Best Bow Release 2021 | TOP-15 Bow Release

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If you are fond of shooting and prefer archery, you have an opportunity to try different bow types such as trainer, recurve, or compound (with release aid). Your fingers or arm muscles will define for you the favorite bow, comfortable for them. This review will give you a hint on how to differ them and show 2 sides of a medal.

For shooting from the trainer or recurve bows finger tabs are used. Compound bows most often operate with the help of a release aid to hold the string and let it shoot accurately, but some of these bows allow you to shoot without a release as well.

Why do we need a bow release?

A mechanical release allows archers to fire with arrows more precisely, by utilizing a trigger to extricate the string, not the archer’s fingers.

One of the benefits of shooting with release aid is to diminish the dry firing risks (fewer cases of damaging the bow or the archer’s injury). Also using bow release, it’s much easier to gather arrows tighter together, as the string just puts them on to release one by one without your efforts, so your finger muscles can rest.

Table of Contents

TOP-15 Bow Release
FAQ
Conclusion

TOP-15 Bow Release

Image	Product	Brand
	Scott Archery Ascent Micro Hinge Release	Scott Archery
	Scott Archery Advantage Release for 3 Finger	Scott Archery
	Scott Archery Shark Trigger Release	Scott Archery
	Carter Insatiable Release	Carter
	Scott Archery Pursuit Release	Scott Archery
	TruFire Patriot Archery Compound Bow Release	TruFire
	TruFire Smoke Adjustable Archery Compound Bow Release	TruFire
	TruFire Hardcore Buckle Foldback Adjustable Archery Compound Bow Release	TruFire
	TRUGLO Detonator Ultra-Smooth Single Jaw Archery Release	TRUGLO
	Scott Archery Little Goose Release with Buckle Strap	Scott Archery
	Tru-Fire Hardcore Buckle Foldback MAX	Tru-Fire
	Tru Ball V-Lock Buckle Strap	Tru Ball
	Scott Archery Shark Double Caliper Release	Scott Archery
	Tru-Fire Synapse Hammer Throw Release	Tru-Fire
	Bow and arrow college Compound Bow Release Aid Trigger	Bow and arrow college

#1 Scott Archery Ascent Micro Hinge Release

The Ascent has developed a special shape for the Micro Hinge Release to provide convenience and security at full draw and can be used by both men and women. Micro regulations to travel and click distance ensure necessary performance while bow shooting. This release can be set to extremely quick post-click. The Micro Hinge Release has a stainless steel bracket.

What I liked:

Patent-pending dual sear locking design;
Thumb peg for drawing assistance;
After hundreds of shots the release locking set screw hasn’t moved at all;
Ergonomic, heavyweight stainless-steel handle, doesn’t get “gummy” like brass.

What I didn’t like:

California’s Proposition 65 warning

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#2 Scott Archery Advantage Release for 3 Finger

Scott Archery Advantage Release is made for 3 fingers position as a back-tension release, having adjustable moon with a click, ensuring to improve the score. The release comes without the bells and whistles but works properly. There are 2 available models: Green and GunMetal (grey).

What I liked:

The most reliable handle design;
Tournament-focused back tension release to boost score;
Lightweight;
Thumb peg for drawing assistance.

What I didn’t like:

Warning of California’s Proposition 65;
There is not a bit of a break in the bow shooting period to smooth out the moon.

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#3 Scott Archery Shark Trigger Release

Scott Archery Shark Release has a Dual Jaw with solid swivel connector rod with 5-hole length adjustment and Realtree-Camo wrist belt with buckle. This release will fit for shooters who use bowstring loops, good for bow hunting and target shoot. Scott dual caliper release can be easily defined due to its green jaws and adjustable trigger, which is knurled in forwarding position for maximum draw length. You can hold on to the connector, which has an oversized swiveling head for a better feel.

What I liked:

The smoothest possible trigger pull;
Dual jaw improves bow tune-ability;
Heavier-setting trigger;
Good customer service;
Wide roller sear surface;
Four-position length adjustment.

