I will agree with Matt with regards to the accuracy of the hand held type release. I for one am very prone to punching the trigger on my wrist strap, but don't seem to have the problem with my hand held. The point about the wrist strap type having an advantane in a hunting situation I think is a matter of opinion and familiarity. I have shot both in the field and both have their advantages and disadvantages. Obviously the wrist strap type simply can't be dropped, however Carter makes a verson called the BK hunter with a wrist strap and an open hook that is just the ticket for hunting.

As Matt mentioned, trigger sensitivity is a big issue with the hand helds. A release that is set optimially for spots and 3D will be waaaaaaaay too sensitive for use in a hunting situation. Just bump the trigger and that baby will fire. To that end, most of the guys I know who shoot the hand helds for hunting have at least one that is dedicated to hunting. It normally has the trigger sensitivity turned way down in the case of TruBall releases, or the medium or heavy springs in the case of the Carters. When you get into your stand, cock the release, clip it on your loop and just let it hang from the bow.

With regards to the selection of which release you like, just go out and try as many of them as you can. For the longest time, I lusted after a Carter Insatiable. I thought it was the "Be all...end all" of releases. After I got it, I realized that while it is a quality product, and Carter is just a great company to deal with, the release did not feel "right" in my hand. I ended up settling on a TruBall Trail Boss. With regards to the quality, I think that the quality of the TruBall is every bit as good as the Carters. The triggers break clean with no creep or takeup and the fit and finish is on par with the Carters.

Forget the brand names and what everybody else is shooting, try a bunch out and just pick the one that feels best in your hand. Carter, TruBall, Copper John, Cascade, etc....who cares. If it shoots more accurately for you, then go for it.