What type of releases do members of the staff use? Does anyone use a thumb release? I would like to hear someone’s experience and opinion on the thumb releases as I’m thinking about switching. Thanks- Dan Enzo (NE Missouri)

Our team uses a good mix of both index finger and thumb trigger releases.  As someone who switched from an index/wrist-strap to a thumb trigger a few years ago, I would advise against doing it this close to hunting season (it’s early September now).  It takes a while to get used to them, and will likely affect your anchor point and possibly your draw length.  If you want to make the switch, see if you can borrow a release from someone you know to determine if you like it or not.  Your local pro shop may have some you can try as well.  Good thumb trigger releases are expensive, and you don’t want to buy one only to find out you don’t like it, or it doesn’t fit you properly.  I went through 3 or 4 before I finally found one that I really like (Stan PerfX).

Also, make sure you watch some videos or work with someone who understands how to properly hold, anchor, and activate a thumb trigger.  Speaking from personal experience, it will help tremendously.  When I started with my first thumb trigger release I had no idea what I was doing and developed a lot of bad habits that I’m still trying to undo.  Here are a few pointers that I picked up along the way:

• Don’t hold it too tight in your hand, or grip it too tight.  You want the back of your hand to be flat and your fingers to act like a hook that is holding the release in place.
• Adjust the trigger so it sits deep into your thumb – not out near the tip.  It makes triggering the release using back tension much easier and helps prevent punching the trigger.
• Be prepared to adjust your peep sight as your anchor point will likely change.
• Be prepared to adjust your draw length if needed.  I was able to pick up 1/2 inch of draw length by switching to a thumb trigger with a shorter neck.
• Be patient!  It takes time to get used to it.  Now that I’ve switched, I don’t know if I could go back.