During the past archery season my release broke, it was a solid standard regular release. To replace it I changed to a rope release because I thought the fact that it reduces vertical and horizontal torque it would possibly make me shoot better. I've found that at 25 yards my bow now drops about an additional 6 inches and past that it even gets worse. It seems that the change in releases has slowed down the speed of my bow. It's the only thing that I've changed and I just can't figure out how a different release could change the speed of my bow. Is it possibly just a different way I'm holding it? Should I change back to the original type release I was using? Anyone have an explanation or advice? Thanks!

The release will not change velocity significantly. I suspect changing releases has changed your anchor point somewhat resulting in a different point of impact. I have noticed the same thing while trying different releases during the same shooting session.

500fps is dead on. If your shooting off the string with no loop then the switch between a standard caliper and a rope release will change your anchor point enough to change your shot. Its the same as my experiences with shooting string loops and shooting off the string. Try shooting a bow off the string that has been lined up with a loop and your gonna shoot nearly a foot low. Your bow hasnt lost speed. Your anchor point has just changed.

Thanks for the advice, I suspected my anchor point had changed. Since my anchor point is comfortable for me should I just move the sights or should I try to change my anchor point?

You answered your own question.
If your anchor point is comfortable and consistant then dont change it just re sight your bow.

there are other issues to consider as well. With a jaw release off the string you "normally" would have some type of eliminator button under the nock to pad the release. With a rope you do not need this, just a nock above the arrow, put the rope right under the arrow. This will also change your impact as it changes the distance from your peep to your release/string contact point.

If you did this (took out the cushion button) then you effectively lowered your peep slightly.

--Bob