There are so many different types, first you need to specify what type of releases you want. There are index, thumb, hinge, and others. And what might work for me may not be good for you.

Good luck

 

What do you recommend for someone just starting out?

 

You almost have to dive in and start using them to decide what you like. I think a Truball Max pro four is a good place to start. Because its so easy and idiot proof. I would also suggest if you move on later, to save it for a back up. Even if you buy a real high end one later, you need something to back it up. Use the lanyard at first so you don't shoot it through the bow while you get use to the hand held.

 

I’ll look into that thanks for the suggestion

 

You will be better served to buy a used high end release out of the classifieds. Carter & Stan have been around a long time for a reason. Scott & Tru Ball are also have some great ones.

 

I'd advise avoiding a cheaper release. I've had a couple fail and send arrows off into the stratosphere.

 

Definitely don’t want that to happen lol

 

The release is the only thing between you and your projectile. Why would you cheap out on something so integral to having great shots vs poor shots? Go to an archery shop and ask to try out several handheld (thumb) releases ($100 - $150), and index finger releases that are excellent, but won't break the bank ($70 - $100).

I own:
Stan Axis thumb release
TRU Ball Diamond Xtreme thumb release
TRU Ball Max Pro 4 thumb release

Scott Ascent Micro hinge release
UV Hinge 2 release

Scott Little Goose II index release

I started out using an index release, but they didn't give me much confidence from one shot to the next, because of the way the wrist strap pulls forward when you draw back. And if you're shooting on a cold day and your hand has contracted a little, it will pull forward a little bit more and change your anchor point. I always keep going back to my thumb releases for hunting, target, 3D shooting. They give me the most consistent shots.

 

Any used Carter that meets your specs.

 

Releases only fail when ya set them to hot and at that point they are not failing just activating at the pound limitation. Start with a wrist, nail a perfect front grip and follow through. then worry about uping to a more form sensitive Release such as a hand held. And such as life you get what you pay for. Higher price tag is smoother and more adjustable.

 

Releases only fail when ya set them to hot and at that point they are not failing just activating at the pound limitation.

Absolutely not true. It's a mechanical item that can have poor qc and be out of spec. I had a Scott model that I fired maybe 200 shots and it failed 1/3rd of the way through the draw. At first I thought maybe I hit it so I pulled back right in front of my target bag making sure to keep my finger out the way and boom went off again. At this point I checked the screws and looked for issues and I couldn't find anything. Took it back to local pro shop and then sear engagement face was worn out already and slipping. They absolutely can and will fail. None are exempt from it but I dang sure believe the cheaper ones are more prone.

 

I highly recommend visiting a decent archery shop to check some out in person. We will all have our favorites and someone’s favorite will be hated by the next guy. That applies to index and handhelds of every variety.
I’ve been using a T.R.U. Ball Short-N-Sweet’R S2 for decades without a single issue. I love it but the newer hybrid version is not one I like.
The $85+ price point will get you into a solid index release but you’ll double that cost for a decent thumb button hand held. You will get what you pay for with a release and the more expensive ones do pull and break at the shot much cleaner than less expensive ones regardless of the brand name.
I’m an index release guy and prefer T.R.U. ball but will be checking out Spot Hogg Wiseguy as the S2 was discontinued.

Wiseguy Nylon

spot-hogg.com

 

My whipper snapper is an awesome release for the price, and I've heard good things about the Hot Shot series I would definitely look into those. I found my whipper snapper on offerup for $50 locally but even $100 on amazon it's definitely worth a try man.

 

Best for you to find local shop and try before you buy. I also agree with above answers with buying quality used carter/stan. I started with a scott, then moved to a wise guy, then whipper snappers, and now two diff carter thumbs. All were great and never had mishaps. Whatever fits your hand the best is gonna work great for you. But as with anything in this hobby, YOU are the best release, YOU are the best grip, and YOU are the best shot you can allow. Practice form, and everything else falls into place.

 

Save yourself a lot of time and just get a Stan Shootoff. It is scientifically proven to be the best release.

 

That is laughable. Show some sort of documentation proving this statement. Releases are all personal to the shooter. So to say that is incorrect. Save yourself buy used on here and try a index, thumb, BT all of them take time and effort some more than others, a BT in my opinion once mastered is the way to go, at least for target archery however I hunt with 1 as well, index and thumb have the abilities to be punched which aids in target panic. Again a lot of time needs to be put in to get a full understanding of each one and all of them can be used as a BT . the key Surprise release!

 

You don't want disappointment right off the bat as you try to learn archery. Go to an archery shop and at least try different releases,hand held and index. You may prefer one over the other and the pro shop owner can help you with your shooting form so that you will be anchoring the release properly. The releases rely on different muscles and technique to use. The pro shop guy can help you with that.You said you were starting out so I think that is your best option.

 

It's like buying a bow or most archery equipment, personal preference. Go to a pro shop or several try some out and see what works for you. I wouldn't spend less rhan $75 for a decent release.
My personal choice is a Truball Max pro hunter and I also like some of the high end Trufire index.

 

B3 Rival is a great release at its price point.

 

Tru ball vote here. Tru fire has good budget friendly releases too

 

I really like and currently shoot a Tru Ball Assassin XT index finger release. Only cost about $80 and the strap is very comfy

 

Truball Max Pro 4

 

I would reccomend a back tension (not a hinge) release to start out as it forces you to learn decent form. You can probably find one on here for 100-200 dollars if your willing to go used.

 

Decent form can be achieved from any of them. And back tension can be used with any release. That is where time with any of them will improve form, hinge releases are harder to manipulate vs a thumb or index.

 

I woul reccomend a back tension release (different from a hinge) to get started as they force reasonalby good form, and have a safety so that you don't misfire halfway through your draw. You can probably find one used on here for 100-200 bucks if your willing to go that route.

 

Now I am confused. I thought I had the best release. You guys!

 

Truball or Trufire both have releases in that $50-100 range that are good, I started with index release, have messed around with others and still hunt and shoot with an index a lot. An index is an intuitive way to start for most people that have shot a BB gun or have other firearm experience.

 

It also teaches bad form or can worsen 1s form because it is not a trigger remember the shot breaks as a surprise not forced.

 

There are index, thumb, hinge, and others. And what might work for me may not be good for you.

New to archery and hunting and looking for some suggestions on a budget release that won’t break the bank but still perform well. Speed Test

 

It also teaches bad form or can worsen 1s form because it is not a trigger remember the shot breaks as a surprise not forced.

Well, that depends on how you shoot I guess, and I 100% do not subscribe to surprise shots being the preferred method for everyone. I've shot too many different things for too long, some of them at a high level in competition, to not understand that knowing exactly when the shot will break is a better way for me. Shooting a bow is not different than shooting a firearm, find a national champion in their discipline that shoots surprise break? For people that can't shoot well or can't/don't get their subconscious on board with the task at hand a surprise break is a better way and I acknowledge that, but I don't believe for a second that it is the best way across the board.

 

Firearms are totally different to me. I was coached by a pse staff shooter and that is how I was taught. My accuracy improved and using BT correctly it is a surprise, sure you can manipulate the release if one wanted to, I’m looking at this from a target standpoint whether a 5spot or a deer.

 

Dont skimp on a release. Ask me how I know

 

Great information here, thanks