I’m personally shooting an index (wrist) release. Tried another guys thumb release. It was fine. Prefer the index at present. The one I got is adjustable, snd I shortened it up a bit today with a noticeable improvement in results.

in my brief time in archery so far, I’ve found there are so many variables to work on its pretty incredible. That said, whichever release you choose, if you’re comfortable & consistent with it that’s what will really matter.

ive also seen many posts where guys talk about how many thumb & hinge releases they’ve bought trying to find the perfect one. It’s almost infinite.

my personal suggestion is start with an adjustable index release, and anytime you’re at a range snd see someone using a different release, ask them about it and if you can try it. It’s really a big rabbit hole….

 

I would suggest to try both, and see what suits you best.
I have both, but almost exclusively shoot a wrist release. With thumb releases I tend to "yank" the shot.

What do you recommend I should look to get used/new around $100 or less?

And wrist releases are significantly cheaper, you get a good one for 40 ... 60 bucks.
I would stay away from cheap Chinese rip-offs. I tried one about two years ago, and after about 200 shots the caliper head broke off and went along with the arrow ...

 

Just getting into archery I'd suggest a good index release. Most can start right off with a index. There is a bit of learning for a thumb release, not much, but some.

I had pretty good instructions for a thumb release. Bow adjusted and me adjusted more I took off just about like second nature. Got use to it quick, shooting real good. Of course, you get use to shooting a thumb release you learn what you like and I tinkered a bit and it got gooder..........

 

Both neither, as you already know totally personal choice. With that said I use both, but prefer my hand held.

 

Try a few releases. Don't worry about what's more popular. I've shot wrist releases, thumbs, hinges. The hinge has become my favorite most natural style to use.

Whatever release works for you is the correct one. I tried a few different hinge style releases before settling on my favorite.

Im addition, anything with a trigger will lend itself to trigger punching, especially for new archers. If you use something with a trigger, learn to use it properly. Just like shooting a gun, you want a nice, controlled squeeze. Not a rushed punch.

 

Like everyone has already said, it's personal preference. I started with an index and learned a lot from it and still thinking about switching back and forth. I will say one thing I've learned from experience, you can't accidentally let go of a index release and have it fly into your rest/bow. I recommend trying a few different options and see what you like.

 

Try them all and see what you like. At your price point I think you might get more for your money with an index vs thumb.

 

$100 is going to be tough unless you go used. For a wrist I prefer the Spot Hogg Wise Guy. For a thumb at that price look at the TRU Ball Fang.

And, as long as it is a seer release, it is all personal preference.

 

My first delve into thumb buttons is the new Scott Summit. Really good value for $110. Everybody at my local show was quite impressed with it.

I’m going to be selling it however becuase I’d like a release that offers mor adjustability to fit my big mitts, the sizing on the Summit however is probably good for 90%+ of individuals however.


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Thanks for the info guys. So i guess a follow up question would be what are the advantage of one over the other? Im mainly going to be using this for elk hunting.

 

Practice being one, they command better form. Thumb buttons require a bit more practice to use effectively, feeling them out, learning where/how you want to anchor your hand/knuckles. There is a “textbook” answer and then there is the real world one which is some experimentation.

That being said, I shot very solid groups with my index releases, however once I switched to the thumb button and got it figured out, I’m now concerned about the health of my arrows.


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I dont mind going used but i want quality. Dont want to have to replace it for at least a few years...

 

Do you plan on hunting with the release you buy?

 

thumb release works really good for me.Just get one that fits you good.

 

Yes, this will be for hunting. Mostly elk.

 

If you’re planning on hunting this year with it I’d definitely suggest wrist.

right now you face getting your act together. That means getting your bow set snd adjusted for you (and I’m not just talking standard set up but the little tweaks that get done with time), getting your form together, getting in practice time, perfecting your stance to where things become rote etc. For some of these things nothing replaces time.

from my own 2 month recent journey I can tell you that, yeah, I could drop a standing dear at 20 yards no problem. (Too hot to shoot outdoors here in AZ for 40+ yards). I can also tell you I’m STILL adjusting things in my form and even with my release. Just getting little things wrong like too tight a grip, or even getting target anxiety (not a problem for me) take a bit of work and time.

the wrist strap is just one less issue to deal with if you get a good adjustable one. Just yesterday I shortened mine up a bit & felt an immediate difference. Also changed how I “triggered” it and THAT made an immediate difference. Last week I moved a D-loop and also saw an immediate difference.

you could get lucky and pick a hand release that immediately works for you. From the threads I’ve seen here chances are that’s not going to happen. So why complicate things when you already have plenty to learn?

