Your release is the single most important connection between you and your bow. It determines how cleanly the arrow leaves the string, how repeatable your shot is under pressure, and whether you walk out of the woods — or off the 3D range — with the result you trained for. Pick the wrong one and no amount of practice will bail you out. Pick the right one, and you have a tool that quietly disappears into your shot process.
This buyer's guide walks through every decision that matters: the three main release types, how to match a release to your shooting style, the features worth paying for, youth considerations, and why buying American-made matters for a piece of precision equipment. By the end, you'll know exactly which Scott Archery release fits your bow, your hands, and your goals — whether that's a first whitetail, a state championship, or your very first bullseye.
Why Your Release Matters More Than You Think
A compound bow generates far too much draw force to shoot cleanly with fingers alone — which is why virtually every compound archer uses a mechanical release aid. But many shooters treat the release as an afterthought, grabbing whatever came in the starter package and sticking with it for years. That's a mistake.
The release is a precision trigger attached directly to your bowstring. A well-designed release executes a clean, predictable shot every single time. A poor one introduces torque, inconsistent activation, and the kind of micro-variation that sends arrows three inches left at 20 yards and three feet left at 60. The gear between your fingertips and the bowstring either reinforces your form or fights it.
Scott Archery has spent over 40 years engineering that one connection. The company pioneered much of the technology modern archers take for granted, from rotating heads to adjustable sear systems. Every Scott release is designed, machined, and assembled in the United States, and every one is backed by a commitment to stand behind it for the life of the product.
The Three Types of Archery Releases
Every modern release falls into one of three categories: index finger (wrist strap), handheld (thumb button), or back tension (hinge). Each works differently, each is suited to a different style of shooting, and each has a place in a serious archer's bow case.
1. Index Finger Releases (Wrist Strap)
How they work: An index finger release straps around your wrist, with the release head hanging off a short caliper or hook. You draw the bow using the strap, anchor, then pull the trigger with your index finger to fire the shot.
Best for: Bowhunters who need fast follow-up shots, beginners learning release mechanics, and any archer who prefers not to carry a separate release in and out of the woods. The strap keeps the release attached to your wrist — drop it from the stand and it's still there when you need it.
Pros: Simple to learn. Fast to deploy. Secure — the strap means you can't lose it. Typically the most affordable option, which makes it the go-to for first-time buyers.
Cons: The index-finger trigger makes "punching" — anticipating the shot and slapping the trigger — easier to fall into, which is the primary cause of target panic in archers.
Scott picks: the S1 delivers a crisp, clean break with a double-sear trigger and open hook jaw — built for hunters who want confidence when the moment counts. The Verge brings back-tension-style activation into an index finger platform for archers who want the smoothness of a hinge with the security of a wrist strap. The Ghost with NCS Strap features an ultra-compact auto-cocking design with 100% string clearance. Budget-focused shooters should look at the Quick-Shot — one of the most reliable entry-level releases on the market.
Browse the full index finger release collection.
2. Handheld Releases (Thumb Button)
How they work: A handheld release sits in the palm, with two, three, or four finger positions gripping the body. A thumb-actuated button fires the shot. You draw the bow, anchor, then roll pressure onto the thumb button until the trigger breaks.
Best for: Archers who want more deliberate control over shot execution, hunters who want a release they can also compete with, and any shooter looking to reduce the trigger-punching habits that index-finger releases encourage. Handhelds force a more intentional shot process, which tends to tighten groups at longer distances.
Pros: Significant accuracy improvement for most archers over an index release. Versatile across hunting and target disciplines. Generally adjustable for thumb position, trigger travel, and tension.
Cons: No strap means you have to put it somewhere between shots. Steeper learning curve than an index release. Higher price point at the premium end.
