Buying a thumb release that fulfills all your needs is a difficult task. Here is all you need to know about them to purchase the right thumb release available in the market for the money.
As their name suggests, these releases come with a trigger that can be activated simply by pulling it using your thumb. Due to their precision and consistency, archers are gradually switching to these aids.
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Best Thumb Release:
Also, thumb release triggers work great for individuals who suffer from issues like target panic. Similar to wrist releases, factors like trigger tension, trigger location, and trigger travel on the thumb can also be adjusted according to your needs.
Many competitive bowman and professional archers opt for handheld releases because of their sleek design and light weight. Once you switch to thumb release triggers, you’ll see your accuracy levels escalating a great deal.
As they say, practice makes perfect. After repeated use, you start getting used to the drawing and you become capable of recreating almost the same draw every time.
Thumb releases also provide a firm and consistent anchor. Now, if you have made your decision to purchase one but haven’t quite been able to decide upon the release most suitable for you, here is a mini-guide to help you buy the best thumb release out there.
Benefits of a Thumb Release
As mentioned earlier, a thumb release comes with a lot of adjustability options. Along with those options, the following are some other benefits of a thumb release:
- Thumb releases are more consistent and easier to anchor.
- Handheld release requires a certain hand position which allows an archer to split their jaw bone between their 1st and 2nd finger/knuckle.
- A thumb release provides a comfortable, convenient, consistent, and repeatable anchor point as compared to an index finger release.
- If you get a feeling that your anchor point is floating and has had of some sort of inconsistencies, then a thumb release is great for solidifying your anchor point.
- When you are shooting from a tree stand or are preparing for a surprise attack then a thumb release that comes with closed jaw clasps becomes quite handy.
- If your drawback is accurate, a thumb release trigger automatically aligns your elbow behind the arrow in a better manner.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Thumb Release
Shooting a bow and arrow is not easy as most people would think. In fact, using the wrong bow release can, unfortunately, make you miss your targets. Every person needs a different kind of release that would be suitable for them.
Shopping for the best bow release available that fulfills all your requirements is essential. You won’t necessarily find the right release in the first go so never hesitate to try a few before settling for the perfect one.
Here are some important factors to consider before you buy a thumb release for yourself:
Comfort
Using an uncomfortable release aid to shoot your bow and arrow is an open invitation for disaster. The amount of padding on the wrist strap is the best way to determine whether your bow release aid is comfortable enough.
Buying a thumb release trigger without a padded wrist strap is extremely discouraged, especially if your shooting sessions continue for a long period of time.
The handle is also one of the key features that can make your archery experience more comfortable. In case of a handheld release aid, you need to make sure that the handle is extremely sturdy, durable, and well-constructed.
The Release and the Hooking Mechanism
As we’re considering only thumb release in this article, we can skip the part where you decide the release mechanism of your bow release.
Next, comes the hooking mechanism; you need to select between a fang style hook and a calliper system. Go for the style that suits you the best.
Quality of the Release
You should be aware of the fact that bow release aids are quite costly. To make your investment worth it, aim to buy a unit that can serve you efficiently for years. Firstly, you need to make sure that the quality of the thumb release is up to the mark.
Along with considering the build quality, you also need to take good care of your release aid. You can purchase a bow bag or a bow case if you plan to travel with your equipment. This will increase its lifespan and ensure that it doesn’t become subject to any damage.
Noise Level
When you are looking for a thumb release aid, you definitely need to consider the noise level. A quiet bow release is an optimum choice when your goal is to hunt without any distractions.
Avoid buying products that produce clicks when you draw or shoot your arrow.
Weight
If you think that the weight of a bow release has nothing to do with its efficiency, think again. The reality is that even the slightest difference in weight can result in changes in the angle or addition of a slight torque to the arrows.
The ideal weight of the thumb release depends on your comfort and convenience. Test the weight of a release aid by gripping it firmly in your hands and imagine using it for a few hours without taking a break.
If you think that it is too heavy for you to handle, then don’t hesitate before looking for one that is of a lighter weight.
Adjustability
Don’t settle for a thumb release aid that comes with very limited adjustment settings. Versatility is essential. Therefore, it’s good to have a release that allows you to freely adjust the angle, size, tension, location, and travel of the trigger.
A professional anchor usually buys an archery release that can be easily customized according to their preferences.
String Style
A bow might rely on one of the following three various string setups: a metal-type fastener, a D-loop string, or a metal nock. Hence, you need to select a release aid that matches your string setup style.
Finger Grooves
Most thumb releases meant for hunting come in three or four finger grooves. We recommend using the four-finger one, as its grip is more stable relatively. Some people have also reported that the three-finger design is easier for them to hold.
Check the finger grooves and how deep they are. We recommend buying a release aid with deeper finger grooves so that your hand’s angle can be controlled in an improved manner and you can easily make your shot.
Using a release aid that is suitable for you is essential to achieve clean shots and thus, the best results.
But first, you’ll need to purchase a thumb release that can handle all the demands of hunting.
Choosing the best equipment for your hefty activity can be overwhelming, especially when there plenty of models and manufacturers available to choose from.
To make this decision less confusing for you, we’ve conducted research, taken a look at the best products available in the market, carried out the necessary comparisons, and come up with a shortlist to assist you.
Here is a list of our picks for the best thumb release for hunting:
Top Thumb Release for Hunting Reviews
Tru Fire Hardcore
This archery thumb release comes with an extremely sleek, comfortable, and solid aluminum handle. Its head is capable of turning 11 ball bearings for 360° rotation and can lock in a single position, providing a torque-free shooting experience.
The built-in adjustable thumb button allows you to use the release aid in either hand.
This device not only improves shots but also allows you to adjust it to any of the 16 positions available. This feature helps in making your shooting more natural as you can find the position that suits you and your shooting style the best.
Key Features
- Trigger thumb adjustment
- Fits both hands
- 360° head rotation
- Hook design with loop retainer
Specifications
- Brand Name: Carbon Express
- Item Weight: 2 ounces
- Shipping Weight: 2 ounces
- Item Dimensions:2 x 5.2 x 1.5 inches
- Item Model Number: HDRC
Pros
- Undeniable comfort
- 360 ° head rotation
- Adjustable tension
- Adjustable thumb button for a custom fit
- 16-position trigger knob with adjustable tension
Cons
- No tension release option
- Tends to cut d-loops
Get The Tru Fire Hardcore on Amazon.com
Spot Hogg Archery
This lightweight thumb release features an internal actuating system with a zero-noise design and an automatic closing jaw. Its fully adjustable thumb barrel allows the user to meet their requirements.
It is recommended to accompany this release aid with a loop. All you need to do is clip it on your loop and let it stay there until you are ready to shoot.
According to satisfied customers, the release is outstanding and smooth. It is adjustable to almost any position you desire for a comfortable release. Moreover, it provides increased reliability and helps with a repeatable setpoint and quiet release.
Key Features
- Fully adjustable thumb barrel
- Automatic closing jaw
- Zero-noise internal actuating system
Specifications
- Brand Name: Spot Hogg Archery
- Item Weight:3.2 ounces
Pros
- The trigger tension is adjustable
- The closing jaw is automatic
- Premium quality trigger
Cons
- No 360 ° head rotation feature
Get The Spot Hogg Archery Release on Amazon.com
Conclusion
There are plenty of thumb releases available online and at your local archery stores but if you’re looking for one that will optimize your shooting experience and is easy and comfortable to handle, then we highly recommend checking out the ones mentioned above. Happy hunting!