The Archery Bow Buyers Guide

How do you choose the Bow Release that you need from all the products on offer and from all the various brands available? I think you just have to take your time, do your research and you will find the one that best suits your needs.

An Archery Release is attached to the bowstring and they let you release the string easily by pushing or pulling the trigger. There are actually 4 types of Archery Releases.

a) One of these is the wrist type release aid. Because of its simple design and the power of the release, this is a popular option among bow hunters. You attach it to your wrist with a strap and it is held there using either a rod or a rope and you use your index finger to aid the release mechanism.

b) Another type that is commonly used by target archers is the Hand Held Release. Some archers use calipers to attach to the bowstring and others make use of a rope loop. Hand-held archery release aids are triggered by using back-tension from the thumb or the small finger.

c) The Automatic Archery Release makes use of a hydraulic valve or an electronic timer for the release string to be triggered. It’s activated once you pull your bow. It then discharges the string automatically after reaching the time you have chosen. Some of the new designs come with a safety button that you can push to keep the release from firing.

d) Then there is the Back Tension Release aid. It doesn't have a trigger, it is used by rotating the aid in your hand or relaxing your drawing hand after pulling back. The back tension release isn’t recommended because they tend to have a fairly steep learning curve. You may need to practice using other aids before you purchase a back-tension release.

Here is a listing to the right of the more popular Archery Releases for sale. Have a look and see if you can find the Archery Release to suit you.