What I didn’t like:

None

READ: Best 458 Socom Muzzle Brake 2021

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#4 Carter Insatiable Release

Carter Insatiable Release is the choice of many professional archers, as it provides a good shot count. Insatiable Release is designed for 4-finger holding with the function of set screw tension adjustment. Releases are supplied in red color.

What I liked:

Quality and durable release;
Evenly dispersing pressure across the fingers due to the round, smooth edges;
Reliable customer service;
The arched handle lets the elbow place at a more natural position, ensuring better control while shooting.

What I didn’t like:

None

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#5 Scott Archery Pursuit Release

Scott Archery Pursuit Release is provided with an ergonomic handle, fully adjustable travel and position of the trigger, an extension for 3 and 4 fingers, and a rope connector with unlimitedly adjustable length (which makes it fit any archer’s hands size).

What I liked:

Made in the USA;
Best-in-class crisp trigger feel reached by the target inspired multi-sear technology;
Good accuracy and stability while shooting;
This release design gives an easy bow string draw.

What I didn’t like:

Not the best design for attachment to D-loop; The straps a bit bulkier than other Scott’s releases;
Too loud for hunting;
Difficult to set.

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#6 TruFire Patriot Archery Compound Bow Release

TruFire Patriot Archery Compound Bow Release is appropriate for both new or experienced archers of all ages. You can easily adjust the wrist strap with the Velcro on your size. The trigger travel sensitivity can be regulated and controlled.

What I liked:

Made in the USA;
Durable steel trigger with a smooth release;
Convenient to shoot with any hand (left or right) due to 360-degrees rotating trigger;
Has a swivel and it’s not necessary to rotate the arm.

What I didn’t like:

Not comfortable for middle-sized and big hands;
The tubular bit between the wrist strap and the trigger isn’t adjustable, so if it isn’t your size then the trigger won’t be where you need it to be;
Has the pincer rather than a hook: it feels loose and slightly unsafe while calibrating the bow.

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#7 TruFire Smoke Adjustable Archery Compound Bow Release

TruFire Smoke Compound bow release works, when the jaws are opened, pulling back the trigger, then the trigger is let off, closing the jaws. A Nylon Black Wrist 12 inches across Strap with a foldback buckle is convenient to fasten it with one hand, quietly. The release is operable with both hands (left or right), it has regulable trigger travel. The price varies from the quantity in the pack (one regular; 2; 3; 4 in a package).

What I liked:

Accurate and comfortable;
16-position trigger thumb adjustment makes it suitable for any hand size;
Durable jaws with a compact dime-sized head;
Made in the USA, Wisconsin;

What I didn’t like:

D-Loop fraying;
Can slip off the D-loop and hit in the face;
The set screw and swivel function does not work: no Allen wrench to set the trigger or swivel;
After some time the trigger can get caught halfway open, it should be pulled with effort.

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#8 TruFire Hardcore Buckle Foldback Adjustable Archery Compound Bow Release

The Hardcore Buckle Foldback Release is designed for bowhunting. The fold-back option allows to lay down the trigger back towards the wrist and to lock in place, excluding losing it. It’s convenient for hiking or climbing in the tree while hunting. This release is equipped with a leather buckle foldback strap, a solid steel single jaw, self-centering knuckle, swept-back trigger with fully regulable travel. Due to the swept-back and hook the trigger does not slip off the loops. Precise shots are guaranteed as the release with the loop is accurately centered.

What I liked:

Made in the USA;
Very smooth trigger pull and comfortable to wear;
No side-to-side torque while shooting due to the self-centering knuckle, put behind the main body;
20°-pivoting body allows to compensate for various anchor point positions;
Over 0,6” length adjustment with locking option to fit for both hands.

What I didn’t like:

The hook chews up D-loops, ruins them;
Trigger has some creep;
The set screw doesn’t lock the length into place.