Scott picks: the STB is the reference handheld in Scott's lineup — adjustable travel, adjustable tension, and adjustable thumb button position mean you can tune it exactly to your hand. The Pursuit uses target-inspired multi-sear technology for a crisp trigger feel, and ships with both 3- and 4-finger extensions. The APEX CORE offers 50 degrees of angle adjustment and micro-adjustable tension for serious customization. Fast-action shooters should consider the Summit, with an open hook design optimized for reduced lock time at the range.
Browse the full handheld release collection.
3. Back Tension Releases (Hinge)
How they work: A hinge release has no trigger in the conventional sense. You anchor, then slowly rotate the release by pulling through the shot with your back muscles until the hook rolls off the sear and fires. You can't "punch" a properly set hinge — the shot breaks when form is right, not when your brain decides.
Best for: Serious target archers, competitive shooters, and anyone battling target panic. Hinges are the single most effective tool for rebuilding a clean, surprise-break shot process. Many tournament archers who started with a hinge for practice now hunt with one too.
Pros: Unmatched accuracy potential. Virtually eliminates trigger punching. Teaches proper back-tension execution, which reinforces correct form across every other release you shoot.
Cons: Steepest learning curve of the three styles. Requires blank-bale practice before live targets. Not ideal for fast-follow-up hunting scenarios without time to set up the shot.
Scott picks: the Longhorn Expert is the top of Scott's hinge lineup — a refined double-moon design with independently adjustable click and fire, an open hook jaw, and a spring auto-return hook that replaces the outdated rubber band systems found on older hinges. The Longhorn Hunter brings back-tension performance into a hunting-ready package. For archers still learning back tension, the Fusion is a "HEX" style release that keeps the strap attached while you train — preventing accidental misfires as you build the technique, and letting you remove the strap once you've mastered it.
Browse the full back tension and hinge release collection.
How to Choose Based on Your Shooting Style
Once you understand the three types, the next question is which one fits how you actually shoot. Three questions cut through most of the confusion.
Are you hunting or shooting targets?
Hunters need speed, security, and confidence under pressure. That points to either an index finger release (fast, strapped to your wrist, always ready) or a well-tuned handheld (more accurate, still manageable in a stand). Competitive target archers should strongly consider a handheld or a hinge, where deliberate shot execution outperforms speed every time.
Are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced shooter?
Beginners should start with an index finger release. It teaches the fundamentals — draw, anchor, aim, fire — without adding complexity. Intermediate shooters who feel their groups stalling should try a handheld; it forces a cleaner shot process and almost always improves accuracy. Advanced shooters, especially those competing at tournaments, should add a hinge for practice, even if they continue to hunt with a handheld.
Have you experienced target panic?
If you freeze, drive by the target, or feel yourself punching the trigger the instant the pin hits center, you're dealing with target panic — and your release type is likely feeding it. Moving from an index finger to a handheld helps for mild cases. For serious target panic, a back tension hinge is the gold-standard rehabilitation tool because it physically removes the ability to command the shot.
Key Features to Look For
Once you know which type of release fits your shooting style, these features separate a good release from a great one.
• Trigger adjustability. A trigger that lets you adjust travel (how far it moves before breaking) and tension (how much pressure is required) is a release you can tune to your form — not the other way around. Scott's premium releases offer micro-adjustable travel and tension across the handheld and hinge lines.
• Jaw or hook style. Open hooks (found on the Longhorn Expert and S1) are fast to load onto a D-loop and give a smoother shot release. Closed caliper jaws (common on entry-level wrist straps) are more secure and beginner-friendly. Neither is universally better — it depends on priorities.
• Connection type. Rope connectors, D-loops, and Scott's NCS (No Cut Strap) system all affect how the release interfaces with your bow. Rope connectors allow infinite length adjustment. NCS prevents string wear and delivers consistent serve life.
• Strap or handle material. For wrist strap releases, leather buckle straps break in and mold to your wrist over time; Velcro or nylon straps are faster to put on but less durable. For handhelds, look for machined aluminum bodies and finger grooves that match your hand.
