I have been looking for a good thumb release for hunting for a while. I haven't found one that really met what I was looking for. Here was the criteria I wanted: 1. it had to be a direct linkage type release meaning when you push the thumb trigger the release opened. 2. It had to have a large barrel that had enough adjustment to be comfortable. 3. No having to remove or change out springs to adjust it. 4. It needed to fit my hands well enough so that I could wear a pair of thin insulated gloves and not feel bulky. 5. I did not want a caliper style head on it and wanted it as close to a target style release as possible. I know, pretty picky right? Yes I tend to be when it comes to a release aid. After reading and researching all different releases one finally stood out and met all of the above criteria. The Hot Shot Vapor. After opening the package the first thing I did was adjust the barrel to where it was comfortable. Then I broke out my training string to start adjusting the trigger tension. I test fired about 25 times and it felt great. After I had it all adjusted where it felt comfortable to me I headed out to the range. I hooked the Hot Shot Vapor release to my D-loop and drew. The first thing I noticed was how comfortable it was drawing. It felt great and fit my hand very well. My anchor didn't feel like it had changed at all from my back tension release which is a problem I have had with several different releases I have tried in the past. I set my pin and started squeezing. The shot broke clean and the release felt crisp and smooth. After a couple of shots I was in the groove with the release and my POI was dead on with my shooting using my BT release. I really like the direct linkage. It will allow me to shoot pop up 3D without changing out to a wrist strap style release. All in all, it is one of the best thumb releases I have used. It meats the criteria I have been wanting in a thumb release for a long time and I am completely happy with my purchase. The Hot Shot Vapor will be with me in a stand this weekend and I full intend on using it on the 3D trails of the ASA come this spring. Hot Shot Manufacturing accomplished what they set out to do with this release and it is a great addition to my release line up. I'll post pictures of the release later this weekend.
