It sure would have been easier to be a bowhunter 50 years ago. It was a simpler sport; a stick, string, arrow and your own fingers. Everything is a trade off. Archery is more complicated today with all the choices of gear, but it is also a lot easier to become proficient compared to 50 years ago.

Releases are a prime example. It is possible to shoot a bow very accurately with your fingers, but it requires hard work and dedication. With a mechanical release, a clean, accurate shot is virtually guaranteed every time.

A few years ago releases were mearly an option for hunter and shooters. However, with today's high-speed bows they are almost a necessity. The axle-to-axle length of bows has decreased drastically over the last 10 years. The shorter length creates a more acute string angle which does not lend itself well to finger shooting. Today if an archer wants to shoot accurately with fingers he or she has very few "finger" bows to choose from.

All this being said, it is evident that a release already is, or should be in your future. The real question is, which one should you use? With the numerous choices available, it is hard to determine which one will work best for your individual shooting style.

Different Types
The first major choice you have to make is between a wrist strap model or a grip model. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Wrist strap releases help take the strain off your hand and distribute it through your wrist, up your arm. This makes shooting more comfortable, and higher poundage bows easier to draw. Wrist strap releases are easy to use while hunting since you can't lose them by laying them down on a stump or dropping them.

Traditionally more associated with 3-D competition than hunting, the grip handle models offer more control and a more positive anchor. I have personally used both over the years with great results.

Features to Look For
With all the models of releases out there today, it is hard to know which one to choose. Here are a few things I look for when making a decision. First is quality construction. Those features would include; machined aluminum construction, smooth finish, padded wrist straps (when applicable) and a quality trigger mechanism. These all add up to a release that will provide many years of trouble-free service.

Length adjustment of the mechanism is another important feature in a strap release (it is not applicable on a grip style release). Since everyone's hands are different sizes no single release will properly fit everyone. If you have to strain to reach the trigger, accurate shooting is hard to accomplish. With an adjustable release the length can be tailored to fit you perfectly.

The actual release mechanism/jaws are another important consideration. While some work well with a variety of string styles, others are very specific in use.

You can really only set up your string/arrow nocking region a few ways. The traditional metal nock, with, or without a rubber eliminator button under the arrow nock is the standard. The second is with a rope tied onto the string to form a "D" loop. The final way is to use a metal type fastener. The exact string set up on your bow will often limit the choices you have for a release.

Standard caliper releases work well on most types of setups, but if you are using a rope, take a look at a release designed to work specifically with a rope loop.

Some innovative metal nocking devices on the market may or may not require the use of a specialized release. Be sure to check your nocking sytem and match the release to it if necessary.

Releases are a major part of modern archery. This is a good thing. They allow for a cleaner arrow release, and are more consistent for the majority of archers compared to fingers. With many models and styles to choose from, making a decision can be difficult. However, once you narrow down your individual style and preference, combined with the exact bow setup, the choices become easier.

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