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Thumb Release Interest

H

Hellir

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 3, 2020
Messages
237
I have always only ever shot an index release. I don’t have what people call “target panic.” Honestly, not really sure what that even means. I mean I do, but it just seems like a weird concept to me. Almost like gluten-free. Just doesn’t seem real. Haha. Anywaaaaay…..

Even though I’ve always shot an index, I’m starting to get interested in trying a thumb release. I went to an archery shop in town and looked and some there and the guy let me test his B3 Versa release. It was definitely smooth. I only tested it on one of those hand-held string devices. I didn’t have my bow with me. It seems that most of the releases they had were more geared toward target archery. I’m sure you could use them just the same. But I’m curious if anyone uses a thumb release and which ones you use or would recommend? And what are your pros/cons you have experienced with a thumb release.


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i use stan sx3 for hunting. pros: i have a more consistent anchor point, DL gets to increase by 1/2" (slight increase in speed) over index release, and less likely to punch the trigger/develop target panic, since thumb is "slower" than index finger. con: i've dropped it from the tree before, since i don't have it attached to my wrist.
 
I shoot a tru fire synapse. Like the poster above said, I think it gives a more consistent anchor. Also it clips to and stays on the bow string. No need to hook it up with an animal in view
 
There are many different styles that IMO it really depends on what fits your hand the best. With that said, I love my Stan Perfex

Pro - no more slapping yourself in the face with the wrist style release trying to swat a mosquito.
 
My theory, I think a lot of what people like about thumb releases vs. a wriststrap release is having that solid object to grip to draw the bow back vs. a wrist strap. I know there's the whole target archery, proper backtension thing too, but average bowhunter guys that just pick it up and like it, I think they immediately notice how much easier it is to draw the bow. I think they can add 10 pounds to your draw weight. To me that's probably the biggest pro. Now there are some trigger releases with a draw bar that does the same thing, like the Winn Free Flight which is actually what I shoot, but there aren't many on the market.

Another pro or con (to me it's a pro for treestand hunts and a con for on-the-move hunting) Is that you can clip it on the D-loop and leave it there in the case of treestand hunting. Or risk losing it or having to fish around for it in a pocket to get a shot off if you are say elk hunting.

I've shot thumb release on and off vs. my Free Flight but I keep going back to the Free Flight. I shoot both about equally well I just go back to what I've always shot.
 
What everyone else said. I shoot a thumb cuz I have joint issues and the wrist release really messes with my wrist. Thumb I don’t have that problem. Also more consistent anchor at least for me. I can draw with my eyes closed and it lines right up. With a thumb you can also trigger it with back tension so instead of manipulating your thumb you can pull back through the shot which squeezes your hand which triggers the release, it’s more surprising that way and folks with trigger panic often times shoot them that way.
Edit: I’ve shot tru ball in the past, shoot hot shot now.
 
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I shoot a Target 4+ by Carter.

I love the thumb button. Switched after nearly 20 yrs of bow hunting an index.

I feel a more consistent an anchor point, and my whole hand turns into the “trigger” not just a finger.
For me it’s the difference between trying to fire the bow when I see my pin where I want it, and floating my pin in the target area and pulling through the shot. The later being more accurate and easier to accomplish with my thumb button. For me.
My 2 cents.
 
I shoot only Hot Shot releases. They have the same quality of the other brands but have a lifetime warranty on them and have always treated me very well. Customer service is top notch.

Long story short I was cleaning gunk out of my vapor release after it being lost outside and lost the internal spring, got a hold of them and they told me to ship it to them, they cleaned repaired any broken/worn bits and shipped it back within a week. They knew I had opened it up, which voids most warranties. They even sent me a bit of swag for my troubles, all I had to pay was to ship it to Utah.
 
I think the top two brands for thumb releases are Stan and Carter.

I had a Stan SX3 and it was super crisp, but I just never got consistent with it.

Switch to a Carter Nock2it and have had much better luck. More of a personal preference though
 
I switched to a truball max pro this year and love it. I’ll never go back to trigger style. Absolutely love it. It’s great. Much more consistent anchor point for me and doesn’t bother my wrist either like sometimes my old one would. Love it.
 
Hellir said:
I have always only ever shot an index release. I don’t have what people call “target panic.” Honestly, not really sure what that even means. I mean I do, but it just seems like a weird concept to me. Almost like gluten-free. Just doesn’t seem real. Haha. Anywaaaaay…..

Even though I’ve always shot an index, I’m starting to get interested in trying a thumb release. I went to an archery shop in town and looked and some there and the guy let me test his B3 Versa release. It was definitely smooth. I only tested it on one of those hand-held string devices. I didn’t have my bow with me. It seems that most of the releases they had were more geared toward target archery. I’m sure you could use them just the same. But I’m curious if anyone uses a thumb release and which ones you use or would recommend? And what are your pros/cons you have experienced with a thumb release.


