Release aids fall in the broad categories of back tension and trigger activated.
Tension/Angle activated releases:
- Hinge – Activated by the rotation of the head in relation to the handle of the release aid.
- Resistance – Activated by overcoming the maximum tension level the release is set to.
Trigger activated releases:
- Thumb – Activated with the thumb trigger.
- Index finger (Wrist strap) – Activated with the index finger. Less commonly used in target archery.
Other releases with different methods of activation exist but will not be covered.
Release Aid Choice
There’s no superior type of release aid. Archers develop their preference over time, and some archers refine their own technique in using specific release aids, like shooting with a super-hot or super-cold release aid.
It’s often easier to start with the trigger activated release aids as they tend to be a bit more forgiving, and beginner archers are less likely to punch themselves in the face than with a hinge or resistance release.
The release aid of choice for a beginner should be the resistance release, provided that training is done under supervision and with great case. It’s the best release to teach proper tension building in the shot. Unfortunately, it does often suffer from reliability issues, as it’s very prone to interference from dirt or dust. This means it’s more of a training aid than a competitive release.
Tension Activated Release Aids
Characteristics of shooting back tension activated release aids:
- Archers are less prone to target panic and anticipation as it reduces the anxiety associated with timing the release to the correct moment of release. Back tension release aids are often used as a training device in conjunction with a trigger release to combat anticipation and target panic.
- More challenging to shoot on command, making it less suitable for wind and time sensitive situations.
- Needs to be set optimally for the archer’s specific configuration and anchor position.
- Incorrect use or a small mistake can become dangerous very quickly. Anecdotes of archers accidently punching themselves in the face are not uncommon.
Trigger Activated Release Aids
Characteristics of shooting trigger activated release aids:
- Archers are more prone to target panic and shot anticipation when failing to activate the release correctly.
- As archers can become prone to punching, it requires very good, consistent technique to keep the arrow release clean and free from anticipation, and eventually target panic. If you’re going to shoot any trigger activated release, ensure you have blank bale training built into your training routine.
- Easier to shoot on command in time pressure situations and windy conditions.
- Should be shot using the back tension technique, which makes it very accurate when done correctly.
- Forgiving to poor setup and configuration. It will fire if you can reach the trigger, and despite poor form.