Since I started shooting a mechanical release, I've noticed a drastic improvement in my accuracy. The days of fingers have passed for me and pinpoint accuracy has been achieved through today's popular release aids. Since I made the switch to release aids, which I'm embarrassed to admit was three years ago, I have favored the wrist strap release models for hunting. My first model was the Tru-Fire Stealth and after taking two Pope & Young bucks in the past three years, I thought it was time to switch it up a bit. For 2006, Tru- Fire introduced the 3D Hunter Camo. The four finger handle and the thumb trigger release are manufactured from aluminum and have an adjustable trigger knob for the perfect fit to any sized hand, left or right handed, and can be adjusted for a heavier or more sensitive pull. Torque free shooting is accomplished through a 360- degree rotating head, which increases accuracy. The 3D Hunter may be shot with a string loop or straight off the serving. Since I install a string loop on all my bows, I tested the 3D with this setup and was immediately pleased with the results. The design of the four-finger, T-handle-shaped release allowed my hand to settle tightly into my anchor point with my thumb braced lightly below my jawbone. It was as comfortable to shoot as any release I've tested in the past, and the ability to use your thumb for triggering was quite impressive. Simply put, I liked the way it held and hitting bull's-eyes that first day was all the proof I needed. One thing that I should mention is the added benefit of not having the release strapped to your hand. The release can be attached to the string or to a string loop and left there until you're ready to shoot. So forget about missing the shot because you're release isn't connected--let it hang.

Contact: Tru-Fire, Dept. PB, 722 State Street, North Fond du Lac, WI 54937; (920) 923-6866; www.trufire.com.