When I was coming up as a new bowhunter, the standard release everyone was given was an index-style release aid. It was the easiest transition from gun hunting to bowhunting. Fast forward to the present day, and I’d argue that the standard is slowly moving toward handheld releases.
More specifically, a thumb release. They offer a natural, open-handed feel at full draw but still provide the shooter with the ability to send an arrow quickly if need be for hunting. I’ve used a lot of thumb releases through the years, but none of them are quite like the new Shadow from Evolution Outdoors. This is one that begs to be tried out.
In short: As long as you don’t need to size up, any bowhunter will be pleasantly satisfied with the Evolution Outdoors Shadow thumb button release, from feel and functionality to the one-of-a-kind features it offers.
Shopping for a new release? Check out our buyer’s guide for expert tips and tricks to help you find the right one for you.
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Very smooth and crisp -
Can hang from D-Loop -
Same profile as the Ibex hinge, meaning the two can be interchanged while still maintaining the same point of impact
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Only offered in size Medium at the moment
Evolution Outdoors Shadow Thumb Button Review
Overview
Evolution Outdoors is no stranger to the archery release game. The Evolution Outdoors Ibex hinge release has been a huge hit among bowhunters. This hinge can lock on your D-loop and be left at the ready, much like a thumb release. With that, it also has an inaudible click. I personally love the Ibex.
With that said, not everyone wants to hunt with a hinge release, and some may be downright gun-shy of doing such things. So, owner Dale Perry decided to come out with the Shadow thumb button release.
The Shadow was made with the intention of having the same exact profile as the Ibex, but in a thumb-release version. Dale wanted to not only provide a top-notch release for the folks who weren’t ready to hop over to a hinge, but also one that could be used seamlessly alongside the Ibex hinge. Two completely separate release styles with the same one impact point downrange.
Sizes and Colors
When picking out an Evolution Outdoors Shadow Thumb Button, you’ll have the color choices of either Arizona Archery Green Cerakote or Sniper Grey Cerakote. At the moment, the Shadow is only offered in size Medium, but I’m sure Evolution will come out with a Large in the future.
Like most thumb releases, the Shadow can be effortlessly attached and locked to the D-loop, left hanging at the ready. These releases have an ergonomic design providing comfort for long shooting sessions. With that, you’ll have the option to adjust trigger travel and ring finger angle to really tailor the feel of the release to you and your style. Each Shadow weighs 2.3 ounces and comes in its own EVA carrying case.
Another thing I need to mention is that Evolution offers the option to purchase an inline thumb barrel, which would position the thumb barrel directly inline with the body of the release. This is a unique feature that we’ll talk about more below.
Shadow Features
Same Impact Point as Ibex Hinge
First and foremost, the Shadow was made quite literally in the Shadow of the Ibex hinge. The Ibex has experienced an immense amount of success, but hunting with a hinge isn’t for everyone. Some folks train with one, but hunt with a thumb button. The problem in the past switching between releases, though, is that hunters experience different impact points downrange.
Even anchor points can change a bit between releases. With the relationship between the Ibex and the Shadow, you don’t have to worry about such things at all. They are the same, but different to appease you, the bowhunter.
Hang at the Ready
Whether you’re in the treestand or crawling into range and waiting for a buck to stand up, having the ability to hang your release from the D-loop at the ready is a huge advantage. Time is money in the field, and this feature is going to save you time when the moment of truth presents itself.
The Shadow attaches seamlessly to your D-loop simply by rocking the clasp into the head. That’s it. Locked and loaded, no fumbling at the last second.
Inline Thumb Barrel
This feature is one that caught my attention immediately, as it’s never been done before. Thumb releases have all traditionally been made with the thumb barrel offset from the body of the release. This puts the button on the opposite side of the release body that your face is on while at full draw. It puts it out of line. In archery, we always preach about keeping everything in line and straight. This is where Evolution Outdoors decided to make a change.
By simply detaching the original thumb barrel and reattaching the inline thumb barrel, your button will now be directly in line with the body of the release. This provides an incredibly natural feel that I think archers will gravitate toward over time.
My Experience
I’ve been a huge fan of the Ibex hinge release since it came out. It’s my main release and the one I hunt with. So, when I got word that Evolution was coming out with a mirror-imaged thumb button release, I had to try one out.
It literally feels exactly like the Ibex, but there is a button on it. I shot these two releases side by side at 50 yards and was amazed at the consistency between the two. My arrows were all grouped right together.
Being someone who plays around with releases on a regular basis, I have seen the difference in impact points between even the same styles of releases. Two thumb buttons may hit differently downrange. For a thumb and a hinge to hit the same place, that is nothing short of awesome.
Clean Break
Along with the seamless shooting between Shadow and Ibex, I was really impressed by how crisp the Shadow trigger was. This is a pet peeve of mine. I cannot stand a trigger that feels sloppy. It leads to inconsistent breaks in the shot, which leads to bad groups.
Plus, it just feels bad, too. In my opinion, a release should break easily without me feeling it much at all. This Shadow is super crisp, and I never feel like it’s fighting against me on the shot.
Standard vs. Inline Configuration
Lastly, I have to touch on the inline thumb barrel. After playing with both configurations, the standard and inline, I have to admit the inline feels so much better. It took some getting used to, of course, because it was different.
However, after using the inline and then going back to the standard, my exact words were, “Oh, wow. I don’t like that.” You need to try out the inline if you get the chance. It feels so much more natural.
What’s Wrong
My only gripe with the Shadow at the moment is the fact that it’s only offered in one size. Unlike the Ibex, offered in sizes Medium and Large, the Shadow is only offered in Medium. So, if someone uses a Large Ibex, the Medium Shadow might not fit exactly the same.
With how new the Shadow is, I have confidence that Evolution will eventually make a Large version available, but time will tell.
Final Thoughts
While the Shadow was made in the shadow of the Ibex, it holds its own in the thumb release world, and I’d put it up against any thumb button out there. It has been wildly accurate for me, and I love that it has the same impact point as my Ibex hinge from Evolution. On top of that, the ability to switch to an inline button is next-level and sets it apart from anything else out there.
This is a winner from top to bottom if you ask me, and I guarantee you’re going to see more from the Shadow in the future because there is truly nothing else like it.
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