• Weight and balance. A release should feel like an extension of your hand, not a piece of jewelry hanging off it. Heavier handhelds offer a settled, anchored feel. Lighter ones are more discreet in a hunting pack.
• Adjustability for your hand size. Handhelds like the Apex Core offer up to 50 degrees of angle adjustment on the thumb barrel. The Longhorn Expert is available in Standard and Small sizes. Getting the fit right matters more than spec-sheet bullet points — an ill-fitting release is one you'll fight forever.
Choosing a Release for Youth Archers
Kids aren't small adults, and a release that works for a grown shooter will frustrate a growing one. Look for simplicity, a youth-scaled strap, and the ability to adjust connector length as they grow.
The Quickshot Jr. is built specifically for young archers — a single-caliper design with a crisp roller-sear trigger activation, a youth leather buckle strap sized for small wrists, and an infinitely adjustable rope connector that grows with the shooter. It keeps the mechanics simple while teaching real shot discipline from the first arrow. Explore the full youth release collection for other options.
Why American-Made Matters for Your Release
A release is not a t-shirt. It's a precision mechanical device that holds tens of pounds of draw force and releases it at the exact moment you decide. Tolerances matter. Material quality matters. Quality control matters.
Scott Archery has been engineering and manufacturing releases in the USA for over 40 years. Every product goes through domestic quality control, is backed by a U.S.-based customer service and repair team, and carries a service commitment that mass-market overseas brands can't match. When you buy a Scott release, you're buying into four decades of iteration on one specific product category — not a generic component sourced from the same factory as ten other brands. Learn more about the company's standards on the Why Scott page and our service commitment.
Scott Release Comparison at a Glance
A quick reference for the releases covered above. Use this table to narrow down candidates before clicking into the individual product pages.
|
Release
|
Type
|
Best For
|
Key Feature
|
Skill Level
|
Collection
|
|
Quick-Shot
|
Index Finger
|
New archers
|
Reliable, budget-friendly
|
Beginner
|
Index Finger
|
|
S1
|
Index Finger
|
Bowhunters
|
Double-sear trigger
|
All levels
|
Index Finger
|
|
Verge
|
Index Finger
|
Hunters wanting back-tension feel
|
Back-tension style in a strap
|
Intermediate+
|
Index Finger
|
|
Ghost (NCS)
|
Index Finger
|
Minimalist hunters
|
Auto-cocking compact body
|
Intermediate
|
Index Finger
|
|
STB
|
Handheld
|
All-around archers
|
Fully adjustable travel & tension
|
All levels
|
Handheld
|
|
Pursuit
|
Handheld
|
Target-focused hunters
|
Multi-sear crisp trigger
|
Intermediate+
|
Handheld
|
|
APEX CORE
|
Handheld
|
Precision shooters
|
50° angle adjustment
|
Intermediate+
|
Handheld
|
|
Summit
|
Handheld
|
Fast-action shooters
|
Open hook, reduced lock time
|
All levels
|
Handheld
|
|
Longhorn Expert
|
Hinge
|
Target/competition
|
Spring auto-return, adj. click & fire
|
Advanced
|
Back Tension
|
|
Longhorn Hunter
|
Hinge
|
Hunters using back tension
|
Hinge built for field use
|
Advanced
|
Back Tension
|
|
Fusion
|
Hinge (HEX)
|
Archers learning back tension
|
Strap stays on until mastered
|
Intermediate
|
Back Tension
|
|
Quickshot Jr.
|
Index Finger (Youth)
|
Young archers
|
Youth buckle strap, adj. rope
|
Beginner
|
Youth
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a wrist strap release for target shooting?
You can, and plenty of archers do. But most tournament shooters move to a handheld or hinge because the deliberate shot process produces tighter groups at long distance. A wrist strap release is perfectly capable of state-championship-caliber accuracy — many indoor champions have shot one — but it requires disciplined trigger control most archers find easier to build on a handheld.
