Index Vs. Handheld Release

Choosing the proper archery release is critical for accuracy and consistency. In the archery industry, we see new releases come out each year. Releases fall under two categories: index finger (wrist wrap) and handheld (thumb, back tension, and a hinge). The most popular option is the index or trigger finger release that is attached to your wrist. This release has been a staple in the archery community and is very easy to operate. However, in recent years handheld releases have become more prevalent in the hunting industry. Picking a release can be difficult because of the different types, brands, and models offered. Both Index and handheld releases will work in hunting scenarios but trying to decide which is best for you can be confusing. This article will cover the two styles of releases and talk about their pros and cons.

Index

Index style releases are the easiest for someone to pick up and use right away. The release style is very similar to shooting a gun by pulling a trigger with your index finger. This simple design cuts the learning curve down dramatically for beginning archers. Index releases are generally attached to a wrist strap and securely lock the release onto your hand. The wrist wrap decreases the chance that you will lose your release in the field. Using this release helps pull back your bow as well without the worry of letting go of a release. Index style releases have a lot going for them because of how simple and effective they work. I remember my first release was less than $50, and worked for years.

There are a few downsides to an index release that can dramatically affect accuracy. First, with how easy it is to use, many people end up punching the trigger without even knowing. Punching the trigger can end up causing severe target panic and can be crippling to accuracy. Second, successfully executing a consistent shot is difficult because of multiple variables changing each shot.

Index Release Pros:

Easy to use: Index Releases are straightforward to use.
Cost-effective: Lower-end models as much as $19.99.

Index Release Cons:

Target Panic: overtime punching the trigger, you might create target panic.
Less customizable: Can only adjust one setting usually.

Handheld Release

Handheld archery release popularity has taken off in the bowhunting community. Initially, handheld releases were used by target and competition archers due to their versatility and accuracy. There are multiple handheld releases such as thumb buttons, back tension, and hinge releases. There are a few reasons that target archers use handheld releases. The first is that there is a greater ability to execute a consistent shot. The second reason is that handheld releases conform to your natural hand grip and position at full draw.

Handheld releases give you more options to execute a perfect shot effectively, and that is why many hunters are making the switch. Although there are many upsides to handheld releases, there are a few factors to consider before making the switch. Even though shooting techniques are the same between target archery and hunting, there are distinct differences that require absolute precision in your shot and release. For some people, handheld releases are easy to start using and have no issues, then other people like the traditional index releases and don’t want to mess with anything. The most important factor is finding a release that will be consistent and accurate.

Thumb button release aids generally make it easier to draw the bow back and make some people nervous if they let go of the release and cause significant bow and hand damage. One upside is attaching the thumb button release to the D-loop and letting it hang there, ready to pull back. This decreases one step in the process and allows you to be quieter. Unfortunately, this feature also makes it more likely to drop and lose the release in the field. This concern pushes away many hunters because losing a release could be the end of your hunt, and also, some releases cost north of $200. Having a specific location in your bino harness or even a Kydex case can ease those worries.

Handheld release Pros

Adjustability
Consistent release point
Natural hand position
Easier to draw
D-loop attachment

Handheld release Cons

Cost
Chance of losing

Overview

Trying to decide between the two styles of releases can be difficult but walk yourself through your shooting ability, price range, and setup. For example, if you shoot once or twice a year, then the index release is a great choice but if you shoot every day or multiple times a week, then definitely upgrade to a handheld release. Ensure you understand the difference between releases and pick one that can adjust pull tension, thumb, or index position.

Recommendations:

CARTER RX1 INDEX FINGER TRIGGER ARCHERY RELEASE

CARTER WISE CHOICE 3 FINGER ARCHERY RELEASE

Categories: Gear Reviews

Posted On: July 1 2021

Posted By: Dylan Cooley

1 Comment

Andrew

August 19 2021 at 5:11 PM

Thanks for an interesting read, Dylan. I would have to suggest some deeper thought here though. Both handhelds and index have the same ability to create target panic, especially thumb trigger handhelds that entice the shooter to collapse on at their shot break. The only release that effectively eliminates target panic is back tension handheld and blind bale shooting practice. This article is to identify a buying decision, but really, both release aid types can be set up to break at the same back tension points. The biggest differences come down to shooting mechanics and a bow geometry/fit that allows the proper shooting mechanics to occur. Once you have the proper fit, and are executing your shot with back tension (void of target panic), the most important detail is a hyper-consistent anchor. I've found that my clients suffer with handhelds, more specifically struggling to identify how to perfect their anchor accuracy every time. This will come down to professional opinion, however I feel the best hunting release is an wrist wrap release aid set up for back tension shot execution- with the Carter RX1 (amazing choice by the way) the user will need to shorten the neck of the nylon strap so that the trigger fits under the second knuckle AKA the first minor knuckle with the hand completed relaxed. This takes some time perfecting the specific length (like all back tension set ups do) in order to have the release aid break at the proper scapula/rhomboid major muscle group activation. Simplicity is the second most important feature, and I think while we all strive for a perfectly executed shot, the ability to punch a trigger at 12 yards in a moments notice, and/or not concerning yourself with losing a handheld release while hunting, far outweighs the potential performance benefits of shooting a competition release in a hunting environment.

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