Index-style releases have long ruled the day among bowhunters. They are, without question, the most commonly used releases and arguably the best for beginners. Not all are created equal, and few possess the necessary features to set one up for success. If they do, generally, they’re pretty pricey.
The Stan SoleX is among those few, and it does it at a very affordable price point. It brings premium-level accuracy to a wider range of bowhunters. Without taking a major hit to the wallet, it’s attainable for almost anyone to get their hands on one of the most important and personal pieces of bowhunting equipment.
In short: Bowhunters looking for a moderately priced index-style release with all of the features and feel of the upper-class models will not go wrong with the Stan SoleX. It finds the sweet spot by bringing solid performance without breaking the bank.
- Style: Index release
- Engagement: Trigger with adjustable tension and travel
- Attachment point: Open hook
Pros
- Fantastic price point
- Practical features for better shooting
- Easy, crisp operation
Cons
- Potential for debris getting into the mechanism
Stan SoleX Release Review
Overview
The Stan SoleX is an index-style release made to bring target archery accuracy to a hunting platform. This open-hook single-sear system can be purchased in either an adjustable web connect or a hard connect model. All releases have easy access to adjustable trigger travel and trigger tension screws.
As for the wrist strap itself, it is a buckled design offering a quick and secure fit with no pesky Velcro noises. And the best thing of all is the price. For this premium-level release, you’re only gonna cough up $100 (web connect).
Features
Trigger Adjustments
Having the ability to adjust trigger travel and trigger tension is crucial for getting the right feel in a release. The SoleX offers both of those. On the body of the release, where the trigger is, there are two easily accessible screws.
The one on the side controls the trigger travel. Here, you can increase trigger travel or decrease it to nothing. The screw on the front controls trigger tension. Whether you like your trigger super hot or heavy and cold, the SoleX can do it.
Something else to mention here is that Stan claims that with these adjustment screws, the hook will only lock into place if it is truly locked into place. The result of that is a hook that won’t prematurely give if something is set to light.
Adjustable Web Connect and Hard Connect
While we’re on the topic of adjustments, the Stan SoleX can either be purchased in a web connect or hard connect model, both of which are adjustable in length. This is a vital feature to achieve the perfect fit and feel in terms of the distance between your palm and the trigger at full draw.
Easy Auto Reset
The hook on the SoleX features an easy auto reset. Each hook is set up on a semi-internal spring that will automatically push the hook back into place after each shot. You still have to press the trigger once the hook is back for it to lock fully. This just makes things more efficient, though, unlike with other models where one has to push the hook back manually.
My Experience
I can’t tell you how excited I was about trying out this release. It has all of the features of an index-style release that I love at less than half of the cost of what I’m currently using. Those few features I look for are a web connect, the ability to set the trigger heavy, and no trigger travel.
These allow me to shoot the index how I prefer, which is by getting a full hook with my finger around the trigger. Then, relax and apply back tension to engage that trigger. This gives a surprise shot, which is how I prefer to use these releases.
Plain and simple, this release performed great for me. The adjustments were easy and clear to follow, and the fit/feel was great. Some wrist straps can be annoying to wear, but this one wasn’t. After a few quick turns on some screws, I got it feeling just right.
It didn’t take long for me to start hitting a dot at a distance with the SoleX. My shots felt crisp, and I didn’t feel like I was forcing the release to go off. It was more working with me than against me. That’s an issue I’ve had in the past with other releases. With that said, this will not be a main release for me, but it will serve as a backup.
What’s Wrong
There is one thing that I see as a problem with the SoleX. There is very little shielding from the internals. A gap sits beneath the hook, which can allow all sorts of debris in.
Of course, you can mitigate this by being mindful, but let’s face it — sometimes, things get western out there. I’ve experienced getting a rock caught in a similar release. It ended with me punching myself in the face from the release prematurely firing.
Stan SoleX Release: Final Thoughts
I think you’re going to be hard-pressed to find an index-style release better than the SoleX for the price. Between the exceptional and practical features to the easy and effective operation, Stan hit a homerun here, if you ask me. You’ll be crushing your mark in no time with the SoleX without crushing your bank account.
