What is the best archery release for small hands?

A wrist strap release, typically a caliper style with a trigger, is the best archery release for archers with small hands. These wrist strap releases are simple to use and relatively intuitive. This archery release is also easier to find in small sizes and is often a good starting point.

The wrist strap release naturally attaches to the archer’s wrist, where pull force is applied while drawing the bow. However, they do not have that slow squeeze control preferred by most archers. The alternative is starting them out on a back tension or hinge release, but it is more expensive.

Another alternative archer release for small hands is the handheld thumb release. These kinds of releases are less intuitive than the wrist release. The handheld thumb release is also more responsive-without the need to pull on a trigger.

The best benefit of a handheld thumb release is that it ideally fits archers with small hands and is lightweight. Since there is no need to attach these releases to your arm, you can stow them in your pockets or keep them locked in the bowstring.

Now that you have a good idea of the best archery releases for small hands, read on below to know more about archery releases and get an idea of what to consider when choosing one.

How do you size an archery release?

The size of your archery release should fit your palm’s length, where you can easily position a 90-degree pull on the trigger. A proper-fitting release begins with your wrist strap, and it needs to be tight enough to stop at the base of your hand when you pull the string to the anchor.

Make sure that the release is not super tight and that you are comfortable. The advised tightness of an archer release is that it is loose enough to rotate where you can get some airflow but not too loose to the extent that the face will rollover your wrist bone. It is to make sure that the blood circulation is okay.

Set the size of the release when it’s at rest in your hand. You will know it is the right size when you have the trigger precisely at the base of your second knuckle. But do not forget to give some space so that it lets you adjust the trigger comfortably when you pull a full draw.

The advantages of a thumb release

The most significant advantage of a thumb release is that it is less sensitive, which helps contribute to consistent shot execution. Archers find it easier to use the large muscle groups of their fingers, like the thumb, to trigger shots because it shoots more accurately.

Here are other advantages of using a thumb release:

• Increased consistency in anchor point
• Increased accuracy
• Helps with target panic
• Allows the hand to be free from obstacles until ready to take a shot
• Increases draw length
• Crisper, more refined, and can easily adjust the trigger
• Reduces the possibility of “chin drag.”
• Rotates the release hand to improve back tension
• Reduces the likelihood of jerking the trigger
• Less likely to hit the release aid into something

Thumb release, also called the thumb button, is a handheld release aid with a trigger-activated with your thumb. The thumb buttons come in different sizes and designs to tailor-fit the preference of every archer.

Most of the release aids in archery are adjustable to fit the archer’s needs, just like the thumb release. One of the most common styles of a thumb release is the three-finger release. It uses your index, middle, and ring finger to draw the bow consistently.

Here are the two main reasons why you should consider a thumb release:

1. Convenience- This thumb release is convenient as it allows you to clip the release into the D-loop without any worries. It gives you the advantage of getting a hold of the release and taking a whole step out of the process to get a full draw.
   
   However, make sure that the release does not swing from the D-loop and hit the riser or quiver when it is hanging. When it hits the riser or quiver, the sound it creates means that it is the end of your stalk. To resolve the issue, put moleskin on the problematic areas. It will put back the clank to its curb.
2. Comfortability- using a thumb release feels more natural and comfortable when doing a draw cycle. It lets you open your hand to loosen up before drawing the bow. Thumb release also enables you to get used to the feels of the trigger to shoot accurately.

To use a thumb release, start by adjusting the trigger position until it quickly reaches your thumb. Then, clip your release to a piece of string or a shot trainer so you can feel and get used to how the trigger position feels.

Next, you need to set the trigger’s sensitivity to require immense pressure to release the string. Once you feel comfortable anchoring, drawing, and shooting your release, you can start experimenting with the sensitivity of the trigger.

What release do pro archers use?

Pro archers use a wrist-strap and index finger release. The majority of the archers had already shot firearms long before starting archery, making it natural for them to use the index finger to pull the trigger.

Most archers use a release aid to help them loosen the arrow, and it is also the easiest to pick up when shooting a bow. Because of that, pro archers find it easier to pull the trigger when they need to. Moreover, index finger releases are easy to use, simple, economical, and easy to replace or borrow from other archers if yours broke.

