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Which Bow Release is Best for You

When deciding on a bow release that will fit your needs best, you must find a release that is comfortable to you. The most important part of shooting your bow consistently is being comfortable. Without comfort, you will have a hard time becoming consistent.

The second aspect that you need to take into consideration is what type of shooting you will be doing most. Will you be hunting? Will you be archery shooting competitively? Are you a beginner just looking to see if you will like archery? Once you have answered this question you have set the base into which choice of release will be best for you.

Comfortability and knowing how you will be using your bow release will give you an idea of what is the best bow release for you.

Let’s dive into the different types of releases and how each one can be an effective choice depending on your needs.

Index Finger Releases

Index releases are one of the top choices as the best bow release for beginners and even advanced hunters. The reason index finger releases are among the best for beginners is for ease of use. It is simple, just strap the release on your wrist, connect the release to your bow, and pull the bow back. It is as easy as 1.2.3.

Another pro of the index finger releases is that they are easily adjustable. The strap that goes on your wrist can easily be adjusted to your wrist size and comfortability. The adjustments are normally done with a Velcro strap or a belt buckle type of strap. I would recommend a Velcro strap for the best adjustability.

Index finger releases are tried and true. They bring simplicity to the table. The problem occurs with consistency. It is easy to ‘jump the trigger’ and find inconsistency with your anchor points. However, I have found a release an index release that solves the jumping the trigger problem. If you are confident in your shooting routine and you like to have your release strapped to your wrist, then index finger releases may be the best bow release for you.

Now let’s dive into which index finger releases are the best bow releases on the market for hunters.

Best Overall Index Finger Release: Tru-Fire Hardcore Buckle Foldback Bow Release

Let’s just do an overview of the Tru-Fire Hardcore Foldback Bow Release. To start the reason that it is called a foldback is that the actual release can be folded back so that it can be tucked into your coat while you are climbing up your tree stand. This will reduce the amount of metal-to-metal noise while climbing up your tree stand.

This release offers a wide variety of adjustability. You can adjust the length of the release to your liking. The second adjustable part is the trigger length. You can have the trigger go back before opening or you can have it go halfway back.

The strap that goes around your wrist is camouflage and is comfortable. It has a buckle-style strap which is better than Velcro in my opinion due to the noise that Velcro creates.

The hook itself is a half-moon-style hook. It is deep enough that you should not have to worry about misfiring because of bad hand rotation or anything like that. I do not like the half-moon style hook because I like the confidence of knowing my D-Loop is secure 100%.

Overall, a basic but great index finger release. I have it as the best index finger release because it is priced well and is good for all levels of hunters! The Tru-Fire Hardcore Foldback Bow Release has earned its spot on this list of the best bow releases for hunting.

Pros: Adjustability, Ease of Use, Camo strap, Foldback Technology, 360-degree head.

Cons: The Hook, Not the best value in my opinion.

Check Prices for Tru-Fire Hardcore Foldback Bow Release Here!

The Best Value Index Finger Release: Scott Archery Quick Release

I am going to jump right into this because I am excited to share why I have chosen this release to be my release choice for the upcoming years.

To start the price point is amazing! It is under $50 and gives you almost all the options of the higher-end releases with only one downfall.

The reason the release is called the Quick Shot is because of the sensitive trigger. It only takes the slightest amount of pressure to make the trigger go and the bow fire. I enjoy this future the most because it gives you the ‘surprise’ effect when shooting. If you are going to punch the trigger hard obviously it will be no surprise, but if you pull the trigger slowly it will have a surprise effect. This will help your grouping and your form.

The Quick Shot by Scott Archery offers an adjustable length for the release head to fit your finger length. It also has an adjustable trigger length. I like mine to be just a bit more length than a hair trigger. As I mentioned above this is my favorite future.

The trigger is a single caliber which means that only one part of the connecter moves. This is good for getting consistency in your shot. The strap is buckle-style that is black.

