Best Archery Releases – The Archery Guru

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Jump to a Specific Release Aid:

Best Wrist Strap Release
Best Handheld Thumb Release
Best Hinge (Back Tension) Release
Best Youth Release
Best Budget Release

While I can’t say there is a single “BEST” release out there, I can at least pick out some great options for you to consider. Each archer is unique and as such there’s no one size fits all. Maybe you like a wrist strap, maybe you like a handheld, or maybe you just want something cheap and functional. Whatever category you fall into, you’ll find something listed below based on my research and personal experience.

Best Wrist Strap Release

Tru-Fire Hardcore Buckle Foldback MAX

Key Features:

Adjustable Trigger Pressure from 3 – 16 ounces
Fully Adjustable Trigger Travel
Plush Wrist Strap With Extra Padding and Rolled Edges
Hook style head for Fast D-loop engagement
Swept back trigger
Guaranteed Not to Slip Off Loops

Buy now!

PROS

✔ Incredibly Adjustable

✔ Made in USA

✔ Very Comfortable Wrist Strap

✔ Bowhunting World Reader’s Choice GOLD 2020

CONS

✘ May Fray Your String Loop Over Time

✘ Might Not Adjust Small Enough for Small Frame Archers

Here’s a look at what makes this one my top pick:

It’s hard enough to find a decently priced product made in the USA, and this one offers some great features. I’ve owned Tru-fire releases aids before and feel they offer a great product for Bowhunters and target shooters alike.

The amount of adjustability in this release makes it highly customizable for nearly any archer. I did note a few people said it didn’t go small enough for petite shooters.

One thing to note is that this release is designed for use with a string loop (or D-loop). If you’d rather shoot right off the string you should use a caliper style release instead.

Tru-fire has a nice caliper release option with the TruFire Edge also available on Amazon.

Best Handheld Thumb Release

Carter Enterprises Wise Choice 3 Finger

Key Features:

Auto Closing Jaw for quick and easy attachment
Precise and simple trigger tension adjustment
Index finger hole for added security and peace of mind
Lightweight Aluminum Construction

Buy now!

PROS

✔ Solid High Quality Release

✔ Excellent Customer Service

✔ Available as 3 or 4 Finger Design

CONS

✘ Not always clear what color you will get

✘ Pricey

Here’s a look at what makes this one my top pick:

When it comes to handheld releases it’s hard to beat a Carter. High quality smooth shooting releases used by professionals and amateurs alike.

The “Wise Choice” by Carter has oodles of great reviews on Amazon and elsewhere but that’s not the only reason I chose this as my top pick in the thumb release category.

Carter is well known in the Archery industry for being a high quality product that is reliable. The make releases that operate smoothly and hold up over time.

Giving this release a shot would be a “WISE CHOICE”. See what I did there? But seriously, I’d recommend any Carter product but this one is a fan favorite amongst thumb release shooters.

Best Hinge (Back Tension) Release

Scott Ascent

Key Features:

Patent Pending Dual Sear Locking Design
Micro Adjustable Travel and Click Distance
Thumb Peg for Drawing Assistance
Ergonomic Heavyweight Stainless Steel

Buy now!

PROS

✔ Ergonomic Stainless Steel Feels Solid

✔ Can Be Finely Tuned

✔ Proudly Made in America

✔ Comes in 2 Sizes

CONS

✘ Some Complaints of the Head Being Noisey When Not Engaged With String

✘ A Bit Pricey for Casual Archers

Here’s a look at what makes this one my top pick:

There are a number of quality hinge releases on the market and you can easily spend hundreds of dollars on one. That’s what I like about the Scott Advantage, it’s reasonably priced and still offers superb quality and function. Scott is a leader in the archery business for a reason.

A back tension (hinge) release like this is the best way to battle target panic and/or improve your shot. Removing anticipation can really help you tighten your groups. Although there are people who bow hunt with a hinge, they’re especially popular with target shooters.

Best Youth Release

Scott Hero X

Key Features:

Auto Closing, Scotts’ Exclusive Modified HyperJaws Eliminate String Torque & Increase Accuracy
Compact Ergonomic Body Design
Leather Youth Buckle Strap with NCS Connector Strap System
Available in Blue Or Purple

Buy now!

PROS

✔ Specifically Designed For Growing Archers

✔ Ergonomic and Comfortable

✔ Pretty Colors!!!

CONS

✘ There aren’t enough cons?

Here’s a look at what makes this one my top pick:

Hands down this is one of my favorite youth releases and it’s very reasonably priced. I’ve said it before, but Scott is a reputable company that makes quality products and they don’t skimp on their youth products either.

Designed for smaller hands this release works great for youth archers or small framed adults. People love this release and I couldn’t find any complaints from people reviewing the product. Also…….pretty colors!!

Best Budget Release

TruFire Patriot Wrist Release

Key Features:

Nylon Velcro Wrist Strap
Adjustable Trigger Sensitivity
Dual Caliper Head Swivels for Right or Left Hand Use
Made in the USA (Yes even for this price!)

Buy now!

PROS

✔ Very Affordable

✔ Easy to Use and Adjust

✔ Won’t Break Your Heart if You Lose it Somewhere

CONS

✘ A Bit Small for Some Adults

✘ No Length Adjustment

Here’s a look at what makes this one my top pick:

I mean, this thing is dirt cheap and yet still functional AND even MADE IN THE USA! I mean really, what do you have to lose here? Makes a great spare or first time release for someone who’s not sure if they will like it.

So buy one, or buy two! I will caution that people say it doesn’t fit well for larger people. It doesn’t have a length adjustment and so likely it ends up being too short, I’ve had a few releases like that myself. But for this price it’s worth a shot unless you’ve got large mitts like me.