Top 10 Best Bow Release (Aug. 2019) Review & Buyer’s Guide
- Carolina Pina
Do you want to make your hunting and archery performance the best it can be? You'll need to have all the important accessories while selecting your gear. The best bow release can make your shots accurate. They are important straps that are quick to jump off bowstrings, and easy to adjust.
I have used different types of bow release aids, but the most impactful has been the product that offered me more control. The ideal bow release mechanism must be impressive, and there should be much ease of use while adjusting the inclination, reducing torque and fine-tuning the trigger pressure.
In this article, each segment helps you learn how to choose the best releases for the right bows that suit your shooting style. You will see some of these bow release aids in this guide for buyers.
What You Will Get Here
- Understanding Bow Release and Its Benefits
- Types of Bow Release
- Things to Consider While Buying Perfect Bow Release for You
- How Did We Pick the Best?
- Our Top 10 Best Bow Release
- Best Overall : TruFire Hardcore Buckle Compound Bow Release
- Best Thumb Trigger Release: Max Hunter Pro 4 Thumb Release by TRU Ball
- Best Wrist Strap Release: Tru-Fire Hardcore Buckle Foldback MAX
- Best for The Money: Patriot Archery Compound Bow Release by TRU Fire
- Best for Beginners: TruFire Hurricane Archery Bow Release
- List of 5 other Bow Releases We Reviewed
- Other Tested Products
- Final Thought for Buying Bow Release
Understanding Bow Release and Its Benefits
Archery and bowhunting are interesting games because they come with the use of different accessories. The bow release is a strap with a built-in release mechanism that connects between the bowstring and the shooter's wrist or hand.
This accessory is designed to releases bowstrings when the shooter pulls its trigger. There is a specific product for target shooting or hunting. The wrist strap of a bow release is designed to ease tension off your fingers.
Instead of using your digits and experiencing fatigue, the arm muscles will help you draw bowstrings smoothly. Ideally, the best bow release for accuracy is a product that enhances the ease of use.
Archers and hunters rely on the dexterity of their hands to align their shots at the target. A release can assist during cold temperatures, especially when you practice or hunt in the rain. You'll need your cold fingers to release the arrow precisely even when you wear gloves, especially if you use a powerful longbow.
A suitable mechanism of the bow release offers a smooth and steady motion that prevents accidental misfires. Dry firing occurs when hand inaccurately releases a nocked arrow and affects your shots. In extreme cases, the tension on your fingers could impact on the bow and inadvertently destroy it.
Other issues with using the wrong bow release are wobbling fingers, jerky movements, poor techniques, and unsteady side-to-side motion. You might need a little practice with a new bow release to get satisfactory results at targets.
However, the target panic, bowstring's compatibility, anchor point, and the release mechanism are factors to consider when choosing a top bow release.
Types of Bow Release
There are different types of bow releases. However, the two basic categories are the wrist release for hunters and the hand release (T-handle) models for archers.
1. Wrist Strap / Caliper / Index-Finger
The wrist release (finger trigger) has a Velcro strap that loops around the shooter's wrist and a (caliper jaw) trigger that looks like a fang. The adjustability of the wrist release's mechanism is easy, and its tension trigger allows the user much control. Some designs in this category have buckles as wrist closure and allow the use of your index finger.
They are very different from the thumb release models because their overall length and trigger positions have an impact on the length of the shooter's draw. Before you choose a top rated bow release, consider the wrist release that gives a smoother experience.
Benefits of Wrist Release
- When drawn back at full back position, it’s less challenging for shooters to retain the bow
- It’s easy for hunters with the beginning and intermediate skills to practice
- Some wrist releases are foldable and have an attachment for the shooter’s arm
- It has adjustments for the trigger angle, and trigger tension
- The caliper jaw comes with a 360-degree rotating head that minimizes torque levels while shooting
2. The Thumb Trigger/ Handheld Release
Archers involved in target practices and competitions prefer handheld (T-handle/thumb trigger) releases. It's because these accessories counteract target panic. While setting up an archery bow, archers will find these lightweight thumb trigger, and back-tension releases very easy to use. Alternatively, this type operates by using the back tension to release an arrow instead of pulling with your index finger. Usually, accurate shots occur as the shooter increase tension with the thumb.
