The bear paw is not that great of a release. It just uses a notch cut into the trigger to operate the jaws and is not exactly smooth. The hurricane uses a spring behind the trigger to keep it pushed forward and it has a bearing of some kind that forces the jaws closed. Very similar to the way the Tru Ball releases operate. This creates a very smooth trigger pull and it is also adjustable for pre creep.

The Winn rope release is also another great release for using with a string loop. They are just hard to find in your local store. Most of them carry the C-10 & 12 and the stainless caliper.

I use a string loop with mine and my knuckle does not get in the way at all. I much prefer the shorter head of the hurricane. I will also never attach my release directly to the string. There are far to many benefits of a string loop not to use one. IMO.