9 Best Archery Release Reviews (Wrist vs Handled) – 2023

Experienced archers and bow hunters commonly say that when it comes to selecting the best gear, the devil is in the details. Knowing the quality of your bow, and matching it to the best accessories you can afford can dramatically improve your accuracy and enjoyment when shooting. 

To make an accurate and effortless shot in archery is not as simple as drawing back the bowstring and releasing your arrow. Everything from wind and distance, to archer strength and bowstring resistance, can come into play. Having high-quality gear that allows you to harness your energy and maximize your control over how, when and where your arrow flies is crucial whether in bow hunting, archery competition, or everyday practice.

While archery and bowhunting are thousands of years old, the use of an archery release to aid in accuracy and consistency in shooting has only been in popular use for the past few decades. Today, most archers using releases for compound bows never go without a good bow release, and often have a collection of two or three to choose between depending on the shooting circumstances. Speaking of compound bows see our guide on how to shoot a compound bow here.

So finding and using the right releases for bows you can substantially improve your accuracy and control, giving your the opportunity to focus more on your technique and enjoyment of the sport. 

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9 Best Archery Release Reviews In 2023

1. Tru Fire Synapse Hammer Throw Release  – Best Hand Archery Release On the Market

For The Tru Fire Synapse Hammer Throw Release is the ultimate thumb archery release archery option for those looking for perfect customization. The range of options for adjustability will make any archer able to customize this archery release to their needs: a choice of two finger extensions, 3 or 4 finger configuration, and a multi-position thumb button adjustable for trigger travel and tension. Archers looking for an option for a wide-ranging trigger pressure need look no further, as this archery release allows for adjustments between 1.25 and 20 ounces without needing to change springs! The weighted brass handle with anodized aluminum feels good in the hand. And for those with a panicky trigger finger,  a thumb archery release can work miracles. And it’s available in five different colors: red, blue, green, orange and silver.  

Comfort: Weighted brass handle feels good in the hand

Adjustment Options: maximally adjustable archery release for customizable finger-positioning

Materials used: Brass handle, anodized aluminum cover, internal stainless steel components

Pros

• Most customizable archery release on the market
• Superb construction for crisp shooting and adjustment
• Different color options available 

Cons

• Options may be overwhelming for beginners (but versatility makes this an excellent archery release to grow into!)

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2. Spot Hogg – Wiseguy Release with Boa Strap – Best Archery Release for Comfort

This is an upgraded version of the popular Spot Hogg WiseGuy wrist archery release (see below), but with an added BOA strap. The Spot Hogg WiseGuy Release with Boa Strap is a great option for users concerned with too loose-fitting wrist straps. Part of the Cameron Hanes “Keep Hammering Signature Series, a highly praised aspect of this wrist strap among users is the ability to simply turn a dial with BOA technology for comfortable and precise fitting gear used throughout the sporting industry. 

Comfort:  The BOA dial system provides maximum fit and comfort.

Adjustment Options: Versatility in wrist adjustment options

Materials used: Nylon, neoprene with stainless steel trigger barrel

Pros

• Most customizable and comfortable wrist strap on the market
• Excellent, lightweight construction for portability
• Can flip back against wrist to stay out of the way when not shooting. 

Cons

• Some bowhunters note noise when trigger is released (but not necessarily an issue for when not hunting everyday and competitive archers) 

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3. Scott Archery Longhorn Hunter RX Camo – Best Hunting Release

The Scott Archery Longhorn Hunter is a three-finger design back tension release with a wrist strap so you’ll never lose it. One of the biggest challenges for archers is ‘target panic,’ resulting when your brain says shoot before your body is able to properly align and accurately aim. This is a problem affecting many archers, and one solution growing in popularity is the tension archery release. Rather than pulling a finger or thumb archery release, the tension archery release shoots when enough tension has been built up in the bow, enabling archers to allow the equipment to step in so to prevent the brain from punching the trigger.

Comfort: Three-finger design and wrist strap offer great comfort

Adjustment Options: Advanced options for versatility in adjusting tension archery release.

Materials used: Nylon, neoprene with stainless steel trigger barrel. 

