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The Best Archery Release Aids for Bowhunting of 2024

Archery release aids are an indispensable tool for all but the most traditional bowhunters. Here we lay out the best archery releases of 2024.

(photo/Josh Kirchner)
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A release aid is a personal thing. You’ve gotta find the right one for you, not your friend. We’ve personally tested a ton of archery release aids through the years, whether it’s at the archery range, or crawling on hands and knees through the desert after a cagey buck.

The right release aid can mean the difference between eating tag soup or not for the season.  We’ve seen it and have certain criteria they need to meet in order to be worthy.  They need to feel good in the hand and be durable, dependable, and easy to use.

With that said, there are no shortage of options out there to choose from. Not to worry.  Gearjunkie cut the fat and got down to business.  Down below are our top picks for release aids in bowhunting for 2024.

Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys or jump to the category you’re looking for. At the end of our list, be sure to check out our buyers guide, FAQ, and comparison chart.

Editor’s note: For our February 27, 2024. update, Josh Kirchner has rounded out our selection by including the Stan SoleX and his new pick for the best hinge release, the Evolution Outdoors Ibex.

The Best Archery Release Aids of 2024


Best Overall Release Aid

Spot Hogg Wiseguy

Specs

  • Style Index release
  • Engagement Adjustable light trigger/no travel
  • Attachment point Self-reloading open hook
Product Badge The Best Archery Release Aids for Bowhunting of 2024

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • An ocean of positive reviews
  • Multiple wrist strap styles available (Buckle, BOA, Keep Hammering, etc.)

Cons

  • The light trigger can sometimes be too light, causing misfires and even can lead to target panic

Tru-Fire Smoke Buckle Foldback

Specs

  • Style Index release
  • Engagement Adjustable forward trigger
  • Attachment point Dual caliper
The Best Archery Release Aids for Bowhunting of 2024

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Easy to use
  • Folds back when not in use

Cons

  • Barrel is limited to how short it can get and is rather long to start. This will keep many from achieving a full hook over the trigger.
Best Index Release

Carter Like Mike II

Specs

  • Style Index
  • Engagement Rearward trigger
  • Attachment point Open hook
The Best Archery Release Aids for Bowhunting of 2024

Pros

  • The rear trigger and web connect allows for a full hook with an index finger
  • Simple but effective adjustments
  • Wide range of trigger tensions

Cons

  • Expensive
Best Thumb Release

Stan Onnex

Specs

  • Style Handheld thumb release
  • Engagement Thumb button
  • Attachment point Hook with loop retainer
The Best Archery Release Aids for Bowhunting of 2024

Pros

  • Crisp trigger
  • Has a practice mode
  • Very adjustable

Cons

  • This trigger can be set so hot that it might prematurely fire.
Best Hinge Release

Evolution Outdoors Ibex

Specs

  • Style Handheld hinge
  • Engagement Rotation of a half-moon
  • Attachment point Caliper-style string retention
The Best Archery Release Aids for Bowhunting of 2024

Pros

  • Locks on D-loop
  • Click is more of a feel than it is audible
  • Can be reset after 'clicking'

Cons

  • Resetting the head after each shot takes a bit of practice
Best of the Rest

B3 Archery Hawk

Specs

  • Style Index
  • Engagement Forward trigger
  • Attachment point Open hook
The Best Archery Release Aids for Bowhunting of 2024

Pros

  • Great price point
  • Auto hook return
  • Offered in both flex (web) and swivel (post) versions

Cons

  • In order to adjust trigger tension, you need to actually change a spring out, as opposed to slowly adjusting a screw.

Stan SoleX

Specs

  • Style Index
  • Engagement Index finger trigger
  • Attachment point Open hook
The Best Archery Release Aids for Bowhunting of 2024

Pros

  • Affordable with premium features and design
  • Adjustable trigger tension and trigger travel
  • Web connect allows one to shoot with a full hook from their index finger

Cons

  • A gap beneath the hook can allow debris inside the release

Ultraview Hinge 2

Specs

  • Style Handheld hinge
  • Engagement Rotation of a half moon
  • Attachment point Open magnetic hook
The Best Archery Release Aids for Bowhunting of 2024

Pros

  • Quick D-loop acquisition
  • Dual moon system
  • The magnetic hook doesn’t rattle

