If you’ve read our top 10 compound bow beginner tips post then you would have noticed we spoke briefly on release aids, different types of releases and why their important. Then we decided to also promise a post on the best releases aids of the three main categories. So Rednecks, as promised, here are the best index finger releases on the market at current.
CONTENTS
1. Scott Release little goose

Scott Archery has always been a bit of a favorite among Archers.
The Scott brand has been around for over 30 years now, and they’ve always had thick skin in the release game. Matter of fact, it’s their primary focus, making high quality releases, and I’ll second that with my Scott wrist release that I’ve had for over 5 years now and it’s still standing the test of time. The little goose wrist release upholds that reputation and then some.
One thing I like about this release is their in-line single caliper design. This makes the release extremely durable and as with most things, the less working parts, the less their is to break, so the more durable the item. If you look at the picture below you’ll notice what looks like a caliper on the left hand side, but it’s not. It’s a straight one piece design. The trigger operates only the right hand side of the caliper meaning a smoother release and less interference on the string.
The wrist strap it’s self is made from a strong and nylon type material. If you look at the picture of mine on the right hand side you’ll notice after 5 years of use it still doesn’t look like it’s in bad nick. Although my release isn’t the same as the little goose, this still serves as a guide to the type of quality these boys are pumping out.
All in all, Scott make a dang good release.
Specs
- Wrist strap is made from durable nylon type materials
- Release is a single caliper design with the look of dual caliper release
- Extremely strong and durable
Pro’s
- Strong and durable
- Clean crisp trigger break
- Good value for money
Con’s
- Trigger is very light, so the beginner may have to be careful and take it steady on the release.
2. Tru Fire Hurricane
The Tru fire hurricane has started to gain popularity being one of the first to start to bring the Nylon strap index finger release into the mainstream. At first glance they don’t look like your typical wrist release, but personally I thing they’re better.
The idea of utelising a nylon strap to the main component of the release isn’t a new one, but as said, tru fire have done a good job at bringing it into the main stream. As a result hunters have quickly taken a liking to the user friendly release.
Probably the biggest win the release has going for it is the fact that rather then using a alloy arm to connect the trigger and caliper mechanism, it uses the nylon strap instead. This gives hunters the opportunity to use their master hand more freely, rather then having an alloy arm annoying the shit out of you. Ever spent extended periods of time wearing an index finger release that utelises an alloy arm rather then a strap, I have, and it gets old pretty quick.
So with all this said, I’ve got to say that the Hurricane does have it’s draw backs, mainly due to the strap it’s self. As with all good things, there’s got to be a down side right?
Well, the downside to utelising a strap instead of an alloy arm is the fact that it doesn’t offer as much support as what the traditional wrist releases do. A stiff arm (i.e. Alloy arm) provides more support, and to some extent a more accurate release.
There is one way to counteract the down side though, and that’s to spend plenty of time practicing with the release. With plenty of practice you’ll get more comfortable using the Hurricane, and I guarantee you that it will quickly become a handy release for a hunt.
So lets check out the specs on this bad boy
Specs
- Made in US (Big plus)
- Utilizes a buckle strap as opposed to the more traditional Velcro type straps
- Adjustable length between trigger mech and strap
- Ambidextrous
- Adjustable trigger travel
- Utilizes dual caliper to release
- Spring loaded trigger
Pro’s
- Good choice for hunters
- Adjustable length between trigger mech and wrist strap allows for more precise tuning
- Ambidextrous
- Adjustable trigger travel offers hunters the choice to opt for a cleaner break with less trigger creep
Con’s
- can be a little hard to get used to at first, but nothing a little bit of practice wont fix
3. Truglo Detonator
The truglo detonator is a great release at a fair price.
Your probably wondering why I said fair price, well that’s because I believe you can get better bang for your buck, but hell, we’re hear to review releases regardless of price, so that’s what we’re god dang goin’ to do.
Anyway, enough ramblin’. So, what do we have to say about the detonator?
Well, the upsides to this release is that it utelises a open hook single jaw which makes for a fast and easy hook up onto your D-loop. One thing I like is that parts of the release are made from stainless steel. If your a bit lazy with your equipment maintenance like I am at times, stainless steel and alloy products can be a big plus. Less metal, less rust.
The trigger it’s self is adjustable offering greater flexibility on tuning and also has a fairly crisp break.
All in all, not a bad release.
Specs
- Single jaw release hook design
- micro adjustable trigger
- Partly manufactured from stainless steel
Pro’s
- Stainless steel helps with those being a bit lazy on maintenance
- Micro adjustable trigger offers greater precision when tuning
- Single jaw hook makes for quick and easy hook up onto D-loop
Con’s
- Little on the pricier side for what your getting
Wrapping things up….
So there you have it folks. Three of the best index finger releases on the market. We’ll continue to update this post as we get more releases to review, but for now that’ll give most archers something to have a think about.
In our next post we’ll have a look at some of the best thumb trigger releases on the market at current.
So like usual Rednecks, remember to check in and stay updated,
And like always,
Keep on Redneckin.
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