15 Must-See Bowhunting Release Aids

by Tracy Breen • August 22, 2011 • 14 comments

Perfect bowhunting release aids should include a crisp trigger that has little to no travel and tough enough to take a beating in the field. No one can tell you which type or brand of bowhunting release will make you a better bowhunter — that’s up to you to decide. Our guess is your next best release is somewhere in the following list, waiting to prove itself to you.

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Carter Enterprises Simple 1

Carter Enterprises Simple 1

Carter is a brand many pros depend on when the tournament is on the line. This year, Carter has a new bowhunting/target release called the Simple 1 ($180). The name says it all. This thumb-style release is designed to be easy to use and to adjust. One thing that caught my eye was the head of the release. It's self-loading and self-cocking so you don't have to fumble around trying to close the jaws around the string. Just push the button and it's ready to go. Other notable features include a shortened head which increases your draw length and a fitted loop slot that positions the loop in the same spot shot after shot, resulting in consistent shooting and improved accuracy. The Simple 1 also has a simplified sear for a travel-free, crisp trigger. This is a three-finger release with a contoured handle that uses Carter's one-of-a-kind, Interchangeable Tension System, making trigger adjustment extremely easy.

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14 Responses

  1. Paul Henry

    Fantastic release! Wouldn't use anything else!

    On August 23, 2011 at 3:51 pm • Reply
    • Joe

      Looks diffrent than the average release. How does it work ?

      On August 24, 2011 at 5:14 pm • Reply
  2. David Sheppert

    Great release,complete with a lifetime warranty.

    On August 23, 2011 at 4:03 pm • Reply
  3. Dan Hawke

    Were was Spot Hogg's " Friday Night Delight", I consider the best of the bunch ?

    On August 23, 2011 at 4:31 pm • Reply
  4. Bob Sisterhenm

    The Max 3 is smooth and easy to use

    On August 23, 2011 at 5:01 pm • Reply
  5. Mike Larsen

    i had a spring inside break but the sent me a couple spares and i fixed it no problem. otherwise it is a great release and problem free

    On August 23, 2011 at 8:50 pm • Reply
  6. STEVE MAXWELL

    WHAT A RELEASE INSTANTLY HELPED WITH MY SHOT PLACEMENT AND GROUP SIZE I SHOT TRU BALL BEFORE NOW TRU-FIRE HARDCORE ALL THE WAY

    On August 23, 2011 at 11:06 pm • Reply
    • Joe Barnhart

      Steve,

      I agree 100% I just purchased my Hardcore about 2 weeks ago. fast accurate and quiet as well. Best release on the market.

      Joe

      On August 26, 2011 at 3:35 pm • Reply
      • mike

        i totally agree. tru fire hardcore is a true bowhunters release. crisp, no creep, super adjustable. it just plain works. i own two of em. one with the foward trigger wich is great for my crx which doesnt have a great back wall and one with the swept back trigger i use for my destroyer and shoot it almost like a back tension. groups shrunk considerably. also, the fold back trigger is the bees knees when climbing in and out of your stand… no more clinkin metal sound. probably gonna buy a couple more in case they decide to discontinue this release

        On January 19, 2012 at 1:38 am • Reply
  7. Bowhunting Release Aids | Whitetail Roundup™ linked to this.
    On August 24, 2011 at 1:43 pm • Reply
  8. Cameron Kranig

    Since when did this become a white collar sport? I haven't seen a release in the group for less than $50 and to charge any more than $35 for a back tension release is highway robbery. It's a hook on a cast piece of aluminum come on. You can't build $100 worth of value into a release to me. Not even $50. I paid $45 for my Scott Mongoose 4 years ago and I have yet to see anyone improve them to beat that release. There comes a time when it's time to say to heck with this worthless gadgetry, maybe I'm the week link in my shooting.

    On September 1, 2011 at 5:07 pm • Reply
  9. Mike Scanzello

    Started shooting with the Wise Guy this year. Really like the quick hook up with my D-loop, and the super light trigger. Haven't shot one any lighter. Similar to a back tension release I find some of my shots almost take me by surprise. Groups became tighter, and have extended both lethal and practice range. Bought one with hard connector, which folds back nicely, allowing use of hand when needed. However would have liked it to be a little longer. At full length still wish trigger would be slightly more forward at full draw. It changed the part of the finger that contacts trigger, which i've adapted to.

    On September 6, 2011 at 3:19 pm • Reply
  10. dalton

    As a kid i think that some of these releases are over priced i dont have a lot of money to spend so i got my cobra release for christmas andim stickin with it.

    On September 30, 2011 at 1:26 am • Reply
  11. mike

    tru ball beast is a nice release, but the tiny jaw that hooks to your d-loop will tear it apart if you shoot a lot. keep an eye on your loop or you might end up sending an arrow prematurely!

    On January 19, 2012 at 1:31 am • Reply