Cons

  • Expensive – The price will make many folks shy away

Ultraview UV Button

Specs

  • Style Handheld
  • Engagement Thumb button
  • Attachment point Hook with springed D-loop retainment system
The Best Archery Release Aids for Bowhunting of 2024

Pros

  • Mirrored profile allows one to seamlessly switch between Ultraview hinge and UV button
  • Quiet (very little metal-on-metal contact inside release)
  • Can leave attached to D-loop at the ready

Cons

  • Pretty darn expensive

Spot Hogg Keeton

Specs

  • Style Index/handheld hybrid
  • Engagement Trigger
  • Attachment point Single hook with full containment
The Best Archery Release Aids for Bowhunting of 2024

Pros

  • Combines index and handheld pros
  • Draw more weight easier and hold at full draw longer
  • Good for folks with pre-existing injuries and to help avoid injury overall

Cons

  • Design can take some getting used to for operation

Scott Archery Pursuit

Specs

  • Style Handheld thumb with wrist strap
  • Engagement Thumb button
  • Attachment point Open single caliper (closes manually)
The Best Archery Release Aids for Bowhunting of 2024

Pros

  • Combines security of wrist strap with the precision of a thumb release
  • Ergonomic handle
  • Has 3- and 4-finger extensions

Cons

  • Manually closing the caliper takes some getting used to

Carter Wise Choice

Specs

  • Style Handheld thumb
  • Engagement Thumb button
  • Attachment point Fully closed jaw once cocked
The Best Archery Release Aids for Bowhunting of 2024

Pros

  • A favorite among bowhunters
  • Can leave hanging on D-loop
  • Optional lanyard

Cons

  • Pricey

Archery Release Aids Comparison Chart

ReleasePriceStyleEngagementAttachment point
Spot Hogg Wiseguy
$145-180Index releaseAdjustable light trigger/no travelSelf-reloading open hook
Tru-Fire Smoke Buckle Foldback
$60Index releaseAdjustable forward triggerDual caliper
Carter Like Mike II
$200IndexRearward triggerOpen hook
Stan Onnex
$280-300Handheld thumb releaseThumb buttonHook with loop retainer
Evolution Outdoors Ibex$300Handheld HingeRotation of a half-moonRotation of a half-moon
Ultraview Hinge 2
$250Handheld hingeRotation of a half moonOpen magnetic hook
B3 Archery Hawk
$105IndexForward triggerOpen hook
Ultraview UV Button
$350HandheldThumb buttonHook with springed D-loop retainment system
Stan SoleX$99HandheldThumb buttonHook with Springed D-Loop Retainment system
Spot Hogg Keeton
$115Index/handheld hybridTriggerSingle hook with full containment
Scott Archery Pursuit
$159Handheld thumb with wrist strapThumb buttonOpen single caliper (closes manually)
Carter Wise Choice
$230Handheld thumbThumb buttonFully closed jaw once cocked
(photo/Josh Kirchner)

Why You Should Trust Us

There isn’t one day.  Not one day goes by without me doing something bowhunting-related.  It’s one of my ultimate passions and that passion flows through my veins stronger and stronger with each passing year.

Bowhunting is quite literally a game of inches.  A whole lot has to go right in order for success to materialize.  Which means there is even more that can go wrong.  Release aids are not something I mess around with in the least.  They need to be on point, because I need to be on point.  In that regard, I’ve tried a ton of releases, and am always looking for the next best one.

In order to come up with this list, I took into consideration durability, dependability, ease of use, and practicality.  Some of these releases have been shot over and over again for years dragged through all manner of weather getting thrown every which way from Sunday.  Along with that, I noted a wide range of price points, other experts in my circle, and then also market demand.  All of them cut the mustard.

When testing, I’m looking for how crisp the trigger engagement is, the feel of the release in my hand, and the adjustments.  Adjustments like trigger travel and trigger tension are tinkered with for the right feel too.  Durability is something I don’t take lightly either.  Bowhunting doesn’t happen in a nice comfortable office.  It happens at the mercy of Mother Nature and the gear that’s with me needs to be ready for that.

A bad release can blow up a hunt.  And for me, that’s just not an option.  It shouldn’t be one for you either.

Sighting
(Photo/Josh Kirchner)

Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Archery Release

Handheld vs. Index Release

Going through our list, you’ll notice that there are several options for both handheld and index-style release aids. So, on top of just finding the right release for you, this poses yet another question. Should you snag a handheld release or an index-style release?