Pros

• Excellent comfort with combination of hand archery release with wrist strap
• Highly adjustable sensitivity to find just the right tension 
• Tension release for archers with ‘target panic’ 

Cons

• Adjustment options may be too advanced for some beginning archers (but a great option to learn how to use tension archery release)

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4. Spot Hogg Wiseguy Release Buckle – Best Comfort/Trigger Speed Combo

This is the same archery release as the Spot Hogg mentioned above, but without the BOA dial adjustment option for the buckle. Just like the Spot Hogg Boa, The Spot Hogg Release Buckle features a lightweight, and highly adjustable trigger offering zero travel, a self-reloading hook with an open jaw for quick D-Loop hook up. The forward trigger design allows for archers to harness the full energy and draw length of their bow. 

Comfort:  Adjustable length for perfect trigger finger fit

Adjustment Options: Versatile options for adjusting trigger tension

Materials used: Nylon, neoprene with stainless steel trigger barrel provides sturdy build 

Pros: 

• Super fast and easy to cock
• Quality built, sturdy design feels good in hand
• High quality buckle easily moved out of the way when not shooting

Cons

• Finger trigger design may lead those with trigger panic to pull to soon (but more an issue with type of release than design) 

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5. Tru Ball Archery Fang – Best Mid-Range Hand Release

Archers note that the Tru Ball Archery Fang is one of the best hand releases for archery, especially for those looking for the right option in the mid-range option. With similar release aids from other brands running twice the price, the Tru Ball Archery Fang  is highly versatile, allowing you to shoot with two, three or even four fingers. It offers a clean, smooth and crisp firing due to its high-quality sear. The Tru Ball Archery Fang also features a full containment system (FCS) allowing the user to hook the release on the D-loop for an easy to use release stays steady at full draw.

Comfort: 2, 3 and 4-finger design make for multiple ways to adjust to your style

Adjustment Options: Full containment system (FCS) enables locking or unlocking release on D-loop

Materials used: Solid, high-quality alluminum frame with stainless steel trigger.

Pros 

• Full containment to lock on the D-loop for ‘hands-free’ shooting
• Hooky style gives your bow quick release and capture of D-loop
• High-quality design and build make for crisp and smooth shooting

Cons

• Some note some awkwardness with design when first using (but this quickly fades as you get used to the different finger configurations made possible by the release). 

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6. Scott Archery Echo Bow Release Buckle Strap – Best Innovative Design

The Echo release features Scott’s HyperJaw is one of the slickest designed bow releases on the market right now. Engineers at Scott spent hundreds of hours to develop and test dozens of geometry configurations. The result is a never before seen configuration among the best bow release out there. The independent jaws operate in great synchronization with one another. This removes any lateral torque that may come from inconsistencies in shooting form. The asymmetrical design delivers unmatched efficiency in the jaw opening response. The Roller Trigger System (RTS) provides a silky-smooth trigger action.

Comfort: The neoprene-padded strap provides maximum comfort

Adjustment Options: Versatility in adjustment options from the wrist strap to trigger tension

Materials: Neoprene, Cotton, and Leather strap, aluminum trigger barrel

Pros

• Synchronized heads eliminate lateral shift, dramatically improving accuracy, especially in windy conditions. 
•  Roller Trigger System provides silky-smooth shots
• Extremely quiet release

Cons

• The new design and features make a familiar ‘roll over’ feeling disappear after a shot that other wrist releases have (but many archers claim this is an improvement, as it is quieter). 

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7. Hot Shot Vapor 4 – Best Minimalist Design

Many people are looking for a simple but effective release without a huge array of adjustment options to worry about. The Hot Shot Vapor 4 continues to outshine its competition for the consistent accuracy it provides and its ease of use. It’s no wonder people claim is one of the best thumb releases available. If you’re looking for a release that gets the job done with simplicity and efficiency, but still offers a range of adjustment options, then the Hot Shot Vapor 4 should be in your sights. 

Comfort: Minimalist wrist rope and sleek design feels comfortable and secure in the hand

Adjustment: Trigger tension and trigger barrel angle both adjustable to individual preference

Materials used: Extremely well built metal frame with treated design will endure wear from years of use 

Pros

• One of the quietest releases on the market
• Super lightweight design built to last
• Versatility of thumb release adjustments with a ultra-smooth release

Cons

• Some note the absence of a swivel head (but this is a feature that comes down to personal preference)

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8. Tru Fire Buckle Foldback – Best Hands-Free Operation

Archers from all disciplines, hunting to competition, appreciate releases that allow you to sink into your comfort zone, with minimal distraction allowing you to focus on your accuracy and efficiency over all else. The Tru Fire Buckle Foldback just works, and that’s why people keep coming back to it as their go to release. With adjustable leather straps to customize trigger travel and length of release, a perfect fit is just a few adjustments away. Trigger pressure is of course adjustable, making this release not just one of highest quality releases on the market, but an affordable option. 

