If you are an avid bowhunter or target archer, you know how important a release is for accurate shooting. However, in the archery world, there are at least as many releases on the market as there are bows. Researching your options and wading through the seemingly endless possibilities can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve compiled this handy and informative guide to the best bow releases. Whether you’re bowhunting for deer, elk, turkey, hogs, or just stationary targets, consider this your one-stop shopping guide. Use it to help you find just the right release for your archery needs.
Top 10 Bow Releases Table
| Picture | Name | Type of Release | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Scott Archery Little Goose Bow Release Buckle Strap Black | Wrist | $ | 4.7 |
 | 2. TruFire Hardcore Buckle Foldback Adjustable Archery Compound Bow Release | Wrist | $$$$ | 4.6 |
 | 3. Spot Hogg Wiseguy Release Buckle | Wrist | $$$$ | 4.5 |
 | 4. Tru Ball Release Stinger Lg Tstr-L Velcro | Wrist | $$ | 4.4 |
 | 5. TRU-FIRE Hardcore 4-Finger Release, Black | Handheld | $ | 4.3 |
 | 6. Scott Archery Caliper Grip Release, 4 Finger, Black | Handheld | $$$ | 4.3 |
 | 7. TruFire Patriot Archery Compound Bow Release - Adjustable Black Wrist Strap | Wrist | $ | 4.2 |
 | 8. Tru Ball Max Hunter Pro 4 Release | Handheld | $$$ | 4.2 |
 | 9. Allen Elite Caliper Archery Release, Black/Green | Wrist | $$ | 4.2 |
 | 10. SAS Adjustable Archery Release Aid | Wrist | $ | 4.2 |
Choosing a Bow Release
There are numerous bow release designs in a wide range of prices available to today’s archer. Sometimes success in the details, especially in the sport of archery. If you have a quality bow, but skimp on cheap accessories, your shooting and accuracy are going to suffer. Always select the best accessories you can afford and make sure they match or exceed the quality of your bow; this will only increase your success and accuracy.
Here are a few things to consider when deciding on the best bow release for your individual shooting needs.
Type of Bow Release
There are two basic releases common on today’s archery scene – the handheld release and the caliper-style wrist release. There are a bunch to choose from in each category. Keep in mind that most releases are priced according to their level of adjustability and smoothness.
- Handheld Releases. Common among competition shooters, handheld releases are lightweight and sensitive. Some variations use a trigger, although the trigger is often designed to be deployed by the thumb rather than the index finger. Some versions of the handheld release are triggered by a slight increase in tension at full draw. Proponents of these handheld tension releases claim they afford a smoother release since the shooter is less likely to flinch or otherwise anticipate the moment of release.
- Caliper-Style Wrist Releases. Probably the most popular style of bow release, these feature a strap to attach the release to your wrist. One advantage of the caliper-style wrist release is the transfer of the bow’s draw weight from your fingers to the wrist and forearm. This transfer makes it easier to employ your back muscles and often allows the shooter to handle a higher poundage.
The position of the release’s trigger, as well as the overall length, can affect your draw length, so take that into consideration when choosing this type of release. You may need to have your draw length adjusted to accommodate the extra length.
Hand Size
Not every archer has the same hand size. Fortunately, bow releases come in a variety of sizes. There are no one-size-fits-all options here. Be particularly mindful of the size of your release if you have particularly large or small hands. There are youth size releases that work well for archers with smaller hands like young people and women shooters.
Noise
Some releases may make a small clicking noise when either engaging the string or upon release. While this isn’t something the average target shooter needs to worry about, the noise level of a release is important for bow hunters to consider. Any unexpected noise could potentially spook game.
Top 3 Best Bow Release Reviews
1. Scott Archery Little Goose Bow Release
Weighing in at just over 3 ounces, the Scott Little Goose Release is a bowhunter’s dream. It is quiet, adjustable, and features high-quality components and construction. The wrist strap features a solid, adjustable buckle which is quieter in the field than the noisy Velcro straps on lesser quality releases.
This release also offers a special 5-hole adjustment system; this allows easy length adjustment to accomplish a perfect fit for any size hand. Also, the trigger is offset forward, allowing you to shoot the longest draw length possible to increase kinetic energy and arrow speed. You’ll be able to shoot faster and longer with this caliper-style wrist release.
Once you give the Scott Little Goose Release with its comfortable wrist strap, smooth action, and sensitive trigger, you’ll understand why so many archers think this is the best bow release on the market.
2. TruFire Hardcore Archery Compound Bow Release
The plush black buckle strap with wide rolled edges and extra padding is designed for comfort. Moreover, with a self-centering knuckle and pivoting body to compensate for various anchor points, shooting with this release feels almost effortless.
This ambidextrous release is soft, comfortable, and quiet as a mouse. Proudly made in America, the TruFire Hardcore Compound Bow Release is perfect for hardcore hunters and tournament archers alike. Trigger pressure easily adjusts with the turn of a screw from 3 ounces to over 16 ounces. Turn it low for high sensitivity. Increased pressure makes it easier to shoot in late season wintry weather while wearing gloves.
3. Spot Hogg Wiseguy Release Buckle
With a failsafe, quick-loading jaw and one of the lightest trigger pressures on the market, the Spot Hogg Wiseguy Release was designed with the hardcore hunter in mind. It has a micro-adjustable length to accommodate every hand size, a magnetic wrist strap, and a quick-loading jaw that creates a torque-free release for increased accuracy.
With a smooth, noiseless, operation, this release offers consistent positioning every time. Use this fully adjustable wrist release if you want to increase your shooting confidence as well as your shooting accuracy. Spot Hogg was spot on when they developed this Wiseguy bow release.
