I am thinking about trying a thumb release and not sure exactly where to start. I don't mind spending up to $100 on one but would like opinions.

I have one I would sale. It's the pro diamond extreme. I ll have to find it though

Is this the only one you have? What do you not like about it?

I have a few old ones somewhere. Think one even has the string loop...got to be careful with that one. Have had it slip off mid draw and figured out the back of my hand was harder than my nose

I still keep one in my case as a back up. I practice with it every year but prefer the trigger one.

I like the trigger releases but hate how they get tangled up in the stand. I hunt out of a tripod and lay the bow on my lap. I think I would like having the release attached to the loop so it was there when I needed it.

I made the switch a couple of years ago, I don't see me shooting a wrist release ever again.

My current release is a Carter Big Kid (now called the Target 4) and it works out great. It stays on the string, never gives any problems, and I'm used to shooting it all year long.

I have a Tru Fire 3D Hunter as a backup (though my daughter has claimed it, and is shooting it well)

I want a Stan Shootoff, maybe I'll get one of them this spring.


What I've found, is that there is a big difference in the cheap ones and the good ones. Look for a used Carter or Stan, maybe a TruBall to get into your price range.

Have an old Hot Shot thumb triggered release that I have been using for over 30 years. Still works well and is my favorite release of all I have tried.

I switched to a thumb release from a trigger, best change I've made. It's a Tru Ball Pro Diamond. Took some getting used to, I also use a V-Lock buckle strap with it for security- long story stupid me.

TXW I have a Diamond Pro I will give you. Good Luck!

Shot a friend had in his case while we were shooting one day....found out why it was in the bottom of the case...they suck

THey don't suck, they are just not for everyone. The big deal with them is they take a smart muscle out of the equation. You trigger finger is considered a smart muscle, it will twitch sometimes on it's own and that can be a real problem with target panic. Your thumb on the other hand is considered a dumb muscle and actually makes a better trigger finger.

With that said a thumb release takes alot more practice, I had heck trying to get my anchor point consistant with it. When I was shooting it well my groups shrunk considerably, but if your just a little off with one they can be a real pain.

Ultimately I went back to my wrist release simply for the fact that at the time I could not practice with the thumb release enough and it was frustrating.

If you got the time to totally change your shooting technique and ingrain the thumb release in your muscle memory I say go for it. If you only going to shoot a couple of times a month stay far far away.

SInce your a buddy I will give you mine:
http://www.cabelas.com/mechanical-releases-t-r-u-ball-pro-diamond-xtreme-standard-release-2.shtml

Thanks Chuck. I will get it from you sometime in February.

I actually shot better with a thumb release.... Just happened to shot it through my bow...twice

Ouch. Hope all was ok.

Yelp Elite is fixing it. Thank god for life time warranties