The biggest downside to the Quick Shot bow release comes from the rope that connects the strap to the head of the release. It is flimsy because it is rope. I am not saying that the rope is weak and may break… it just lets the head of the release flop around. That can be a blessing because, like the Tru-Fire Foldback, the head of the release can be pulled back and tucked into your clothing while climbing up a tree stand. I like that part of the rope connecter, but it can feel a little weird to pull back your bow using this. After some shot, I got used to it though.

WARNING: be careful with the trigger. Follow good shooting practices by not putting your finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot because it is that quick… hence Quick Shot.

Pros: Price to Value, Adjustability, Quickness of Trigger, Flexibility.

Cons: Connecting rope can feel flimsy,

Check Prices for Scott Archery Quick Release Here!

I think that the Quick Shot by Scott Archery is the best bow release for whitetail deer hunting. If you do not trust me, see what Amos Medford, Host of Wannabe Hunting Podcast, has to say about the Scott Archery Quick Release. He states,

“I love my Scott Archery Quick Release. It is extremely adjustable, very comfortable on the wrist, and has a nice crisp action. Oh, and made in the U.S.A. – that pretty much checks all the boxes for me! I would recommend the Scott Archery Quick-Shot to anyone on the market for a release!”

I also like to shoot with an index finger release because it is what I am comfortable with shooting. If you like to shoot thumb releases, then the next section is for you!

Thumb Trigger Releases

Thumb triggers are the new craze around the hunting world and for good reason. What makes thumb triggers some of the best bow releases for hunters is the mix of the index finger and back tension releases.

Thumb releases have the attributes of the index finger release because you know when the bow will be fired. This is essential for hunting because big game animals move quickly. It is not always the best choice to be completely caught off guard when the bow releases. It is essential to not punch the trigger though.

The thumb release also allows you to use a slight amount of back tension to aid in the process of releasing your arrow. This will allow you to hold your shooting stance firm throughout your entire shot process.

I know these two concepts seem to be contradictory to each other, but it is like a 50/50 split. That is what makes the thumb release one of the best bow releases in my opinion for deer hunting.

The other major pro to thumb releases is that it is extremely comfortable in the hand and is portable. These thumb releases will not clank on your tree stand and will keep you quiet on those dark mornings getting in your stand before daylight.

I know that thumb releases are not the easiest to use. Just like anything else in life, practice makes everything easier and more enjoyable as you get better. However, thumb releases are seeing a crazy number of hunters switching to them, and for good reason.

Another con that I want to touch on is the fact that there is not a wrist strap on thumb releases. This can be detrimental if you drop your release in the stand or lose it in your backpack. It is important to be responsible and careful when using a thumb release so that you do not cost yourself the opportunity to shoot a whitetail buck.

Now that you know about the pros and cons of thumb releases, let’s dive into the thumb releases that are the best bow releases for hunters.

Best Overall Thumb Trigger Bow Release: T.R.U. Ball Max Pro Plus Bow Release (4-Finger)

As you learned above, I do not shoot a thumb release and never have chosen one to be my release of choice. This means that I have done a lot of research by watching videos and reading reviews to make certain judgments on these types of releases. The T.R.U. Ball Max Pro was a bow release that stood out to me right away.

The biggest difference between the Max Pro and its competitors is that the trigger acts as an index trigger in the sense that if you pull the thumb trigger the two-caliber system opens. If you let, go of the trigger the system closes. This is great for putting your thumb release quickly on your bow and leaving it there as you sit and wait for a shot opportunity.

The Max Pro offers adjustability in the position of the thumb release and the trigger length. This will allow you to customize your release to fit all your needs.

From what I have read the grip on the Max Pro release is top-notch. It is comfortable in the hand of all hunters. It comes in at a fair price range and most hunters that want a thumb release would consider it on the cheaper side.

One of the downsides of the Max Pro is that it is a little different than other thumb releases and it may take a little getting used to even if you have shot a thumb release before.

Pros: Two-Caliber System, Adjustability, 4-Finger grip, Comfortable

Cons: Not your typical thumb release, could be a bit cheaper in my opinion but still fair.

Check Prices for T.R.U. Ball Max Pro Plus on Bass Pro Shops Here!