Benefits of Hand Release
- Apart from its easy adjustment (pull force, trigger angle, and tension), the hand release is sensitive and versatile
- It has a hand attachment that’s ideal for target panic
- This type of release is lightweight and more portable
Similarities Between the Wrist and Handheld Releases
- They both use the trigger mechanism for shooting
- None of them is better than the other because they suit individual shooting styles
Disadvantages of Both Releases
Wrist Release : They don't counteract target panic and have less accuracy
Hand Release : They are more expensive than wrist releases
Things to Consider While Buying Perfect Bow Release for You
Generally, bow release aids help smart shooters save money on their setup. Well, that's not the only benefit in our bow release reviews. Our guide can help experts bowhunters and beginner archers to learn different specifications, pros, and cons of this accessory.
1. Length Adjustment
Archers and bowhunters have different sizes of wrists. While shopping for a wrist release aid, the trigger angle, pull force, and trigger tension should be easily adjustable.
The Length adjustment of a bow release aid is suitable when shooters don't strain just to grip and activate the trigger. Also, the buckles and Velcro straps should be convenient for the user and the bow's setup.
2. Shooting Style
Bow hunters and competition archers might need different types of bow release aids. The best archery releases for hunting should match various shooting styles in the field of hunting.
The factors to consider when choosing the best type of bow release that fits your shooting style are adjustability, smoothness, and the rotation of caliper jaws. Always consider what works well for your style of shooting.
3. String Style
The bowstring's compatibility with your release aid will help arrows fly straight. Some strings come with the D-loop, fasteners, and metal nocks; while other strings will not work with your release aids. When you plan to set up bowstrings, it's the type of attachment point that will determine your string style.
4. Target Panic Cure
The target panic condition is a physiological feeling that leads to the misfiring of arrows. It results from the lack of concentration of the shooter's finger to aim the arrow at the center of a target. Wrist releases are prone to making the user shoot quicker than expected because of an overwhelming urge.
Interestingly, a handheld release counteracts (cures) target panic because it's release mechanism rely on the back tension instead of a manual trigger.
So, with the hand release, there's a low risk of jumpiness at the point of release. This type of release aid cures target panic, and execute a proper shot.
5. Attachment
The best hunting bow release comes with a convenient strap with buckles, and it's worn like a wristwatch. Wrist release is aesthetically designed, foldable and has rotating locking jaws.
Unlike the wrist release, the locking jaw of a handheld release allows users to attach it on the D-loop. Usually, the handheld release aid doesn't come with Velcro straps, but they can be kept in a hip pocket.
6. Anchor Point
The anchor point is your hand's position at the time of releasing an arrow. By using wrist release aids, you can adjust the length of its Velcro strap and buckle pins.
Also, the adjustment allows for inclination angles of your hand and a reference point. However, the handheld release can help you boost the anchor point's consistency and accuracy.
7. Budget
It might be tempting to buy release aids with high-end features, but your budget is a great factor while shopping for archery gears.
There is a cheap bow release that fits the component of your setup. Your budget can always cover what fits your shooting style and brings the best performance from your bow.
How Did We Pick the Best?
From our earlier segments, archers and bow hunters might have learned useful considerations of choosing the best compound bow release.
However, after conducting some field tests, our team of experts and volunteers compiled these results to help you learn. Also, opinions form archery and hunting forums, claims from manufacturers and reviews from customers were sampled.
So, by helping you find the ideal bow release product for your shooting style, I will be comparing these test results with each product's specification.
Additionally, no bow release was found to be perfect even when some had superior features that can assist beginner or expert shooters.
Usually, hunters require high-speed bows that are compatible with impressive mechanical bow release. Our expert opinion on these types of releases is to choose products that have supportive mechanics and string angles.
Release aids with Velcro straps might be cheaper, but it's important for bowhunters to find what suit their styles of shooting. It's common to find novice archers experiencing a target panic before releasing their shots.
This psychological condition requires continuous training, and the use of handheld release aids that mitigates the risk of inaccuracies.
There are other supportive features that each type of bow release aid offers. Our archery release reviews focus on these little details.
Now that our research is complete, you should be confident of picking the best product that fits your preference and style of shooting.
