A bow release is a mechanical release in archery used to trigger the arrow for precise shots instead of using your fingers. There are many bow releases that are available today and it is somewhat difficult to differentiate each one.
So what is the best compound bow release? My personal favorite is the TruFire Edge 4-Finger Bow Release. With 16 position settings, this hand held release is very easy to set up and allows for a smooth release and an accurate shot.
Reviews of the Best Compound Bow Releases
1. TruFire Edge 4-Finger Bow Release
If you are a hunter or a tournament archer, this bow release is made for you. If you are good in different thumb positions, I recommend the TruFire Edge 4-Finger Bow Release since it has an adjustable trigger thumb in 16 positions.
You can also control the head of the bow release with its 360 degrees head rotation. This bow release can fit both left and right fingers so you can switch it either way in our hands to which side you are comfortable.
It makes draws easier and increases accuracy in shooting. It also has a smooth release.
Pros:
- 16 Position trigger thumb adjustment
- Head rotation in full degree
- Adjustable trigger travel
Cons:
- Higher cost
2. TruFire Hurricane Extreme Buckle Bow Release
For those who are looking for a lightweight bow release, you may want to look into this. You will only need 35 ounces of pressure to trigger the TruFire Hurricane Extreme Buckle wrist bow release. You can buckle the strap in your wrist. It is made of nylon with adjustable trigger travel. It has a double caliper with a spring-loaded trigger.
This bow release is quite simple yet it might be comfortable for you. It can fit both your left or right fingers. If the strap is too tight or too loose for you, you can adjust the length between the head and strap. This is very convenient since you need not use any tool for adjustments. Its jaws will open upon pulling the trigger and closes automatically after you let it go.
We suggest this product if you are looking for affordable bow release. It has a shipping weight of 4.8 ounces with dimensions of 10.5 x 5.2 x 2.2 inches. Some people who used this product are satisfied since using this bow release increased the accuracy of their shots even if used continuously.
On a final note, this bow release is described as comfortable with a smooth release, that lasts long and works well for its price, although the sound that the wrist straps makes may scare away your target game.
Pros:
- Double caliper with a spring-loaded trigger
- Adjustable head and strap
- Adjustable trigger travel
- Low cost
Cons:
- Noise caused by the strap
3. TruFire Hardcore Buckle Bow Release
If you’re looking for plush camo, this product might be the best for you. It has Super plush camo buckle strap that you can loop in your wrists in order to draw force from your arms instead of just using your fingers.
The TruFire Hardcore Buckle Bow Release has fully adjustable trigger travel from over 1-inch length. You can adjust the pressure on the trigger from 3 to 6 ounces. This adds to the consistency and accuracy of your shot. This bow release is in hook style.
The shipping weighs 5.1 ounces. This product has a dimension of 10.5 x 5.2 x 1.8 inches. Most users love the camo material of this bow release since it feels good on their wrist although some said that the strap is too lose for those with small wrists. They also like the adjustable hook arm of this product compared to the caliper style.
Pros:
- Plush camo buckle strap
- Adjustable trigger travel
- Adjustable trigger pressure
Cons:
- Disadvantage for those with small wrists
4. Scott Archery Caliper Grip Release
For those who are more comfortable using hand-held releases, the Scott Archery Caliper Grip Release might work the best for you. This bow release has a molded grip wherein you can fit in your fingers in the slots of its grip comfortably. It has also an adjustable trigger.
The product weighs about 3.2 pounds with a dimension of 8.2 x 5 x 1.8 inches. The molded grips of this product is a nice feature, though some people may prefer bigger grips.
Pros:
- Molded grips
- Adjustable trigger
Cons:
- Small finger slots
5. TruFire Hardcore 4 Finger Revolution Archery Release
This is another T-handled bow release. If you are looking for a bow release that is versatile with several adjustments, the TruFire Hardcore 4 Finger Revolution Archery Release may be the one you’re looking for. The head and handle of this bow release is made of aluminum that is smooth and shiny.
For those who are more comfortable in camo, this bow release is available in camo type. Its head can be rotated 360 degrees because of its 11 ball bearings. This can fit the fingers of both your left and right hands. You can adjust it in 16 positions with adjustable tension.
