Best archery releases & aids according to redditors

A few things: are you shooting a right handed bow? If so you mentioned a sore left shoulder, which indicates bad form (try keeping your left shoulder low, you shouldn't raise it/shrug)
Also toy arrows are a bad idea, they won't have the weight or spine to resist the forces of a compound bow. There is an alternative: non firing releases. Pretty much exactly as it's called, it's a release that can't open, and can be used for practice without arrows.
Edit: some links
https://www.amazon.com/Third-Hand-Can%60t-Fire-Release/dp/B003DR1IAI
https://www.amazon.com/TruFire-Archery-Compound-Check-Adjustment/dp/B073PWPVBK

I have the spot hogg wiseguy - https://www.amazon.com/Spot-Hogg-Wiseguy-Release-Buckle/dp/B004TZ86H6

This thing is freaking awesome - adjustable tension, ez hook design for grabbing the d-loop, and so buttery smooth to shoot.

Sure thing

Get this puller on Amazon. Unscrew the shaft from the practice tip.

Double D’s Magnum Grip Arrow Puller and Crossbow Bolt Puller - Premium Archery Tool That Pulls All Arrow Sizes – Provides the Grip Needed to Pull Any Bolt from Any Target https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07983D7RF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zNIwCbTJT4Q76

If your'e range is under 40yds, I'd look into Barnett Recruit or recruit recurve. I have the recruit recurve, usually $150 at Dicks. I use it mostly for hogs(largest was 205lbs), its a no frills accurate and deadly crossbow.There are other ones with more features but that's up to you. I would buy extra bolts to practice and a cocking rope.

Recruit Recurve:
https://m.dickssportinggoods.com/p/barnett-recruit-recurve-crossbow-package-16bt2urcrtrcrv4x3abw/16bt2urcrtrcrv4x3abw

Recruit:
https://www.amazon.com/Barnett-Recruit-Compound-Crossbow-Package/dp/B00BD5B7Y4/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1505481076&sr=1-1&keywords=barnett+recruit

Cocker Rope:
https://www.amazon.com/Muddy-Buck-Gear-Rope-Cocker/dp/B01B8KX4AS/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1505481053&sr=1-2&keywords=cocking+rope


Edit:

I switched over to these bolts this year and strongly recommend them. You'll need to buy field tips but they go deep into the bag and fly true.

https://www.amazon.com/Carbon-Express-Piledriver-Crossbolt-52140/dp/B00AU6CPKW/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1505481224&sr=8-6&keywords=20+inch+crossbow+bolt&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011

For under $100 you get a lot of bang for your buck with Hot Shot releases. A couple of guys at my club shoot with these, and honestly they're solid.
No clutch, just a nice, straightforward thumb release that can be set to a real hair trigger if you want.

https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Shot-Vapor-Release-Black/dp/B00U05D55W

*edit: just to add, these days I shoot with a Try Ball GOAT, and it's amazing. But it is at the top end of the market.
I did try shooting with a cheaper Try Ball for a few months. The Max Pro 4, and it was complete shit for higher poundage bows. Really wouldn't recommend it.

Sigmas are really nice. I was not able to afford one. If anyone is looking for a affordable budget thumb button, hot shots makes a nice hunter target release in 3 finger and 4.

Lifetime warranty and you can send it in every year to be serviced and clean for free.

Hot Shot Vapor 3 Release, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J44900O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9.JwCbTSS3HQ9

Some Modern crossbows have an allocation for a crank.

This is the device you can add to barnet crossbows:

https://www.amazon.com/Barnett-17450-Crossbows-Cocking-Device/dp/B00DT5A0M6/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=Crossbow+crank&qid=1551046527&s=gateway&sr=8-5

No, unfortunately I am not an airplane. I do own one of [these]
(http://www.amazon.com/Archery-Products-Whipper-Snapper-Release/dp/B007OXUI9Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419295217&sr=8-1&keywords=whipper+snapper+release)

and its quite nice, but I don't think that makes me a whipper snapper.

That problem can be solved:
http://amzn.com/B001OPK2DK

I don't like air mattresses either. I always end up poking holes in them.

I used to just use paracord to tie it but it left an indent in the mat. So now i use the buckles below. They fit perfectly through a couple loops on the bottom of the alice pack and i can pull them really tight without leaving marks. I use them to attach the sleeping bag to the top too.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001OPK2DK/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_ahk-wbNQZT777

Have her try a release aid such as http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Company-Caliper-Release-T-Strap/dp/B000265SMW/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1373762329&sr=1-5 I'm not sure if it would be better or worse, but its worth a try. I believe you will need a D loop on your bow string. I am pretty knew to archery as well, so I'm just doing my own research.

You actually should have a weight back there whether you have TPCast or not. The Vive comfort is improved greatly by having a counterweight on the back. I have this attached to my DAS, it makes a massive comfort improvement because it is the same weight as the HMD, and acts as a counterweight.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0044U4QMA/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I think you're looking for a [bow release] ( http://www.amazon.com/Tru-Fire-Patriot-Adult-Black-Release/dp/B000KKD3G8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414704829&sr=8-1&keywords=archery+release)

Thanks for the advice dude , I'm looking at potentially getting this after your suggestion.


Scott Archery Shark Release Buckle Strap BLACK #13230 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AVEGH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_6AyLwbFGR7E0J