The Best Archery Release – Let it Fly!

This is a wrist style release featuring a padded black nylon strap. The strap is velcro, which may not be the ideal thing to be taking on and off if you’re trying to be quiet maybe when hunting. But it does offer a great deal of adjustment to suit any wrist size.

You can use it with either hand and you won’t put any un-necessary torque on your  bowstring as the calipers will rotate to match the angle of your hand to the string. You can also adjust the travel on the trigger, but the sensitivity level is fixed. The caliper release ends are coated with Teflon which helps to reduce friction against the bowstring and this is a dual caliper design. Dual caliper means that both sides of the caliper open when triggered to give a clean release. Also to give you the ability to shoot this either way up whether you are left of right handed. This is a great affordable release which will do 80% of what more expensive releases do for 30% of the price.

There’s also a Junior model of exactly the same release available. Made with the same components and quality but designed to fit the wrists of youth shooters.

This bow release comes out of the box ready to shoot. It might be on the sensitive side for some, but the high adjustability of this model let you change that for your preferences. On top of the trigger sensitivity, you can also adjust the length, and it has an open jaw for ultra-fast D-loop hookup. 

The Wiseguy is a high-quality product, and we recommend it specifically for practicing archers. Although it could certainly get the job done in the stand, it’s not specialized for bowhunting. It has purple paint, and the buckle strap is too small to use effectively with gloves. Instead, this release is specialized for archers looking to make the same accurate shot repeatedly.

Overall, you can expect the release to last a long time. It’s made with a simple construction that’s tough and won’t wear down. It’s even made in the USA. Best of all, for being so durable, it comes at a great low price.

Scott are a well known name in the archery release world. They produce some great products and this is one of them. The Shark is one of their best selling bow releases. This release gives you the option of 2 types of strap and 2 styling choices (camo and plain black). You can get it with a velcro strap for maximum adjustability but it’s also available with a buckle for people who want to be quiet when hunting.

The distinctive dual green calipers both open on this release when the (also green) trigger is activated. That trigger has a ribbed finish to ensure your finger won’t slip. The trigger sensitivity can be adjusted so give you just the feel you want. The caliper head swivels to allow use in either hand and reduce torque on the bowstring and you can adjust the length to one of 4 placements.

If you find wrist releases annoying when you’re hunting or between shots. If they get in your way, this bow release may be just the thing for you. Tru-Fire have designed this one so that you can flip back the body of the release when it isn’t in use leaving you unobstructed hands for performing other tasks. You’d also be happier wearing this for extended periods of time whilst walking or hiking to your destination.

The Hardcore has a camo buckle strap so it’s quiet to put on, but with that fold back release you probably aren’t going to be taking it on and off all that much. 

This features a swept back trigger which we also like because if you’re doing it right you shouldn’t be using the tip of your finger to pull the trigger. That’s too sensitive and can cause target panic and anticipation, ideally you want to use the first of second joint of your finger. That’s easier to do with a swept back trigger design.

The Scott Longhorn combines the best of Scott wrist straps with a 2 finger a hinge to give you the best of both worlds.

You draw and hold this with the weight on your wrist, but you activate it with tension in your first and second fingers.

The rope connector holding the release to the wrist strap means you can make infinite adjustments to the length.

This bow release style is great for someone wanting to learn how to shoot back tension and who needs to be able to hold the weight on their wrist.

The first thing to note is that this bow release is a little different than most of the models on the market. It features a thumb trigger, but instead of a backward pull, the trigger releases on a forward push. Combine this with a 360° double-jaw swivel release. Together, these prevent accidental firing and allow for more precision. 

Of course, since this varies from most other models out there, we don’t recommend it for someone just starting out on bow releases. Instead, experienced hunters can use it to fine-tune their game. Luckily, despite being a higher-level product, it’s inexpensive. There’s no reason not to try and see if it improves your accuracy.

Although it’s on the small side, T.R.U. Ball made this release with plenty of versatility. The swivel allows for right- and left-handed use, and there’s a sensitivity screw to adjust the pressure needed to activate the trigger.

Finally, even though it has a unique design, it still comes with everything you’d expect from a top-quality release. It has a discreet camo finish that blends in in most environments and a lanyard that keeps you from dropping it while you’re climbing into your stand.  

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If you’re not a fan of the wrist strap, or you prefer something to hold. This 4 finger release is has a design that gives you something chunky to grab onto.

You activate this one with the ribbed trigger which is colored red to match the dual calipers at the front. The dual caliper design means that both calipers will open when the trigger is activated releasing the string more evenly.

If you’re worried about losing this, you could always hook it onto your wrist using ​the little loop at the back which is designed for that purpose. However, one of the main benefits of this style of bow release (especially for the hunter) is that you can leave it attached to the D-loop on your bowstring whilst your waiting for your next shot to appear. Then all you need to do is grab your bow and your release and you are almost instantly ready to shoot.

The Hardcore is a hook style release activated by a thumb trigger. These are nice to hold and draw with and create an ideal position in your index and first finger to use as an anchor point.

The head of this bow release can rotate 360 degrees. That means it’s usable in either hand and it also means you can be sure of no string torque. Another plus point is that not only does the head rotate universally but you can lock it into position. There are 11 ball  bearings that ensure the rotation is as smooth as butter.

You can adjust the thumb trigger position, travel and tension giving you the ability to make this release work and feel exactly as you need it to.​ It’s also included with a handy lanyard loop that can be adjusted to sit comfortably around your wrist so you’ll never drop or lose it (this is optional and can be removed).

This variety of bow release is normally something you’d graduate to and not use as a beginner. It is the type professional target archers use and some hunters. This particular model from Scott is available in either 3 finger or 4 finger variants depending on your preference. The index finger hole rotates to allow you a smooth index finger draw. That extra rotation in the index finger sets this release apart above other back-tension releases. If you can afford it, give one a try, you may well never go back.