A release aid is a personal thing. And we’ve personally tested a ton of them, whether it’s at the archery range, or crawling on hands and knees through the desert after a cagey buck.
Finding the right release aid for bowhunting is something we truly believe can mean the difference in filling your tag or not. They need to feel good in the hand, be durable, dependable, and easy to use.
With that said, there is a mountain of available release aids out there coming in at all different price ranges and styles. In order to help cull the fat, we at Gear Junkie have narrowed down our top picks for release aids in bowhunting for 2024. Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys and at the end of our list, be sure to check out our buyer’s guide, FAQ, and comparison chart.
The Best Archery Release Aids of 2024
- Best Overall Release Aid: Spot Hogg Wise Guy
- Best Budget Release Aid: Tru-Fire Smoke Buckle Foldback
- Best Index Release: Carter Like Mike II
- Best Thumb Release: Stan Onnex
- Best Hinge Release: Ultraview Hinge 2
Archery Release Aids Comparison Chart
Why You Should Trust Us
There isn’t one day. Not one day goes by without me doing something bowhunting related. It’s one of my ultimate passions and that passion flows through my veins stronger and stronger with each passing year.
Bowhunting is quite literally a game of inches. A whole lot has to go right in order for success to materialize. Which means there is even more that can go wrong. Release aids are not something I mess around with in the least. They need to be on point, because I need to be on point. In that regard, I’ve tried a ton of releases, and am always looking for the next best one.
In order to come up with this list, I took into consideration durability, dependability, ease of use, and practicality. Some of these releases have been shot over and over again for years dragged through all manner of weather getting thrown every which way from Sunday. Along with that, I notated a wide range of price points, consulted other experts in my circle, and also analyzed market demand.
A bad release can blow up a hunt. And for me, that’s just not an option. It shouldn’t be one for you either.
Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Archery Release
Handheld vs. Index Release
Going through our list, you’ll notice that there are several options for both handheld and index-style release aids. So, on top of just finding the right release for you, this poses yet another question. Should you snag a handheld release or an index-style release?
Both releases are tried and true, but they indeed each have their own pros and cons. Here is a breakdown of each to get you set on the right track
Index-Style Release Aid
Index-style release aids are by a long shot the most popular option among bowhunters. If you’re familiar with firing a gun at all, even a toy gun, this will be a pretty seamless transition. Operating this trigger system is nearly identical to that of a trigger on a gun.
These releases attach to your wrist via a buckled or Velcro strap. A very handy feature for field use and one that will make sure your release is always ready. The chances of losing one of these are very slim because of this. Along with that, they are incredibly easy to use.
As I mentioned above, it’s virtually the same as the trigger on a gun. Pull the bow back, aim, and pull the trigger. That’s all she wrote. All of this makes these a fantastic option, especially for beginner bowhunters. There are also plenty of seasoned pros who prefer the simplicity of this type of release.
The biggest downside of an index-style release is that they are notorious for instilling target panic in folks. Because they are so easy to use, most don’t actually learn the proper way to use them. Why learn when it’s the same as a gun, right? It’s very similar mentally, but not the same in terms of technique.
Without direction and proper technique, bad habits can form, and boom goes the dynamite. You’ve got the panic. It’s best to try and stay on top of this before it’s an issue.
Handheld Release Aid
On the other side, we have the handheld release. As far as what they are, the name really says it all. These are going to be either thumb buttons, hinges, or resistance releases.
Each one of them operates a little differently, but they are all known for their incredible accuracy. Mostly prevalent in the target world, these have been growing in popularity quite a bit for bowhunting over the last few years.
One of the biggest ups I can personally give handheld releases is their ability to combat the target panic that we mentioned above. This is why I personally believe most bowhunters will naturally end up trying one out. They are a fantastic tool for reshaping the mind and battling the mental demon that is target panic.
Along with this, they each cater much more to achieving a surprise shot, which usually translates into more consistent accuracy. This is why they are favored among target archers. And with thumb button releases in particular — depending on the design — hunters can actually attach their release to their D-loop and just let it hang there at the ready. A convenient setup.
Just like anything, though, handhelds have their shortcomings. Handhelds are much easier to lose, as most models are not attached to your wrist. Because of how pricey these can be, that’s a hard pill to swallow and a lucky day for anyone who finds the release you dropped.
And with them not attached to your wrist, if it’s not already attached to your D-loop, there is the possibility of fumbling around looking for your release in the heat of the moment. There’s a smidge more thinking involved with a handheld. Either way, a little practice will be in order.
So, Which One Is Better?
As far as which one is better, that really is going to depend on you, your style of hunting, and your goals. Treestand hunters might prefer those thumb-button handhelds more because they can attach the release and let it hang until ready to shoot.
Spot and stalk hunters might prefer an index style, so they don’t have to worry about where their release is as they crawl through the sagebrush toward that bedded buck. The answer rests in the beholder.
My best advice here is to go try them all out and go with the option that feels the best for you. Most bow shops have various archery releases that you can try on-site, so it never hurts to ask.
We’re all different, and we need to remember that. Sure, there is give and take on each end, but you are the one who decides what you want to give and take. Form your own opinions and hunt the way you want to hunt.