Our Top 10 Best Bow Release
The handheld release aid might be more expensive, but their lightweights and adjustment options are unique features. Apart from buying what gives the best value for money, the best bow release for the money should operate with a natural release mechanism, and sensitive triggers.
To guide your buying decision, let's unveil our expert reviews of top rated release aids that fit your purpose.
The Hardcore Camo Wrist Strap Bow Release by TruFire has a flip back design. This adjustable release aid gives the shooter more comfort while aiming. Here are other amazing features of this brand.
Fold-back Strap : The design has a fold-back leather strap with buckle. More so, this hook style release is ergonomically enhanced with camouflage prints. The appearance gives bow hunters a stealth movement while drawing a certain length for their bowstrings in front of close-range animals.
Adjustable Trigger Travel : It has 5/8-inches of length adjustment that aligns with left and right-handed users. More so, it comes with the adjustable trigger travel and a locking option. Apart from supporting a hands-free operation, this bow release is adjustable and allows your secure it to the wrist.
TruFire Centre Technology : The head pivots freely to the right and left at 20 degrees. This technology also eliminates torque levels at full draw, and its rotation is silky because of the built-in bearing.
Swept-back Trigger : While you hike or walk during your hunting expedition, this release aid can be attached to the D-loop without slipping off. There's a chance of losing this archery accessory because its trigger' hook is firm even while running with your bow.
Product Specifications
- Length adjustment: 5/8 inches
- Rotation: 20 degrees
- Brand TRU-FIRE
Final Verdict
This custom fit Hardcore fold-back release by TRU-Fire can be used by both right and left-hand shooters. Its one-piece trigger minimizes torque at full draw length while providing comfort and stability. The product can be used by beginners and expert bow hunters.
TRU Ball's Max Hunter Pro 4 thumb release earns a top spot on our release aid reviews because it's great at pulling back massive weights of bowstrings. However, this handheld archery release is suitable for hunting. Let's discuss some exciting features about this tactical accessory.
360-degrees Pivot : The head pivots can make a rotation of 360 degrees. It means you can rotate towards any side or position of your preference. The bearings are sensitive and well-greased.
Adjustability : The trigger tension is adjustable, and the screws are sensitive. These features allow the user to adjust the trigger stroke and tension by using the handle's set screws. So, these perks offer more control while using this release aid.
Four Finger Release : This four finger bow release aid is convenient to draw. With the right position, shooters can either fix their first or index finger as an anchor point. Another nice perk is that the head release can rotate 360 degrees. You should know the difference of wrist release vs thumb release before delving into serious level of hunting and archery.
Smaller Jaws : The Max Hunter release aids come with smaller jaws for more draw length. It's compatible with bow weights of 70lb and enhances your bow speed. You can also close the jaws by letting up the trigger.
Product Specifications
- Rotation: 360 degrees
- Grip Style: Dual caliper jaws
- Shipping weight: 3.2 Ounce
- Brand: TRU Ball
Final Verdict
The Max Hunter Pro 4 handheld release by TRU Ball is extremely quiet and shoots well. Without startling your prey during a hunt, it can also pull back a heavyweight of bowstrings. This release aid comes in various colors and can be used by beginners and experienced bow hunters.
The Hardcore MAX wrist release by Tru-Fire has a foldable and impressive buckle design. Its leather strap is well-stitched and can be adjusted to fit different sizes of wrists. When standing or crouching in weird positions, archer's can quickly hook the release on D-loops. Here is some feature that makes this archery release one of our favorite brands.
Plush Black Evolution II Buckle : The tough leather strap comes with 2.5x pad material. This comfortable strap has rolled edges that makes this wrist release better than other products with Velcro straps. Also, its buckle fold-back strap is well-stitched and looks durable.
Non-Slip Hooks : This product has a built-in automatic reset feature for faster hook-ups. It also ensures a firm attachment of the bow release's hook on the D-loop and makes it easy to use when the archer is in a weird position.
Length Adjustment : Its design allows for sufficient length adjustment of at least 5/8 inches. Apart from the length, archers can also adjust the trigger tension, trigger sensitivity, and torque swivel. More so, this product has adjustable trigger travel.
Swept-Back Trigger : The swept-back trigger mechanism doesn't allow your fingertips from pulling off the trigger. This swept-back feature minimizes the risk of target panic and finger sensitivity.
