Equipment for your favorite hobby can run the gamut in affordability. Not only do different pieces have different price tags, but one single piece could also have a range when it comes to cost. When it comes to the price, cheaper isn’t always better, especially in the long run. On the other hand, don’t be fooled by an expensive cost either.
Archery releases tend to be on the expensive side because the mechanics of the piece are a bit complex. Therefore, the cost of the archery release directly affects the quality of the release you purchase.
Now that you have a general idea about why archery releases can be expensive, you might want to consider what that means for you as a consumer. There are always pros and cons when it comes to expenses like this, and it benefits you, the customer, to know what those are.
What Makes Archery Releases So Expensive?
Archery releases are devices that can help an archer shoot an arrow more accurately. So, instead of using your finger to release an arrow, you use the archery release to trigger it. Like with any equipment of this importance, the cost can, at times, run a bit high.
There are archery releases on the market that are affordable, but the question that follows is what would getting a cheaper model mean for your archery? Knowing why an archery release might be expensive could help in making the decision on what to purchase in the end. It comes down to:
- Quality
- Assistance
- Types of Releases
Delving into these topics will give you a better understanding of the importance of an archery release and why it can run up in cost depending on its mechanics.
Also Read: Why are archery stabilizers so expensive?
The Quality of Archery Releases
Price doesn’t always correlate with quality. Sometimes cost is inflated because businesses want to make a profit off of a product regardless of how well it performs. That is why it is so important to do your research on the manufacturers in terms of trustworthiness as well as looking at the overall market for average cost. Once you know these things, you can determine if the quality is a cost factor.
Any hobby or professional equipment is a huge factor in success. Having any tool fail you while you’re in the middle of an activity or job is less than ideal. Experienced archers will tell you across archery forums that you can go with a cheaper model of archery release, but you will likely have to change it more often, which could wind up being more expensive in the long run.
The cheaper archery releases use inexpensive materials, which directly affects the design and feel of the release. This makes it more likely to break after some use. It will make it very difficult for you to become acquainted with the equipment if you have to continuously replace it.
Performance Assistance
What an archery release does for its user is quite extraordinary and can be extremely useful, especially for a beginner that hasn’t quite gotten the hang of shooting an arrow accurately. Its function alone is reason enough for its expense.
Since you have different types of releases, you have different functions of releases. Some triggered releases will give you the convenience of working a trigger to fire your release, which can come in handy being out in the field bowhunting. Others, like triggerless releases, can help you create better form. You see these types of triggers more commonly in competition archery.
Types of Releases
There are four primary types of releases, and each release has its own function and accessories, which might assist its user in the type of bow sport they partake in. Knowing what these are might not only help find the suitable release for you, but it will also help you to understand why the cost of the release might be what it is.
Back Tension
Back tension and hinge releases are most helpful when it comes to form. With back tension, you are using the muscles in your back to fire your release. This benefits you because you cannot move the muscles in your back as easily as you are on your finger. Therefore, you have less control over when exactly your shot breaks. This technique commonly results in what is referred to as a ‘surprise release,’ which is a better shot.
Hinge
A hinge release is similar to a back tension release, except that it also relies on hand movement to trigger the release. The release helps transfer pressure from the thumb and index finger to the middle and ring finger when back tension is applied to cause a rotation that will eventually cause the release to shoot. Both these releases will require good form for precision and will help you learn that through their use.
Thumb Button and Index
The thumb button and index release are both triggered releases. These assist a user, especially a bowhunter, out on the field where a good form may not always be possible. There are often times when a hunter finds themselves in tight spots or awkward positions in order to get a clear shot to their target. This can be a compromise to good form, which is necessary for a precise shot, but with these releases, your accuracy does not have to suffer because of less than ideal form. That is quite an assist.
Also Read: Why are archery targets so expensive?
Final Thoughts
Now that you have an idea of what archery releases do, how they are made, and how they can assist you as its user, you can understand why they may run up in cost. Finding what is right for you is a combination of function and quality. You want your equipment to become a part of you, an extension of your arms. You can do this with a quality piece of equipment you can have for years to come if you are willing to pay the price for longevity and convenience.
