the past, I’ve used leather finger tabs. The Pine Ridge Archery Finger Savers Black offer a more direct feel for the string, which I prefer, but are less durable. It’s a trade-off between feel and longevity.
Breaking Down the Features of Pine Ridge Archery Finger Savers Black
Specifications
The Pine Ridge Archery Finger Savers Black are simple in design, focusing on providing a comfortable grip and consistent release. They are made of a strong yet soft material, which is designed to protect fingers from string pinch. The key specification is their compatibility with most bowstrings, designed to be easily wrapped and secured.
Their purpose is to allow shooting without a finger tab or release aid, especially for beginners or bowfishermen who need quick shots. The material choice and design aim for a balance of comfort, durability, and ease of use.
Performance & Functionality
The Pine Ridge Archery Finger Savers Black perform admirably in their intended role, allowing for faster and more instinctive shots. Accuracy is comparable to shooting with a traditional finger tab, though it may take some getting used to. For bowfishing, where speed and instinct are crucial, they excel.
A major strength is their simplicity and ease of use. A slight weakness is their durability; the soft material wears down relatively quickly with frequent use. They meet the expectation of providing a comfortable and fast shooting experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The Pine Ridge Archery Finger Savers Black boast a simple design. The material is soft and comfortable against the fingers. The black color is unobtrusive.
They are exceptionally user-friendly. There’s virtually no learning curve; simply attach them to the string and start shooting.
Durability & Maintenance
Durability is the main drawback. Expect to replace the Finger Savers every few weeks with regular, heavy use.
Maintenance is minimal: just rinse them with water. Repair is not possible; they are meant to be replaced when worn.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Pine Ridge Archery Finger Savers Black themselves don’t have accessories, however, they are compatible with finger saver installation tools if you are not strong enough to stretch them over the string. You could also add string silencers to reduce noise and improve shot accuracy when using these finger protectors. They are intended to work with standard bowstrings, making them versatile.
Pros and Cons of Pine Ridge Archery Finger Savers Black
Pros
- Allows for faster and more instinctive shots.
- Inexpensive and easily replaceable.
- Simple and easy to install and use.
- Provides a comfortable grip for extended shooting sessions.
- Excellent for bowfishing where speed is essential.
Cons
- Durability is limited; requires frequent replacement with heavy use.
- May not provide the same level of protection as thicker finger tabs for high-poundage bows.
Who Should Buy Pine Ridge Archery Finger Savers Black?
The Pine Ridge Archery Finger Savers Black are perfect for:
- Beginner archers learning the basics.
- Bowfishermen needing fast, instinctive shots.
- Recreational archers looking for a simple, comfortable shooting experience.
Those who should skip this product:
- Archers shooting high-poundage bows who need maximum finger protection.
- Archers seeking a long-lasting, durable solution.
A must-have modification is to carry spares in your archery kit. Also, consider using bow string wax to protect the area of your string under the savers.
Conclusion on Pine Ridge Archery Finger Savers Black
The Pine Ridge Archery Finger Savers Black offer a compelling combination of simplicity, comfort, and speed. They aren’t the most durable solution, but their low cost and ease of use make them a worthwhile investment, particularly for bowfishing and recreational archery. The $6.49 price tag is definitely justified.
I would personally recommend them to anyone looking for a simple and effective way to protect their fingers while shooting a bow. They are an excellent choice for beginners, bowfishermen, and anyone who values speed and comfort over long-term durability. Give the Pine Ridge Archery Finger Savers Black a try and experience the freedom of shooting without a bulky release or tab. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy the simplicity.