Bow hunting season is right around the corner for 2023. Now is the time to check and then double-check that your gear is in order for the opening day of this archery season. All the hard work and preparation you have put in during the off-season is about to pay off. But do you have all of the right gear?
There are countless gear items on our checklist that will help us navigate to a successful day in the tree stand while bow hunting. A good bow release is one of the most necessary items but oftentimes overlooked.
Choosing the right bow release can make all the difference in your shooting accuracy and precision. With so many different bow releases available on the market, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
This blog post will cover the best bow releases for compound bows in 2023. I’ll also dive into the different types of bow releases and factors to consider when choosing the right model for your needs.
my top 6 picks for the best bow releases of 2023:
1. Tru-Fire Edge 4 Finger Handheld
2. STAN OnneX
4. Stan SoleX
The Three Main types of bow releases and my top picks for each category
Thumb releases.
Thumb releases are growing in popularity for archery hunters due to their simplicity and ease of use. This type of release is designed to be held between your thumb and index finger. The shot is executed when your thumb engages the trigger mechanism.
In today’s archery world, more and more bowhunters are switching to a thumb release as their preferred release style. This release style is becoming more popular because it allows bowhunters to shoot more consistently than with a traditional wrist or index release.
Pros of using a thumb release.
A thumb trigger release has a major advantage over other release styles because the thumb is naturally less sensitive to trigger feel, and this change in mechanics is what’s needed to free the archer’s mind when it comes to precision shooting.
When shooting a compound bow, a traditional index release has the closest resemblance to shooting a firearm. Inherently, our brains are fine-tuned to anticipate the shot when our index finger touches the trigger mechanism.
On the other hand, when our thumbs interact with a trigger mechanism, our brains do not instinctively register that a shot is about to be made. Overall, a thumb trigger style of release improves aiming focus and helps most archers to make more consistent shots.
The Tru-Fire Edge 4-Finger Handheld and the STAN OnneX Resistance are my top two picks for the best thumb releases.
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Tru-Fire Edge 4 Finger Handheld.
TruFire is the largest manufacturer of archery releases in the world. They have always been a trusted brand for archers and bow hunters due to their vigorous testing and award-winning innovations. When it comes to thumb releases, they did not cut any corners with the Tru-Fire Edge 4 Finger Handheld release.
Made in the U.S.A., The Tru-Fire Edge 4 Finger is a reliable handheld thumb release designed for both bowhunters and tournament archers. The Edge was designed for maximum accuracy and ease of use. It features a unique adjustable trigger tension that allows you to customize the sensitivity and feel of the trigger, ensuring you have complete control over your shots.
The Edge also offers an easy-to-use locking system that ensures optimal firing consistency—no more worrying about accidentally firing the release when you don’t mean to!
With its unique ergonomic design and contoured handle, the Tru-Fire 4 Finger Handheld release provides a comfortable grip that won’t slip even in the toughest of shooting environments. With its adjustable features and easy-to-use design, you’ll be able to obtain great accuracy and consistency with every shot. Whether you are just starting out as a bow hunter or an experienced archer looking for a reliable release, this is one of the most versatile thumb releases on the market.
Key Features of the Tru-Fire Edge 4 Finger Handheld:
- Fluid trigger action with adjustable trigger tension and thumb knob.
- 360-degree head rotation designed to reduce torquing and provide a smooth shot.
- Slim handle with small jaws that are perfect for locking onto smaller string loops with no issues.
- Identical anchor points on every draw.
- Ambidextrous – designed to fit both right and left-hand shooters.
STAN OnneX Resistance.
The STAN OnneX Resistance release is designed for bow shooters to produce more accurate shots. This thumb release combines over 50 years of features and experiences from the STAN product line. The Onnex Resistance platform is built with STAN’s new searing system, allowing for improved consistency and reliability, promoting the perfect shot every time.
The Onnex Resistance Release is a great choice to enhance any archer’s form and accuracy. This thumb release is available in multiple sizes and includes 3 and 4-finger attachments. Ultimately, this is one of the most customizable thumb releases on the market, allowing you to execute your shots with true back tension.
