I mean surprise is a bit of a misnomer. The device I used to use we called a clicker. It would go between the arrow and the body of the riser and when you pulled the tip of the arrow past the piece of metal, it would snap back towards the riser with an audible click. This ensures the bow is drawn to the same tension for each shot. As with most things in competitive target shooting of any kind, this is with the aim to improve consistency.
oborobot t1_ixzr4v6 wrote
Reply to TIL that many pro archers use surprise release mechanisms to prevent themselves from anticipating and reacting to the impending impact. by broogernavn
I mean surprise is a bit of a misnomer. The device I used to use we called a clicker. It would go between the arrow and the body of the riser and when you pulled the tip of the arrow past the piece of metal, it would snap back towards the riser with an audible click. This ensures the bow is drawn to the same tension for each shot. As with most things in competitive target shooting of any kind, this is with the aim to improve consistency.