Stan SX4 Thumb Button Review: Is This Stan's Best Release Yet?

What Is the Stan SX4?

The SX4 is a handheld thumb button release from Stan Archery. It comes in two versions — aluminum and brass (the Heavy Metal) — so you can choose based on whether you want a lighter or heavier feel in your hand.

Stan has been making releases for a long time, and when you talk internals — seers, trigger feel, crisp break — they're right at the top of the market. The SX4 is their latest iteration on the thumb button design, and it's been flying off the shelves. These things have been hard to get.

First Impressions — What Stands Out Right Away

The first thing you notice when you pick up the SX4 is how good it feels in the hand. I mean right away. The feel is fantastic.

The neck length is something I particularly like about this release. I shoot a 28.5 inch draw, and I've always preferred a shorter neck — it helps me stay consistent with my anchor. The SX4 has a neck length that feels just right. Not too long, not too short. For guys who've had consistency issues with longer-necked releases, this one is worth paying attention to.

I've been shooting the Onyx Clicker, and when you compare the two side by side, they look similar. The SX4 has a slightly shorter neck than the Onyx. If you've never shot a full encapsulated style release, don't let that throw you — it feels really, really good.

Everything Included — No Nickel and Diming

Here's one of the things Stan does better than almost anybody — when you buy the SX4, you get everything you need to configure it right out of the box.

• Multiple barrel sizes — slim or large, your choice
• Multiple barrel posts in different sizes
• Two, three, or four finger configuration options (four finger attachment included)
• Multiple neck sizes depending on hand size

You can change the pitch of the barrel, the angle, the size — everything — without spending another dollar. That's the move right there. Most releases you're buying accessories separately after the fact. Stan builds it all in.

And it comes in multiple sizes based on your hand size, so you're not guessing — you can buy the one that fits your hand right from the start.

The Trigger — How It Actually Feels to Shoot

Okay, here's where it counts.

The SX4 breaks crisp. There's virtually no travel in this release — and I had it set almost all the way down. You can adjust the travel if you want more, but for my preference, I like feeling that it's just right there. No sponge. It doesn't feel mushy at all. It just feels solid and clean.

I will say — when I got this from the factory, the trigger was set very cold. Way too light for me personally. I had to turn it up before I could even shoot it comfortably. So if you pick one up and it feels like it's going to go off on its own — that's probably why. Dial the tension up a little and find your spot.

Once I got it dialed in, man, it was a good feeling release. Consistent anchor, clean break, no surprises. That's what you want.

One Thing That's Different — The D-Loop Attachment

Here's the thing that's a little different about the SX4 compared to some other thumb releases. When you reset it and go to attach it to your D loop, you have to close the jaw around the D loop manually. With some other releases — the Onyx, for example — you can just hang it on the D loop and it's ready to go without any extra step.

Is it a dealbreaker? No. Not even close. Once you get used to it, it's not bad at all. It's just a different motion and it takes a rep or two to get comfortable with. Worth knowing before you buy, but it shouldn't steer you away.

Sizing — Which Size Should You Buy?

I shot a large in the SX4 and it felt good. But honestly, I'd probably drop to a medium for how I like a release to feel — I tend to prefer them a little smaller, especially when I'm not shooting with gloves.

If you're between sizes, I'd lean toward sizing down. The SX4 feels a little bigger in the hand than some comparable releases at the same size. And since it comes in multiple sizes, you've got options.

Aluminum vs. Brass (Heavy Metal) — Which One?

The SX4 comes in two versions:

Aluminum — lighter, more traditional feel. Great if you prefer a lighter release in your hand.

Brass (Heavy Metal) — noticeably heavier. If you like a little more weight in your hand for feel and stability, this is the one.

Both shoot the same. It's purely a preference thing based on how you like a release to feel at full draw. If you're not sure, the aluminum is the safe starting point.

Who Is the Stan SX4 Built For?

Here's the honest answer on who should be looking at this release:

You're a good fit for the SX4 if:

• You want a premium thumb button from a brand with proven internals
• You like having full customization right out of the box without extra purchases
• You prefer a shorter neck for anchor consistency
• You're looking for a clean, crisp break with minimal travel
• You want the option to choose between lighter (aluminum) and heavier (brass) feel

It might not be for you if:

• You're used to a release that snaps onto the D loop with zero extra steps and that extra jaw motion will bother you
• You prefer a longer neck
• You're just getting into releases and want something simple to start with — the SX4 is a premium release and there are more beginner-friendly starting points

Final Take

If you're in the market for a new thumb button release, the Stan SX4 should be on your radar. Honestly, man, it should probably be near the top of it.

The internals are exactly what you'd expect from Stan — crisp, clean, no sponge. The customization you get right out of the box is better than almost anything else at this price point. The neck length is dialed for guys who prioritize anchor consistency. And between aluminum and brass, you've got a real choice based on how you want it to feel.

The D loop attachment takes a little getting used to, but that's not a reason to skip it. A few reps and it's second nature.

We've got both versions on the website — they've been moving fast, so if you've been on the fence, don't wait too long.