Key Features of the STAN OnneX Resistance:
- Updated searing system that allows for improved consistency and reliability, aiding you in the perfect shot every time.
- Single open hook with a loop retainer allows you to maintain a solid connection to the bow loop at all times.
- Available in multiple sizes to comfortably fit any archer’s hands.
- Comes included with 3 and 4-finger attachments, a large and small thumb barrel, and two barrel extensions.
Index Releases.
Index finger releases, also known as trigger releases, are most popular among archers who prefer a more mechanical and consistent release. An index release engages the trigger mechanism with the index finger. I know that may seem obvious to most of us, but the index release is the most popular release aid due to its natural “shot-like” feel.
Pros of using an index release.
An index finger release has the most minimal learning curve for a new archer learning how to shoot a bow. This release type is very reminiscent of shooting a gun, so for most archers, the muscle memory is already there. When it comes down to the heat of the moment during a hunt, it’s easy to pull the trigger when you need to.
An added bonus of the index finger release is that it comes with a wrist strap. This strap can come in handy while on the hunt because it allows you to keep both hands free and decreases the chance of losing your release in the field because it is always attached to you. This strap also helps you with pulling your bow back.
Potential cons of using an index release.
Even though these are among the most popular release styles, the index finger release has a few drawbacks. The main downfall of this release is its trigger-style design. Much like shooting a firearm, most bowhunters will likely punch the trigger, negatively affecting accuracy and consistency. Another area where the index style release lacks is that it can cause an awkward positioning when holding your bow at full draw. Nonetheless, both of these difficulties become less of an issue with more training and repetition over time.
My top two picks for the best index releases are the Spot Hogg Wiseguy and the Stan SoleX.
Spot Hogg Wiseguy.
The Spot Hogg Wiseguy was built specifically for hardcore bow hunters who have longed for a wrist strap release that features the same quality and accuracy as other variations of target releases.
The Wiseguy has virtually no trigger travel. This feature minimizes your risk of punching the trigger and helps alleviate the feeling of “target panic.”
Spot Hogg truly outperformed their competitors when they created a wrist strap release with the lightest trigger of any bow hunting release ever created. The micro-adjust trigger with no travel allows you to set the perfect tension for your shooting needs and creates a crisp, torque-free shot.
This wrist-style index release also has a quick side-loading jaw that is extremely easy to attach to the D-loop so that you are ready to take your shot in an instant. Overall, the Wiseguy is one of the most certified index finger releases on the market today.
Key Features of the Wiseguy:
- Light, adjustable trigger with zero travel.
- Adjustable length.
- Forward trigger design for maximum draw length and speed.
- Open jaw for ultra-fast D-loop hook up.
- Self-reloading hook.
- Fail-safe trigger.
STAN SoleX.
Making their second appearance on this list, STAN Releases cannot be beaten when it comes to reliability and affordability. The STAN SoleX index finger release is a dependable option for you, whether you are an experienced archer or someone new to bow hunting in general.
The SoleX release is an index finger release with a leather wrist strap and a hard connection between the release and wrist strap to ensure no creep or movement when you hit a full draw.
Additionally, the SoleX has a highly adjustable trigger system. When adjusted to its lightest sensitivity, this trigger virtually has no trigger travel and helps combat target panic.
The open hook, trigger system, and spring-loaded return make the SoleX a great choice for bow hunters looking for a budget-friendly index finger release option.
Key Features of the STAN SoleX:
- Open hook head that is built for fast connections to the bowstring or D-loop.
- A spring-loaded auto return that resets on its own and is optimized for quick follow-up shots.
- Buckle-style wrist strap that keeps the release in place for an all-day comfortable fit.
- Adjustable trigger travel.
- Adjustable trigger tension.
Hinge Releases.
Hinge releases, also known as back tension releases, offer higher control and accuracy but require more effective technique and practice. This is because this release aid is designed to be pulled with your back muscles.
A hinge release does not have a trigger mechanism that makes it go off. Instead, this handheld release fires by rotation. As you draw back with your thumb and index finger, you slowly transfer the weight of the drawn back arrow to your middle and ring finger until the shot breaks.
