Release Mania '09

October 28, 2010 By Patrick Meitin

Crisp-firing, smooth-operating new models provide hair-splitting accuracy.

By Patrick Meitin

Among the myriad steps involved in creating the perfect shot, a smooth release is one of the most vital. Whether shooting for the highest 3-D score or dropping the string on a season-making buck, a smooth release ultimately determines the outcome. According to two consumer surveys I've observed recently, 75- 80 percent of all bowhunters employ a release. The reasons are obvious. Triggering a release is much easier than mastering a consistent finger release. Releases free the bowstring exactly the same way every time.

And, they can be triggered efficiently even with numb, frozen fingers.

This is a bowhunting magazine, so I'll highlight releases designed for that purpose. For most, this involves a wrist-strap, index-finger release. Still, there are decided advantages to T-handle designs. For archers suffering target-panic or trigger-punching ills, triggering the shot with thumb instead of index finger can help alleviate these debilitating habits.

The newest bowhunting releases offer greater smoothness, ease of operation and accuracy than ever. To follow are some of the latest and greatest: Carbon Impact
Carbon arrow heavyweight Carbon Impact offers two innovative designs for 2009. The World-Record Wrist Release employs opposing twin ball bearings operating an ultra-smooth sear mechanism. It's built around a sleek, machined aluminum housing with steel internal parts. The design includes a polished, string-loop post with "hour-glass" loop groove and fully adjustable trigger and shank length.

Carbon Impact
Carbon arrow heavyweight Carbon Impact offers two innovative designs for 2009. The World-Record Wrist Release employs opposing twin ball bearings operating an ultra-smooth sear mechanism. It's built around a sleek, machined aluminum housing with steel internal parts. The design includes a polished, string-loop post with "hour-glass" loop groove and fully adjustable trigger and shank length.

The Showcase "T" Release includes a wrap-around jaw to make it compatible with string loops. The silky-smooth, thumb-activated design engages an all-steel, dual-sear mechanism contained in machined aluminum. Bow tension and load are completely isolated from the trigger for a crisp release no matter the draw weight. It's easily adjusted for both tension and travel.

Carter Enterprises
Carter claims the new Rx1 and Rx2 are the fastest, quietest and most accurate wrist-strap releases around. Inspired by target champions Randy Ulmer and Michael Braden, the Rx includes a magnetic hook return, snapped shut by squeezing the trigger to allow faster string loop acquisition. Its Interchangeable Tension System (I.T.S.) allows an infinite range of trigger tension without affecting travel. An optional magnetic trigger kit is also included. Both have premium, fully adjustable leather buckle straps by Scott Archery.

The Rx2 features a reverse loop hook that pivots away from the face (an advantage for those with beards or wearing face masks), while the Rx1 includes a standard-position hook opposite the index finger.

Cobra
Long lauded for rock-solid, budget-priced releases (10 still in the line), the new Mamba vaults Cobra into the precision market. The Mamba comes in three models to accommodate any shooting preference. The Mamba Fang is an open-hook design made for string-loops and holds an adjustable webbing connector strap.

The Mamba R1 and R2 Swing Away E-Z Adjust include versatile wrap-around jaw and dual-caliper design, respectively. Swing Away E-Z Adjust connecting shanks swivel 360 degrees and include threaded bodies with knurled knob for no-tools length adjustment.

The Fang and R1 include compact heads, stainless steel jaws and forward-mounted trigger to sacrifice less draw length when used with string loops. The R2 is equipped with hardened aluminum jaws and standard trigger. All include adjustable trigger travel and padded Realtree camo Velcro or buckle straps.

HHA Sports
The forward trigger design on the dual-caliper XT-1000Buck not only helps archers take advantage of their entire draw length but also helps increase bow speed and power stroke.

The micro adjustable anodized aluminum connecting shank offers easy draw length adjustment. CNC-machined aluminum and steel components (including polished jaws) ensure long life and flawless function. The XT-1000 Buck is offered with a Tarantula Magna Grip Buckle Strap in Mossy Oak Break-Up and includes an optional peg trigger.

HTM Precision
HTM boasts that their new Inline Release instantly shrinks arrow groups. This string-loop design's different, a T-handle combined with a buckle wrist strap and offering two highly unique features. The design places the trigger in line with the string-loop hook, and the string, enabling you to pull straight back with no deflection during the shot. The hook itself is designed with 360 degrees of relief at the tip to eliminate all loop interference.

