Archery Releases: Is Hook or Caliper Better?

Most archers agree that hook release is better than caliper. Hook release is quieter and has a more positive feel than caliper release, and it also puts minor wear on your string loop when used. If price is not a concern, hook release is a
better choice.

Hook style head is smoother when released than the caliper-type heads. Its smoothness is why it is also less noisy when released. In particular, bowhunters prefer hook release because it is more efficient. You do not have to look down. You have to hook it
by feel and use it right away.

In contrast, a dual caliper usually requires you to look down and see what you are doing before getting the string between the jaws of the release. Because of the friction when the string leaves the mechanism of the bow, you will chew through
loops and tangle the cables.

However, if your number one concern is pricing, a dual caliper release with a wrist strap is better. It is because hook releases start at $20 higher than caliper releases. A perfect dual caliper can cost $100, the same amount as an average handheld hook release. The pricing can get higher based on these factors: brand, adjustability, handheld or strap, and head type (caliper or hook).

Read on more about the different archery releases to help you decide which one to buy or which one suits your best.

What is a hook release?

A hook release is a type of release that has only one moving part at the point of connection to the bow, which is the hook. As its name implies, it looks like a
hook and is open on one side.

When you pull the trigger, the single moving hook mechanism will release the string with minimal effect on the bowstring. Most archers get a very positive feeling with this type of release because it is smooth and quiet when shot.

The hook-style release has become known to most archers in recent years. Twenty-five years ago, the hook release was not yet available in the market for compound bow shooters. That is why most archers used other types of release aids together with wrist wrap.

Additionally, unlike the caliper release, you can only use the hook release with a d-loop to reduce torque on the bow and save to re-serve the string periodically. Also, archers who are not fans of a hook release head might shoot worse, so it is essential to choose the release that suits your needs.

What is a caliper release?

Caliper release is the one that holds and releases the D-loop on your bowstring. Using a caliper release helps you give a far more consistent and reliable release than the usual holing on and letting go with your fingers.

Calipers can be single or double on releases, depending on your preference. It means either a single moving arm or two arms moving together. The most common type of caliper release is what the archers prefer, the dual caliper.

A dual caliper is a pair of symmetrical jaws in your bowstring that open at the same time when you pull the release trigger. The mechanism of caliper release is typically a ball bearing type setup, different from a hook release.

The idea of the dual caliper is that it gives an equal placement of friction as your D-loop or bowstring slips through the jaws or calipers. You can prevent the bowstring from having any torque or left to proper tension. The dual caliper ensures minimal interference on the flight of the arrow.

You can also get a dual caliper release with a rotating head if you prefer a better shot and more adjustability. Getting a dual caliper release will let you get your anchor point at the proper position without torquing your bowstring.

There is another thing to remember when using a dual caliper release. When the head attaches to the strap without a rigid mount, you need to be careful not to rotate your hand during the shot execution.

Consistency is the most significant advantage of the single caliper release because there is only one point of motion. Meanwhile, a single caliper release only has one jaw that moves while the other side of the release remains stationary. It is like a hook release but without an open on one side. Still, you can feel confident that the bowstring is going the same way every time.

Caliper release allows you to shoot either with a D-loop or right off the string. Also, these days most archers shoot with some string loop anyway.

Why use a bow release?

Bow release helps archers to get over their target panic. Archers usually need help in releasing a bowstring consistently, and using a bow release makes it easier for them to draw the bow and release each shot cleanly.

Another reason why archers use release aids, especially for compound bow shooters, is because it only takes less practice to get consistent accuracy. Most archers who prefer the traditional finger releases usually spend more time practicing their shots to keep their shooting accurately. Releases make shooting a lot easier that is why compound archers do not have to practice as much to keep their accuracy stable.

By trying out several different bow release aids, archers can find the kind of release aids that suit their preference. Once they find the best one for them, it will allow them to hold the bow back without shaking steadily.