What release helps with target panic?
A back tension hinge is the single best tool for beating target panic because it removes your ability to command the shot — you physically cannot punch the trigger. If you're experiencing target panic, the Longhorn Expert or Fusion are both purpose-built for the transition. A handheld like the STB or Pursuit is a good intermediate step if a hinge feels like too much change at once.
How do I adjust my release?
Most premium Scott releases include adjustable trigger travel, trigger tension, and (on handhelds) thumb barrel position. Adjustment tools and instructions ship with the release, and downloadable PDF instruction guides are linked on each product page. As a starting point: set travel to a short, crisp break, tension to a weight that requires deliberate activation (not a hair trigger), and barrel position so the thumb falls naturally onto the button at full draw.
What's the difference between a thumb button and a hinge release?
A thumb button has a trigger — you press it to fire the shot, and the shot breaks when you decide. A hinge has no trigger; it fires when the release rotates past its activation point through back tension. Thumb buttons are faster and more versatile; hinges are more accurate for deliberate target shooting but slower to execute.
Do I need more than one release?
Serious archers often own two: a hunting release (typically index finger or handheld) and a practice/target release (usually a hinge). Shooting a hinge in practice reinforces proper back-tension execution, which carries over to every other release you use. You don't need multiple releases to get started — but most archers who stick with the sport end up with at least two in rotation.
Is Scott Archery American made?
Yes. Scott Archery has designed and manufactured precision bow releases in the United States for more than 40 years. Every release is built and quality-controlled domestically, backed by a U.S.-based service team. Read more on the Why Scott page.
Which Scott Release Is Right for You?
The right release is the one that matches your shooting style, supports your skill level, and gives you room to grow. For most bowhunters buying their first release, an index finger release like the Quick-Shot or S1 is the right call. For intermediate archers ready to tighten groups, step into a handheld release like the STB or Pursuit. For competitive target shooters and anyone fighting target panic, a back tension hinge like the Longhorn Expert is the gold standard.
Whichever direction you go, you're buying a release designed, machined, and backed in the USA. Explore the full Scott Archery release lineup, or find a dealer near you to put one in your hand before you buy.
How to Choose the Right Archery Release: The Complete Buyer's Guide
Your release is the single most important connection between you and your bow. It determines how cleanly the arrow leaves the string, how repeatable your shot is under pressure, and whether you walk out of the woods — or off the 3D range — with the result you trained for. Pick the wrong one and no amount of practice will bail you out. Pick the right one, and you have a tool that quietly disappears into your shot process.
This buyer's guide walks through every decision that matters: the three main release types, how to match a release to your shooting style, the features worth paying for, youth considerations, and why buying American-made matters for a piece of precision equipment. By the end, you'll know exactly which Scott Archery release fits your bow, your hands, and your goals — whether that's a first whitetail, a state championship, or your very first bullseye.
Why Your Release Matters More Than You Think
A compound bow generates far too much draw force to shoot cleanly with fingers alone — which is why virtually every compound archer uses a mechanical release aid. But many shooters treat the release as an afterthought, grabbing whatever came in the starter package and sticking with it for years. That's a mistake.
The release is a precision trigger attached directly to your bowstring. A well-designed release executes a clean, predictable shot every single time. A poor one introduces torque, inconsistent activation, and the kind of micro-variation that sends arrows three inches left at 20 yards and three feet left at 60. The gear between your fingertips and the bowstring either reinforces your form or fights it.
Scott Archery has spent over 40 years engineering that one connection. The company pioneered much of the technology modern archers take for granted, from rotating heads to adjustable sear systems. Every Scott release is designed, machined, and assembled in the United States, and every one is backed by a commitment to stand behind it for the life of the product.
The Three Types of Archery Releases
Every modern release falls into one of three categories: index finger (wrist strap), handheld (thumb button), or back tension (hinge). Each works differently, each is suited to a different style of shooting, and each has a place in a serious archer's bow case.