Product Specifications
- Product weight: 3 oz
- Length adjustment: 5/8 inches
- Rotation: 20-degree head pivot
- Design style: fold-back strap
- Brand: TRU-Fire
Final Verdict
The Hardcore MAX wrist release by TRU-Fire's trigger pressure and trigger travel are adjustable with a couple turns of the handle's screw. Also, this accessory can be used by both left and right-handed archers. This wrist release aid might be an expensive brand, but it offers much value for your money.
While it does not have an ergonomic design, this Patriot Archery Compound bow release by TruFire is a great wrist release. Being a delightful outdoor event, compound bow shooting should be enhanced with the right gear. A bow release is one of the essentials. Apart from being a lightweight model, this wrist strap release is versatile.
Padded Nylon Strap : This wrist release has a padded nylon strap that's adjustable. The material makes the release comfort and tough. The nylon strap is durable, dependable, and offers trouble-free use.
Adjustable Trigger Travel : The trigger travel is sensitive and can be controlled easily. Also, with an improved body and trigger part; this product gives an allowance of one-inch length adjustment between the trigger and the strap.
Great Firing Mechanism : The hardness of the metal construction makes this bow release reliable. Its firing mechanism works with a dual caliper design that boosts the accuracy of shots. So, beginners and expert archers can increase their shooting skills with accuracy and precision.
Ease of Use : It's a great archery bow release for ambidextrous (right and left-handed) shooters. Also, you can rotate the trigger side-by-side at 360 degrees. So, it's easy to use and prevents any complicated setups.
Product Specifications
- Compatibility: 70lbs (minimum draw weight)
- Rotation: 360 degrees
- Grip Style: Dual caliper jaws
- Shipping weight: 2.4 Ounce
- Brand: TRU Fire
Final Verdict
Releasing a string on a bow just got seamless with the Patriot Archery release aid by TRU Fire. This product comes with a redesigned body that enhances the archer's skill and accuracy. The Patriot Archery wrist release is also available in smaller sizes for young hunters.
The Hurricane Extreme bow release is for those wishing to stay with the TRU-Fire brand, but don't have large budgets. It can be used by women with smaller wrists because this bow hunting release is designed with adjustable camouflage buckle wrist strap. After testing this product, our experts have released a list of features that make it fit your shooting style.
Ambidextrous : Both left and right-handed shooters can use this bow release. Interestingly, the user doesn't need any special set of tools to carry out length adjustments.
Ease of Use : You can open and close the heat-treated jaws by pulling back and letting off the trigger respectively. The release comes with a dual caliper and spring-loaded trigger mechanism that is easy to use.
Adjustable Trigger Travel : The trigger travel is free-floating and sensitive. Also, the redesigned body gives an allowance of half inch length adjustment between the head and the strap. The length adjustment is also called the wide web connection system.
Comfortable Fold-back Design : The inner lining of this bow release is a comfortable pad while its outer cover has camouflage prints. Unlike the V-style straps, this camouflage nylon evolution buckle strap is easier to wear.
Product Specifications
- Shipping weight: 4.8 ounces
- Grip Style: Dual caliper jaws with a spring-loaded trigger
- Compatibility: 70lbs (minimum draw weight)
- Rotation: 360 degrees
- Brand TRU Fire
Final Verdict
Every archer looks forward to buying a bow release that minimizes torque on their shots. This TRU Fire Hurricane has a hook style that attaches smoothly on the D-loop. It's an ideal product for beginners and experts that want wrist straps with lots of room for adjustment.
List of 5 other Bow Releases We Reviewed
You should never miss your mark with this handheld release aid by TRU-Fire. As the best archery hunting release aid, hunters and tournament archers will improve their skills and shot accuracy. Its camouflage-covered redesigned aluminum handle has some perks of new features that are listed below.
Sturdy Construction : This product combines a solid, super sleek CNC-machined aluminum handle with the lanyard unit for easy portability. Its camouflage cover keeps the metal body free from corrosion and moisture. Bow releases with a sturdy construction like this product are always durable.
360-degree Rotation : The trigger head rotates at an angle of 360 degrees and provides torque-free shooting. It means shooters may pivot this part towards any side or position of their preference. The bearings are also sensitive and well-lubricated.
