Wrist vs. Hand releases...
 

What are the pros and cons of wrist releases vs. hand releases? I am new to the sport, and I will be hunting and starting to enter 3D shoots. Is this just a personal preference thing, or are their specifics to each style that makes it preferable for a given use?

RE: Wrist vs. Hand releases...
 

I am assuming you mean by hand releases, a thumb trigger? MOST hunters and everyday shooters will prefer a wrist strap because of it's simplicity. However, target shooters will use a thumb trigger or a straight backtension release. Personally, I am using a Scott wrist strap release right now, but I'm wanting to get a quality thumb trigger soon. know quiet a few people who use thumb triggers for hunting andI probably would aswell if I had one. As a beginner, I would recommend starting out with a basic caliper wrist strap, they are easy to use. If you want anymore info feel free to pm me. I can try to help you as much as I can.

RE: Wrist vs. Hand releases...
 

Thats Matt, I took you up on PM'ing you with further questions.

RE: Wrist vs. Hand releases...
 

Sorry Matt, that should have read "Thanks Matt".

RE: Wrist vs. Hand releases...
 

I just repied back at ya. Glad I could attempt to help you out.

RE: Wrist vs. Hand releases...
 

Hand releases usually will give you a little more draw length and also permit you to pull more weight easier. You will also find, because of less give a more consistent anchor point. I forgot to mention that using your trigger finger on wrist releases adds to potential target panic....

RE: Wrist vs. Hand releases...
 

I have and use both, when I swap over to my wrist release for hunting I have to shorten up the draw length 1/2 inch on my bow.

Things I noticed:

- thumb trigger is less likely to have target panic, but it doens't remove it.
- if you shoot a thumb trigger properly its easier to be more consistent (its also easier to shoot it properly than a wrist release)
- I had fewer "bad" shots, or rather my "fliers" weren't as bad.

I hunt with my wrist release however because I just hook it onto my wrist before I leave the house and there is stays. My wife hunts with her thumb release and just hooks it onto the string loop while sitting in the treestand and leaves it hanging there.

My thumb release makes a fairly loud click when shot, which is one reason i don't hunt with it.

RE: Wrist vs. Hand releases...
 

The wrist release is not as forgiving as the thumb release. More room for mistakes. It feels more natural for me to push with my thumb than pull with my index or middle finger.That being said I can pull back more weight with the wrist instead of the thumb release. Good luck hope this helps.

RE: Wrist vs. Hand releases...
 

Thanks for all the feedback. Kind of sounds like, at least so far, that the thumb style release is a good way to go. I will definately give one a try, now just a matter of which one. Is their a significant difference in the amount of weight one can pull with the thumb release, or like everything else, you just have to grow into it??

RE: Wrist vs. Hand releases...
 

I agree with Geronimo. However I consistanly use the wrist release.

RE: Wrist vs. Hand releases...
 

All good coments, just be carefull hunting with a thumb release in a tree stand. Don't drop it like I did. I am using the scott sabertooth now, and I love it. The trigger is further up, so your draw length is a little longer.

RE: Wrist vs. Hand releases...
 

Hi Matt , if you were'nt so far away i would swap ya . I just picked up my first bow and it came with thumb release and i can see it taking some getting used too .

I will persivere and you never know i may like it . its very easy to flick release while drawing , if your an amatuer like me [8D].

RE: Wrist vs. Hand releases...
 

I wouldn't ever go back to a wrist release. But if you can try them both, and see what suits you.

One word of advise. Don't get one because it cost less. You will get what you pay for. Good releases aren't cheap.

RE: Wrist vs. Hand releases...
 

Well I jumped into the thumb releases whole hog and purchased a Carter Chocolate Addiction four finger. It has a curved, not flat grip. It felt like a natural extension of my hand. The trigger release feels real light, and it looks to be quite adjustable. I will go out and try shooting it tonight. Thought since the Carter manufacturing complex is just a few miles from here, I would stay with the local business. Thanks for all the help.

RE: Wrist vs. Hand releases...
 

I really like my Omega thumb release , little bit of camo tape might be needed though .

RE: Wrist vs. Hand releases...
 

The ability to pull different weights is mostly because with the thumb release you have to hold the weight in your fingers, with a strap/wrist you don't. Takes a bit of getting use to but you will soon be able to draw it easily.

For the guy who said he would flick the trigger, easy solution, don't put your thumb on the trigger.

do yourself a favor and set the thumb trigger to have no travel in it before it fires, if it has travel you will feel it during the pressure build up to firing it and it could lead to target panic. You want it to break clean without any movement before the break.

RE: Wrist vs. Hand releases...
 

Thanks for the advice Bob. The factory setting on this Carter release already seems to have almost no travel. Sometimes it seems more like I touch off the release telepathically rather than physically. Just have to be real careful when drawing the bow to not have my thumb anywhere near the trigger.