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Click to expand...
You don't want target panic. It come from anticipating your shot while aiming. Shooting a thumb button release will go a long way to teaching you proper form and how to use back tension. As your mechanics get better your groups will tighten. However I do not hunt w/ a button. I practice before the season w/ a button and switch to an index for hunting season. I think it was Randy Ulmer used to teach this. He competed all season long w/ 6 different buttons in his quiver. All Different tensions. His thinking was that forced him to use proper back tension because he couldn't anticipate when it was going to go off. For hunting he used an index trigger because In hunting situations sometimes you don't have enough time to properly squeeze off a shot with a button. Your shot opportunity comes quick and trigger is just like a gun. I have tried the button while hunting and found that I punch the trigger badly. I had a bull at 11 yds. I punched so badly that missed by 12". Luckly a bull's vitals are big so I caught the back of his lungs. With a trigger, I generally hit what I'm aiming at though. That being said, I know many guys who shoot a button well in hunting situations. I'm not one of them though.
 
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1simplemann said:
You don't want target panic. It come from anticipating your shot while aiming. Shooting a thumb button release will go a long way to teaching you proper form and how to use back tension. As your mechanics get better your groups will tighten. However I do not hunt w/ a button. I practice before the season w/ a button and switch to an index for hunting season. I think it was Randy Ulmer used to teach this. He competed all season long w/ 6 different buttons in his quiver. All Different tensions. His thinking was that forced him to use proper back tension because he couldn't anticipate when it was going to go off. For hunting he used an index trigger because In hunting situations sometimes you don't have enough time to properly squeeze off a shot with a button. Your shot opportunity comes quick and trigger is just like a gun. I have tried the button while hunting and found that I punch the trigger badly. I had a bull at 11 yds. I punched so badly that missed by 12". Luckly a bull's vitals are big so I caught the back of his lungs. With a trigger, I generally hit what I'm aiming at though. That being said, I know many guys who shoot a button well in hunting situations. I'm not one of them though.
Click to expand...

For me, it was the best of both worlds with a thumb button. You can shoot it like back tension, and have the ability to fire it at will in a hunting situation.

In my opinion some of the poor shots from a thumb button come from having the thumb button set up wrong. The "button" should be deeper into your hand to go off when you squeeze your hand, rather than out towards the tip of your thumb. If it's set out to far, its really no different than a trigger in terms of target panic.
 
I think you’ll find the Stan Perfex to be the most adjustable and adaptable release on the market. You can make it a 2, 3, or 4 finger and can adjust the sweep. The tension and travel adjustment is super smooth too.

Definitely go with the long neck version. The short neck, most find to be too short and awkward.


Semper Fi,
Mike
 
I did the same thing last summer. Idk why but I couldn’t get as consistent of an anchor as I could with my normal release. What I loved about it was the freedom (nothing hindering hand), the crisp release, and the ability to leave the release on the d loop before shooting.

I would go out some days and absolutely be on fire. Shooting great out to 85 yards. The next day I’d feel like I’d need to resign my bow in. Something in my anchor point would change and it would make me miss 4-6” one direction or the other.

I did some research and found a stan xstinction 2. It’s a wrist release but it has the adjustable and crisp trigger I had grown to love with my thumb release. I haven’t missed my thumb release since swapping to it.

I also didn’t like the idea of it not being attached to be although I also consider that a pro. I just felt like I was doomed to get to my deer stand one day and not have it. Lol.


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I got one of those $40 Amazon thumb releases and my first impression was that it was a game changer! I have shoulder issues and cannot raise my right elbow above my shoulder when drawing back nor at full draw. I think this presented issues as I just got worst and worst with it. I actually have to lift the bottom of the release in order to line up my peep w/pins. Went back to the tru fire smoke and got another for my back up. I gave my thumb release to my best bud who had issues with his assassin wrist release. I could not believe how long the pull was on his assassin……there is no adjustments on it either. Well no wonder he was shooting sporadically. He is using the thumb release I gave him and is loving it. I like everything about the tru fire smoke and until I get my shoulder fixed I’ll stick with it.
I’d definitely try one and see how it works for you. If you bow hunt from the stand you really need to have a backup release in your pack anyway……in case you forget or drop yours etc…no reason not to use one for hunting!
 
Zero One Actual said:
Carter Wise Choice for me. I love it and am in the tree w it now.
Click to expand...
This; I shoot the same release with my compound. I haven't tried a wide variety of 'thumb' releases but couldn't personally see how it can be improved upon for what I use it for.

Bear in mind it is possible to punch any release but this release enables me to have control of the shot. When up a tree or on the ground I feel I can shoot this release as 'quickly' as any index release I've ever shot.
I know this applies to many, many purchases but if you have the ability to try a couple prior to your purchase, do it because a quality release is going to cost you some coin.
Is it worth it for you to buy a $200 release? Keep in mind much of your money can be recouped if you decide to sell it.
 
I went from an index to a thumb this year. I'm actually having mix feeling about it. It could also be because the thumb release I had was setup as a hair trigger when I got it used (Carter BK Target). And practicing with it in the safety of my backyard, this was not a problem. But in an encounter with a deer, I just feel more control over trigger is better.

That's said, just from my perspective, 99% of professional archers are using thumbs or hinges so you can't argue with a proven method by experts in their field.....But I think a good deal of hunters still prefer the index because the the control you have over the shot is worth the lack of accuracy.
 
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