The Best Archery Release Aids for Bowhunting of 2023

If there is one archery release aid to own the spot of “best overall,” it’s hands down the Wiseguy ($130) from Spot Hogg. Available in both rigid and nylon versions, as well as several options for buckles like the Cameron Hanes Keep Hammering version, the Wiseguy has remained a favorite among bowhunters across the country for good reason.

The Wiseguy comes equipped with a self-reloading hook that’s connected to an incredibly light adjustable trigger with zero travel. In a nutshell, this system screams efficiency when you need it most.

Because of the ease of use and dependability, this release would do well in any condition on any hunt for any animal. To me, this is the best of all worlds when it comes to archery release aids.

Tru-Fire is no stranger to the archery-release world. For those on a budget who don’t want to sacrifice quality, the Tru-Fire Smoke Buckle Foldback ($60) is hard to beat.

This dual-caliper release features a forward trigger promoting a smoother release and can be adjusted for both left-handed and right-handed shooters. Bowhunters will also benefit from the comfortable wrist strap and the adjustable trigger travel.

And to cap it all off, the Smoke has a handy foldback feature that allows you to fold the barrel of the release back and out of the way of your hand. It’s about as good as it gets for not a whole lot of coin.

Index release aids are without a doubt the most popular among bowhunters. And the Carter Like Mike II ($200) is the best of the best in that category.

This index-style release is the next generation of its predecessor the original Like Mike. The Like Mike II has a buckle-styled wrist strap and an adjustable web connection. An open hook design allows for quick D-loop acquisition and the rear-placed trigger cater to achieving a full hook at full draw.

Features of the Like Mike II are everything you need and nothing you don’t. The trigger has a tension adjustment range between 10 ounces to about 3.5 pounds. And for heavier triggers, Carter includes a steel ball to install that will raise the tension up to around 11 pounds.

Something else to note is that the Like Mike II doesn’t have a trigger travel adjustment like many other releases. It doesn’t need one, due to the Carter Controlled Engagement System. This is all controlled internally and by tolerance.     

After extensive testing in a wide range of conditions, giving the title of Best Index Release to the Carter Like Mike II was a no-brainer. To learn more about the Like Mike II check out our full review.

Thumb releases are showing up more and more in the bowhunting woods. For archers looking for a thumb release that’s as good as it gets, the Onnex ($280) from Stanislawski deserves eyes.

The Onnex seems to be the next version of the popular Stanislawski PerfeX thumb release. Just like the PerfeX, the OnneX comes with attachments for 2-finger, 3-finger, and 4-finger use. You’ll also get a few different thumb barrels with multiple barrel posts. And let’s not forget, the OnneX comes equipped with the crisp Stanislawski trigger everyone loves.

With that crisp trigger, Stanisklawski provides you with the ability to adjust trigger travel and trigger tension. And while the thumb barrel sizes can be changed out, you can also change the angle of them. Stan wants you to get this release EXACTLY how you like it.

A few other things worth mentioning are the ability to use the Onnex in practice mode and with the loop retainer. By inserting a small pin that comes with your release, you’ll be able to engage the trigger without the hook ever collapsing. A great training tool. And the loop retainer allows a seamless connection between the hook and D-loop, with the added benefit of letting the release hang from the D-loop while not in use.

Stanislawski really sets the bar here with their Onnex. For serious hunters looking for a top-of-the-line thumb release, this is it.

Hinge releases have long been used by target archers with success. For hunting though, they’ve never been too practical. Ultraview breaks those boundaries with the Hinge 2 ($250).

The Hinge 2 is absolutely loaded with customization options, from finishes in either anodized aluminum or matte black stainless to two-, three-, and four-finger models and right down to the ability to add on their hunting bracket. The hunting bracket allows a bowhunter to attach a lanyard of their choosing to the release, so it stays on their person at all times.

