RE: allen / release
i have had bad experiences with cheaper releases, had one start slipping and my bow would fire while i would draw. I have since then bought a true-fire X-Caliper, paid $70 for mine but all reviews i have read say they lasted up to 10 years even longer. i personally think it's worth paying the $$$ for a quality release. though i have never used the Allen release.
i say try it out if you don't like it get another one for $10 can't go wrong.