The Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power Made a Bold First Impression
As someone who’s spent over a decade immersed in the world of archery and tactical gear, I’ve seen countless releases come and go, each promising better accuracy, smoother operation, and unparalleled reliability. My journey with archery began as a young hunter, learning from my grandfather in the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest. Over the years, I’ve evolved from a casual bowman to a seasoned outdoorsman, always seeking gear that can withstand the rigors of the field. This is why the promise of the Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power caught my eye – a release designed for “extreme use” and guaranteed to fit even smaller hands.
I was searching for a reliable release for my son. He’s finally old enough to join me on hunts, but his smaller hands struggled with the larger releases I had on hand. I needed something adjustable, dependable, and easy for him to use. The Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power, with its promise of fitting smaller hands and its heat-treated components, seemed like the perfect solution.
Upon unboxing, the Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power impressed me with its simple, rugged design. The all-metal construction felt solid in my hand, a far cry from some of the cheaper, plastic-laden releases I’ve encountered. The jaws operated smoothly, and the peg-style trigger had a satisfyingly crisp feel. The ultra-wide, no-gap jaws seemed purpose-built for quick loading.
Compared to other releases in my collection, like the Scott Archery Little Goose (known for its adjustability) and the Spot Hogg Wiseguy (praised for its crisp trigger), the Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power stood out for its apparent simplicity and robustness. While the Little Goose offered more intricate adjustability, it also felt more complex. The Wiseguy, while incredibly smooth, felt a little too delicate for truly rough handling. I hoped the Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power would strike a balance between simplicity, durability, and adjustability.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. It wasn’t flashy, but it felt like a workhorse, ready to endure years of abuse. I was eager to put it through its paces and see if it could live up to Tru-Fire’s claims of dependability.
Real-World Testing: Putting Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power at my local archery range and then on a whitetail hunt in northern Wisconsin. The range offered a controlled environment to dial in the trigger pressure, while the hunt provided the true test of its field worthiness. I experienced temperatures ranging from a balmy 60 degrees at the range to a brisk 25 degrees during the hunt, along with varying humidity levels.
The Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power proved remarkably easy to use right out of the box. It took only a few minutes to adjust the trigger pressure to my liking. The no-gap jaws made loading an arrow incredibly quick and efficient, even with gloved hands. I didn’t experience any fumbling or misfires, and the release felt consistent shot after shot.
The only minor issue I encountered was a slight stiffness in the trigger after prolonged exposure to the cold during the hunt. A quick warm-up in my pocket resolved the issue. Otherwise, the Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power performed flawlessly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use at the range and another hunting trip, the Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power continues to impress me with its reliability. The heat-treated components show no signs of wear, and the Teflon coating on the trigger and jaws maintains its slickness. I’ve been particularly impressed with its durability; it has endured being dropped in the dirt, banged against my bow, and exposed to rain and snow without any noticeable degradation in performance.
Maintenance is incredibly simple; a quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after each use is all it takes to keep the Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power in top condition. I’ve applied a small amount of silicone lubricant to the jaws periodically to maintain smooth operation.
Compared to other releases I’ve used in the past, the Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power stands out for its sheer robustness and dependability. While some high-end releases may offer more refined features or a lighter trigger pull, they often come at the expense of durability. The Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power prioritizes ruggedness and simplicity, making it an ideal choice for serious archers who demand a release that can withstand the rigors of the field.
Breaking Down the Features of Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power
Specifications
- Heat-Treated Trigger and Jaws: Ensuring long-lasting dependability even under extreme conditions. This translates to consistent performance, year after year, without fear of failure.
- Teflon Coated Trigger and Jaws: Provides an incredibly smooth and consistent release. This reduces the risk of target panic and improves overall accuracy.
- Peg Style Trigger: Adjustable for trigger pressure, allowing you to customize the release to your individual shooting style. The adjustability offers enhanced comfort and control.
- High Strength, Ultra-Wide, No Gap Jaws: Enables quicker and easier loading of the arrow. This is invaluable in hunting situations where every second counts.
- PT ADULT (0643-0069): Guaranteed to fit the smaller of hands, including a child’s. It ensures that even young or small-handed archers can use the release comfortably and effectively.
These specifications matter because they directly translate to improved performance, enhanced reliability, and a more enjoyable archery experience. The Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power is clearly designed with the serious archer in mind, prioritizing durability and functionality over flashy aesthetics.
Performance & Functionality
The Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power performs its job exceptionally well. It delivers a consistent and reliable release, shot after shot. The adjustable trigger pressure allows you to fine-tune the release to your personal preference, ensuring a comfortable and controlled shooting experience.
Its strengths lie in its simplicity, durability, and ease of use. It doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, but it does what it’s supposed to do, and it does it well. The only area for potential improvement would be in cold-weather performance, as I noticed a slight stiffness in the trigger after prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures.
Overall, the Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power meets and exceeds my expectations for a mid-range archery release. It offers a compelling combination of performance, durability, and value.
Design & Ergonomics
The Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power features a simple, no-nonsense design that prioritizes functionality over aesthetics. The all-metal construction feels solid and durable in hand. The weight is balanced well, and the release is comfortable to hold, even for extended periods of time.
It is incredibly user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. The adjustable trigger pressure is easy to set, and the no-gap jaws make loading an arrow a breeze. Even novice archers should be able to master the Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power in a matter of minutes.
Durability & Maintenance
The Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power is built to last. The heat-treated components and Teflon coating ensure long-lasting durability and resistance to wear and tear. I expect this release to provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe-down after each use is all that’s required. Periodic lubrication of the jaws will help maintain smooth operation.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power does not come with a wide range of accessories or customization options. However, the adjustable trigger pressure allows you to customize the release to your individual shooting style.
While not specifically designed for use with accessories, the standard wrist strap attachment point should be compatible with most aftermarket wrist straps.
Pros and Cons of Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power
Pros
- Exceptional Durability: The heat-treated components and Teflon coating ensure long-lasting performance.
- Adjustable Trigger Pressure: Allows you to customize the release to your individual shooting style.
- Ultra-Wide, No Gap Jaws: Enables quicker and easier loading of the arrow, especially with gloves.
- Suitable for Smaller Hands: Perfect for young archers or those with smaller hands.
- Simple and Reliable Design: Easy to use and maintain, with minimal potential for failure.
Cons
- Stiffness in extreme cold weather.
- Limited Customization Options.
Who Should Buy Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power?
The Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power is perfect for:
- Hunters who demand a reliable and durable release that can withstand the rigors of the field.
- Young archers or those with smaller hands who need a release that fits comfortably.
- Archers who appreciate simplicity and ease of use.
Who should skip this product?
- Archers who prefer a highly customizable release with a wide range of features.
- Archers who primarily shoot in controlled indoor environments and don’t need the extra durability.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A comfortable wrist strap.
Conclusion on Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power
The Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power is a rugged, reliable, and adjustable archery release that offers exceptional value for the money. It is not the flashiest or most feature-rich release on the market, but it excels in its core function: delivering a consistent and dependable release, shot after shot.
The price is justified by the quality of the materials, the durability of the construction, and the overall performance of the release.
I would personally recommend the Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power to any archer who is looking for a dependable and affordable release that can withstand the rigors of the field. It’s a no-nonsense tool that gets the job done, and it does it well.
If you’re ready to upgrade your archery game with a release that’s built to last, then give the Tru-Fire Release-Patriot Power a try. You won’t be disappointed.