Best Bow Releases Tested And Reviewed

Our team of expert hunters and archery instructors have rated and reviewed the 10 best archery releases available to help you to decide which is best for you. 

A good release aid will not only help you with a smooth arrow release, but it will also decrease the risk of dry firing, improve finger safety, and make it much easier to develop good shooting form and improve your accuracy.

The Complete List

How We Chose The Best Bow Releases

These are the release aids that our staff of expert hunters and archery instructors use on a daily basis.

These are the same releases that they use to teach beginners archery and the same releases that we use to bowhunt.

Below you will find reviews of the top 10 models used and recommended by our staff of expert bow hunters and archery instructors.

Top Rated Bow Release Reviews And Recommendations

Best Archery: Spot Hogg WiseGuy Wrist Release with Boa Strap

This release by Spot Hogg was created specifically for archers that want a wrist strap release but with the same accuracy and quality as the thumb button releases. This is the WiseGuy release we all know and love, but now it comes with an additional BOA closure system. 

The release includes one of the lightest triggers ever produced and other amazing features such as a rigid body for speed and comfort, a fail-safe trigger with no trigger travel, and adjustable length. 

The light trigger makes this release the best. It breaks crisply for super accurate shots. It is the best index finger release we have used.

The only downside is that the BOA system is loud when tightening. Spot Hogg makes the same release with a buckle strap, which is our favorite for hunting. You can see that release below

Features:

• Self-reloading hook
• Micro-adjustable dial 
• Forward trigger design for maximum draw speed and length

Best For Hunting: Spot Hogg Wiseguy Release With Buckle Strap

This is the same archery wrist release as our top pick, except this one features the buckle strap as opposed to the BOA strap.

We prefer the buckle strap for bow hunting because it is much quieter in hunting situations when tightening on your wrist.

If you’re looking for a very light trigger, then the Spot Hogg Wiseguy might be the best index finger release for you.

The forward trigger design makes this release incredibly unique and the sensitivity of the trigger can increase accuracy by promoting a squeeze on the trigger rather than a pull. 

We love the caliper on these releases that effortlessly opens for ultra-fast D-loop hook up.

We also like the slight curve in the trigger that complements your finger positioning.

You can also tighten or loosen the trigger to suit your preference thanks to the adjustment screw located beside the trigger.

In addition to these features, the buckle strap is made out of high-quality materials and has padding for added comfort.

We also appreciated how simple the length adjustment on the release head is.

All in all, it’s an awesome release that has excellent craftsmanship, easy set-up, and user-friendly design.

Features:

• Dual-caliper release
• 4.8 ounces
• Micro-adjustable dial
• Self-reloading hook

Best For The Money: Scott Archery Quick Shot

Another excellent index finger release is the Scott Archery Quick Shot. This release uses a leather buckle strap and the hunter is able to adjust the fit depending on their comfort. The interior of the release is comfortable and smooth on the skin, even if you’re wearing it for a long period of time. 

The strap is connected to the infinitely adjustable rope connector. I really like the rope releases, they are more adjustable and the feel inspires confidence.

The Quick Shot's reliable single jaw caliper features the Scott roller sear design for a smooth release every time.

The ultra crisp trigger activation provides for a clean break and deadly accuracy.

Features:

• Spring-loaded single caliper mechanism made in the USA
• Scott Roller Sear Technology ensures a smooth, crisp trigger activation for a clean break
• Release rotates 360-degrees

Best Index: TRUFIRE Hardcore Buckle Foldback MAX

This index finger release offers amazing performance with superb adjustability, a comfortable strap, and a fold-back head which which we really like. If you’re looking for a quality archery release, then you should definitely take the Hardcore Max into consideration.

The Tru-Fire Hardcore Max is made with durable materials. The buckle strap is comfortable, quiet, thick, and easy to remove thanks to the strap interface. Keep in mind that there will be a break-in period because the wrist strap is a bit thicker. In addition, if you’re a woman with smaller wrists and hands, this might not be the ideal model for you. 

Another thing that is superbly designed is the release mechanism, offering a wide range of adjustability. There’s a whole inch of adjustment to the length and the trigger pressure can be adjusted from 16 oz to 3oz.

You can also reduce torque on your shots thanks to the pivoting head which is one of the features that greatly impressed us.

Features:

• 20-degree head pivot
• Swept-back trigger
• Fold-back buckle leather strap
• Extra padding
• Lockable length adjustment 

Best Four Finger: Tru Ball Bone Collector T Rex

The Bone Collector T Rex by Tru Ball is up to par with releases you would see from Spot Hogg. It has plenty of impressive features which is why we decided to include it on our top 10 list. It is my favorite handheld thumb release, it is highly adjustable with separate trigger travel and sensitivity adjustment screws.

When I was testing release aids for this year's article, this was the quietest handheld release that I tested.

Thumb trigger releases are the best release for target panic. They reduce the urge to punch the tigger producing a surprise release, which results in a smoother release of the arrow. My accuracy improved quickly when I switched to a handheld thumb button release. 

Features:

• Super quiet.
• Easy to load.
• Excellent adjustability.
• Multi position thumb barrel.