Adjustable Trigger Travel : The trigger travel is sensitive; it allows for maximum performance and comfort. This Edge 4-Finger handheld bow release also has adjustable trigger travel for fine-tuning, and a thumb knob that's user-friendly.
Streamlined Handheld : While the TRU-Fire Edge 4-Finger is adjustable, it comes with a streamlined handheld that's ideal for both tournament archers and hunters. So, it's a good choice for shooters with smaller hands.
Product Specifications
- Shipping weight: 4.8 ounces
- Grip Style: Dual caliper jaws
- Rotation: 360 degrees
- Brand TRU Fire
Final Verdict
The Edge 4-finger by TRU-Fire is a quiet bow release that fits archery, and hunting shooting styles. More so, bow hunters that love to kill their prey at close-range will find the streamlined handheld and camouflage cover useful for hunting expeditions. It's a highly-rated product that offers much value for your money.
Like the best release for bow hunting, this Caliper Grip release by SCOTT uses a finger trigger. It's not common to find a T-handle release with this style of wrist strap trigger. However, its sensitivity can be adjusted by a special side screw near the handheld. Let's discuss other features that make this brand of release one of our top picks.
A Rock Solid Design : The Scott Archery Caliper Grip release might have a classic appearance, but it has an over-molded rubber grip that covers an aluminum frame. More so, the construction comes with space for attaching a loop on the lanyard.
Unique Orientation : The pistol-like handheld allows for easy grip, and the dual caliper jaws will hold firmly onto your bow's D-loop. This Handheld Caliper Grip release has a unique orientation that makes its a hybrid type of bow release.
All-around Rotation : The head pivots 360 degrees on a swivel connector, and allows for torque-free shooting during archery target practices. Its built-in bearings are very sensitive too.
Adjustable Knurled Trigger : When taking a shoot, the trigger supports the arrow by delivering instant tactile control. Also, you can use the Allen keys to regulate the sensitivity from the small screw at handheld's base.
Product Specifications
- Shipping weight: 4 ounces
- Grip Style: Dual caliper jaws
- Rotation: 360 degrees
- Brand Scott Archery
Final Verdict
The pistol grip style handle is sturdily built with an underlying aluminum material and soft-covered rubber handle. It allows the user to operate this archery accessory while using a pair of gloves. This hand-style archery release aid by Scott is a good option for archers seeking more versatility in their shot.
Unlike the Tru-Fire Hurricane Extreme Buckle Web bow release, this HC-EX-B Extreme release aid is a newer model with more weight. Its camouflage nylon Evolution buckle is efficient, and the head rotates at 360 degrees. However, let's highlight some exciting features that beginners and experts can enjoy this product.
Comfortable Fold-back Nylon Strap : The straps can fit all sizes of wrist because it allows for free operation, and secures your wrist as you climb, or walk without clanging
Hurricane Extreme Buckle : The strap buckle allows the wearer to remove and adjust it easily. It's a thick material with a smooth inner lining that prevents skin irritation and can adjust the trigger travel.
Ambidextrous : This release is suitable for both left and right-handed shooters. It means if you are not ambidextrous, it can still be worn on either wrist. So, you won't need any set of tools to carry out length adjustments.
Ease of Use : Being of a higher price than the base model, it also provides great accuracy. While you wait to take your next shot, the release hangs firmly to the D-loop on your bowstring and allows you to take shots almost instantly.
Product Specifications
- Shipping weight: 4.8 ounces
- Grip Style: Dual-caliper release
- Rotation: 360 degrees
- Brand: TRU-Fire
Final Verdict
The Hurricane HC-EX-B Extreme by TRU-Fire is a durable release aid that's compatible with bow weights of 70lbs. At a full draw, the release is noiseless and quick to use. It uses free-floating, self centering steel roller that rolls inside the dual-caliper jaw. The one-piece trigger is designed for shooters that want to maximize the draw length of bows and minimize torque during shots.
Unlike the Tru-Fire Hardcore Buckle Fold-back MAX, this Smoke Adjustable Fold-back wrist release has a 16-position trigger thumb adjustment system. It comes with enhanced features like an improved buckle, and padding that's 2.5 percent thicker. Here are the reasons why it got a spot on our best bowhunting release list.