Best Value Thumb Release Trigger: Blackout 4 Finger Release

The Blackout 4 finger and 3 finger release are one of the best options for someone who wants to try a thumb release but isn’t quite ready to make the jump and spend 200 dollars on one at Bass Pro Shops!

The Blackout has all the basics you need in a thumb release. Adjustable thumb trigger (only vertical adjustments). The other thing that I think someone who wants a thumb release would enjoy is the ease of use. Just like anything just take some time getting used to it and it should be ready to rock n’ roll.

Overall, a good thumb release for a great price. Would recommend it for people who want to try to shoot a thumb release.

Pros: Simple, Effective, Price

Cons: Not as adjustable

Check Prices for Backout 4 Finger on Bass Pro Shops Here!

Back Tension / Hinge Releases

Some bowhunters may be asking what is a back tension bow release? I am glad you asked. A back tension bow release is a type of bow release that forces the shooter (you) to use the large muscles in your back called the traps to shoot the release.

How does a back tension release work?

A back tension release uses a half-moon hook and a hinge. The half-moon hook is what will connect the release to the bow. The hinge will not move until you start to use your traps to rotate the release and hinge. Once the rotation has gone far enough the half-moon hook will then release the string and the bow will fire.

What is the appeal of a back tension release?

The main reason that archers use a back tension release and call it the best bow release is that you cannot anticipate the shot. This will help archers who have target panic and punch the trigger. The release will go off and it will be a surprise to the archer. The back tension release is ideal for practicing your shooting form and holding your follow-through until the shot is gone.

Some back tension releases make a slight clicking sound right before the shot. I think that this defeats the point of why archers use these types of releases in hunting situations. The back tension release is great for competitions and practice because it helps your form which ultimately helps you make a better shot.

The Cons of a Back Tension Release

The major con of a back tension release is that in a hunting situation you want to be able to stop a deer and shoot. If you must stop a deer and then do not know when the bow will fire, you may take too long, and the deer will be gone.

If you struggle with target panic and punching the trigger, I recommend shooting with a back tension release until your problem is solved. I would not use this type of release to hunt with. I would use it to practice and work on your form and follow through.

I will not be reviewing any back tension releases because I have never shot one before. If I ever get the chance to shoot one, I will come back and edit this blog post. But for now, I will leave you with some links to brands that I trust that make back/hinge releases.

Check Out the TRU-Fire Sear Back Tension Bow Release at Bass Pro Shops Here!

Check Out Scott Archery Longhorn Pro Micro Back Tension Release at Bass Pro Shops Here!

Best Bow Release for Whitetail Hunting?

The best bow release for hunting situations in my opinion is the release that you feel most comfortable using. If you have been a long-time index finger release user (like me) then you may want to stick to what you know and just upgrade the quality of your bow release.

I just recently upgraded to a new Scott Quick-Release. I think that it is the best bow release because of its insanely sensitive trigger. It reduced my slight trigger punching almost immediately. That is what allows for ‘the surprise’ of the shot, but you still get to decide exactly when you want to start hitting that trigger.

Switching to a thumb release may be something for you if you want something that has a mix of back tension for your shooting form and index finger release because you know when the shot will happen. It all depends on your budget and what you are looking for in the best bow release for you.

I would recommend a back tension release for anyone who struggles with punching the trigger and is serious about solving your problem. It will allow you to focus on your form. I would not recommend using this type of release to hunt. I know some hunters do but the two above are much more popular for big game bowhunting.

Make Sure Release that You Pick will Work with Your Bow

Your release must be compatible with your bow. Most people that I know use a D-loop and that is compatible with all the best bow releases that I have reviewed above. If you have some other way to connect your bow release to your bowstring, make sure that the release is compatible with your system.

Conclusion of the Best Bow Release

The best bow release is not a simple answer. It has a lot of variables to consider and that is a good thing. It keeps the market competitive and always improving!

The main take-a-way is to choose something you are confident will be comfortable for you and will give you the best results. For me, that was the Scott Archery Quick Release. I have already seen improvement in my form, and I am more confident that I will make a lethal shot on a whitetail next year. Make sure to look at the best archery targets too so you have something to use your new release to fling arrows at this year.

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The Whitetail Teacher