Hook or caliper style release

[huntnfmly]

I've been thinking about switching to a hook release and curious for those who use them what do you like about them?
  For those that don't what don't you like about them?
Thanks for your insight

[BULLBLASTER]

I use a hook (Scott rhino xt) but would be fine with a Scott caliper as well. I think there are other aspects of releases that are more important than string interface.

I like a buckle strap not Velcro and moveable attachment to release. 

[Rainier10]

Tagging along.  I use a caliper release. It works for me and I always hit where I am aiming with great consistency, if it isn't broke don't fix it.  Interested to hear what the benefits of the hook release are.

[D-Rock425]

I can't get myself to switch to a hook. 

[theleo]

I'm a hooker, I like not needing to look at my D-loop when I connect my release to it. With a fold away like my Wise Guy it becomes second nature to just feel the D-loop with your thumb and just pinch it against your index finger to connect the release. You don't have to dink around holding the trigger to open the jaws or have the D-loop in a weird shape that doesn't let the jaws close around it.

[BULLBLASTER]

I can't get myself to switch to a hook.

I was that way before I got mine. One time I hooked it up and drew and actually tried to make it fall off the loop or cause an issue and couldn't make anything happen no matter how I moved my hand or arm while at full draw.
For me there isn't any major drawback or advantage to each. Just a preference.

[Wetwoodshunter]

I prefer the caliper style. When you get into a shooting situation I attach the release and know that it is on the string. Then you can draw at any time, and it stays attached until you remove it. I currently use a Scott Shark, and would recommend it to anyone.

I tried a spot hogg wiseguy and it was a great release but never hunted with it because I wasn't able to get the muscle memory to quickly get it in my loop without looking at my string. I felt like the release added an extra step in my shooting sequence.

But this is all your preference. Some bow shops have demo releases you can try out or go to a 3d shoot and talk to other people and try theirs.

[theleo]

I prefer the caliper style. When you get into a shooting situation I attach the release and know that it is on the string. Then you can draw at any time, and it stays attached until you remove it.

That's the biggest benefit of the calipers and really comes out when you start talking about thumb triggers or connecting an index finger style release to a Rip Shot.

[huntnfmly]

I was getting my new bow set up and I used 1 of the shops hook style to draw back the bow to get peep set and it just felt right lol.
  Do you notice any point of impact difference or arrow flight

[D-Rock425]

I can't get myself to switch to a hook.

I was that way before I got mine. One time I hooked it up and drew and actually tried to make it fall off the loop or cause an issue and couldn't make anything happen no matter how I moved my hand or arm while at full draw.
For me there isn't any major drawback or advantage to each. Just a preference.

I'm not worried ahoy it falling off while or at full draw more so not able to get hooked up right in that moment of truth.

[SGTDuffman]

I use a Spot Hogg hook so I don't have to look to hook onto the loop. I can just kind of pinch the loop w my thumb and hook it. It lets me use that hand for other things like working a rangefinder or calls while holding the bow. Just gives me more leeway. I'd be nervous being tied to the bow. If you got lots of time it doesn't matter, if stuffs happening fast, I want options.

[luckyman]

I shot with a caliper for quite a few years and they work ok.
I switched to a hook 3 years ago and can't imagine using a caliper ever again.
Faster to hook , feels better at anchor and releases smooth. Big improvement. 

[blackveltbowhunter]

Both will work just fine. I shot calipers for years from several manufacturers and switched to a silverhorn last year. I  prefer the hook style.

Pros: Quicker connection speed. Longer loop life and allows the use of softer loop materials. Much cleaner release. Adjustable spring tensions and trigger travel allowing more customization and use of back tension is easier for me anyway.

Cons: If used to a caliper style it will require some practice to "re order" your thought process in certain situations.

   

 

[BULLBLASTER]

I can't get myself to switch to a hook.

I was that way before I got mine. One time I hooked it up and drew and actually tried to make it fall off the loop or cause an issue and couldn't make anything happen no matter how I moved my hand or arm while at full draw.
For me there isn't any major drawback or advantage to each. Just a preference.

I'm not worried ahoy it falling off while or at full draw more so not able to get hooked up right in that moment of truth.

Gotcha. It really does become second nature to be able to do it without looking. I'm sure a caliper could be the same way. As you know so much of archery is muscle memory. Can really train yourself to do anything with enough repetition

[Miles]

I was hesitant to switch over to the hook style.  Now I would never switch back to a caliper style.  Hook is much easier IMO.  Thumb on the D loop, hook and pull...  You get very quick at it with very little movement.

[pd]

I have the unfortunate tendency to jerk the trigger on the caliper style, maybe once in every ten shots or so.  Almost like flinching on a rifle.  Would the hook help me?

[theleo]

I have the unfortunate tendency to jerk the trigger on the caliper style, maybe once in every ten shots or so.  Almost like flinching on a rifle.  Would the hook help me?

The simple answer is no. The more in depth answer is you'd need to change your approach on trigger control and disassociate shooting your bow from how you shoot your rifle. Changing your release style from a wrist strap/index finger to a hand held thumb trigger or back tension release could help you, but you can still punch the trigger on them.

[gilroym]

I use a hook (Scott rhino xt) but would be fine with a Scott caliper as well. I think there are other aspects of releases that are more important than string interface.

I like a buckle strap not Velcro and moveable attachment to release. 

I also use the Scott Rhino XT and love the release my nephew uses a caliper release and we both prefer my hook release as it seems to setup quicker and releases smoother. Also the buckle is better then Velcro it gives a solid feeling to the release during draw and I have never felt like it would slip or adjust while aiming.

[Vo2max]

I've been thinking about switching to a hook release and curious for those who use them what do you like about them?
  For those that don't what don't you like about them?
Thanks for your insight

Found my hook style release to be much noisier than my caliper. Not sure if it matters to my pray but it did to me.

[shootnrun]

I started bow hunting last year and my buddy shoots a Wise Guy (hook)  and I liked it so I wentered with that when I started. I am sure there are pros to the caliper style, but when I harvested my elk last year I hooked the loop without even looking and drew. I find I hardly ever look during my draw sequence, it's just second nature to feel the loop and draw. I shoot a Scott Rhino XT. I liked the trigger when comparing it to the other hooks. But make sure you keep it clean! It will gun up

[coachcw]

I prefer a calipers, Scott little goose

[Jason]

I used a caliper release for many years, then one day I tried a hook release and never looked back.
I use a Tru-Ball Short-n-sweet, very good release IMO.

[huntnfmly]

Thank you everybody

[huntnfmly]

Shot bow with tru fire hardcore hook release
Worked great very smooth.I won't  be going back to caliper.
I felt like I was shooting better

[davk]

I use a caliper.  I like to be able to lock it on and move through the woods when the situation calls.  Never have used a hook but looked into them a little recently.  Just picked up a backup caliper release this year so probably wont be switching over anytime soon.

[Hot Lunch]

I prefer a hook, gives me a faster hook up. I switched from a Spot Hawg wise guy to a Hamskea drop tine. There is nearly zero trigger travel in the Hamskea, it gives more of a surprise release than the wise guy did. Breath on the wise guy and I knew it was going off, which led to arrows being sprayed all over the target.