Thinking of trying a new style of release.

Or.hunter

WKR
Joined
Oct 9, 2016
Messages
363
Location
Oregon
All,
I’ve been archery hunting for 30 years. When I started I shot fingers. Then came a trigger release. Ive been finger punching it for 25 years probably. I’m thinking of trying something different. What are some options that won’t break the bank and will let me see if I like the thumb release. I live out west so lots of hiking in thick brush chasing bugles and blacktails so I’m also afraid of losing it. Thanks for the advice! Season is coming fast!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I gave a spot hogg Whipper snapper a shot as my introduction to thumbs. It isn't customizable like my Stans but it was the budget friendly release that helped me make the switch. Now I own 2 $250 releases lol. One hinge one thumb button but both stan perfex. I let my buddies shoot my spot hogg if they are thinking about switching.
 
Another vote Spot Hogg whipper snapper if you’re buying new. Simple, decently comfortable, has a lanyard hole so you can tether it if you want. They’re tough as s*** too, I ran one of mine over with my truck and other than a slight bend in the trigger bar it’s just fine. The trigger also cocks the firing mechanism, which for me is a big deal. Some releases require you to manually close the jaw around the d loop-I personally despise that nonsense and won’t own such a release. Personal preference but it’s something to be aware of.

A used Carter would be good too, just be aware they’re a precision piece of equipment and you’ll need to occasionally service them/replace springs as they wear.

If you have a club or good shop nearby or can go to some 3d shoots a lot of folks will be happy to let you try their releases if you ask nice. Im in central Oregon, if you’re ever this way feel free to pm me and I’ll be happy to let you try some of mine.
 
I love my Carter Too Simple! Im mostly treestand whitetail hunter so its awesome to just leave it hooked up
 
Stan Axis. Comes with a wrist strap as well. I think for the $200 and under price point it’s the best. B3 Hunter and Spot Hogg Whipper Snapper are decent choices also.
 
I shoot Carters and absolutely love them, but I have tried more than I can remember. I honestly was very surprised by the Spot Hogg thumb button releases. Friday Night Delight and Saturday Night Special. I bought a Friday Night Delight as a backup before getting a second of my Carter release. Trigger feels very crisp and isn't super light. I think they run around $135 now.
 
I just ordered a Tru Ball Sweet Spot hinge to try.

Been a index trigger shooter since I quit shooting fingers except for a brief spell with a thumb trigger that tried to knock my teeth out.
 
I made the switch to thumb two seasons ago, shot it for a season then went back to index. They make a lot of nice index releases now with same clean break as thumb.

Not saying you should not try it, but if you do, you will have to change quite a bit in reference to your anchor and peep alignment. So give yourself plenty of time to move stuff around and practice. I liked the idea of not having to worry about the wrist strap being in a consistent spot since I hunt a lot late in the season with thick layers. I just could not get the same consistency with the thumb as I could the index.

Does not help I was not raised right either, self taught archer and I shoot a right handed bow with a left dominant eye. Command style shooting SOB too.

I actually have two thumb releases I am going to be posting soon. Stan Onnex clicker (I fashioned a wrist strap for it) and also a hinge style release (B3 ranger). Ranger is new, the Onnex was the one I used for a season.
 
Another option might be the nockon backstrap - I switched from a thumb back to this last year. I have it setup to work like a tension release in the off season, then just as a regular index release during the season. I think you can probably find one used for your price range.
 
I tried out the new Tru Ball Execute v2 wrist strap release at my local shop and immediately handed over the $200 for it. It’s a very comfortable release with a lot of useable adjustment and it’s such a crisp action it helped me with some of the target panic and punching I was experiencing. I’d recommend giving it a try. I have tried a couple of handhelds and just can’t bring myself to put in the time to master that release. Maybe this next off season.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
switched to a thumb release myself a couple months ago. takes a few weeks to get used to and practicing with a string bow or some sort of release trainer until you learn to break the shot cleanly is a good idea. The MD50 is really nice, but a simple piece of paracord works ok too. As for which release, find one that fits your hand and buy used if you're wanting to save money. Theres tons of UV, Stans and truball on ebay, FB marketplace and the forums here or on AT

i initially thought to go cheap to get my feet wet but im really glad i didnt, buy once cry once (plus i dont have to adjust my setup a third time after switching releases out again)

I picked up my truball Ultimate on the used market for 185 and between it and the releases in the 100-150 dollar range new theres just no comparison. If it some point i decide to swap to a different release i can also relist my release and not take a bath on it.

good luck with whatever release you choose.
 
Back
Top