Why are there so many different ways to shoot a compound bow? I’m not talking about form, follow through, and consistency because that should all be much of the same. I’m talking about the different types of releases and I’ll tell you why there are so many different types. You and I are different, you may sleep on a thick, hard pillow, while I sleep on a thin, soft one. I am thankful for the choices I have in pillows, because if you had to sleep on my soft, thin one, well…I’ll move along, I’m starting to sound like Goldie Locks.
Which T.R.U. Release?
If you were to ask different archers what release they prefer, I’m pretty sure you’d get a few different answers. I’ll start with you, what type of release do you prefer? Something like the T.R.U. Ball Tactical Max Pro Plus Thumb Release, maybe the T.R.U. Ball Sweet Spot Pro Flex Back Tension Brass Release Aid, or perhaps you’d prefer the T.R.U. Ball Stinger XT Velcro Strap?
You may hear them referred to as a thumb release, a hinge release, and an index release. There are other names for them but these are the basic ones. With each one it requires a different anchor point. I may want more contact, while you may like less.
T.R.U. Ball Tactical Max Pro Plus Thumb Release
Pros:
- Will not cause any hindrance when climbing a tree or making your way to the stand, when placed in a pocket or bag.
- More contact at your anchoring point.
- Gives the ability to shoot using back tension, creating more consistency.
- Assist with target panic, or trigger punch.
Cons
- Without being attached to the archer, getting lost is a greater possibility.
- If kept in a bag or pocket, it may cost you the time necessary to take a speed shot in tight quarters.
- More contact at your anchoring point.
T.R.U. Ball Sweet Spot Pro Flex Back Tension Brass Release
Pros:
- Will not cause any hindrance when climbing a tree or making your way to the stand, when placed in a pocket or bag.
- More contact at your anchoring point.
- Gives the ability to shoot using back tension, creating more consistency.
- Assist with target panic, or trigger punch.
- Requires less fine movement from archers as the release is activated by tension created, not the pulling of a trigger.
Cons
- Without being attached to the archer, getting lost is a greater possibility.
- If kept in a bag or pocket, it may cost you the time necessary to take a speed shot in tight quarters.
- More contact at your anchoring point.
T.R.U. Ball Stinger XT Velcro Strap
Pros:
- Gives the archer the ability to take quick shots when necessary because it’s already in place.
- With the wrist strap it is less likely to get lost when climbing trees or making your way to the stand.
- While not in use, it is easily tucked into the wristband to keep from being a hindrance.
- When in full draw, you’ll experience less contact at your anchor point.
- Most springs can be replaced to create a lighter or heavier trigger pull/release.
Cons
- May not feel as natural.
- May be easier to fall out of the peep.
- When in full draw, you’ll experience less contact in your anchor point.
Physical Research is Best
Again which one do you prefer? If you’ve decided to go try each one out before you answer me, there’s a couple ways to accomplish this. You can get some paracord and a d loop just long enough to accommodate the perfect draw length for you and try each one out to see which one feels more natural to you. The next option is to take your bow to the range and test each one out while sending an arrow down range.
A Few Factors
In my opinion the latter one is where your decision will be made concrete. There will be a few factors that vary as you change from one release to another.
- Your point of impact may change, but don’t let that be the deciding factor. If your groups are still tight, that only means you’ll need to make adjustments to your sights.
- The point of contact or anchoring point will be different, again, this is all about you, (you won’t hear me say that often). What anchor point are you most comfortable with?
- Finally, you may try to release a trigger when the hinge release doesn’t have one. It’s like driving a standard car for a while then switching to an automatic.
For the Sake of Improvement Would You?
If you were to learn that changing the type of release you use may create greater and more consistent accuracy, or give you the readiness for that quick shot you need for fast approaching game, would you try a different way? That’s a tough question, it’s hard to change something you’ve been accustomed to for so long. Even so, would you?
As The Bow Bully, I’d have to say, if there’s a possibility for improvement, I’ll try it. I never said I’d like it, but I’ll give it an honest try.