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#9 TRUGLO Detonator Ultra-Smooth Single Jaw Archery Release

There are some models according to connection systems (side-lock or durable nylon) and strap finish (black leather and Realtree APG). TRUGLO Detonator Releases are made in China. The firing mechanism is stainless steel with a streamlined open-hook (away from the shooter) single wear-free jaw, micro-adjustable smooth trigger, and premium wrist strap. This release is designed to provide ergonomic hand and finger position for precise fast and quiet bow shooting. If you need to loosen the twist knob, pull it up and it loosens automatically; to tighten: push the knob in and turn until receiving desired tension (about 2.5 full rotations).

What I liked:

Open-hook single jaw ensures easy and fast loading necessary for string loops;
Forward trigger position enables faster arrow speeds;
No string torque due to 360-degree rotating head;

READ: Best Tactical Bag 2021

What I didn’t like:

The wrist strap is made of two pieces instead of one: huge seel causes discomfort to the wrist;
The hook misses its reset;
Destroys D-loop after about 250 shots;
Unreliable customer service;
The hook is often broken where it attaches to the base: it’s better to have a spare release for hunting.

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#10 Scott Archery Little Goose Release with Buckle Strap

Scott Archery has patented the design of the angled jaw to provide better string clearance of the hunting compound bow release. This release uses the roller single sear system. The swivel makes it fit any dominant hand. The release has to be closed manually after the trigger is pulled, it’s necessary to push the trigger forward to close the jaw. Little Goose Release feels comfortable on the wrist due to the nylon camo strap with buckle.

What I liked:

Made in the USA;
Patented 5-hole length adjustment on the solid swivel connector;
Draw length increases due to the forward knurled trigger;
Smooth operating and quiet to hunt with;
The trigger break is light and crisp, which lets precise shots.

What I didn’t like:

Made for small hands;
The strap material is a bit hard to feed through the buckle without binding;
Rust after using under the rain.

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#11 Tru-Fire Hardcore Buckle Foldback MAX

Tru-Fire Hardcore release has separate regulation options both for swept back trigger travel and pressure (from 3 to 16 oz, reached by the screw turnings). Prevention of slip-off loops is achieved by the hook with a 20-degree head pivot (Tru center technology). The black plush strap, equipped with a wider buckle, is made larger with padding and rolled edges to be more comfortable; the fold-away function makes it compact, to store easily, when not in use.

What I liked:

The buckle is very comfy;
The release is smooth;
Adjustment is over 0,6 inches in length;
Made in the US;
Suitable for both left and right hands;

What I didn’t like:

Not high-quality control process: the hook portion was jagged and sharp, so within three days cut through a d-loop;
The head does not swivel as freely as advertised.
Difficult to find the anchor point with a draw length over 31”.

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#12 Tru Ball V-Lock Buckle Strap

Tru Ball V-Lock Buckle Strap will fit a medium and large wrist and will work with any HT release, which has the v-lock grooves in the handle with a maximum of 4 fingers. To use it with HT release it’s necessary to remove the Tru Ball stickers in grooves, slide V-Lock bars into grooves, then slide rubber tubing over the back end of the V-Lock. For some hogg whippersnapper, it would be needed to modify the string a little bit. It’s possible to remove the buckle strap and just use the lanyard.

What I liked:

Attaches easily to the release;
Easy to install and adjust;
Well-made, comfortable, and looks great.

What I didn’t like:

None

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#13 Scott Archery Shark Double Caliper Release

Scott Archery Shark double caliper is the entire release for hunting. There are 2 models: the camo one has Velcro, the black leather one is with a buckle (with a black head and black trigger as well, only the Scott logo is printed in white). The release has a solid swivel connector. It’s necessary to push the trigger forward, as it does not return on its own.

What I liked:

The trigger is very sensitive;
Patented multiple 5-hole length adjustments on the barrel before the release head;
Adjustable wrist strap;
The draw is lengthened due to the forward knurled trigger;
The buckle is rock-solid in the hand and the trigger pull is smooth.

What I didn’t like:

Lost its ability to function smoothly after a year;
The jaws stopped working after about a month of using;
The release on the picture is not what you get.

