Astra Shot Trainer Training Aid

I am an adult male, 6 ft tall, long arms and the Size 2 fits perfectly. After seeing that the national team used this product (in videos), I am disappointed in the quality. For $60, I expected a much better product. I have had this for just under a month, use it a couple days a week, and already stitching is coming undone and in some places it is falling apart. I have a glob of thread, around 6 inches long, hanging at the top of the sleeve. In terms of what it was made for, I am pleased. It is nice to practice with and I have seen improvements in my form and strength; but again, it has not lasted one month (twice a week usage) without some stitching coming undone. Fortunately, I know someone with a sewing machine so I hope to keep this thing intact. I still however, would not pay $60 again for this considering that it was not made to last.

(Posted on 1/1/13)

In September '12, I actually had both sizes sent to me, not sure from the previous reviews which one would fit me best. I'm an adult male, 5'10", draw length of about 29", fairly thin at 145 lbs, my arms are not huge --- and the smaller size #1 shot trainer fits me well and is the right size for me, both in length and in the tightness of the tube (well, it's actually a bit long; but you don't have to stretch the tube all the way up to your armpit, you can let it gather a bit, or even roll it over at the top or bottom end). It is pretty snug. I can't see a thin girl complaining about the #1 I got, but it's not for beefy arms. Now the larger size, the #2, was way too long and the straps were too long as well and left little room for adjustment of the cord that attaches to your bowstring. And although the tube tightness on the #2 was comfortable even with my average or thin arms, it was just way too long and with straps too long, for me. Hope this review helps people with fit questions.

(Posted on 10/11/12)

I congratulate the fellas at Astra for taking the Formaster idea and improving on it. The elastic sleeve that holds the nylon elbow straps in place is a good idea. However, the sleeve is too tight, even for my thinnest girls who use it and it's longer than it needs to be. Otherwise, it's a good product and an improvement in many ways over the tried and true formaster.

One or two more tweaks and it will be perfect.

(Posted on 8/3/12)

The sleeve is too narrow, almost shuts off ciculation to the upper arm, very uncomfortable. The elbow straps are too short, barely clear the elbow joint. Although the system works - similar to the Formaster, the product is not well made. I tried the larger size also, but it could not be used because the straps had not been sewn on correctly - making it imposible to put on the center strap.

(Posted on 7/15/11)