Release aids vary from defined machinery to simple pieces of leather, and they are available in two categories: mechanical releases and finger releases. Archers who shoot compound bows use mechanical release, while archers who shoot recurve and longbows prefer traditional finger releases.

What is the use of a bow caliper?

You use a bow caliper to aid you with the angle you aim to shoot. Bow calipers are essential to keep your arrow perpendicular to the string when shooting.

Before the arrow hits the bullseye, every archer hopes for a clean release to get a perfect arrow flight. Bowhunters are especially fond of trying to place their shot on a target without getting caught. Many bowhunters use a mechanical bow release to get those consistent, clean, and stable results.

As technology advances, mechanical releases develop a way to eliminate the need to draw a compound bow back to your fingers as you would with a traditional recurve or longbow. Bow calipers can lessen the chances of string torque that can alter your arrow’s flight path. In addition, archery releases also help in getting consistent shooting and aid in building bowhunting confidence.

To use a bow caliper, all you have to do is to put the caliper in the loop after you place your arrow on the bow. You can then hook up the caliper to the string and pull it to the angle you aim. After doing that, you will notice that the arrow stays perpendicular to the string.

Positioning the arrow perpendicular to the string is essential so that when you do a release, you get the arrow pushed by a perpendicular string rather than an angled string.

How do you adjust the release on a Scott caliper?

There are two ways to adjust the release on a Scoot caliper. You can adjust the release on a Scott caliper by activating the trigger or turning the set screw clockwise or counterclockwise.

Every Scott Archery release aid has its sensitivity and pulls adjustment next to the trigger. You can activate the trigger by opening the double-caliper release to uncover the set screw for the trigger sensitivity adjustment. After starting the trigger, the calipers will open, and the trigger will pull back.

Moreover, another way to adjust the release on a Scott caliper is to turn the set screw counterclockwise or clockwise, according to your preferred level of sensitivity. If your goal is to increase the sensitivity, you can turn the screw counterclockwise. Turning the screw clockwise helps tighten the screw, resulting in decreased sensitivity.

It always boils down to your preference and which one you feel more comfortable using. New archers typically prefer a less sensitive trigger to prevent an unwanted trigger pull. Meanwhile, experienced target archers want more sensitivity for a smooth arrow
release.

To get used to the aids, use them more often to get the grip you aim for when practicing. You can close the dual jaws of the caliper to set the trigger by pushing the trigger forward and then activating the trigger to feel the sensitivity.

Continue to adjust the trigger sensitivity adjustment according to your preference. You can then practice shooting the bow and arrows after adjusting the new trigger pull setting with a target at approximately 10 yards.

Another tip is to start with a decreased sensitivity level until you are comfortable with the Scoot caliper, the release aid, and the bow.

Scott Archery has aids available for all types of archery. Among the options are single-caliper, double-caliper, and string loop. Depending on your preferred release, you can choose among the options and see if it fits your grip or if it gives your comfort when taking your shot.

Double-caliper release aids feature a dual-jaw design for bows with a string loop. It has two movable parts that open and close around the bowstring. One of the innovations in double-caliper release aid is an adjustable head length and trigger pull.

Depending on the level of expertise and sensitivity requirement, every archer can adjust the trigger pull to match their preference.

What kind of release is best for hunting?

A high-speed bow with an excellent mechanical bow release is the best release for hunting. Hunters prefer this kind of release because it’s more comfortable than other releases. Aside from that, it creates no sound when released. It is also less sensitive, which is an excellent help in aiming their target accurately.

Using the fingers to shoot a 60–70-pound bow is unrealistic for hunters. That is why they prefer to use a release. The mechanics and string angles you are most comfortable with also affect your need to use a release aid.

Please think of the release aids as the critical link between a crisp and accurate shot where one jumps off the string while the other misses the target. There are a lot of models and options for release aids that you can choose from on what to buy. For new archers, finding the best release aid helps find your preferred shooting style.