If you do not want to go through the entire article and would like to know which release was my favorite, then I would recommend the TRUGLO Detonator which is the most comfortable and easiest to use.
Becoming an expert in compound bow shooting can take a long time to achieve if you are not receiving any training. If you are receiving any training, then your instructor might have already recommended a bow release to improve your shooting.
Heck, even the professionals are using this gadget to improve their shooting so why don’t you?
Here is the problem.
Finding the right bow release can be a daunting task especially if you do not know what to look for in one. There are also some safety aspects to consider before buying one.
Ultimate Compound Bow Release Buying Guide
So you came this far and still could not decide on which release was for you.
No problem.
In this section, I am going to help you choose the best release for your hunting needs. I am also going to dig into some of the features so that you can understand each one better.
There are 4 essential points of criteria that you need to look at before buying a compound bow release.
1. Cost.
2. Types.
3. Safety.
4. Jaw Clamping.
If you understand these points, then you are off to a great start. Let’s start with the price.
1. How much do these Releases Cost?
Not all of us can afford to step into a shop and buy the best and most expensive product that will make the salesman smile.
We need to be able to compare some of the products to know what exactly makes up for the cost.
Why buy an expensive product that has most of the desired features that a less expensive option already have?
The price point can start from just above $10 up to $150. This margin is quite significant if you ask me.
If you are new to archery or compound bow hunting in general and you do not want to spend a lot of money on releases, then you will love the Mossy Oak Thumb Release which is inexpensive and also functional.
If you want to know which one was the best value for the money, then I would recommend the TRUGLO Detonator which in my opinion is the best and is also under $100.
2. Different Types of Releases Available
There are only 2 types of compound bow releases available, and they include the Wrist Strap and the 4-finger type.
a) Wrist Strap
The wrist strap is ideal for those individuals that have long fingers and does not have strong fingers/hands. The strap will take most of the force away from your fingers and transfer it up to your wrist.
The only work that your fingers need to do is the micromovement involved in aiming and also releasing the trigger. With this strap, your fingers do not need to pull on the strings.
If you want a release that makes use of a strap, then you need to take a look at the TruFire Hardcore and the Scott Archery Little Goose.
b) 4-finger
The 4-finger type release is very different than the strap in regards to force. Some people also call this the “T” release. It is a small handheld device where the rotating head will be situated between your index and middle finger.
Your index, middle and ring finger will share most of the force required to pull the string while your thumb will release the trigger.
This type of release also gives you the most control.
This type is ideal for hunters that have thick and robust fingers that will not slip. People with weak hands or fingers will not be able to use this type of release to its fullest.
If you want the 4-finger type release, then I would recommend either the Tru Ball Max Hunter Pro or the Tru-Fire Hardcore 4 Revolution which are the best candidates for this type.
3. Do Not Forget About Safety
The release has accidentally slipped out of your hand, and the arrow is now heading straight in the direction that might cause harms or even kill somebody.
The 4-finger type release is the most common culprit that is responsible for this tragedy.
There is not much that you can do to change someone’s mind that wants to buy the 4-finger type except the use of combo release.
These releases make use of both the 4-finger and the wrist strap. You still need to pull the string with your fingers, but now you have a wrist strap that prevents the release from leaving your hand.
The only combo that I would recommend is the Scott Archery Longhorn Hunter which is also great for those that wants to transition from the wristband to the 4-finger type.
4. The Jaw Clamping Types (optional)
In this review, there are 3 jaw clamping types that you need to know off. They include the open hook jaw release, closed hook double jaw release, and the angled jaw.
The differences that these jaw types make are not that significant, and the only difference they might play comes to the sensitivity (in milliseconds) of the release of the string.
The open jaw is the most sensitive, while the angled jaw is in second place and the closed hook double jaw release comes in third place.
Here are the best releases for each type of jaw:
a) Open hook jaw – TruFire Hardcore
b) Angled jaw – Scott Archery Little Goose
c) Closed hook double jaw – TruFire Edge
And that is it for the buying guide. Now with this knowledge, you can consider yourself an expert.
#1 TRUGLO Detonator
Best For: If trigger sensitivity is essential to you, then this product will be your best friend.