The shipping weight of this bow release is 3.2 ounces with dimensions of 8.2 x 5.2 x 1.5 inches. Most users find this bow release more comfortable compared to wrist-type bow releases.
Pros:
- 360 head rotation
- 16 position trigger knob
- 11 ball bearings
- Fits fingers of both left and right hands
Cons:
- Higher cost
Bow Releases FAQ and Buyer’s Guide
Mechanical release advantages
If you need to enhance your shooting, using a mechanical release might help you. This may improve your performance since having a mechanical release can add to the stability and consistency of your shot. It would also help you focus more on the target since the arrow will be secured. The trigger installed in these bow releases is easy to manipulate and makes shooting more convenient.
Using a mechanical release will also help you grip the arrow tighter. This will reduce the pressure on the arrow and the bowstring. It is also important to learn the right way of using these releases since you may not get the expected result if they are used the wrong way.
Types of bow releases
Wrist type bow release is a good choice for those who want to secure their triggers. It has a strap that can be looped or buckled on your wrists for security. Although, some straps cause noise that may scare your target if you are hunting. If you are using this type of bow release, you are actually drawing force from your arms and not just from your fingers. This bow release uses triggers to release the shot.
Some are in hook style and others are in caliper style. They are easy to set up and cost lower compared to handheld bow releases. If you decided to choose this type of bow release, it is important to consider the adjustable range of the wrist strap. You may want to make sure that it fits your wrist just right. This may be a good choice for people that are familiar with pulling triggers.
The other type of bow release is the handheld release. This bow release is recommended for advance archers. Most hunters use this type of release since it is small and lightweight. You can attach it in your bowstring or put it in your pocket.
When using this bow release, the trigger is located near your thumb. This bow release is also easier to use since it is in hook style. If you want a bow release with adjustment options, you might want to consider this mechanical release. In this release, you will rely on the strength of your fingers.
Features to consider in choosing a bow release
The first thing you might want to consider about bow releases is that they should be comfortable and perfect for you. Your bow release is an essential part of archery since it determines your performance.
There are several features of each bow release and it is best for you to assess what will help you the most. Using a bow release that makes you confident will improve the consistency and accuracy of your shot that can result in a bull’s eye.
I recommend that you try the product first in order for you to know what fits you. If you are concerned about the price, you might want to consider wrist type bow release since handheld releases cost more. Wrist type mechanical releases are also advisable to those beginners since it is simpler with few adjustments.
If the price is not an issue for you and you are already experienced in archery, handheld bow release is a good investment with its advanced adjustments. But of course, everything is your choice. You can always get what you think will make your performance better.
Release mechanisms
The release mechanism is one of the most crucial parts of your bow release. This part is the one that moves when the trigger is pulled. The caliper, thumb switch and back tension are some types of release mechanisms. Caliper release is the most popular release mechanism. The caliper opens when you pull the trigger and closes if released. It has only a few or one moving part that makes it simple and also easy to use.
In handheld bow releases, a thumb switch is used. They are complicated since it has the most moving parts compared to other bow releases. Back tension release has only one moving part. This release mechanism is also used in handheld releases. If you want a challenge, you may want to have a bow release with back tension. This release is a bit difficult to use.
Release attachments
The D Loop attachment is the most widely used in bow releases since it reduces the amount of torque applied on the bowstring. It also sees to it that the arrow is not pressured by the bowstring. This attachment is made of nylon and is tied to the bow string. Its name came from the D shape of the attachment itself.
Another type of attachment used is under the nock. In this type, the release is attached directly to the bowstring below the nock of the arrow. This is still used by archers who are older that are not yet equipped in D loop release attachments. The stress is mostly applied on the bow and also on the arrow itself.
My Choice for the Best Compound Bow Release
My top pick for the best compound bow release is the TruFire Edge 4-Finger Bow Release. Most hunters switched from wrist releases to handheld ones since these are easier to set up.
This bow release has the combined features of other types that make it versatile. You can use it with ease and it will increase your accuracy in shooting.
It enables you to adjust the trigger thumb in 16 positions in order to achieve the perfect combination that is most comfortable for you.
Top Rated Bow Releases
Last update on 2023-03-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API