The Carter Evolution has been the biggest selling release for Carter over the last 12 months and it is easy to understand considering the impact it has had on many archers shooting form. If you are not aware the Evolution works on a mechanism that activates when enough pressure is applied to the jaws. This can be adjusted to suit the archers holding weight and how much "back tension" they want to use to execute the shot, quite a smart piece of engineering really.

However there is another release that works on the same principles which is not as widely used or known about on the shooting range. The Tru Tension release by Losch Enterprises is an equally well designed and manufactured release.

The major difference between the two releases is that the Carter requires you to hold down the safety trigger while you draw the bow, the Losch operates in the opposite way, drawing the release and then pressing the trigger to 'activate' the release. You then simply apply backwards pressure untitl the release fires.

Having been a 'puncher' for many many years I needed something to help me get out of that rut, and with the expert coaching of ArcheryToolbox.com expert, Alistair Whittingham, and the use of the Losch release I have been able to almost completely erradicate my evil punch.

To give you an idea of the severity of my problem, I have also never owned an ounce of back tension the whole of my shooting career, I started with the Losch Release set to fire with about half a pound of more tension than the holding weight of my bow! I would sweat and swear that I had no way of making that release fire. Most of you will know that I am 6 feet 2 inches, and a personal trainer with the ability to lift hundreds of pounds of weight, and yet I couldn't make that damn release fire!

I known there will be many of you out there who have tried the Carter or even the Losch and will understand the level of frustration I had. However I slowly developed the muscle activation required with careful coaching. One of the great features with the Losch, is the 4 different spring weights, plus the micro fine adjustment with the large hex bolt in the back of the release. As you develop your form and confidence with the release this adjustment becomes invaluable.

The handle is a four finger casing, with a slightly swept back pinky position to allow you to apply even pressure throughout all your fingers. My only critism of the release is that it is a little on the large side and may not be suited to archers with smaller hands. Having said that my wife is currently training with it without too much trouble.

Whilst the Evolution seems to be the 'back tension' release of choice, I would certainly take a look at the Losch too. There are a few online retailers that stock this item, however you can just as easily buy direct from the Losch Enterprises website.