Both releases are tried and true, but they indeed each have their own pros and cons. Here is a breakdown of each to get you set on the right track

Index-Style Release Aid

Index-style release aids are by a long shot the most popular option among bowhunters. If you’re familiar with firing a gun at all, even a toy gun, this will be a pretty seamless transition. Operating this trigger system is nearly identical to that of a trigger on a gun.

These releases attach to your wrist via a buckled or Velcro strap. A very handy feature for field use and one that will make sure your release is always ready. The chances of losing one of these are very slim because of this. Along with that, they are incredibly easy to use.

As I mentioned above, it’s virtually the same as the trigger on a gun. Pull the bow back, aim, and pull the trigger. That’s all she wrote. All of this makes these a fantastic option, especially for beginner bowhunters. There are also plenty of seasoned pros who prefer the simplicity of this type of release.

(Photo/Josh Kirchner)

The biggest downside of an index-style release is that they are notorious for instilling target panic in folks. Because they are so easy to use, most don’t actually learn the proper way to use them. Why learn when it’s the same as a gun, right? It’s very similar mentally, but not the same in terms of technique.

Without direction and proper technique, bad habits can form, and boom goes the dynamite. You’ve got the panic. It’s best to try and stay on top of this before it’s an issue.

(photo/Josh Kirchner)

Handheld Release Aid

On the other side, we have the handheld release. As far as what they are, the name really says it all. These are going to be either thumb buttons, hinges, or resistance releases.

Each one of them operates a little differently, but they are all known for their incredible accuracy. Mostly prevalent in the target world, these have been growing in popularity quite a bit for bowhunting over the last few years.

One of the biggest ups I can personally give handheld releases is their ability to combat the target panic that we mentioned above. This is why I personally believe most bowhunters will naturally end up trying one out. They are a fantastic tool for reshaping the mind and battling the mental demon that is target panic.

(Photo/Josh Kirchner)

Along with this, they each cater much more to achieving a surprise shot, which usually translates into more consistent accuracy. This is why they are favored among target archers. And with thumb button releases in particular — depending on the design — hunters can actually attach their release to their D-loop and just let it hang there at the ready. A convenient setup.

Just like anything, though, handhelds have their shortcomings. Handhelds are much easier to lose, as most models are not attached to your wrist. Because of how pricey these can be, that’s a hard pill to swallow and a lucky day for anyone who finds the release you dropped.

And with them not attached to your wrist, if it’s not already attached to your D-loop, there is the possibility of fumbling around looking for your release in the heat of the moment. There’s a smidge more thinking involved with a handheld. Either way, a little practice will be in order.

(Photo/Josh Kirchner)

So, Which One Is Better?

As far as which one is better, that really is going to depend on you, your style of hunting, and your goals. Treestand hunters might prefer those thumb-button handhelds more because they can attach the release and let it hang until ready to shoot.

Spot and stalk hunters might prefer an index style, so they don’t have to worry about where their release is as they crawl through the sagebrush toward that bedded buck. The answer rests in the beholder.

My best advice here is to go try them all out and go with the option that feels the best for you. Most bow shops have various archery releases that you can try on-site, so it never hurts to ask.

We’re all different, and we need to remember that. Sure, there is give and take on each end, but you are the one who decides what you want to give and take. Form your own opinions and hunt the way you want to hunt.

FAQ

What release should I use for bowhunting?

You should use the one you feel the most comfortable using and what you’re most accurate with.  We stand by our top pick of the Spot Hogg Wiseguy here.

What is the best release for treestand hunting?

We really like thumb button releases for treestand hunting like the Stanislawski OnneX because you can attach the release to the d-loop and let it hang at the ready.

How long should my bow release be?

Speaking about index style releases, your release aid should be short enough that you can fully wrap your index finger around the trigger at full draw.

Do I need a release for my bow?

Technically you don’t need a release for your bow and you can shoot with fingers.  However, using a release will make for a more consistent and repeatable release arrow after arrow.

Is a wrist or hand release better for hunting?

Ultimately you should use the release you feel most comfortable with, but a wrist strap index-style release is definitely more practical for bowhunting.  This is due to the fact that it’s attached to your wrist at all times, so no losing it in the field.  Along with the ability to command shoot if need be.  Not to forget, these are generally the easiest to use.  All releases work, but there is a reason the index style is the most widely used for bowhunting.

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