Archery is an activity that requires a lot of skill and patience in order to achieve maximum accuracy. One essential piece to this puzzle is a release-aid, and a thumb release can be your ticket to better shooting. Let’s go over everything that you need to know in order to properly shoot a thumb release and why you may want to give one a try if you haven’t already!

What is a Thumb Release?

When shooting a compound bow, most archers use some kind of mechanical release in order to ensure better accuracy. These are usually activated by a trigger with the index finger. The downside to these releases, however, is that they can give you bad habits. Shooters can develop the bad habit of “punching” the trigger. While plenty of practice and training can help beat this issue, you can also go to a different release style such as a thumb release.

A thumb release is a mechanical release that is designed to be activated with your thumb instead of the index finger. But why would you want to use your thumb? Using a thumb release comes with numerous advantages and is even considered more comfortable for many shooters. You can find thumb releases in a wide variety of different styles and configurations, ensuring the perfect fit.

Why Shoot a Thumb Release?

As we previously mentioned, shooting a thumb release comes with many advantages. First, you’ll likely improve your accuracy and reduce target panic. Punching the trigger on your release is most likely due to target panic, and a thumb release helps to relieve this problem. This is due to achieving a more authentic “surprise” release, which will decrease target panic and increase your accuracy.

A thumb release can also help you establish more consistent anchor points while at full draw. You’ll have more real estate to hold on to and can place your hands on more consistent points than with a wrist-attached caliper release. This may also increase your draw length, which can be a good thing in certain situations.

Thumb releases have also been known to reduce the likelihood of “chin drag”, which happens when you release the arrow and the bowstring drags across your chin. This can negatively affect the accuracy and even be painful in extreme situations. Your release hand will also be free from any straps or other inhibiting items until you’re ready to shoot, making thumb releases much more comfortable.

Overall, thumb releases can provide plenty of different advantages with only a few potential downsides. While they can be more difficult to use and master, they also will give you brand new respect for shooting and work with you in order to achieve more accuracy.

Buying Your First Thumb Release

Buying your first thumb release can be an exciting time to try something new. However, one potential downside to thumb releases is that they can be a bit confusing to buy. Because they come in so many different designs, colors, sizes, and features, it can be a little tricky to find the perfect one. Here are three important considerations that you will want to look into when shopping for a new thumb release:

Release Size

The first thing to consider is size. Thumb releases come in all different sizes in order to properly fit all of the different hand sizes out there. You do not want one too big or too small. Make sure it fits your hand properly and that you can get a good grip on it. Women or kids will most likely need to downsize and get something smaller in order to use one properly. A thumb release will rest on your second knuckle and not in the entirety of your hand, so bear that in mind.

Release Design

Thumb releases can also come in many different shapes and designs depending on the brand. You will want to ensure that you choose some that fit your style and needs. The different shapes and designs may provide one that works better for you than others. Look for a design that fits your hand well and that works with your preferences.

Release Features

Lastly, do not forget to look at all of the added features with the thumb release before making a decision. For example, some might be more adjustable trigger sensitivity while others can adjust the trigger placement entirely. Some releases may include upgraded components while still others might be made on the cheaper side. Make sure that the release that you choose has all the features that you need and may want.

Our Featured Thumb Releases

Carter Releases

I have been shooting a Carter release for over a year now and while I personally use a Hinge style release, Carter releases are the best I’ve used. They are designed for maximum comfort and consistency, allowing for improved accuracy and enjoyment. Here are a few of their top thumb release styles and while they are a bit pricey, you can find comfort in that you’re shooting some of the best releases available.

         

Setting Up Your Thumb Release

Now that you have finally purchased your thumb release, it’s time to set it up properly. Like many other things in archery, a release must be set to the archer. There are two major things to consider when setting up your thumb release and that is trigger placement and sensitivity. Both of these will need to be properly adjusted to get the most out of your thumb release.

Trigger Placement

The first thing to do is to adjust the trigger placement until you can easily reach it with your thumb. You should be able to reach it comfortably and without any issues. To test out the positioning, you can clip your release onto a shot trainer or length of a string so that you can learn where the best trigger placement is for you. A shot trainer is a simple training device that teaches you how to properly release a bowstring while maintaining proper direction and strength.

Trigger Sensitivity

Next, you must adjust the trigger sensitivity. This refers to how much force it takes to activate the trigger. It should take a fair amount of pressure to release the string at first. Once you get more comfortable with the drawing, anchoring, and shooting aspect of a thumb release, you can start testing out different sensitivities to see what you prefer.

How to Shoot a Thumb Release

1. Release Positioning

The first step in using a thumb release is to ensure proper release positioning. Avoid making a fist, like many archers do when holding the release, and instead rest it in your second knuckle. Your hand should be relaxed and loose. Grip the release firm enough between your fingers to use but not too tight.

2. Anchoring

After drawing back your bow with the proper grip, you now want to assume anchor points. With a thumb release, anchor points will be different than a caliper release. The proper place to anchor with this type of release is to have your jaw between your index and middle finger. This will give you a consistent and accurate anchor point every time. You should also make note of other important anchor points, such as the string on your nose or where your hand rests in relation to the rest of your face.

3. Adjust the Bow

Once you find comfortable anchor points that work for you, it is time to make adjustments to the bow to accommodate them. Adjust things like your peep sight and draw length in order to align best with those anchor points and ensure proper sight picture. You want your bow and your anchor points to work as a team and be as comfortable and natural as possible.

4. Position Your Thumb

Next, ensure you have proper thumb positioning on your release. You should not be using the tip of your thumb, same as you wouldn’t be using the tip of your index finger for an index release. Instead, the release should gently rest in the crook of your thumb which will give you more leverage on it. You should also try to relax your thumb, as too much tension can affect the shot.

5. Rocker Adjustments

Another aspect to keep an eye on is the rocker positioning. This refers to the pressure exerted on either end of the release aid by your fingers. Too much pressure on either side can lead to the release becoming inconsistent when shooting. Identify where most of the pressure lies, either on the index or middle finger, and ensure they are as equal as possible. Remember to stay as consistent as possible.

6. Firing the Thumb Release

Now you finally get to fire the release. This is best done by using back tension instead of pulling on the trigger. This entails putting slight pressure on the trigger, but then putting tension on your back to slowly “pull” through the shot and set off the release. This ensures a smooth, consistent pull every time and helps to avoid punching the trigger. Triggering a shot using back tension may take some practice to get the hang of.

7. Practice

The last step in using a thumb release is to simply get plenty of practice. It is a good idea to use something like a shot trainer or practice string to get a good feel for the release before ever using it with your actual bow. You can also use a shot trainer to practice in other situations and build muscle memory for the next time you shoot.

Final Thoughts

Switching to a thumb release can have many advantages and it doesn’t have to be as hard as you think. With a little bit of preparation and practice, you can ensure that you not only get a good thumb release but that you can use it to perfection. With a little practice, you’ll be amazed by how much more accurate your shooting will become and how comfortable a good thumb release can be.