If you never used an archery release you don´t know what you are missing. With an archery release you will be able to shoot a common bow more accurately and consistently than ever before. Most people don´t know how good a shooter they are, and how accurate their bows are, until they try an archery release.

Archery releases allow the shooter to shot the arrow by pulling a trigger, or by firing automatically once the draw obtains a set weight. By providing only one point of contact with the string, instead of three fingers, the release aid minimizes string deformity and increases accuracy.

Archery releases come in several styles and prices. The secret to making you a better shooter resides in buying the best archery release that you can afford and that at the same time matches the quality of your bow.

Archery release aids are also sometimes called trigger or mechanical release. Releases are commonly used with compound bows, but also with long and recurves bows.

The most common form of archery release is the wrist style. This style of release has some sort of strap or cord to attach to your wrist and a trigger is released by the index finger. The quality of a wrist release is usually in the jaws.

The jaws or calipers of the release can be adjusted on the better models to adjust for a hard or easier release. The jaws can attach directly to the bow string or with a "D" loop. Some models have a wrap around glove to distribute the pull weight over the entire hand instead of just the wrist.

This type of archery release makes it easier for you hold the bow back at full draw.

The wrist style archery release can retail from about $40 to $80, and are less expensive than other types of releases.

Hand held releases are more recent than the counterpart wrist style release. This type of a release is lighter and easier to use. Unlike the wrist release, which uses your finger to trigger the mechanism, the hand held release uses the thumb.

To shoot the bow using a hand held release, you have to increase the tension at full draw and rotate the archery release slightly.

It is common to see shooters use this type of release in an archery competition, but it is also appropriate for bow hunting.

The hand held release is more expensive than the wrist release and can retail from $80 to more than $100.

Automatic or hydraulic archery release aids are the most expensive type and come in both wrist or hand held styles.

They are pre set to fire at a predetermined time after you start your draw. These types of releases are not recommended for beginners or for hunting.

These are the three most common types of release aids. Their prices vary in function of the smoothness and adjustability of the release.

Other factors to consider when buying an archery release are noise and comfort. Since some release aids make a clicking sound when releasing, they are not appropriate for bow hunting.

You might also consider buying a "D" loop to prevent excessive wear of your bow string.

If buying at a local shop, you can also consult with the salesperson on which type of release is more appropriate for your bow.