Archery began with the manual draw and fire, but even the ancient Mongolians foresaw a day when a tool could help fire a bow accurately and painlessly. The Mongolians made one of the first steps toward that end with a thumb ring that facilitated a strong draw and accurate release that didn't stress the digits. Several hundred years and a lot of technology later, the Mongolians would be impressed with the mechanical archery releases of today.
Tru-Fire Hurricane Glove
The Hurricane Glove by Tru-Fire has the highest possible customer rating from Gander Mountain, a top sporting and hunting retailer. Following the most popular trend in modern releases, the glove is actually a strap that wraps around the wrist, transferring the tension load of a drawn bow from the fingers to the wrist and forearm. A small rod extends from the strap that passes along the palm, ending in a caliper that is hooked to the bowstring. A trigger mechanism extending from the rod facilitates release. In the case of the Hurricane, the wrist band is well-padded and doesn't require breaking in, the caliper is Teflon-coated, and the trigger tension is adjustable. This is a well-appointed piece of equipment, great for hunting or target practice.
T.R.U. Ball Stinger
Carrying equally high praise from Gander Mountain shoppers but with fewer features and a significantly lower price tag is the T.R.U. Ball Stinger Velcro Release Strap. Though simpler, this release is far from stripped down. Designed for hunting, when not in use the trigger rod tucks away up your sleeve. The craftsmanship is excellent and the Stinger boasts a silent release so as to not spook game at the critical moment.
Scott Archery Little Bitty Goose Deluxe
Following the same design as the Stinger but with a buckle fastener for the wrist strap for added security, the Little Bitty Goose Deluxe release from Scott Archery has several options for the archer with varying types of shooting, and it has earned a five-star rating from purchasers at Bass Pro Shops. The Goose comes with several types of interchangeable triggers that vary from long curved gun-like triggers to simple small posts for an easy flick release. Depending on conditions and preference, these are easily swapped one for the other.
T.R.U. Ball T Handle
Departing from the supremely popular glove/strap release model, top-rated releases can still be found. The T.R.U. Ball T Handle is a solid grip, contoured to be held across the fingers. A rod and caliper holder extends out, like the strap releases, but the rigid handle allows the trigger to be relocated to the top of the handle on an extending T member. A switch-type trigger is easily depressed with the thumb. The T Handle received a five-star rating from Bass Pro Shoppers and, unlike the glove style releases, can remain attached to the bow string when not in use.
Carter Releases
For the connoisseur, one brand has the finest in craftsmanship and refinement, but at a price. In the world of archery releases, that brand is Carter. Carter carries many types of mechanical releases that are engineered for and marketed to the serious archer by retailers such as TheFind. Craftsmanship is reputedly excellent but carries a premium of three to five times the price tag of more conventional brands.
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