Scott Archery Ascent Micro

I want to preface this review by stating I have been shooting using back tension since I started in archery some 20+ years ago. I cut my teeth on a old Stanislawski xCalibur which is about as pure a back tension release as you can find. Since then I have shot many makes and models of hinge and thumb style releases using back tension, which is a method of shooting a bow not a type of release.This is my second try with a new back tension release in about two weeks. The first one I tried was about $50 less and it showed in the design and build quality. The Ascent from Scott is a very well made release and priced about right for releases of this high quality. Although I would have preferred a black anodized finish, the stainless steel takes nothing away from the quality of the product.It took me a bit to understand how to set it up though as the instructions are not all that clear. I ended up watching a YT video made by a representative from Scott which helped, but it was still took a bit to figure out. In the end I got it setup and now know how to adjust it pretty quick. One thing to note if you chose to buy one of these...it only takes a small turn of the micro adjuster to make a big difference. I highly suggest making a test string out of some d-loop material to get it set close before trying it on your bow. Could prevent an accidental misfire and possible punch in the mouth.My only real criticism of the design is the use of three different sized allen wrenches needed to adjust it. Now granted you only need the three probably for the initial setup, but I would still have like to see just two different sizes. Also, it has a rubber band that brings the head back to a cocked position once fired, which garnered some criticism on the You Tube, but I have no issue with it. You don't actually "need" the band for the release to work, if say one breaks on you during a tournament. So I am fine with it and prefer it over another spring which would have just complicated a very elegant design.It feels real nice in your hand. I have large hands and although a lot of the reviews I read said the medium is fine for large hands, I am glad I purchased a large model. I prefer not to have my fingers bunched together. If in doubt I suggest getting a larger size. It's much easier to deal with a release a bit too large than one too small. The actual firing of the release is real smooth and the dual moon design, which is why I purchased this release, is the bomb. Oh and the micro adjusting capabilities is well, the cats...you know what. I suspect all releases will have a similar design in the future.IMO there is no finer back tension release on the market...and I have shot quite a few. That said, it is still a personal choice when it comes to releases. But there is no question here on the build quality and value for the money. I highly recommend this release to anyone who wants one of the best pure back tension releases money can buy.

Straight up, full on, the best, most comfortable and easily adjusted hinge there is. I’d walk around with this thing in my hand all day if I could. Quiet click if you want it. Two, fully adjustable moons. Great size, weight and feel to it. I can’t find anything even so so about it. I’m glad I got one that’s for sure.

The release is well made and the adjustments are excellent. Click can be adjusted freely or completely disabled. One review mentioned a rubber band, there is indeed a tiny rubber band on the hook that acts as a return spring. It itself is not vital to the release functioning, it will work without it. It came with three extra rubber bands. In my opinion a rubber band was a good choice to keep it simple plus you can get rubber bands anywhere. You will need three different hex/allen keys for adjustment which arent included. My ring size is 12.5 and I purchased a medium size release, it fits but the large would have worked better. My photo shows a size comparison with a nickle and quarter to help you. The nickle is almost exactly the right diameter of the pointer finger location.

I have shot many releases over the past few months hoping to find the perfect hinge for me. I thought I found it with the Ascent...beautiful stainless finish, great ergonomics and a perfect break on the shot. I set up the click on my hinges to sound right after anchoring and it was perfect, at least for a while. During a practice session I drew and CLICK just as I reached the valley. So, I let down thinking I blew the draw even though I set the click up cold enough to draw with all 3 fingers. I got ready and drew again and CLICK. I let down again and got the settings back to where I wanted them. Everything was great for a few days, then it happened again. Done. Best release I've ever fired, but I couldn't trust it so it was returned.As an avid whitetail deer hunter, every piece of my equipment has to work every single time. I have no tolerance for something as critial as a release manufactured by a reputable company like Scott to not be capable of maintaining settings. I'm sure their customer service would have made it right, but I wasn't interested in experiencing the same problem with a P&Y buck at 20 yards.I have read online of two other Ascent owners who experienced exactly the same thing. It's unfortunate because I love everything else about the release.

Awesome release. I bought it for the micro adjustability feature but it was perfect for me right out of the box. The click is set just after full draw and the release is pretty quick after. I started with back tension releases with another brand, which I like, but adjusting it was a pain. This lead to many broken arrows, a couple of self inflicted punches to the face, and more than a few explicit rants. This release has been much easier to shoot for me, no more fear of premature release or a too hot adjustment. I don't have real big hands but the large size fit me well. I highly recommend this for first time back tension shooters and experienced ones as well.

I am kind of a junky when it comes to shooting releases. The weight and the quality of the Ascent is as best as they come. The ability to micro adjust without buying any extra attachments, sets this release above all other makes. Without a doubt, my favorite hinge. If you are reading this, wondering about making this release purchase. You will not be disappointed!

This is my most liked hinge release. The head is more towards the middle finger than most making the firing a little slower and smoother but not so far that getting to click is inconsistent like in the UV. The thickness is just perfect to were it settles in to your hand at anchor making getting to click very consistent. It's sort of like it has the good points of the HBC and UV without being to thick and having the long neck.

Item was sold as used, like new and arrived pretty dirty, beat up, and damaged. I ordered new parts to make it usable.

The media could not be loaded.  This is a solid release, and even with chunkier fingers, a medium still fits quite well. The dual moon design allows for many adjustment options including hot/cold settings, click length (or no click at all).The action is smooth all the way through the shot, it doesn’t bind up at the click, and the click is relatively quiet.Prior to this I bought a TruFire Sear, and it was faulty on arrival so I returned and replace it with a second Sear.. same issue, except that one misfired and ended up punching myself in the mouth due to the set screws stripping and coming loose. Returned that second one for this and, while I was a bit nervous of misfires at first, I’m confident that this release is secure, and a misfire on this would be due to user error.My only gripe is how cold it comes out of the box, but that’s just a preference thing that’s easily adjusted by the turn of a couple screws.