Wrist Sling vs Finger Sling: Which Is Right?

A bow wrist sling is used to stop the bow falling when you shoot with a relaxed, open bow hand. A finger sling does the same job with a small cord looped over your thumb and a finger, while a wrist sling loops round your wrist and is often fixed to the bow. Choose by grip style: finger slings are a common sight on target recurves, while bow-mounted wrist slings suit archers, such as hunters, who want the sling to stay on the bow.

Why a sling lets you relax the bow hand

Archery 360's grip guide says a bow gripped "like a baseball bat" easily twists, and that "a loose bow grip reduces torque." If you tuck your fingers away from the grip, it adds, "you'll need a finger or wrist sling to prevent the bow from dropping."

Writing for Archery 360, Crispin Duenas says "the bow's forward jump should be stopped only by the finger sling, not the archer's fingers," so the hand stays relaxed through the shot. Our archery form guide places the grip in the shot sequence, and a quiet hand helps you keep your bow arm steady.

None of these sources measures an accuracy gain, so be wary of anyone promising one.

Finger sling vs wrist sling vs bow-mounted sling

World Archery says a finger sling "is worn on the hand holding the bow so that the archer does not have to grip the handle." Wrist slings come as a loose strap or fixed to the bow.

Hoyt says its wrist sling gives "extra peace of mind that your bow doesn't accidentally fall out of your hand," mentions buck fever and supplies the mounting hardware. Easton calls its Wrist Sling – Stiff "adjustable" and says it "holds its shape for quick access."

How to fit a sling

Following Duenas, the sling, not your fingers, should stop the bow. So it must be loose enough that your open hand doesn't pull on it at full draw, yet short enough to catch the bow as it tips forward.

• Finger sling: the cord should cross the front of the riser with a little slack when your fingers are relaxed.
• Wrist strap: take up slack until the bow tips a short way.
• Bow-mounted sling: it fits at the stabiliser bushing; adjust the loop to your wrist. To build one, see our paracord sling guide.

Archery 360 notes you can buy a sling at an archery shop, where you can try sizes. Test a new sling at close range over grass.

Are slings allowed in competition?

Yes, under World Archery rules. Book 3 (version 2026-01-27), rule 9.4.1, lists "bow slings" and "finger slings" among accessories "permitted for all divisions": recurve, compound and barebow. It doesn't define either term, so ask the judges if your sling is unusual. Other organisations write their own rules.

You can browse finger slings for recurve bows or bow wrist slings on Amazon. Treat any listing as an example to consider, and check how it attaches before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

Is a bow wrist sling necessary?

No. No rule requires one, and Archery 360 describes adding a wrist sling as an option if you're worried about dropping the bow. It earns its place once you shoot with a relaxed or tucked bow hand, because something other than your fingers must catch the bow.

How do you use a bow wrist sling?

Slide your hand through the loop, set your hand on the grip with relaxed fingers and shoot as normal. At release the bow jumps forward and the sling catches it. A bow-mounted sling is fixed to the riser, usually under the stabiliser, while a strap style is worn on the wrist.

Can you use a finger sling on a compound bow?

Yes, under World Archery rules: Book 3 permits finger slings in all divisions, compound included. Compound wrist slings such as Hoyt's attach to the bow, but a finger sling works on any bow you can hold with an open hand. Check your own organisation's rules before competing.