Fold-back Buckle Strap : It's designed to align with smaller wrist sizes with the strap buckle. Also, the fold-back construction allows the wrist strap to flip back when this hunting accessory isn't in use. While staying securely on your wrist, the hunter can navigate through challenging terrains.
Ambidextrous : The design allows both left and right-handed wearers to use it accurately. More so, this release aid features a 16-position trigger thumb adjustment system, somewhat more versatile than the wrist styles, that allows for easy setup.
Adjustable Trigger Travel : The shooter can adjust the length of trigger travel comfortably. This release offers options for adjusting the trigger's position during hunting expeditions.
Rugged Construction : The metal hardness increases the efficiency of its internal firing mechanism, and it's fitted onto a dime-sized head. Also, this release aid works smoothly and improves the skill and accuracy of the hunter's skills.
Product Specifications
- Shipping weight: 5 ounces
- Grip Style: Dual-caliper release
- Rotation: The head rotates at 20 degrees
- Brand: TRU-Fire
Final Verdict
This wrist strap uses a trigger pressure mechanism that gives you full control and enhances your shooting technique. The TruFire SMOKE release is lightweight of 1 ounce, and it’s a high-quality release for beginner hunters that have low-budgets.
The Spot-Hogg Wiseguy bow release might be a simple accessory, but it comes with a forward trigger design that's unique. Our experts chose this product for bow hunters that need lightweight releases. Also, with Allen keys, you can easily adjust the trigger form its set screw. These are reasoning the features that make the lightweight wrist release model versatile.
A Forward Trigger Design : As one of the best bow releases, this lightweight release has an adjustable light trigger with zero travel. The trigger's sensitivity can enhance the maximum draw length and speed. However, this bow release's fail-safe trigger is not the spring-loaded type.
Adjustable length : There's a micro-adjustable length between the strap and the trigger. So, the strap's circumference can adjust comfortably and any hunter's wrist. It's also designed for right or left-handed shooters.
Easy Set Up : The caliper jaw easily opens for ultra-fast D-Loop hook up and makes it easy to use. Its self-reloading hook enables quick loading draws, and it doesn't compromise the accuracy of your shots.
Unique Craftsmanship : This hunting release's strap has a high-quality buckle with padding for comfort. The lightweight design is a unique craft that has been ergonomically enhanced to satisfy expert hunters.
Product Specifications
- Shipping weight: 4.8 ounces
- Grip Style: Dual-caliper release
- Brand: Spot-Hogg Wiseguy
Final Verdict
The Spot-Hogg Wiseguy wrist release buckle has a self-reloading hook and helps hunters shoot accurately. Any shooter that needs a lighter bow release will find this product useful.
Other Tested Products
- 01Tru-Fire PT-JR Patriot Junior Compound Bow Archery Release
- 02Tru-Fire Hardcore 4 Finger Revolution Archery Release
- 03Scott Archery Shark Double Caliber Release
- 04SCOTT Releases Little Goose
- 05TruFire Hardcore Buckle Foldback, Max Adjustable Archery Compound Bow Release
- 06TruFire Edge Buckle Foldback Adjustable Archery Compound Bow Release
- 07Tru Fire Edge Extreme Buckle Foldback
Final Thought for Buying Bow Release
From the products on our best bow release reviews, you'll learn why you should buy whatever suits your shooting style. Certainly, all the products I have highlighted will have been tested by our volunteers and experts. We also compared these release aids with their manufacturers' claims and showed you the disadvantages with them.
However, there are no perfect top archery releases, but each of them has its advantages. Usually, the smart shooter will remember the important factors I have listed before buying their preferred bow release. This review will help you to save money for the purchase of other archery gear is you choose the best arrow release. Back tension and thumb release both will come in handy with the use of the right equipment.
I understand the frustrations with aimless shots. The TRU-Fire Hardcore Camo Wrist Strap Buckle Fold-back Bow Release will help you minimize torque while shooting at targets if you are a novice hunter. With sensitive triggers, even expert archers might become nervous. At full draw of your bowstring, the TRU-Ball's Max Hunter Pro 4 thumb (handheld) be a great choice because it reduces target panic occurrences to zero. This handheld release is reliable, and offer the most control for field archers.
Our aim is to ensure that buyers of release aids make the right decision before spending their hard-earned money. So, from our best bow release reviews, we expect you to find the best product that suits your specific archery gear and shooting style.
