From large and medium handle options to labeled Clicker/Fire adjustments and the allowed addition of a Hunting Bracket, UltraView’s The Hinge 2 is the bee’s knees of hinge-style release aids.
by Jace Bauserman
I am a release connoisseur. I own over 60 models, from index to thumb to tension to hinge. It drives my wife nuts, but I can’t help myself. Good things happen when an archer learns to let the release fire the bow and not manipulate it — no matter what style of release it is.
Despite having a vast collection of 60-plus releases in my garage, I’m always looking for a new addition that offers superior comfort, easier adjustment, and smoother operation. This perpetual search for the perfect release led me to UltraView’s lineup.
UltraView’s marketing prowess caught my attention. Particularly, its high-end release lineup. After conducting thorough research, I was intrigued by two models: the UV Button and The Hinge 2. While a detailed review of the UV Button is in the works, I’ve spent considerable time with The Hinge 2, making it the perfect starting point for this review.
First Impressions
I ordered The Hinge 2 in a Medium three-finger handle in Matte Black Stainless. Whether looking to punch paper, a 12-ring on a 3-D, or lungs on a living creature, I like the heavy feel of a stainless-steel or brass handle release.
When I popped the release out of the box, the feel didn’t disappoint. The three ginger grooves are perfectly recessed, and my fingers fell into them.
I instantly noticed no thumb peg was attached, and though UltraView provided one for attachment, I appreciated the raised thumb knob that accepts the peg and opted to use it to keep the release more streamlined.
Jumping at me from the get-go, and something I demand in a quality hunting release, was the stealth of the magnetic head. A small magnet in the release holds the head from flopping freely and reduces the chance of the head creating game-spooking noise. The magnetic head also keeps the release ready for immediate d-loop attachment. Plus, at the shot (more to come), the head quickly returns to the ready-to-fire position.
I was also ultra-impressed with the labeled Click and Fire moons. This dual-moon system means precision timing of both moons and after doing some tinkering, I learned the release would operate without a click by running the Click moon slightly behind the Fire moon. However, before making moon adjustments, insert the included Allen wrench into the internal set screw hole in the back of the release handle. Give the screw a counterclockwise half or full turn to unlock, make your Clicker/Fire moon adjustments, and then turn clockwise to lock.
As for adjustments, clockwise turns make the release hotter, and counterclockwise turns make the release colder. Laser engraved marks, along with the visibility of both moons, let you see the moons move, and the lockdown is exact.
UltraView does have two-, three-, and four-finger Hunting Brackets for ultimate customization.
Before The Bow
Years ago, I built a release trainer. Before trying a new hinge, thumb, or tension-release on my regular bow, I put it through the paces on my trainer.
Why?
There are several reasons. First, I want to get a feel for the release. Second, I’m impatient and don’t always read the manufacturer’s fine print well. Multiple times, early in my archery career, I busted my face because my release was set improperly. If I make a setup mistake, I want to find out with my trainer’s aid, not while shooting my bow. Trust me, you don’t want that dental bill.
Using my homeade release-aid trainer, I could fine-tune my Click/Fire moons. Plus, after 62 shot executions using the trainer, I got an excellent feel for the release. I loved it. It was crisp. It was smooth.
On The Range
One thing I love about Marsupial Gear’s Binocular Chest Pack is the side pockets. They hold a handheld release perfectly. I discovered I could get The Hinge 2 out of the pocket quicker without the thumb peg attached because thumb-peg hang-ups were eliminated.
The Hinge 2 allows for a smooth draw, and for the sake of testing, I set the Click moon, and the sound it produces is very distinct. Comfortable and consistent, my shot-to-shot performance was undeniable from ranges close and far. I love how the release breaks and how quickly the head resets.
I did have one minor issue. Though it’s only happened once so far, after roughly 200 shots, I noticed the release seemed hotter. I have experienced this before with other releases. I started taking pictures of my settings with my iPhone and recording the settings in my notes on all my releases years ago. Though not much, the release’s Fire moon was hotter. I took a few seconds and adjusted it back to my original setting. After another 123 shots, the release moon has not moved again.
Final Thoughts
I do plan to play with the Hunting Bracket. The advantage of the Hunting Bracket is it allows those who like to have their release around their wrist to add a loop via the integrated wrist strap attachment slot. The Hunting Bracket also allows you to change your release from a three-finger release to a two or four-finger. Adding the Hunting Bracket is a breeze. Remove the ring finger set screw and thumb-peg attachment set screw, set the Hunting Bracket in place, and put the screws back.
The Hunting Bracket also, according to intel from UltraView, lets you play with your weight distribution. You can opt for an aluminum release and stainless-steel bracket or vice versa. You could also go with all aluminum or all stainless steel.
I can’t wait to get the Hinge 2 into the turkey woods and put it to use in the coming days. This release has filled me with shooting confidence. I know if I get a gobbler in close, do my job, and let The Hinge 2 fire my bow, a dead bird will be the result.
