Release aid

Lore & Background

The release aid was first invented in the United States in 1879, with a patent filed for a device then called a 'clutch'. It attaches to the bowstring just below the nocking point or at the D loop, a small-diameter nylon cord tied to the string using two reverse-facing half hitch knots, forming a D shape. The D loop is the most popular attachment method because it causes the least torque on the bowstring. An older method, under nock attachment, places the release directly under the arrow nock but puts more stress on the bow, arrow, and release mechanism.

Release aids come in several styles and mechanisms. Wrist triggers are the most popular, especially among hunters and casual recreational shooters, as the wristband lessens the chance of dropping the release from a tree stand. T-handled releases are hand-held and rely on finger strength, popular with tournament archers. Mechanisms include caliper style, thumb switch, back tension (or hinge), and resistance releases. Back tension releases are mechanically the simplest, with only one moving part, but are the hardest to learn. They depend on muscle tension through the forearms and back to release the latch. Resistance releases are similar but activate when a set amount of resistance is applied at full draw.

In Arab archery and regions of Central Asia and the Middle East, thumb rings are used for finger protection in thumb draw techniques. A 2021 world archery interpretation restricts thumb rings in WA-regulated competitions to the compound division, noting that thumb rings 'can easily be turned into release aids'. The choice between a mechanical release aid and a finger tab affects bow tuning and sighting, as arrows released by fingers group differently. Similarly, the arrow rest used depends on the release method: finger-released arrows commonly use a plunger pin, while release aid configurations often use a full-containment arrow rest, such as the Whisker Biscuit.

Reader's Guide

The release aid's primary significance lies in its ability to improve accuracy and consistency in archery. By providing a single point of contact on the string instead of three fingers, it reduces string deformity at full draw and allows for a more consistent release. This is especially beneficial under high-pressure situations and in regular practice, making it easier to group arrows tightly together. A major advantage is the drastic decrease in the chance of dry firing a compound bow, which can damage the bow and injure the user. When used with a wrist strap, the release allows the archer to pull the draw weight with arm muscles rather than relying solely on finger strength.

Many modern compound bows are designed specifically to be shot with a release aid, featuring solid limb stops and fine planes of motion. Without a release aid, the bowstring may 'jump' off the cams. However, as a mechanical device, a release aid can break, and an archer without a spare may have to shoot with fingers, altering draw length and accuracy. The legacy of the release aid is its role in enabling greater precision in compound archery, particularly in hunting and tournament settings, while also introducing a dependency on mechanical reliability.

Did You Know?

• The first release aid, patented in the USA in 1879, was called a 'clutch'.
• A D loop, the most popular attachment method, is made from a small-diameter nylon cord tied with two reverse-facing half hitch knots.