How much should I pay for a bow release?

Here is the basic jist of index finger releases :

Long ago archers figured out that trigger creep eventually caused anticipation, then target panic.

With the technology back then, the only thing you could do was to set the trigger very very sensitive. You still see some old school guys shooting like this.

Today,s technology is much better.

The Stan Extinction 2, newer Strike X
( both i think are discontinued )

and the Carter Like Mike 2, are both fantastic releases that eliminate that anticipation, WITHOUT setting it sensitive.

To answer your question, $ 200

I shot thumb since the mid 1990’s.

Would never leave my Stan Extinction 2 now, except for a Like Mike 2

Things run in trends. One year it’s wack & stack, then smash a deer rather than kill, saddles, aiders, things run in trends. Like those red arrows below.

Sometimes they are right. But don’t let trends pick for you. Shoot with each and make an independent decision

What are you planning to do with your bow?

For hunting, try a few styles and get whatever is comfortable to you.

For serious competition, probably some form of back tension release, but I haven't kept up with the times, so I don't know what all is out there. These releases are not good for hunting.

For strictly hunting and shooting a target in your backyard, go with an index finger trigger release. Very forgiving and there's no learning curve. For someone new to the sport, you want to keep it simple while learning proper shooting form and technique. I first started using a Scott Mongoose and Little Goose 30+ years ago and have 100% confidence in them while hunting. Scott offers several variations of the strap and jaw/head as they run around $70. Buy a buckle strap over the velcro.

Thumb releases are most often used in target shooting (3D and 5-spot). They are less forgiving, definitely have a learning curve, and not the ideal release in certain hunting situations. Over the years, I tried shooting several different Carter thumb releases. I lost arrows, couldn't get comfortable with the draw and anchor position, and had zero confidence. I went back to shooting my index finger releases. My bowhunting friends who use a thumb release for hunting prefer the Carter Chocolate Addiction 3 or 4-finger release. In the end, it all comes down to what is most comfortable for YOU. You have to go test drive and shoot multiple releases at the archery shop.

My advice for someone new to the sport, buy a quality index finger release within your budget. After you become more skilled and confident with the sport, then experiment with shooting a thumb release.

There’s nothing I can’t do with my Carter chocolate addiction and it’s a fantastic release

Buuuut I have since gotten some nicer ones and I don’t use it that much anymore. I’m currently using a uv button and hinge, I swap back and forth.

People will roast me on this but if you are trying to be as accurate as possible, handheld releases and ESPECIALLY hinges make you more aware of what your back hand is doing. Not to say you can’t drive tacks with an index release, but it’s far easier to feel when you are doing something wonky with a handheld.