Kisser Button: Essential Compound Bow Accessory Or Unnecessary Addition?

A kisser button is a small plastic part that attaches to a bowstring, acting as an anchor point and helping archers to maintain a consistent form. While some archers swear by it, others believe it is unnecessary or even detrimental to technique. Ultimately, whether or not to use a kisser button comes down to personal preference.

What is a kisser button?

A kisser button is a small plastic part that attaches to your bowstring, acting as an anchor point to help you stay consistent with your shooting. It aligns right between your lips and will help you maintain a consistent reference point for accurate hits.

The kisser button is placed about one to two inches from the top of the D-loop, and when you draw your bow, it should align right between your lips at the corner of your mouth. The split in the button should face away from your lips.

Kisser buttons are controversial in the archery community. Some archers love them and can't shoot without one, while others believe they are useless and create more confusion. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.

Some of the pros of using a kisser button include:

• Improved consistency in your draw and head positioning.
• It can be a great tool for beginners to help them stay consistent.
• It can boost your confidence during shots.
• It can help you find your shooting position more precisely.

On the other hand, some of the cons of using a kisser button include:

• It might be unnecessary for archers who are already precise with their anchoring.
• The reference point can be imprecise since any change in your facial expression will also change the reference point.
• Multiple reference points can cause confusion and make it difficult to troubleshoot when something goes wrong.
• It may not work well in extreme conditions, such as hunting or 3D archery, where you need to accommodate different terrain.
• It can damage your lip, especially if it has sharp edges.
• It may decrease arrow speed since anything added to the string will make it heavier.

Pros and cons of a kisser button

Kisser buttons are a controversial tool in archery. While some archers swear by them, others believe they are unnecessary or even detrimental to technique. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide whether to use a kisser button.

Pros

Kisser buttons provide an additional anchor point in the corner of your mouth, helping you maintain consistency in your draw and head positioning. This is especially useful for recurve archers who don't use a peep sight, as it can be challenging to find a solid anchor point without one. With a kisser, you can easily feel if your head position changes between shots, allowing you to make adjustments and improve your accuracy. It can also boost your confidence, especially for beginners, as feeling the kisser in the corner of your mouth confirms that you are in the correct position.

Cons

Some archers find kissers unnecessary, especially those who are already precise with their anchoring. Since the kisser is placed in the corner of your mouth, any change in your facial expression, such as smiling, can alter your reference point. The kisser's position can also be challenging to feel precisely due to the size of the corner of your mouth. Additionally, having multiple reference points can cause confusion and make it difficult to troubleshoot when something goes wrong.

Kisser buttons may also be impractical in extreme conditions, such as hunting or 3D archery, where you may need to adjust your stance to accommodate the terrain. They can also cause discomfort or even damage your lips, especially if they have sharp edges or a bulky design. Finally, kissers can slightly decrease arrow speed due to the added weight on the string.

Ultimately, the decision to use a kisser button comes down to personal preference. If you are inconsistent with your draw or head positioning, a kisser button could be a helpful tool. However, if you are already consistent with your anchoring and have a clear second anchor point, you may find it unnecessary.

How to install a kisser button

The kisser button is a small plastic part that attaches to your bowstring, acting as an anchor point to help you stay consistent with your shooting. It is placed about one to two inches from the top of the D-loop and should align right between your lips at the corner of your mouth when you draw your bow back.

To install a kisser button, you will need the following:

• Clamps that come with the kisser button
• A friend to help with adjustments
• A tape measure

First, use the tape measure to measure about one to two inches from the top of the D-loop. This is where you will place the kisser button. Next, draw back your bow and have your friend adjust the kisser button so that it aligns between your lips at the corner of your mouth. Ensure that the split in the button faces away from your lips. Once the kisser button is aligned, it's time to place the clamps. Follow the instructions provided with your kisser button for this step, but generally, the open end of the clamp should face opposite the open end of the split in the button. Finally, use pliers to crimp the clamps into place for a secure fit.

It is worth noting that using a kisser button with a peep sight can cause issues if not installed correctly, so be sure to prioritise the correct installation of your peep sight.

Is a kisser button controversial?

Kisser buttons are a controversial topic in the archery community. Some archers swear by them, while others believe they are unnecessary or even detrimental to one's technique.

The Pros

Kisser buttons provide an additional anchor point in the corner of the mouth, helping archers maintain consistency in their draw and head positioning. This is especially beneficial for beginners or those struggling with their form, as it gives a clear indication of whether they are inconsistent and need to make adjustments. Having multiple anchor points can boost confidence, as archers can easily feel when they hit the kisser button, allowing them to focus more on their shot.

The Cons

Some archers find kissers unnecessary, especially those who are already precise with their anchoring. Since the kisser button is placed in the corner of the mouth, any change in facial expression, such as smiling, can alter the reference point. This imprecise reference point, combined with multiple anchor points, can cause confusion and make it difficult to identify and correct mistakes. Additionally, the kisser button's presence can be too restrictive for hunters or those practising 3D archery, as it forces them to maintain a default position that may not be feasible in certain situations.

Another concern is the potential for physical discomfort. As the lips are sensitive, a large or sharp-edged kisser button can cut or irritate the lip, especially during extended practice sessions.

There is also the possibility of a slight decrease in arrow speed due to the added weight on the string. While some archers claim this is negligible, others prefer to avoid any potential impact on their shot.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the decision to use a kisser button comes down to personal preference. Archers should consider their individual needs and shooting style when deciding whether to incorporate a kisser button into their setup. For those who are unsure, it is recommended to seek advice from experienced archers or give the kisser button a trial run to determine its effectiveness for their particular situation.

Is a kisser button uncomfortable?

The kisser button is a disc-shaped piece attached to the bowstring above the D-loop. When you are at full draw, you place the disc in the corner of your mouth, acting as an additional anchor point to help you keep a consistent draw and head positioning.

Some archers find the kisser button uncomfortable or irritating to the lip. One archer mentions that they found it to be "irritating to [their] lip" and wondered if they were "doing something wrong". Another archer says that they "didn't like it because [it] feels uncomfortable or hurts [their] lips". The size of the kisser button can also be a problem, with one archer saying that a "sizable design might feel bulky to target archers or those used to smaller buttons".

The material of the kisser button can also be a factor in discomfort. Some archers prefer a soft and flexible construction, as this provides a "gentle touch against the corner of [the] mouth". Kisser buttons made from rubber are also a good option, as they absorb string vibration, reducing hand shock and discomfort. However, a soft kisser button can be harder to feel, so some archers opt for a larger, harder kisser button that is easier to feel but may be uncomfortable or even cut the lip.

Ultimately, the decision to use a kisser button comes down to personal preference. While some archers find them uncomfortable, others say that they are "not doing anything wrong" and it just comes down to whether or not you like the feeling of the kisser button. If you are unsure, you can always try one out and see how it feels for you.

Frequently asked questions