Recommendations for first timer thumb release

Loco4dux

WKR
Shoot2HuntU
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Dec 24, 2015
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Spent my entire life shooting trigger releases. Looking to pick up a thumb release...

Recommendations? Brands, styles, etc. Need some education on them. I realize testing a bunch at an archery shop would be ideal but my shops aren't close and usually not stocked with a bunch of them. I have smaller sized hands and the options are overwhelming!

Appreciate your input as always gentlemen.
 
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I recently switched over to thumb releases. Got a carter chocolate addiction. Love it. I would say I have medium hands and it fits nice.
You might find you have to fiddle around with your draw length to be comfortable with it, it feels a bit different



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Stan SX3 three finger. I like it because my peep and anchor is the exact same as with my trigger release so I can easily switch back and forth. Will not be the case with all release combinations so keep that in mind. In the end I wish I would have gotten it in the 4 finger but this is what the local archery shop had. Found my groups to be be much better with a thumb release. I still prefer the tigger though once temps really start to dip.
 
If you have smaller hands any of the Stan large models and the Scott Exxus you probably won't like. Stan has several models. Without being able to try them you are going to just have to pick one and go with it. They all work pretty similar so it really won't make any difference as you've never used one. What you will need to decide is how many fingers you want on the release. That does make a difference. If you buy a name brand you can get the same model in a 3 and 4 finger the sell the one you don't like.

Do you have an archery club or 3-D shoot near you ? If so show up and there will be about every type of release sold there and you can look at and handle them. Just ask, most everyone would be glad to help you.
 
I'm in California and unfortunately my archery club is under water due to flooding! But I have been looking into traveling to some 3-D shoots.

What websites do you guys prefer for these types of accessory purchases? I'll keep my eye on the classifieds here and AT as well...
 
Stan SX3 three finger. I like it because my peep and anchor is the exact same as with my trigger release so I can easily switch back and forth. Will not be the case with all release combinations so keep that in mind. In the end I wish I would have gotten it in the 4 finger but this is what the local archery shop had. Found my groups to be be much better with a thumb release. I still prefer the tigger though once temps really start to dip.

I definitely don't want to have to adjust my draw length so that's good to hear.
 
Even though I am new at this myself, I would try to look for a release that uses pressure to activate, not movement. You usually have to physically cock them. I bought a tru ball max 4 or something like that, and I don't like it at all.
 
There's a lot of them out there and what will work for you'll find mostly through trial and error. You're best bet is to get on Archery Talk classifieds and do some buying and selling till you find one you like. I picked up both of my hand held releases off of there for about half of what they would have cost me new.
 
There's a lot of them out there and what will work for you'll find mostly through trial and error. You're best bet is to get on Archery Talk classifieds and do some buying and selling till you find one you like. I picked up both of my hand held releases off of there for about half of what they would have cost me new.

I'm proficient at buying stuff on forum classifieds so I think I'll give that a try! :)

I actually did just pick up a small 4 finger Stan Just X off the AT classifieds after a phone call with Doug at Stan regarding sizing etc. So we'll see how that works out!
 
Most guys can't go between a thumb type release and wrist strap without changing the bow set up. Your anchor usually isn't the same so changes your peep height. I have tow bows set up so I don't have to change anything when shooting the different releases. I hunt with a wrist strap and spend a lot of time with both a hinge and thumb release in the off season. I can't go back and forth on the same bow.
 
Most guys can't go between a thumb type release and wrist strap without changing the bow set up. Your anchor usually isn't the same so changes your peep height. I have tow bows set up so I don't have to change anything when shooting the different releases. I hunt with a wrist strap and spend a lot of time with both a hinge and thumb release in the off season. I can't go back and forth on the same bow.

This seems like a smart system. I have considered setting my hunting bow for a strap and keep the 3d/target bow set up for a handheld. It seems like I should "practice how I play" but if I shoot the strap for very long, I become a trigger lurching machine. No problems with the hinge or tension handhelds... Have considered hunting with the handheld also but the wrist strap is so dang convenient for climbing around in the mountains for days on end. Hmmm...
 
You get what you pay for with releases in my experience. I've shot a bunch of the carters and a few stans and they're both awesome. For me, the carter whisper gets the nod for everything these days. The higher end tru balls are pretty slick too, but I had a fang 3 for a while and hated it. I think releases, specifically hand held ones, are a lot like boots in the sense that what's best for me may not be what's best for you.


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Get a carter. Zero trigger travel really helps shot execution. I love my too simple
 
-Phil Mendoza has posted some videos on the releases on YouTube via the rokslide channel.
-Carter is the brand I have always shot. Started with a too simple, then a chocolate then got an evolution now I shoot a silverback and nock 2 it which is made by Carter but designed by john Dudley and can find both on his website


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I should probably add that I put the standard thumb barrel on my whisper. I didn't care for the one that came on it all.


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I recently started to transition to a thumb release from 10 years with a wrist rocket. I got the Nock 2 It made by Carter as well and have found it very easy to learn with. I like that I can clip it to my D loop and leave it. I found it really showed where my form was off with the wrist release. I thought it to be pretty expensive at $200 until I shot it. I recently just bought another to have on hand. Good luck!
 
Appreciate all the input... Finally getting used to the Stan four finger I picked up. Looking into a Carter as well.

Thanks again gentlemen.
 
I really like my Carter/Jon Dudley Nock 2 It and Silverback, my youngest son uses a Carter Mini Evo, we also use Scott wrist straps for hunting. Adjustments may be needed to D loop etc for anchor, and or understand how your point of impact is affected.
 
Ive been paying around with the NockOn (Carter) Nock2it, there is no travel, nice heavy spring.
 
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