A couple of weeks ago I posted a question regarding back tension releases and hunting. After some seious thought, research, and test firing, I ordered a Carter Ember 1 and a Carter Quickie 1. I chose the Ember because of it's adjustment range and because it can be "punched" if need be for hunting. I thought the Quickie would make a good back up. I would love to hear from any of you who are using/have used either release and any pros/cons. I will let you know what I think after I shoot them a while.

well good luck with the release

I would highly recomend that whatever release you settle on for a primary, that your backup be of the same model.

Between the Ember (a very good release) and the Quickie your anchor point will be different. Also being a handheld the Ember will put a 1/4 twist in your D-Loop. These things together mean that there is little chance your primary and backup release will hit the same point of impact.

When I was looking for a new hunting release, I bought one and used it during the summer to determine wether or not I liked it. As it turned out, the one that I though would be "it" turned out not to be all that comfortable for me. I eventually ended up with one that was not even on the initial list.

Hand held releases tend to be not nearly as universal as wrist strap types. The angle of the sweep, head length, number of fingers, width of the body and a number of other factors will and can change how it feels in your hand. I have literally had over 20 thumb trigger hand held releases while I searched for "The One". Once I found one I was comfortable with, I bought a 2nd as a backup.

Don't pidgeon hole yourself with these two releases yet. Buy one, and spend some time shooting it. If you feel that it is the one, then go buy a 2nd as your backup.

98Redline makes some very good points. I agree you should keep your backup the same as your primary.

I remember your initial post. I had been trying the Stan Eagle realease, but kept getting misfires with the trigger being on the middle finger. I really like the way it shot, but it was costing me too much money on lost and busted up ACCs. I tried a Carter Insatiable 2, but I could never get that thing down. I tried all of the adjustment, and focused on back tension, but it was just not for me. It was also very loud to load and had a noticeable click that I was afraid would get me busted. I'm back to the old trigger releases now and I'm waiting for my Scott Wildcat to come in. I'm pretty sure that's what I'll be using this fall.

Good luck with your Carters. They are very nice and well made releases.

I wouldn't worry too much about the "click" when the release fires.

I have been hunting with the Carter Instatiable for the last 3 years and have never had an issue with the sound of the release when it fires.

One thing you do need to be considerate of is the fact that with a handheld the top of your hand is normally aganst your face when at anchor. Adding a thin pair of gloves will move your anchor point out some and will chane your point of impact.

A couple of weeks before the season begins, I start shooting all the time with at least 1 glove on my release hand, and adjust my sight accordingly. This is about the same time I switch to broadheads, so from then, through the end of the season I am shooting in full hunting configuration.

I had to add a touch under 1/2" of draw when I went from the BK 3D to the Ember because the head is shorter. I really like the way the Ember hooks up so quickly and easily though. I just got everything retuned and set up for it and so far I'm liking it. I am a little concerned about shooting it with a glove on since I can't get quite the grip on it that I can the BK 3D and come mtn. goat season in Nov. shooting it w/o gloves is not an option... We'll see how it does for bear in a couple weeks.

I agree with 98Redline that the sound of the release is not an issue but another benefit of the Ember is that it can be left cocked before you engage the string. With some of the other models there is always a little click as you cock them once the string is engaged.

Actually if you thumb the trigger as you cock the release it can be cocked completely silently. It does take some practice, but I can do it without looking. That being said, I have never had an animal hear the click as I clip on the string.

When I am in my stand, in most cases I just leave the release clipped to the string and the bow hanging on a hook.