The wide trigger is situated in the index finger "T" divot, allowing you to employ back-tension triggering, pulling into the draw stops to trigger the shot instead of flexing the finger. Trigger tension is highly adjustable. Look for them in anodized aluminum black or champagne.

Jim Fletcher Archery
Fletcher has been a major force in release technology since 1960, a reputation that endures today. The Fletch Hook is an index finger, string-loop release designed around a zero-creep roller system that provides ultimate shooting smoothness. The forward trigger ensures draw length remains true while shooting string loops. The trigger is infinitely adjustable from heavy to hair trigger and also comes with a removable, knurled sleeve for better control with gloves or in cold weather. It's available with a deluxe Velcro or buckle wrist strap and includes an anodized, splatter black-and-gray camo finish.

The new Jimi T is a thumb-activated, three-finger T-handle with a wrap-around jaw perfect for string loops. The crisp, highly adjustable trigger includes zero travel to eliminate shooting distraction; exclusive over-center linkage system ensures extra-smooth operation. Thumb-trigger options include basic stainless steel pin, knurled trigger sleeve or larger knurled thimble. The hard-anodized finish includes black-on-blue or pewter-on-bronze camouflage.

Pro Release
The Silver Bullet and Rollaid have stood the test of time. The Silver Bullet includes aircraft-grade alu

minum and steel construction in a dual-caliper design suited to any shooting style, though designed primarily for string-loop technology. The adjustable trigger and custom-contoured calipers provide incredible performance via engineering allowing each jaw to open evenly and consistently. The Rollaid's designed for precise shooting while hooked directly to the serving. The Roller Bearing Caliper design centers the bowstring to eliminate launch deflection for straighter, faster arrow flight. Both are offered in Concho, wrist-strap or pistol-grip options; camo or black.

Scott Archery Manufacturing
With 20 years of know-how, it's no wonder Scott is one of the biggest names in releases.

With more than 10 bowhunting releases available in more than 20 configurations, choosing just a couple to highlight is tough duty. The Rhino XT is a newly designed, open-hook (string-loop), single-sear release including a forward trigger to maximize draw length, streamlined head for comfort and precision, and a spring-loaded hook for quick, easy loading.

It also features a new, interchangeable spring system for added trigger sensitivity adjustment. All internal components are high-grade machined steel, including hand-polished stainless hook for smooth and consistent firing. The Rhino XT is available with Scott's patented four-hole connector system or Nylon Connection System (NCS) for micro-adjustable fit.

New last season, the Stingray is a revolutionary T-handle release activated by the index finger. The dual, stainless-steel caliper jaws are designed to be shot with a string loop setup. The machined aluminum handle allows ergonomic finger positioning and includes a one-piece trigger design. The knurled thumb peg provides added bow-drawing leverage. It can be used as a handheld release (left dangling from a string loop between shots) or with Scott's patented, micro-adjustable RCS wrist-strap system.

Spot-Hogg
The Saturday Night Special is a thumb-activated T-handle release designed for string-loops. The sear completely captures the loop inside a closed slot, allowing it to be attached and left in place between shots. It can be adjusted from hair trigger to heavy without fear of misfires at any setting, and once trigger sensitivity is set it won't change.

The release is designed with a short neck, so it gives up nothing in draw length, also allowing you to stretch your draw length without modifying shooting form. All-steel internal parts and milled-aluminum body make it indestructible.

The Friday Night Special includes all the features of the Saturday model, but with an open hook design that makes it faster to hook up and a relaxed trigger setting perfect for combating target panic.

Stanislawski
Highly popular in the target arena, Stan's releases are gaining traction with bowhunters.

In 2008, Stanislawski released the SX2 with a new searing mechanism, providing a crisp, consistent release in a two-piece handle design. For 2009, the same searing mechanism can be found in their Shootoff!. Both the SX2 and Shootoff! incorporate Stan's proprietary ErgoFit Technology to help accommodate cross training between the back tension and trigger release types. Also, both feature a multi-positional thumb trigger (MPT2) that lets the user position the trigger exactly where they want it by adjusting tilt, projection and thumb angle.

T.R.U. Ball
A name synonymous with quality, T.R.U. Ball offers more than two dozen bowhunting release designs. The new Super Series includes six options for the bowhunter who needs extra camo to get extra close. The Super Hornet is a great representative, featuring complete camouflage from its all-new, tough metal head and rod design right down to its printed-leather buckle strap.

