Specialist Equipment
If a V.I. has no residual vision, an alternative sighting method will be required. A number of ideas have been tried but the tactile “back of hand” method is recommended and the only one accepted under some rules.
Recommended method - Back of the hand
The ‘back of the hand’ tactile sighting aid is a device that is supported adjacent to the back of the archer’s hand that is holding the bow. This provides the archer with a reference point for elevation. Foot locators guide stance and the left/right direction towards the target.
The basic requirements to get you going are discussed below.
Foot locators
These can be simply made from wood if you have someone handy in your circle of friends. The diagrams are available on request. Alternatively, we have a member who is prepared to make them for you at a reasonable cost. Contact David Poyner. Contact details can be found in the Contact Details Page.
Tripod
A basic camera or music telescopic tripod (so that it can be carried around) can be simply adapted to hold the tactile sighting device. The BBS Archery section can provide a suitably modified tripod at a reasonable cost (see BBS Archery website).
Tactile device
You can use anything in the short term which enables you to have a reference point using the sense of touch on the back of your hand.
Pressure buttons like the ones used on a recurve bow for instance, a half of a rubber ball, a door stop, in fact anything which is soft or has a springy response can all be used. The sprung nature is to prevent any bruising on the back of the bow hand.
The BBS Archery section can provide a suitable device at a reasonable cost. Alternatively, Brian Burgess makes an advanced, specialist, highly adjustable, tactile device which is suitable for more experienced archers. More details and prices of these devices can be found on the Shop Pages.
Images
Some images of the Specilist Equipment can be found in the Image Gallery.