Comfort: This Tru Fire release is praised by archers for its extreme comfort and ease of use for hours of use without fatigue

Adjustment options: Trigger travel and tension fully adjustable, with 20° body adjustment for different anchor point positions and up 1” adjustable strap

Materials Used: Leather foldback strap and steel jaw

Pros

• Wrist strap folds back securely for hands free operation when not in use
• Adjustable trigger travel for both left and right handers
• Self-centering knuckle behind eliminates lateral torque

Cons

• Sometimes locking mechanism may not reset automatically, and may need manual reset (but standard lubricating care solves this) 

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9. The Tru Fire Spark Youth Buckle Foldback Archery Bow Release – Best for Youth Archers

The Tru Fire Spark Youth Buckle Foldback Archery Bow Release is the best option for junior archers, are people with small wrists and hands. Providing a sleek design with a smooth shooting release, the Tru Fire Spark offers exception shooting accuracy. The quality designed wriststrap with its holdback design for hands-free use when not shooting is extremely comfortable whether hunting in the field or when you want to get some practice in at the range. 

Comfort: Optimal comfort for junior archers with close fit for those with small hands

Adjustment Options: full range of adjustment options utilizing Tru Fire’s cutting-edge release technology

Materials Used: Quality leather strap design with vigorously tested and high-density metal

Pro

• Great design for junior archers or those with smaller hands and wrists 
• Ambidextrous design
• Uses Tru Fire’s Tru Center technology to eliminate side-to-side torque

Con

• Some archers note that the release is not free spinning (but this is not an issue and actually reminds you to relax before the shot)

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10. Scott Archery Little Goose Release Buckle Strap – Best Bow Release for Hunting

Bow hunters swear by the Scott Archery Little Goose Release-Buckle Strap for years, with its extremely durable and easily adjustable design, not to mention this release will get you started at an affordable price point. The nylon design can endure extended exposure to the elements, a major reason those who need their release to handle harsher weather conditions use this release. Scott uses its patented 5-hole length adjustment for an incredibly versatile range of fitting options, and as it’s built for hunting, this release is extremely quiet. That’s why this release is consistently rated as the best bow trigger release for hunting.

Comfort: Sleek and snug wriststrap design make the wrist wrap almost unnoticeable

Adjustment options: Swivel connector is solidly built with Scott’s patented 5-hole length adjustment

Materials Used: Sturdy nylon design and fit make for durable use after use, even with repeated exposure to harsh weather conditions

Pros: 

• 5-point adjustment strap give a diverse range of options for strap length
• Incredibly durable nylon design
• Operates in almost complete silence

Cons 

• May feel too tight (but this design is intentional to mold to its user’s wrist over time

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WHAT IS THE BEST ARCHERY RELEASE?

Finding a good archery release will dramatically improve your accuracy, efficiency, and enjoyment when shooting, but with all the great choices out there, which one should you get?

Many experienced archers recommend trying out different models as people with different styles, hand sizes, and disciplines of shooting will tend towards one design over another. You may decide that comfort is your biggest preference, or instead as an advanced archer, a release with the maximum adjustment options is key to suit different shooting conditions. A hand release may be more appealing to shoot with than the wrist release. Or if trigger panic is hindering your improvement, finding the best back tension release (preventing you from punching the trigger too soon) can be a powerful tool to improve your technique. 

Any of the models above will definitely bring your archery game up a notch. But keep in mind that adjustment options, materials used, and the level of comfort a release offers over extended periods will all be important factors to consider. With this in mind, the Tru Fire Synapse Hammer Throw Release is the best archery release on the market today. It will get you the widest range of adjustment options, incredibly sturdy build, adjustable thumb release with different trigger options, and a very sleek design available in a range of colors. If you like this post, then check out our guide on the best bow sights and best bow stabilizers.