The Super Hornet stays near your hand while in the shooting position but can be folded away or tucked into a sleeve when climbing into a stand or riding an ATV. It's totally silent, patented trigger design allows quick loading by pulling the trigger to open the dual-caliper jaws and releasing the trigger to close them around either a string or string loop.

Capitalizing on the success of the Sniper Jaw and a Half, the new Sniper 2 features the same, trigger-controlled loading ease of the Super Hornet. The Sniper 2's forgiving Jaw and a Half design floats slightly to allow better string or loop clearance during arrow launch. It also includes a new ribbed body that offers greater draw length adjustability via five setscrew positions. The head connects to the strap with a new Globo swivel combining torque-free shooting with foldaway capabilities.

Interchangeable triggers allow use of a forward design for added draw length or a spring trigger to help eliminate trigger punching.

Tru-Fire
The one-stop shop for release aids, Tru-Fire claims the title of "World's Largest Release Manufacturer." For 2009, this innovative company offers a super-sleek, slick-shooting release loaded with features bowhunters should appreciate. The Edge is a dual-caliper, micro-sized wrist model with a body smaller in diameter than a dime.

The two jaws open when the trigger is engaged and close when released to make even string loop hook-up instantaneous. An all-new internal linear-motion bearing makes the trigger feel like it's riding on air. An Evolution Buckle Strap makes it easy to put on. The rigid shank offers more than an inch of length adjustment and a locking feature to maintain perfect fit.

Trigger travel is adjustable, and the entire shank/head can be folded back when you need your hands free.

One of my Tru-Fire favorites is the Black Talon Buckle, a string-loop model with heat-treated, Teflon-coated loop hook and a head that can be locked or set to allow 45- or 360-degree rotation. The connecting shank includes 32 position length adjustments and is held by a camo leather buckle strap. Also worth mentioning is the 3D Hunter, a four-finger T-handle design with 360-degree rotating/lockable head with dual hardened-steel calipers, adjustable thumb-bar trigger and fully-adjustable trigger travel. The machined aluminum handle comes in black or anodized camo.

TRUGLO
Bow sight giant TRUGLO introduces the spanking-new Tap Out series of bowhunting releases. THey feature highly polished, stainless steel jaws and concave, knurled triggers that allow complete sensitivity adjustment and outstanding accuracy. The roller sear creates a smooth and consistent trigger pull at any setting. The dual-caliper design is precisely synchronized to ensure a precise and true string release, while polished jaw surfaces reduce serving or loop wear. The Tap Out is compact and ultra rugged, available with either nylon/Velcro closure or leather buckle strap.

Winn Archery
The original "glove"-equipped bowhunting release, Winn continues to prove highly popular by maintaining true draw length, distributing draw weight around the entire hand to make heavy bows easier to draw and proving always ready for action. The long, gun-style trigger is easy to feel, even while wearing gloves, and

is adjustable for both tension and travel. All models include stainless steel bodies and file-hardened triggers and sears.

They also feature new Conceal camo and a softer glove material. The C-10 captures the string in a slot, locked into place when the serving is pushed against the slot rear to engage and cock the sear mechanism. The SS Caliper offers roller-caliper-style jaws, engaged on the serving easily by pushing the V-cut jaws over the string. The Loop Hook Mechanism is designed specifically for use with string loops.

These are but a sampling of the release options available to the bowhunter for the coming season -- the most innovative, up-to-the-minute examples of the release-maker's art.

They are engineered for added functionality and ease of use, greater control and more rugged dependability. And, most importantly, to ensure every shot you take is the best it can be.

Capture A Release

Carbon Impact
231-929-8152www.carbonimpact.com

Carter Enterprises
208-624-3467www.carterenterprises.com

Cobra Manufacturing
800-352-6272www.cobraarchery.com

HHA Sports
800-548-7812www.hhasports.com

HTM Precision
570-363-2515www.htmbowsights.com

Jim Fletcher Archery
760-379-2589www.fletcherarchery.com

Pro Release
810-512-4120www.prorelease.com

Scott Archery Manufacturing
606-663-2734www.scottarchery.com

Spot-Hogg
888-302-7768www.spot-hogg.com

Stanislawski
315-258-9269www.ishootastan.com

T.R.U. Ball
434-929-2800www.truball.com