Since most archers used firearms before bow and arrow, finger releases are reminiscent of a shooting gun for them. Index finger release also comes with a wrist strap that helps pull your bow back and decrease the chance of losing your release.

These features of an index finger release help pro archers use both hands for glassing, like not worrying about where they placed the release. Index style release is also affordable, with some types starting from $20.

Index finger release increases the probability of archers punching the trigger, leading to target panic. However, there are also some areas where index finger releases fall short. Even pro archers experience target panic at times, which adds to those incidents.

What is the most accurate bow release?

The thumb trigger release is the most accurate bow release. It allows adjustments that aid comfort and enhance consistency and accuracy.

Target archers and bowhunters are the ones who use thumb trigger release the most. Archers initially have to work with the trigger, but they can switch to back tension after getting used to it.

Archers also prefer thumb trigger release because it blends perfectly with other types of mechanical releases. However, it is slightly different from other mechanical releases because it has a trigger.

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of a thumb trigger release:

Advantages

• It comes with a squeeze where you can have a slow and steady draw that brings about clean shots on target.
• It helps in reducing trigger punching of the bow hunter and target panic.

Disadvantages

• It is complex, making it hard for beginners to understand and be comfortable using it.
• Way too expensive, especially if you want a customized one.

Use a thumb trigger release to draw your bow until it reaches its anchor point. Upon reaching the full draw, wrap your thumb around the trigger and then gradually pull the trigger until you fire a shot.

Here are some of the most recommended bow releases for your reference:

1. Tru-Fire Smoke Adjustable Compound Bow Release is the best option for archers who want to buy multiple bow releases. It comes in a one, two, three, or four-pack selection, giving you many options.
   
   Another fascinating thing about this bow release is its adjustable buckle design. It is made of durable nylon and fits both right and left-handed athletes. However, one of its disadvantages is that it does not have an adjustable trigger pull.
2. Spot Hogg Wiseguy Bow Release Buckle – One of the bow releases with an extra sensitive trigger system great for maximum accuracy. It has a foldable design and a forward trigger design that gives it a large arrow draw length.
   
   Its light trigger makes shots more accurate in the long run than other bow releases. Spot Hogg Wiseguy Bow Release Buckle is also for right and left-handed individuals, making it an inclusive choice for all archers.
3. Scott Archery Little Goose Bow Release – This bow release is a low-profile and lightweight, surprisingly tough, and long-lasting bow release. It has a durable nylon design and five different options for adjustment.
   
   Its thin design also makes it compatible even with the bulkiest hunting wear. However, its tightness on the wrist strap is not too flexible. Depending on your build, you can adjust the wrist strap, making it difficult to feel comfortable for those with big hands.
4. Scott Archery Shark Double Caliper Release – The knurled design on the trigger of this bow release provides a good grip and increases the draw distance. When archers pair this Scott Archery Shark Double Caliper Release with five different adjustment settings, you can get the most customizable bow release.
   
   Another thing to admire with this customizable bow release is its rigid leather design, knurled trigger, silent buckle design, and 5-level adjustment setting. It is also inclusive for both left and right-handed archers.
   
   While this is a good option for pro archers, beginners might have some difficulties with its sensitivity. It might be a bit off-putting to an archer that wants a less sensitive and more resistance in their trigger. However, its overly sensitive trigger might not be the best choice for every archer.
5. Tru-Fire Hardcore 4 Finger Revolution Archery Release – This bow release is known for the best control that an archer could ask for when playing archery. It had a 360-degree rotating head design to adjust it to any position you want and still get a decent shot.
   
   It also has a single hook design for fast application, adjustable tension, right, and left thumb button, and also comes with a lanyard for an easy release. However, it is pretty expensive, and archers with large hands might find this bow release uncomfortable, especially with gloves on.
   
   Choosing an archery release is not that complicated but needs a lot of thinking. Please consider the comfort and toughness. Do you also need to ask yourself if this archer release is adjustable? How quiet is it? Will it fit my hands? How accurate can it shoot?
   
   All these things are essential when choosing the archer release to make sure you get the best shot. But do not forget that preferences, budget, and needs are the factors that can determine the perfect archery release for you.