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#14 Tru-Fire Synapse Hammer Throw Release

Tru-Fire Synapse Hammer Throw Release has a weighted brass handle, multi-position thumb barrel, all the adjustments to customize it for what fits you the best (adjustable trigger travel and pressure). This release can be configured for a Left-handed shooter. All components and cover are from anodized aluminum with a green finish. Ignore the description “Small” in Amazon, as the release of regular size, fits good for average hands.

What I liked:

Crisper;
Increases accuracy;
Has a good weight;
Works flawlessly;
Feels good in the hand.

READ: Best 1000 Lumen Flashlight 2021

What I didn’t like:

No piece for 4 finger option;
No item packaging, just bag;
Makes a loud clicking sound when fired.

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#15 Bow and arrow college Compound Bow Release Aid Trigger

Bow release with 360-degree rotation clamp head is suitable for 65lbs or fewer draw bows, ensuring launch accuracy and fast operation. It’s needed to lock the hook up to quick string attachment and adjust a rope connector for an adaptable fit. The adjustable strap fastens securely with a buckle to the wrist.

What I liked:

Easy-grip;
Easy to use;
Durable;
Compact sensitive preset trigger.

What I didn’t like:

Doesn’t have the strength to keep a hold on the string;
Too big for small hands.

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FAQ

How do bow releases work?

The principle of release bow work is to activate the bowstring with the trigger, which can be different forms, having wrist fixator; the release aid, in its turn, fastened to the string at the D-loop or below the nocking point. After pressing with the thumb or index finger on the trigger, the release aid draws the string, so the arrow flies to the target.

Why use a bow release?

A bow release can be used for better shooting precision. The arrow flight depends on the type of bow, from which it is shot: flying from a compound bow, a release aid makes it bend vertically, while, using a recurve bow, fingers give it left and right bending movements. In a compound bow, the string release is faster and with a lower amount of torque than put with the archer’s fingers onto the string.

Do Olympic archers use releases?

At the Olympics, archers are allowed to use only recurve bows. But at USA Archery divisions competitions it’s permitted to fire from recurve or compound bows, although according to the USA Archery rules a release aid for recurves or electronics is forbidden.

Can I use a release with a recurve bow?

Traditionally recurve bows have been designed to be shot with the fingers. Technically it’s possible to use a release with a recurve bow for shooting as a hobby, but not at the USA Archery competitions as under its rules it’s not permitted to use a release aid with recurves.

Conclusion

Archers with release bows are more precise shooters. The draw weight of the compound bow is usually twice more than the recurve bow’s one, so fingers will have double tension while drawing the bow. There are many types of releases, which work like triggers on guns as opposed to the traditional string releasing methods such as thumb release, barehanded with a shooting glove or tab. The main modern styles of bow release are used for a wrist and a thumb. It’s up to you, which one is more convenient for you, any way they both are adjustable to fit the main needs.

Best Pick

#10 Scott Archery Little Goose Release is the hunting compound bow release, which angled jaw provides better string clearance. Smooth operating and adjustments ensure precise shots.

Budget Pick

#12 Tru Ball V-Lock Buckle Strap will work with any HT release and fit medium and large wrists, comfortable and easy to use.

#6 TruFire Patriot Archery Compound Bow Release. The best seller on Amazon will be approved by new or experienced archers of all ages. The main pros are smooth release and the durability of the steel trigger.

Dmitry Koval

Tactical & Survival Expert

I am from the generation that tried to repeat all the tricks of Jackie Chan, hunted birds with homemade bows, and built my mini-base in the forest. At the age of 18, I was a scout in PLAST (scout organization) and participated in campaigns and quests. Somehow we decided to test ourselves, took our backpacks and walked 50 km (31 miles) in 1 day. We had a lot of fun!

Remembering my past, I ask in bewilderment: “How am I alive after all my adventures?” - harsh trials, reckless parties, love affairs, and a sea of silliness.

My hobbies are weapon upgrades, tactical gear, and the latest in wilderness survival technology. I have hundreds of different survival gadgets in my collections, which are sent to me for "test-driving" by Amazon, eBay, and other online retailers. That's what I write about, and I also make YouTube videos about them! Stay tuned!

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