1. Index Finger Releases (Wrist Strap)
How they work: An index finger release straps around your wrist, with the release head hanging off a short caliper or hook. You draw the bow using the strap, anchor, then pull the trigger with your index finger to fire the shot.
Best for: Bowhunters who need fast follow-up shots, beginners learning release mechanics, and any archer who prefers not to carry a separate release in and out of the woods. The strap keeps the release attached to your wrist — drop it from the stand and it's still there when you need it.
Pros: Simple to learn. Fast to deploy. Secure — the strap means you can't lose it. Typically the most affordable option, which makes it the go-to for first-time buyers.
Cons: The index-finger trigger makes "punching" — anticipating the shot and slapping the trigger — easier to fall into, which is the primary cause of target panic in archers.
Scott picks: the S1 delivers a crisp, clean break with a double-sear trigger and open hook jaw — built for hunters who want confidence when the moment counts. The Verge brings back-tension-style activation into an index finger platform for archers who want the smoothness of a hinge with the security of a wrist strap. The Ghost with NCS Strap features an ultra-compact auto-cocking design with 100% string clearance. Budget-focused shooters should look at the Quick-Shot — one of the most reliable entry-level releases on the market.
Browse the full index finger release collection.
2. Handheld Releases (Thumb Button)
How they work: A handheld release sits in the palm, with two, three, or four finger positions gripping the body. A thumb-actuated button fires the shot. You draw the bow, anchor, then roll pressure onto the thumb button until the trigger breaks.
Best for: Archers who want more deliberate control over shot execution, hunters who want a release they can also compete with, and any shooter looking to reduce the trigger-punching habits that index-finger releases encourage. Handhelds force a more intentional shot process, which tends to tighten groups at longer distances.
Pros: Significant accuracy improvement for most archers over an index release. Versatile across hunting and target disciplines. Generally adjustable for thumb position, trigger travel, and tension.
Cons: No strap means you have to put it somewhere between shots. Steeper learning curve than an index release. Higher price point at the premium end.
Scott picks: the STB is the reference handheld in Scott's lineup — adjustable travel, adjustable tension, and adjustable thumb button position mean you can tune it exactly to your hand. The Pursuit uses target-inspired multi-sear technology for a crisp trigger feel, and ships with both 3- and 4-finger extensions. The APEX CORE offers 50 degrees of angle adjustment and micro-adjustable tension for serious customization. Fast-action shooters should consider the Summit, with an open hook design optimized for reduced lock time at the range.
Browse the full handheld release collection.
3. Back Tension Releases (Hinge)
How they work: A hinge release has no trigger in the conventional sense. You anchor, then slowly rotate the release by pulling through the shot with your back muscles until the hook rolls off the sear and fires. You can't "punch" a properly set hinge — the shot breaks when form is right, not when your brain decides.
Best for: Serious target archers, competitive shooters, and anyone battling target panic. Hinges are the single most effective tool for rebuilding a clean, surprise-break shot process. Many tournament archers who started with a hinge for practice now hunt with one too.
Pros: Unmatched accuracy potential. Virtually eliminates trigger punching. Teaches proper back-tension execution, which reinforces correct form across every other release you shoot.
Cons: Steepest learning curve of the three styles. Requires blank-bale practice before live targets. Not ideal for fast-follow-up hunting scenarios without time to set up the shot.
Scott picks: the Longhorn Expert is the top of Scott's hinge lineup — a refined double-moon design with independently adjustable click and fire, an open hook jaw, and a spring auto-return hook that replaces the outdated rubber band systems found on older hinges. The Longhorn Hunter brings back-tension performance into a hunting-ready package. For archers still learning back tension, the Fusion is a "HEX" style release that keeps the strap attached while you train — preventing accidental misfires as you build the technique, and letting you remove the strap once you've mastered it.
Browse the full back tension and hinge release collection.