If you are after a bow release that features a single jaw with one of the most comfortable straps, then you need to look at the TRUGLO Detonator. There is also the Nitrus, but for today, I will look at the Detonator. This release features an adjustable strap that uses the BOA closure system which enables you to get the perfect fit every time. You can turn the head 360 degrees which makes it ideal for both left and right-handed shooters.
This version only comes in the color scheme Realtree AP. The trigger system features an open hook jaw release that is made out of stainless steel. The hook will also open away from the shooter thus resulting in a smoother release. This micro-adjustable trigger needs to be pulled back to release the string. You can also move the release out of the way with the side lock connector for you are not shooting.
>> Check Price And Availability <<
#2 Mossy Oak Thumb Release
Best For: This release is ideal for hunters that want to save money.
If you are getting your feet wet with bow hunting and you want a bow release that is not expensive, then the Mossy Oak Thumb Release is your best bet. The Mossy Oak has a straightforward design and only comes in color black. Both right and left-handed archers can use this bow release.
The way to use it is to slide the string into the gap of this device, and it will automatically lock the string inside. It is important to note that this device is a 4-finger release type and does not support the wrist.It has a thumb button on top that you can press for when you are ready to release the arrow.
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#3 TruFire Edge
Best For: For those that want wrist support and flexibility.
The TruFire Edge is going to be the first product that provides a wrist strap for extra support. This additional support gives better control for when you do not have reliable hands.This feature will allow for most of the tension to move to your wrist area while giving your hands a break. It comes in two colors which include black and camo. The strap is made out of leather and can also be adjusted for a perfect fit.
You can change the length between the strap and trigger/head by turning the head clockwise and then lock it with a screw. Both left and right-hand archers can now benefit from this device because of this feature. When the trigger is pressed back, the jaws will close. When you press the trigger forward, the jaws will open which will then release the string. You can also adjust the trigger sensitivity.
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#4 Scott Archery Longhorn Hunter
Best For: This product is ideal for those hunters that want to transition from the wrist strap to the 4-finger type release.
If you are a hunter that wants to use the 4-finger release, but you fear that the release might slip, then you will love the Scott Archery Longhorn Hunter. This product comes with both the 4-finger release and the wrist strap. If the release accidentally slips out of your hand, then the wrist strap will prevent the string from releasing your hand.
You will still have the added benefit of the 4-finger release but with some added prevention.You can adjust the wristband with the help of a buckle. You also have the ability to adjust the length of the cord that connects your wristband to the release with the help of Allen keys. The release makes use of a hook system and the trigger is also very unique.
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#5 Cobra Bravo
Best For: The Cobra Bravo is ideal for those that want a bow release that has a wrist strap without having to pay a lot of money.
The Cobra Bravo is the least expensive option for bow releases that have a wristband. This product comes in the colors Realtree, Black and Muddy Girl which gives it a nice variety to choose from. You can also adjust the wristband to fit your wrist perfectly. The length between the wristband and the trigger can also be changed to that you have the perfect reach to the trigger.
You can change the length by adjusting the nylon band which makes the use of some sort of buckle. This might take a while and is not as fancy as the Truglo or Trufire. The jaws have a caliper design which is also a center release type. There is also a small lever that you can use to either close or open the jaw which will hold or release the string.
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#6 TruFire Hardcore
Best For: This product is ideal for the hunters that want an open hook trigger system.
The Tru Fire Hardcore is very similar to the TRUGLO Detonator in design. It also features an open hook that when pulled away, will release the string. This product only comes in one color which is camo and only one size. The wrist strap is made out of leather and makes the use of a buckle for adjustment purposes.
The buckle featured is the same as that of a belt.You can adjust the length between the head and strap by rotating the head. You can also fully adjust the trigger trim with an Allen key for the desired sensitivity. The head will also pivot 20 degrees to the right or left that will center your shot when at full draw.
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#7 Tru Ball Max Hunter Pro
Best For: This product is best for hunters with strong hands and short fingers that are also after precision.
Now we are starting to get to the “divas” of 4-finger bow releases. I have already mentioned the Mossy Oak release which is also a 4-finger release, but now I am going to go over the Tru Ball Max Hunter Pro 4. This release does not make use of a wristband. Both left or right handed shooters can use this device because of the 360-degree swivel technology.