Pros of using a hinge release.
Mastering a hinge release may not be the best option for new archers. However, this release style is becoming more popular for bow-hunting enthusiasts that are tired of “punching” the trigger on other release styles. Punching the trigger can be fixed with a variety of training techniques, but some archers find that switching to a hinge release system can alleviate this issue altogether and help send more arrows down range with a better grouping pattern.
What to consider before using a hinge release.
Ultimately, each release type has its pros and cons. A possible con of using a hinge release is that it does not attach to your wrist and can easily get lost while out in the field. Another potential downfall is that it can be very easy to discharge your bow while coming to a full draw accidentally. However, this can easily be avoided with proper training and muscle memory over time.
Click or no click?
Some hinge releases come with a click. A click signals as you rotate the release, and it is close to firing. This is beneficial for some archers because it gives them time to start their shot execution process.
Ultimately, the click can help with timing your shots and gives consistency to the muscle memory it takes to set off the release.
My top two picks for the best hinge style releases are the B3 Archery Ghost and the Tru-Fire SEAR Handheld.
B3 Archery Ghost.
The B3 Archery Ghost release is an excellent back tension release that is designed to improve the accuracy and consistency of shot placement with a smooth, easy-to-use action. Its lightweight design features a low profile, allowing for the perfect combination of comfort and control when shooting.
Most notable for its all-white hourglass aluminum handle, this hinge style release has an incredible high-end look and feel. The aluminum handle comes with a texture-coated grip, allowing for better authority and more control while coming to a full draw.
The Ghost back tension release is easy to use and is highly adjustable to fit your bow shooting style. The micro-adjust moon system will give you ease when making travel adjustments. Additionally, the Ghost’s patented hook and moon design allows you to adjust whether there is a click or no click prior to engaging the shot.
Ultimately, if you are looking for a high-quality back tension bow release that is suitable for both hunting and competitive archery, then the Ghost release by B3 Archery is a great release. This release was built to last and can be customized for any bow shooting situation.
Key Features of the B3 Ghost:
- All-white hourglass aluminum handle with a texture-coated grip.
- Auto-locking band for hook return, allowing faster knocking and redrawing.
- Integrated thumb peg for easier leverage.
- Hook and moon design with the ability to shoot click or no click (also features several click stages).
- Three-finger design.
Tru-Fire SEAR Handheld.
Once again, Tru-Fire makes the list with another incredible bow release. Known for their innovative products that deliver great accuracy, reliability, and functionality, Tru-Fire knocked it out of the park with this hinge release. Introducing the Tru-Fire SEAR Handheld.
Constructed of fully machined components and a smooth brass handle, the SEAR Handheld hinge release is made to feel great in your hand and build shooting confidence. The heavy brass handle fits snugly in your hands, allowing your fingers to sink in and get a good hold. The key to repeating accurate shots is gripping your release perfectly every shot. This is why the Tru-Fire SEAR Handheld release is top of its class regarding a reliable hinge release.
Key Features of the SEAR Handheld:
- Fully machined components with a heavy, smooth brass handle.
- Adjustable hot/cold settings that allow you to adjust how much rotational force is needed to engage the release (Hot requires little movement while cold requires a lot more movement).
- 4-sided sear with variable click options (short, medium, long, and no click).
- 3-position thumb post for adjustable thumb placement.
- Adjustable fourth finger extension that can be swept 45 degrees to maximize back-end leverage.
Which type of bow release should You use?
Choosing the right bow release is an important decision for archery hunters. Whether you prefer a thumb release, index release, or hinge release, there are plenty of options to choose from. To recap, here is a quick summary of my selection of the best bow releases in 2023.
If you are looking for a thumb release, my top picks are the Tru-Fire Edge and the STAN OnneX.
The Spot Hogg Wiseguy and the STAN SoleX are solid choices for index finger releases.
Lastly, you cannot go wrong with the B3 Ghost and the Tru-Fire SEAR when searching for the best hinge release.
Remember to practice with your new release and invest time in perfecting your technique to achieve the best possible results. Happy hunting!