Another cool hunting feature is its magnetic head. This keeps the head of the release from rattling around and caters to quick D-loop acquisition when time is of the essence. And their new dual-moon system allows one to micro-adjust the timing of both their click and fire moons.

Solid and dependable with no BS. That’s what comes to mind with the B3 Archery Hawk ($106) index release aid.

This is a single sear open hook release aid with an angled forward trigger to maximize draw length. B3 Archery offers this release in an adjustable flex(web connection) and a swivel model. And the wrist strap operates via a buckle.

One of the coolest features of the Hawk release aid is its spring-loaded auto hook return. After each shot, the hook returns to zero, because time is money. And with the trigger, you’ll have the option of adjusting the travel and tension to get just the right feel you’re looking for.

No fluff, just results. Check out the Hawk from B3 Archery if that sounds up your alley.

Ultraview is well known for its hinge-style releases, but the company recently came out with a thumb button. The Ultraview UV Button ($350) is no slouch in the release department.

This handheld thumb release was made with consistency in mind. It has the same exact profile as the Ultraview Hinge release, which means the impact points between the two will be the same. You’ll have the choice between two different sizes (M and L) as well as two different finishes (Matte Black and Smoke Gray).

The internals of this release are equipped with ULTRAGLYDE technology. This eliminates any and all unnecessary metal-on-metal contact via bushings. A quieter and more advanced step for handheld releases. And while we’re on internals, you do have micro adjust in both trigger travel and tension.

Some other things to mention are the Contour Knob and Springed D-Loop Retainment. The Contour Thumb Knob features spiral grooves that prevent slip and create a point of reference for repeatability. And the Springed D-Loop Retainment lets you keep your release on your string ready for anything at all times.

The Ultraview UV Button is a step in the right direction for thumb releases. A great addition for any serious bowhunter.

A wrist strap index style release that’s also a handheld release? We’re talking about the Spot Hogg Keeton ($115).

The Spot Hogg Keeton takes everything to be loved about a wrist strap index and combines it with a handheld. This hybrid type of release has an integrated handle that swivels, a wrist strap, and an index-style trigger. The wrist strap has an adjustable webbing as well.

One of the biggest positives about the design of the Keeton is that it naturally allows the hunter to pull more draw weight easier. You can more evenly distribute weight throughout the hand, wrist, arm, and shoulder. And because of that, you can stay at full draw longer.

From full draw, the integrated handle will pivot out of the way, leading to perfect trigger acquisition. No time is wasted, and efficiency is at an all-time high.

The Spot Hogg Keeton is a great release for bowhunters wanting to maybe up their draw weight and hold time at full draw. Or even folks with previous injuries. All the while gaining the best of both worlds between index styles and handheld release aids. Not to mention, it’s just different.

When it comes to the game of inches that is bowhunting, efficiency is everything. The Pursuit ($170) by Scott Archery is efficient, practical, and precise.

The Pursuit combines the practicality of an index finger release with the precision of a thumb release. This handheld release has an ergonomic handle with a fully adjustable trigger position and trigger travel to give the feel you want.

The target-inspired multi-sear technology makes that trigger about as crisp as they get as well. To add to the customization, the Pursuit comes with three- and four-finger extensions.

And because of the wrist strap, you won’t be fumbling around looking for your thumb release in the field. The Pursuit is always there and at the ready.

There is an incalculable amount of hours that bowhunters spend in the field each fall. All those hours come down to one moment, and the Carter Wise Choice ($230) will be there time and time again.

Carter has been making top-notch releases for over 25 years, and the Wise Choice has become a favorite among bowhunters. This three-finger thumb release comes in either black, blue, red, or silver.

You’ll also notice it has the option of using a lanyard for your wrist. If that’s not your cup of tea, then the fully closed jaw once cocked will allow you to attach it to your D-loop and let it hang at the ready. Read: This is a perfect setup for treestand hunting.

The Wise Choice has both adjustable trigger tension as well as adjustable barrel positions. If you’re serious about your bowhunting, then this release from Carter would be a “wise choice.”