It makes use of a double jaw clamp that will hold or release the string. The clamp can also be rotated 360-degree which give you better flexibility and hand position. The trigger is a thumb release that also allows you to adjust the sensitivity and the position of the trigger. This product only comes in the colors black and camo.
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#8 Tru-Fire Hardcore 4 Revolution
Best For: For those that are after safety and highest quality.
If you are a serious hunter that is after the best 4-finger bow releases then you need to stop and have a look at the Tru-Fire Hardcore 4 Revolution. This product only comes in one size and two colors which include Black and Camo. This product has some features that you will not see anywhere else. This product is the only one that features a loop retainer.
It is a pin that is located above the open hook that prevents the string from slipping out.The head of this device has the ability to turn 360° in both directions. This provides a more adjustability and also comfort without affecting your accuracy. This rotation is made possible by 11 small ball bearings.
You can also adjust the trigger knob in 16 positions in order to get that perfect sensitivity. The handle is made out of solid aluminum and the knob is made out of lanyard.
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#9 Scott Archery Little Goose
Best For: It is ideal for those hunters that are looking for head alignment and angled jaw head.
The Scott Archery Little Goose is very similar to the TruFire Edge and the Cobra Bravo with in regards to the features and look. It only comes in the color/style camo. This bow release is also a wrist strap type product that makes use of a strap to take some of the force off the fingers. The strap is made out of nylon and is also adjustable because of the buckle (the same as that of a belt).
You can adjust the length between the head and strap of this release. This is done with the help of an Allen key that you fit in one of the three holes. The head can be rotated to make easy for both left and right-hand shooters. The head makes the use of an angled jaw that gives it better clearance.
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#10 TruFire Edge 4-Finger
Best For: This product is ideal for those that like to use the TruFire Edge without a wristband.
The Tru-Fire Edge 4-Finger is very similar to its other counterpart except for the fact that it does not have a wristband and the trigger is located in a different position. The only color scheme available is Camo, and it only comes in one size. You can adjust the trigger to 16 positions where you can also change the travel distance of the trigger.
You can also rotate the head 360-degrees to make your shot more accurate by reducing torque. Both left and right-hand shooters can use this product because of this ability.The clamp is also a caliper type clamp that makes use of two jaws.
>> Check Price And Availability <<
Bow Releases Comparison Table
| Product Name | Type | Colors Av | Price |
| 1. TRUGLO Detonator (Top Pick) | Wrist Strap | Realtree AP | $$ |
| 2. Mossy Oak Thumb Release (Least Expensive) | 4-finger release | Black | $ |
| 3. TruFire Edge | Wrist Strap | Black & Camo | $$ |
| 4. Scott Archery Longhorn Hunter (Safest Release) | Combo | Realtree AP | $$$$ |
| 5. Cobra Bravo | Wrist Strap | Realtree & Black | $ |
| 6. TruFire Hardcore | Wrist Strap | Camo Evolution | $$ |
| 7. Tru Ball Max Hunter Pro | 4-finger | Black & Camo | $$$ |
| 8. Tru-Fire Hardcore 4 Revolution (Highest Quality) | 4-finger | Black & Camo | $$$ |
| 9. Scott Archery Little Goose | Wrist Strap | Camo | $$ |
| 10. TruFire Edge 4-Finger | 4-finger | Camo | $$$ |
Need Any Extra Advice?
If you still could find your match, then feel free to leave a question below, and I will try to get back to you. These releases are very simple gadgets once you understand them
What was your favorite bow release? Please leave a comment below and share it with us. Learn more about the other accessories that go with bow hunting by visiting our bow hunting accessories page.
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Very informative post on some very good quality items!
I have been shooting archery for about 20 years and I can back you up on this and say that even if you have the latest $1000 bow on the market, you are only as good as your release!
Tons of practice is what it takes to become proficient with archery equipment and a great release is paramount!
I actually own a hunting website. Check it out if you get time. https://wildwerx.com/
You have to know what you’re talking about, and obviously, you do! ‘
Mike