I have been looking at some thumb trigger releases lately and I am a little confused about how some work (having never shot one). For example, I see that some have "hooks" on them like this one from Carter (just an example)




Now, it is clear that the "hook" does not rotate so am I correct in assuming that the release must be held horizontally to attach to the string or loop without twisting and torquing it?? I always see guys with thumb releases that seemingly have the back of their hand against their face with their thumb pointing towards the ground. This doesn't seem possible with a release like this one. Do you have to have a rotating head to anchor that way or am I just missing something??

Also........while I am discussing "hooks"

I don't really see how the attachment (hook) on releases like this one can clear the string or loop cleanly like a caliper type release. Obviously they work but how does that "hook" come off the string cleanly??

The chocolate addictions hook does indeed close once it is cocked. It will lock closed until the trigger is pushed to execute the shot.

And I am not sure exactly how that type of a hook clears the loop, but it does. I currently am shooting a TRU Ball ST3 thumb trigger for all venues, I even hunted with it this year using the detachable wrist strap system. It has theopen hook on it and it clears well and leaves no wear on the loop material at all.

But the "closed hook" will have to be held parallel to the ground (perpindicular to the string) to be able to grab it right??

I hope I am not being confusing........this is hard to explain.

While Ive been told that the Chocolate will close...I know what you are talking about. When you pull one of the types with just the hook you have to keep the release perpendicular to the string until there is tension on the release, then your rotate the release with your thumb going downward, just like you see when everone shoots. The pressure on the release should keep the d-loop on if done right. As I told you my friend shoots one like this and has no problems. However the first time i tried it i didnt do it right and the release went off when i wasnt ready. Thats why i went with the caliper thumb style. I know the Carters are way better releases but I guess it takes some getting used to.

Thanks............and yes, I believe you understand what I am describing. However, my question is not about whether the release will stay closed or open when tripped..........but rather how do guys hook onto the string or loop perpindicular to the string (thumb facing left for a righty) and then rotate at full draw to parallel with the string (thumb facing down) and not twist the heck out of the release, string, loop, or all 3?? It seems to me like the head would have to rotate to avoid this.

Nope, these types of releases are typically shot with either a piece of rope on the release, or with a loop tied on the string. Either the rope, or loop will allow for you to turn the release any way you want once it is clipped on without torquing the bows string and affecting your shot. You would not be able to do this though shooting straight off the string, that is why people using the thumb trigger releases won't hook directly onto the string and will use that release rope or string loop. Shooting straight off the string (unless perfectly horizontal) would torque the string in an undesirable way. I prefer a string loop but either works great.

Here is a pic of me and Doug Williams Jr. showingproper release hand position w/ thumb triggers. Doug had a big part of the design put into the new series of Stan releases including their Super X thumb trigger (he works for Copper John/Stan) and is one of the best field archers in the world. You will see this position vary a bit from person to person but "by the book" Doug's position looks great.

Who is who?

I bought that same release(Carter Chocolate Addiction)off e-bay, and can't get used to it. It works like a charm, but I just can't get used to it,

doug's the one who doesn't have his hand vertical - creating tension down the forearm on the pinky side - bad matt - bad matt. except - nice boxers bro!