How to Choose Based on Your Shooting Style
Once you understand the three types, the next question is which one fits how you actually shoot. Three questions cut through most of the confusion.
Are you hunting or shooting targets?
Hunters need speed, security, and confidence under pressure. That points to either an index finger release (fast, strapped to your wrist, always ready) or a well-tuned handheld (more accurate, still manageable in a stand). Competitive target archers should strongly consider a handheld or a hinge, where deliberate shot execution outperforms speed every time.
Are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced shooter?
Beginners should start with an index finger release. It teaches the fundamentals — draw, anchor, aim, fire — without adding complexity. Intermediate shooters who feel their groups stalling should try a handheld; it forces a cleaner shot process and almost always improves accuracy. Advanced shooters, especially those competing at tournaments, should add a hinge for practice, even if they continue to hunt with a handheld.
Have you experienced target panic?
If you freeze, drive by the target, or feel yourself punching the trigger the instant the pin hits center, you're dealing with target panic — and your release type is likely feeding it. Moving from an index finger to a handheld helps for mild cases. For serious target panic, a back tension hinge is the gold-standard rehabilitation tool because it physically removes the ability to command the shot.
Key Features to Look For
Once you know which type of release fits your shooting style, these features separate a good release from a great one.
• Trigger adjustability. A trigger that lets you adjust travel (how far it moves before breaking) and tension (how much pressure is required) is a release you can tune to your form — not the other way around. Scott's premium releases offer micro-adjustable travel and tension across the handheld and hinge lines.
• Jaw or hook style. Open hooks (found on the Longhorn Expert and S1) are fast to load onto a D-loop and give a smoother shot release. Closed caliper jaws (common on entry-level wrist straps) are more secure and beginner-friendly. Neither is universally better — it depends on priorities.
• Connection type. Rope connectors, D-loops, and Scott's NCS (No Cut Strap) system all affect how the release interfaces with your bow. Rope connectors allow infinite length adjustment. NCS prevents string wear and delivers consistent serve life.
• Strap or handle material. For wrist strap releases, leather buckle straps break in and mold to your wrist over time; Velcro or nylon straps are faster to put on but less durable. For handhelds, look for machined aluminum bodies and finger grooves that match your hand.
• Weight and balance. A release should feel like an extension of your hand, not a piece of jewelry hanging off it. Heavier handhelds offer a settled, anchored feel. Lighter ones are more discreet in a hunting pack.
• Adjustability for your hand size. Handhelds like the Apex Core offer up to 50 degrees of angle adjustment on the thumb barrel. The Longhorn Expert is available in Standard and Small sizes. Getting the fit right matters more than spec-sheet bullet points — an ill-fitting release is one you'll fight forever.
Choosing a Release for Youth Archers
Kids aren't small adults, and a release that works for a grown shooter will frustrate a growing one. Look for simplicity, a youth-scaled strap, and the ability to adjust connector length as they grow.
The Quickshot Jr. is built specifically for young archers — a single-caliper design with a crisp roller-sear trigger activation, a youth leather buckle strap sized for small wrists, and an infinitely adjustable rope connector that grows with the shooter. It keeps the mechanics simple while teaching real shot discipline from the first arrow. Explore the full youth release collection for other options.
Why American-Made Matters for Your Release
A release is not a t-shirt. It's a precision mechanical device that holds tens of pounds of draw force and releases it at the exact moment you decide. Tolerances matter. Material quality matters. Quality control matters.
Scott Archery has been engineering and manufacturing releases in the USA for over 40 years. Every product goes through domestic quality control, is backed by a U.S.-based customer service and repair team, and carries a service commitment that mass-market overseas brands can't match. When you buy a Scott release, you're buying into four decades of iteration on one specific product category — not a generic component sourced from the same factory as ten other brands. Learn more about the company's standards on the Why Scott page and our service commitment.
Scott Release Comparison at a Glance
A quick reference for the releases covered above. Use this table to narrow down candidates before clicking into the individual product pages.
