This time last year I was pondering a hand held release and started looking over the AT classifieds to get a feel for what was popular as well as resale value. I ended up buying a lightly used Hot Shot Eclipse that worked fine, but did not fit my hand very well. After a couple weeks I was getting some sore spots on my fingers and ended up buying a Scott Exxus which I have continued to shoot since. You can get a nice Scott or Stan for around $125-ish used and thus do not have to spend $200 or more retail. That was my experience, but you may find the Hot Shot is fine for you. However there are a lot more folks shooting Scott, Stan and Carters......

 

Great info. Thanks for the post.

 

I had a Hot Shot vapor 3 finger last summer and shot it well. It is a nice little release and can had for $60 if you look around...I sold mine just because I decided to go with a wrist release for the hunting season. I ended up missing the release though and so when I saw one for a good deal I bought another one. I will say I also bought a Stan SX3 trio around the same time and now I primarily shoot the Stan. I haven't even picked up the Vapor. For the price though you could buy the Hot Shot and just never buy a Stan and you'll probably be happy with it. The Vapor will have some felt travel just due to the design of the trigger mechanism...its a direct link...while there is some travel with higher tension it is still feels good...I liken it to the Accutrigger on my Savage bolt action...you take up a little slack and them bam off it goes...I will say the Vapor is a very quiet release perfect for hunting.

 

Been shooting mine about a year. Love it. 2 turkeys and 3 deer this year. My shooting is as good as it ever has been too.

 

I too purchased a Hot Shot Vapor 4 finger and have been shooting well with it. I switched from a Tru-fire Hurrican wrist release and have loved letting my release remain hooked onto my bow string. I think Hot shot vapor will suit you fine. I for one like to find things on a bargain and will shoot quality bows and releases, but like to get them at used prices lol.

 

Been shooting mine for almost a year and have no complaints with it. Very adjustable thumb barrel also.

 

Here's another satisfied HOT Shot Vapor user. It was my go to release in learning to use a handheld. Would have no issues with never switching.

 

I tried a Stan shootoff and didn't like it and then got a hotshot vapor 4 finger and I like it a lot better but it's mainly because it's auto closing.

 

This is my favorite release(I have 5) wish I would have tried this first, would have saved a lot of money. I have the 4 finger, paid about $63 for it.

 

Back up for some more opinions/reviews. I've been seriously looking at them, too...

 

I love the hot shot vapor. My first handheld was a carter insatiable 2 about 5 years ago. Super comfortable handle, but after hunting two seasons with it I decided it wasn't the best for hunting anyway. Having to cock it and I also had the thumb trigger hit my string on a windy day and drop the release to the ground. Partially my fault for having it set to light.

Then I went to a truball fang 4 which has the vlock wrist strap option. Nice for always knowing where you,re release is walking in and out, I also kept it on my wrist on the windy days in the stand. The fang4 just wasn't comfortable in my hand. I got a hot shot vapor not knowing much about them and I found out why the fang was uncomfortable. The fang Is a lot smaller so if you have small hands it might be alright. the vapor is super comfortable, and the fully adjustable thumb barrel makes for a custom fit. It's perfect for hunting, no noise and smooth. I set my tension stiff enough it won't release if it bounces against the string on a windy Kansas day. Set this stiff it makes for a nice surprise release. All 3 of my shots on deer this season felt great, floated the pin around the spot I had picked, squeezed with my back and slightly with my thumb until the shot broke. Watched my arrow disappear right where I had my pin.

So I recommend the hot shot vapor. It's my go to release now.

 

I got one and am trying to learn to use a thumb release. I don't have much experience with them but I like my Vapor 3 finger

 

I never used a thumb release before getting the Vapor Trail, but I was suprised how easy it was to get used to, great release.

 

Bought one about a month ago and so far so good, Its my first thumb release, but with that being said. I'll probably go with a nicer one next year. It's a good release to start with. Cheap and basic. And the mechanism is alot like a truball wrist release so not much changed for me as far as function, just anchor point and which finger I fire with.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

Interesting to hear that they are quiet. What about releasing it off the string of you don't shoot a deer at the end of the day? Is it quiet then? I have a tru ball boss X that makes an audible click...very loud imo. I'd like to find something quieter.

 

It's just a matter of pulling the trigger to release from string, no clicking at all, beings its a spring mechanism. It's not a hair trigger design

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

If I have understood correctly, you can adjust the trigger travel but not the trigger tension with the screw in Vapor.

Is it possible to change the spring inside the Vapor?

To make the tension stiffer.
Maybe making tension tiffer, and adjust travel to minimun with the screw.