 

My opinion is like everyone else's, it's personal preference.
My experience though was I bought a used bow,as you did, and it came with a wrist strap. I liked it and it shot well for me. But I found as I improved, I was looking to be more consistent to achieve a repeatable shot. Although my wrist strap was not top of the line, it wasn't the low end model either, and I couldn't keep it at the same position on my wrist every time. That was my main reason for switching to a handheld.

But either way you choose, I think you'll be fine.

 

My opinion is like everyone else's, it's personal preference.
My experience though was I bought a used bow,as you did, and it came with a wrist strap. I liked it and it shot well for me. But I found as I improved, I was looking to be more consistent to achieve a repeatable shot. Although my wrist strap was not top of the line, it wasn't the low end model either, and I couldn't keep it at the same position on my wrist every time. That was my main reason for switching to a handheld.

But either way you choose, I think you'll be fine.

agreed on the strap. My first came with a bow, and wasn’t very adjustable. Switching to a hook style with adjustable shank and a wrist strap I could snug down better has made a big difference.

 

Try them both and shoot as many shots as possible with both types to get a good feel. I started with the index and now only use thumb releases.

 

In the $100 or less category, an index release will get you something much nicer.

In the handheld releases, it's a $200 price point for sure.

Also, the index is probably easier for someone starting out.

 

Started with a wrist release then switched to a Carter thumb. There's bit of a learning curve. From there i had about dozen different Carters over the years before settling on Target 3 finger. Shot that for years, but now as i'm getting older i started having gripping problems in my right hand.... So i'm going back to wrist. Never noticed any accuracy improvements switching to thumb. If anything felt i had a better more solid anchor using a wrist release. Some people will argue that you're DL will need to change too if using a thumb. All i ever did was make my d-loop just a hair wider for the twist.

 

I'm a wrist release guy myself, only for the simple fact I ruined my chances for a thumb release love affair when I made the mistake to take my focus off the situation at hand and bumped the thumb release just before the let off and punch myself full force square in the mouth. Yea yea laugh it up.......I DID AFTER I PICKED MYSELF UP OFF THE GROUND. my only take away from this was.... for me.. I trust the forgiveness of a wrist release, and I have one hell of a backwards right cross.

 

Was at the range with the guy who’s helped me the most to date a few days ago. I was yet again messing with my setup trying to get more dialed in.

He was shooting with a hinge release. I was happy to finally see one in person so I might get to understand it better. He offered to let me use and at the same time said I should get prepared to punch myself in the mouth! I passed.

last time I was there I shortened up the wrist release, and today tightened it down further on my wrist. My groupings were pretty tight.

then he pointed out that my rest did not have my arrows coming off my bow as straight as they should be. Damn, I could swear that was aligned. That led to resetting the sight yet again.

tje process never ends.

next trip I have 3 arrows cut down to a closer correct spine. We’ll see what that does…

 

Was at the range with the guy who’s helped me the most to date a few days ago. I was yet again messing with my setup trying to get more dialed in.

He was shooting with a hinge release. I was happy to finally see one in person so I might get to understand it better. He offered to let me use and at the same time said I should get prepared to punch myself in the mouth! I passed.

last time I was there I shortened up the wrist release, and today tightened it down further on my wrist. My groupings were pretty tight.

then he pointed out that my rest did not have my arrows coming off my bow as straight as they should be. Damn, I could swear that was aligned. That led to resetting the sight yet again.

tje process never ends.

next trip I have 3 arrows cut down to a closer correct spine. We’ll see what that does…

This brings back memories of when I was real young and got a new 30-06. The guy at the range told me i needed to get closer to the scope when i knew i was close enough (shooting a 180 grain round). Long story short i followed his instructions and the scope came back and nailed me in the eye, bleeding everywhere.....at least safety glasses were required there so i didnt end up blind!!!