Release
Type
Best For
Key Feature
Skill Level
Collection
Quick-Shot
Index Finger
New archers
Reliable, budget-friendly
Beginner
Index Finger
S1
Index Finger
Bowhunters
Double-sear trigger
All levels
Index Finger
Verge
Index Finger
Hunters wanting back-tension feel
Back-tension style in a strap
Intermediate+
Index Finger
Ghost (NCS)
Index Finger
Minimalist hunters
Auto-cocking compact body
Intermediate
Index Finger
STB
Handheld
All-around archers
Fully adjustable travel & tension
All levels
Handheld
Pursuit
Handheld
Target-focused hunters
Multi-sear crisp trigger
Intermediate+
Handheld
APEX CORE
Handheld
Precision shooters
50° angle adjustment
Intermediate+
Handheld
Summit
Handheld
Fast-action shooters
Open hook, reduced lock time
All levels
Handheld
Longhorn Expert
Hinge
Target/competition
Spring auto-return, adj. click & fire
Advanced
Back Tension
Longhorn Hunter
Hinge
Hunters using back tension
Hinge built for field use
Advanced
Back Tension
Fusion
Hinge (HEX)
Archers learning back tension
Strap stays on until mastered
Intermediate
Back Tension
Quickshot Jr.
Index Finger (Youth)
Young archers
Youth buckle strap, adj. rope
Beginner
Youth
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a wrist strap release for target shooting?
You can, and plenty of archers do. But most tournament shooters move to a handheld or hinge because the deliberate shot process produces tighter groups at long distance. A wrist strap release is perfectly capable of state-championship-caliber accuracy — many indoor champions have shot one — but it requires disciplined trigger control most archers find easier to build on a handheld.
What release helps with target panic?
A back tension hinge is the single best tool for beating target panic because it removes your ability to command the shot — you physically cannot punch the trigger. If you're experiencing target panic, the Longhorn Expert or Fusion are both purpose-built for the transition. A handheld like the STB or Pursuit is a good intermediate step if a hinge feels like too much change at once.
How do I adjust my release?
Most premium Scott releases include adjustable trigger travel, trigger tension, and (on handhelds) thumb barrel position. Adjustment tools and instructions ship with the release, and downloadable PDF instruction guides are linked on each product page. As a starting point: set travel to a short, crisp break, tension to a weight that requires deliberate activation (not a hair trigger), and barrel position so the thumb falls naturally onto the button at full draw.
What's the difference between a thumb button and a hinge release?
A thumb button has a trigger — you press it to fire the shot, and the shot breaks when you decide. A hinge has no trigger; it fires when the release rotates past its activation point through back tension. Thumb buttons are faster and more versatile; hinges are more accurate for deliberate target shooting but slower to execute.
Do I need more than one release?
Serious archers often own two: a hunting release (typically index finger or handheld) and a practice/target release (usually a hinge). Shooting a hinge in practice reinforces proper back-tension execution, which carries over to every other release you use. You don't need multiple releases to get started — but most archers who stick with the sport end up with at least two in rotation.
Is Scott Archery American made?
Yes. Scott Archery has designed and manufactured precision bow releases in the United States for more than 40 years. Every release is built and quality-controlled domestically, backed by a U.S.-based service team. Read more on the Why Scott page.
Which Scott Release Is Right for You?
The right release is the one that matches your shooting style, supports your skill level, and gives you room to grow. For most bowhunters buying their first release, an index finger release like the Quick-Shot or S1 is the right call. For intermediate archers ready to tighten groups, step into a handheld release like the STB or Pursuit. For competitive target shooters and anyone fighting target panic, a back tension hinge like the Longhorn Expert is the gold standard.
Whichever direction you go, you're buying a release designed, machined, and backed in the USA. Explore the full Scott Archery release lineup, or find a dealer near you to put one in your hand before you buy.