Best Thumb Trigger: Stan OnneX Thumb Archery Release

I was excited to have the opportunity to test the Stan Onnex Thumb Release. 

The first thing I noticed after shooting a couple of arrows with it, was how crisp the trigger was. There was absolutely no trigger travel, resulting in an incredibly clean break.

I also love that it is completely adjustable and comes with 3 finger and 4 finger attachments

It uses their ergonomic shape that feels great in hand shot after shot and you will definitely feel the difference between this release compared to others in the industry. It comes with a completely customizable trigger and travel adjustment, so it gets extra points for customizability.

That said, I love the texture of the thumb trigger and its accuracy was really good. I found myself shooting the tightest groups with this handheld thumb release.

All in all, this release will provide you with consistent accuracy while you’re practicing or out in the field. 

Features:

• Completely adjustable for a custom fit
• Completely customizable trigger tension and travel adjustment
• Two thumb barrel sizes, and two barrel post length
• Includes 3 finger and 4 finger attachments
• Stan Trainer Lock that allows you to practice without actually firing

Best For Accuracy: TRU Ball The GOAT

The TRU BALL GOAT is a three finger thumb release featuring an adjustable trigger. Built in lanyard, individual travel and sensitivity screws with locks, multi-positional thumb barrel and teardrop and an easy to load jaw.  You can easily release in any position with the adjustable trigger. Individual travel and sensitivity screws. Expertly made from sturdy materials. Excellent quality you can trust. 

You get precise movements thanks to the micro-adjustable hinge adjustment. The trigger mode and hinge mode are independent of each other which means that adjustments made in hinge mode will not affect the sensitivity in trigger mode and vice versa. This amazing device sticks to the hand release without any interference with the grip. Crafted to set the standards for excellence. Overall, it’s a great product and one we really believe in. 

Combine the TRU Ball GOAT with one of the best bow sights and you will have an incredibly accurate compound bow.

Features:

• Three finger thumb release
• Open-hook design
• Factory set as a thumb-activated release with both trigger travel and trigger tension adjustments

Best For Beginners: Scott Archery Little Goose 

If you’re looking for lethal accuracy, then you need to take a look at the Scott Archery Little Goose. This release features dual-caliper jaws in order to take a massive bite out of string toque and ensure pinpoint precision. 

The 4-hole length adjustment ensures that any archer can set the distance to the trigger perfectly, while the swivel connector feels rock solid. The release has a durable build and works smoothly and flawlessly once it’s adjusted to your hand. There’s also some padding used in the product, earning high points when it comes to comfort. 

One thing I noticed is that the rubber patch on the strap is very hard to get through the buckle. I struggled to get it through with one hand.

Overall, though, the Shark II is an amazing release that is adjustable for a wide range of hunters.

Features:

• Auto return roller sear trigger
• Travel and length adjustments
• Made out of steel, aluminum, and nylon
• 2 piece release head
• Leather and neoprene strap

Here's a video showing you the features of the Scott Little Goose Release.

Best Youth Release: Tru Ball Archery Youth Shooter Release Buckle

The new Shooter series by Tru Ball has been created specifically with youth in mind. The product has free-floating jaws that are triggered by a ball inside the release. The rope connection between the wrist strap and the release head provides great accuracy and less torque while allowing the length of the index release to be short to fit smaller hands. 

Features:

• 360-degree swivel at the base of the strap
• Velcro closure system
• Quick-lock connection system

Best Budget: Tru-Fire Smoke 2.0 Max Buckle Foldback 

The TruFire Smoke Adjustable Archery Compound release comes with padding that’s 2.5% thicker and has enhanced features such as an improved buckle. In addition to this, it comes with a trigger thumb adjustment system with 16 positions. 

The design allows both right and left-handed shooters to use it without any issues. Another thing that adds to the versatility of this product is that the archer can adjust the length of the trigger travel so that it is comfortable for the individual. 

This index release improves the accuracy and skill of the hunter and works smoothly. The product is designed to be compatible with smaller wrist sizes thanks to the strap buckle. When this hunting accessory isn’t in use, you can flip back the wrist strap with the fold-back construction. 

Features:

• The head rotates at 20 degrees
• Dual-caliper release
• Made with nylon

Wrapping Up The Reviews

After hours of use, and wearing out archery targets, we’ve put both wrist releases and thumb releases to the test and given you our top picks for best archery release with in-depth reviews so that you can decide which release is best for you. 

If we had to pick one release to name best archery release, it would be the Spot Hogg- WiseGuy, either with the buckle strap for hunting or the BOA strap for the archery range.

Buying Guide

In order to help you make your purchasing decision, we went a step further beyond the detailed product reviews and we’re going to offer you a buying guide that presents all the needed information in a clear and transparent way.

Here are the things you should consider when choosing a release:

Type of Release

There are basically two types of archery releases, wrist releases and thumb releases.

Let's take a look at both:

Wrist Releases

Wrist releases attach to the wrist and the bow is drawn using all of the muscles of the arm, shoulder and back. This leaves your fingers completely free and away from the release until you are ready to pull the trigger with your index finger.

