The 11 Best Thumb Releases (2023 reviews)

We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a release. The tru-fire thumb release is exactly that - it's a simple release that hits all the right notes. If you're using a wrist strap release, it takes a lot of practice and it decreases your draw length. This release is great for noobie except that it makes a loud click noise when releasing an arrow. It’s lightweight and sturdy, no issues with letting it hang from the loop while out in the field. It just feels more consistant with the anchor.

The head can be rotated to 360 degrees, drawing with it is a breeze with no concern for accidental firing. The knurled knob on the trigger is completely adjustable. This allows you to leave it hooked on your bow if you like. It’s a great product also a little bit of a learning curve but fun and easy to use once you get the hang of it.

Why We Like This:

Great for left or right hand
Has several adjustments to make it feel exactly as you want it to feel
Adjustable for takeup/travel prior to release

Best For Accuracy: Trophy Ridge Thumb Release

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It is easy to switch from glove to a release with this handle thumb release. This model is solidly built, has 4-finger support, a simple arming system and is customizable in all respects. It locks the trigger and creates the smooth crisp sear trigger release. The Sear-style mechanism provides a smooth release. It allows more drawing power and includes a sling wrist strap.

This has features and performance comparable to releases that cost 3x of this one. It is designed to come off and pop back on. There is adjustment for longer or shorter thumbs, and finger spacing is fine. It is suitable for left-handed shooters but this one is.

Why We Like This:

Loud but decent for target shooting
Cocking to deal with, just a smooth slow pressure and bang, consistent release
Adjustable to fit in hand well
Makes draw and release very repeatable and consistent

Best For large Hand: hot Shot Thumb Release

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There is virtually no noise at all with this release making it perfect for hunting. The Vapor is super fast and quiet to hook up to the bow, which is awesome when you're up in the tree. The color is great, and most of the time it is very quiet to use and does not have the click that most other releases have. The head is angled just right so your loop releases out of it exactly the same way every time, which is key for consistency.

The release tension is easily adjustable, so is the thumb release position. It even comes with a lanyard you can attach to your wrist so you don't drop it.

Why We Like This:

New and hot release
Lot of satisfied buyers

Best With safety: Scott Archery Thumb Release

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Compared with other release in this category, the scott archery thumb release has a convenient design. It provides the ultimate feel and offers a more comfortable feel with a new, more ergonomic handle. It offers an adjustable trigger so you can set the trigger as light or heavy as you like. The design is excellent, very comfortable in hand but hooking needs a little practice to master. There are two adjustments on the trigger, one for the amount of travel and the other is the sensitivity. The other screw controls when the release actually fires.

The angle of the thumb trigger can be adjusted as well to bring the trigger closer to your hand or further away. The ring is large and the tail interferes a bit as it sticks out. There is a button that you depress to lock the jaws shut and the thumb trigger fires either by back tension or an intentional press. It allows you to use this release for target shooting as well as hunting applications.

Why We Like This:

Lots of adjustability for the trigger
Love the extra feeling of security with the full circle for your index finger
Very adjustable, solid and feels good in the hand

Best For Bow: trufire Thumb Release

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This release has a lot of adjustability. It is cheaper than other releases, but performs great and has plenty of adjustment range to suit any shooter. It will release with back tension pressure. It has all the adjustments to customize it for what best fits you. It has a great finish (green) and feels good in the hand. It is very easy to adjust the release how you want it for tension, and fits very well in your hand. The release itself is pretty hefty and it is very solidly built.

Why We Like This:

A lot more crisp, has a good weight to it, and works flawlessly
New and hot release

Best For beginner: LWANO Thumb Release

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This LWANO X1 Archery Thumb Bow Release product comes with a small instruction sheet but it is relatively straight forward. It comes with adjustable trigger and trigger sensitivity, customizable for left and right hands for fast, smooth release ideal for hunting and target practice. It has the design is based on a tru ball max pro, with the finger extension design based on tru fire releases. It is spring loaded and the surprise factor of the shot is minimal.

The release fits in the hand and how well it works. It comes with 2 different trigger releases,one installed looks like a round bar,great for thumb release. The release comes with adjustable trigger and trigger sensitivity, customizable for left and right hands for fast, smooth release ideal for hunting and target practice. It is good for a beginner to test whether you like using a thumb.

Why We Like This:

Smoothly polished jaws, no abrasion of d-ring rope
Fit comfortable and has extra grip which is a nice value add
High-quality aluminum, cnc machining, matte surface treatment, comfortable and smooth to the touch

Best With Wrist Strap: SHARROW Thumb Release

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The sharrow thumb release is satisfactory and appropriate and fits well with your daily usage. The release has the same mechanics as the higher end Tru Ball Blade. It can effectively improve the bowstring life and the consistency of archery. The Machining is CNC and is clean and precise, with no noticeable flaws of any kind. The release feels good in the hand and has plenty of adjustments to set the sensitivity and grip. It comes with a wrench, loop rope and screws.

The design is so similar that the exact same set of instructions to set release sensitivity and sear work for this one.

Why We Like This:

Or finger, flexible switching, ambidextrous, fit for compound bow
Cnc machining technology, surface oxidation treatment
Very nice release, crisp thumb trigger and its adjustable

Best starter Release: Spot-Hogg Archery Products Thumb Release

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The spot-hogg archery products thumb release is capable of outshining several other release featured in this list in overall features for the price point. This release just feels right in the hand. The machining is top notch like all Spot Hogg products. The trigger is very crisp and adjustable.

Why We Like This:

High end quality for middle end money
Good investment for long term

Best For Compound Bow: FENJANER Thumb Release

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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention fenjaner thumb release for daily purpose. It feels very well built and the trigger works very well, great response to it. It is hard oxidized, wear-resistant, and does not fade, good and stable performance suitable for all archers. The releaser sensitivity can be adjusted by wrench, the jaw is manually closed, and the factory test easily bears 200lbs of draw weight. It is perfectly fits the finger to grip.

Why We Like This:

Cnc machining, seamless splicing, and superior hand feeling
Make people happy because of sports
Made by sleek and comfortable aluminum
4 finger release aid for either right or left hand

Best premium: Stan Thumb Release

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Not everyone likes to purchase release for their daily purpose, but the stan thumb release would be an anomoly. The Thumb and ResiSTANce models have the incorporated Sping-loaded string keeper for a fst hook up to the D-Loop INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE. This release features specialized trigger mechanisms made from enhanced and hardened 440c stainless steel, fully adjustable trigger tension and travel and adjustable thumb knobs, thumb post extensions and finger pieces.

Why We Like This:

Lot of satisfied buyers
Good brand reputation

Best comfort: T.R.U. ball Thumb Release

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T.R.U. Ball is known for creating pragmatic and minimalist release for people on the go, and its line of t.r.u. Ball thumb release definitely falls in line with that reputation. A multi-positional thumb barrel and teardrop allows for customization of thumb placement. It has an individual trigger travel adjustment screw with a lock, and an individual trigger sensitivity adjustment screw with a lock. The rave is easy to load with a “pinch the jaw closed to the d-loop” feature, simply grasp the jaw between your fore-finger and thumb to close onto the d-loop. The hand feel is great and the trigger is crisp. It is allows for light to heavy trigger feels.

Why We Like This:

Feels sturdy and well built, and has a fast trigger
Lot of satisfied buyers