The Bow Release: Comfort and Fit Mean Everything

I admit that I often find myself behind the curve on most things. When everyone around me had moved to smart phones, I was still hammering the multiple numeral buttons on my flip phone just to send a text message. I was the same way when it came to mechanical bow releases. My first bow release was one of the original Hot Shots. Loved it. Used it for 34 years until I had to switch to an index finger bow release a few years ago.

While I’m now a believer in index finger releases, starting out, I had a rough go of it. My biggest problem was that I could never find one that gave me a fit that was comfortable or that I could get to stay put once I had it the way I wanted it. Also, I found most of the wrist strap closure systems to be aggravating and uncomfortable.

The Perfect Fit

All that changed when I picked up a TRUGLO Speed Shot bow release with the BOA closure system. Here was a bow release I could put on with one hand (not one hand and a knee to hold the strap in position while I cinched it down) and take off in a blink. Micro-adjustment for a perfect fit was as simple as turning a knob … literally. Also, there were no issues getting it to fit when wearing gloves or bulky clothes.

Let’s just say, I haven’t looked back, and with my track record of replacing gear only when it breaks, wears out or is made obsolete (as with my Hot Shot), I’ll probably have my latest TRUGLO Nitrus bow release for a long time to come.

BOA technology on a TRUGLO bow release — TRUGLO’s bow releases featuring the BOA closure system delivers exactly the right amount of tension for comfortable, consistent wrist strap engagement. This system also accommodates changes in clothing layers as you transition from early- to late-season hunting. Photo courtesy of Rob Reaser.

Precise Adjustability

For me, as for most bowhunters, precise adjustability is the foundation for any quality bow release. It must be highly adjustable for comfort and adjustable to work with biomechanics of the shooter. If you find yourself having to contort your wrist to achieve a proper anchor, or struggle by extending or shortening up your index finger to hook the trigger and execute a smooth string release, your form will suffer, and that leads to a whole lot of problems — key among them being accuracy.

Wrist Strap

A proper-fitting bow release begins with the wrist strap. It needs to be tight enough so that it stops at the base of your hand when you pull your string to anchor, but not so tight as to be uncomfortable or to cut off circulation. One of the advantages of TRUGLO’s BOA system is that it is easy to get just the right amount of tension so the strap stays where you want it to. Also, the design of the strap is broad around the inside and top of your wrist. That added width combines with the integrated stretch cuff to help distribute the constricting force around your wrist and prevent cutting off circulation to your hand. To install, simply slip your hand through the strap/stretch cuff, push in on the BOA knob and rotate clockwise until the strap is secure. The BOA’s micro-click dial allows you to make small, incremental tension adjustments until you get it just right. To loosen the strap, pull up on the dial to release the tension and remove the bow release from your hand.

Length of Pull

Once you’ve determined the optimal strap tension/position, the next adjustment is the length of pull, or the distance between the secured strap (when on your wrist in the final shooting position) and the trigger. TRUGLO’s BOA closure system releases use a yoke system that allows you to lengthen or shorten the yoke to achieve an optimal length of pull. My TRUGLO Nitrus release, for example, comes with multiple tapped holes along the length of the stainless-steel yoke. A set screw is used to fix the length of pull once you find a length that lets you comfortably place the pad of your index finger on the trigger shoe when at full draw.

TRUGLO bow release three-position yoke — TRUGLO’s three-position yoke hub allows you to move the yoke out of the way when you need to use your shooting hand for other tasks. Photo courtesy of Rob Reaser.

Trigger Travel

The third adjustment that is desired in a premium release is trigger travel. TRUGLO uses a set screw in their releases to make fine-tuned adjustments to trigger travel. Adjusting the relative depth of the set screw in the trigger changes the trigger’s pre-travel distance or the amount of rearward travel the trigger requires before the jaws open to release the string. Increased pretravel (less distance the trigger must move before releasing the jaws) means that a shorter (and perceived lighter) trigger pull is required and vice versa. For hunting applications, we tend to favor a slightly longer, or heavier, trigger pull. Some hunters, though, prefer a lighter trigger. You just need to spend some time adjusting the trigger to find the feel that is right for you.

Three-Position Yoke Hub

The other feature I like about the TRUGLO Nitrus is its three-position yoke hub. My old Speed Shot has a yoke that is fixed in the forward position. While it shoots great and the yoke is always pointed in the right position to quickly secure it to my string loop, it does get in the way if I need to dig into my pockets or when pulling arrows out of my target. The Nitrus yoke (as well as the TRUGLO Activator and Detonator yokes), however, secure to the wrist strap via a three-position hub. An integrated detent system allows you to move the yoke 90 degrees left or right, where it will stay until you reposition it back to center. I much prefer this adjustable, yet rigid, design to free-rotating or rope-style systems for bowhunting because there is less chance of the yoke flopping around and clanging against something. And although the TRUGLO yokes are rigid in relation to the wrist strap, they freely rotate 360 degrees, preventing string torque and ensuring that the trigger is always positioned perpendicular to the string for easy index finger engagement.

TRUGLO's smooth stainless-steel jaws and a 360-degree rotating yoke reduce string wear and prevent string torque. — Smooth stainless-steel jaws and a 360-degree rotating yoke reduce string wear and prevent string torque. Photo courtesy of Rob Reaser.

Replacement Wrist Strap

Finally, perhaps you like the release you have, but your wrist strap has seen better days. If that’s the case, TRUGLO offers a universal replacement release strap featuring the BOA closure system. It’s designed to fit most connection systems, so you may want to check it out if your wrist strap is on the fritz. These replacement straps are available in camo or black fabric.

If you’ve been in the bowhunting game for several years, you’ve probably had some less-than-stellar experiences with release systems. Hey, releases are a highly personal piece of gear because they are the literal link between you and your bow. Making sure you find one that can be fully adjusted to your body and shooting style is paramount to accuracy, comfort and success in the field.

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