In our experience, wrist releases and index releases are much easier to use and better for beginners.

Thumb Releases

These are handheld releases that are activated with a thumb button.

Thumb releases come in either 3 finger or 4 finger configurations and the bow is drawn using the fingers. The trigger is initiated with the thumb instead of the index finger.

Thumb button trigger releases can be more accurate than index finger releases with practice, but they take getting used to.

Hinge Releases(Also Known As Back Tension Releases)

A hinge release, or back tension release was popular with target archers, but not very popular with hunters until recently.

The way a hinge release works is you come to full draw, settle on your target and the engage your back muscles, pulling and pushing the bow apart. This causes the release to rotate, which initiates a spontaneous trigger, releasing the arrow. This is why it is also known as a surprise release.

The advantage of a hinge release is that it eliminates target panic and the anticipation of the shot, which can result in better accuracy, especially under stressful conditions, like when a big buck is standing broadside in front of you.

The downside is that they can take a lot of getting used to. I have tried several different hinge releases and I just don't like them. I find them very difficult to get used to.

Sound 

One of the most crucial aspects you need to pay attention to when you’re buying a release is whether or not it’s quiet. You will definitely appreciate a quiet release if you’re hunting game. You should avoid releases that make a clicking sound when you shoot or draw because this can alert the prey of your presence. Something you also might want to avoid if you’re hunting game is a velcro strap since when you’re making adjustments they can be pretty noisy. Instead, you can go for buckle systems.

Materials 

Even though it can be pretty expensive to buy a high-quality release, it will serve you for a long time. Make sure that the materials used to make the release are quality materials. Leather straps are a solid choice for a wrist release. You also need to see if the head is made with durable materials. 

Comfort

If your release isn’t comfortable, it’s almost impossible to shoot your bow and hit a target accurately. One of the things that are extremely important for comfort is that the wrist strap has a lot of padding. If there isn’t padding on the strap, you will probably feel uncomfortable and this is especially true in long shooting sessions. If you’re getting a handheld release, make sure that the handle is sturdy and well-constructed and that it also feels comfortable and stable in your hand. It will be very difficult to tune your bow, if you are not comfortable using your release aid.

Adjustment settings

Another crucial factor when it comes to releases is adjustability. It can be quite difficult to tailor the release to your comfort if the adjustment settings are limited. Make sure that you go for releases that allow you to adjust the size, angle, and trigger sensitivity.

Also, most releases can be used for a right or left handed bow.

Budget

Even though it might be tempting to buy a high-end release, something that’s a great factor in the decision-making process is your budget. Releases come at many different prices, so it’s important to think about how much money you’re willing to spend on a release. Your budget will be determined by how accurate you want your shots to be and how seriously you take archery. You may want to consider a beginner compound bow. Many of these come with a release included.

String

Consider the type of nock point on your bowstring. Some strings have a D-loop, while others have a simple nock point. Release aids work best with a D-loop, but can be used with a simple nock point, however they may damage the arrow nock without a D-loop and a damaged nock could possibly lead to dry firing a bow.

Type of Bow

The type of bow that you are shooting should also be taken into consideration. Arrows are released differently from a compound bow vs recurve. This type of archery release is typically used with a compound bow, along with a quality arrow rest. Recurve bows are shot with the fingers and use a glove or finger tabs as a release aid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best archery release for accuracy?

The best archery release for accuracy is the Spot Hogg- WiseGuy Release with Boa Strap. Our team of experts recommends this archery released based on hours of testing.

What is the best archery release for hunting?

The best archery release for hunting is the Spot Hogg Wiseguy Release with Buckle strap. Our expert hunters have found that the buckle strap is much quieter to put on and take off than the BOA strap, making much better for hunting. 

What bow release does Joe Rogan use?

Joe Rogan currently uses the Carter Target 4 Archery Release. It is a very good release, but our experts found that there are better options at that price range.

How long do bow releases last?

A good bow release will last a lifetime if it is well cared for and maintained. Many of our team members have releases that are 20-30 years old and more and they still work perfectly.

Where do you store your bow release?

You store your release with your bow. You can wrap the strap around your quiver, or store it with other gear in one of the pockets of your bow case.

Do I Need a Bow Release?

Whether or not you need a release will greatly depend on which type of bow you’re using. For instance, it’s most likely that you’ll need a release if you’re planning to use a modern compound bow. 

Can you carry a bow with a release aid?

No, you should not carry a bow with a release aid. You could damage the release aid or the bowstring. Click here to learn how to carry a bow when hunting. 

Can I use a Release with a Recurve Bow?

Even though you can still use a release if you choose, recurve bows are created for shooting with your fingers. For this reason, archers typically don't shoot recurve bows with a release aid. 

Do Olympic Archers use Bow Releases?

No. The Olympics only allows recurve bows on which you can’t use any release device, but instead, you use your fingers. 

Can Bow Releases be used During Competitions? 

Bow releases are usually allowed when you participate in compound bow categories. However, it’s not permitted in recurve bow categories. If you’re not 100% sure, we would recommend that you take a look at the rules of the competition to find out.