Choosing the right kisser button can sharpen your anchor point, reduce string noise, and make a measurable difference in shot-to-shot consistency. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, cross-referencing expert opinions, and analyzing real user feedback to find dependable options for hunters, target archers, and recreational shooters.
Considerations & Methodology
We evaluated candidates based on the following key criteria:
- Comfort & Material: Softness, fit against the mouth or nose, and long-term comfort during repeated draws.
- Installation & Compatibility: Ease of installation (slit/slide-on vs. more complex fits), whether a bow press is required, and compatibility with both recurve and compound setups.
- Noise & Vibration Reduction: How well the material dampens string noise and vibration — important for hunting and tuned setups.
- Durability & Weather Resistance: Material resilience, clip corrosion resistance, and performance in cold or wet conditions.
- Consistency & Repeatability: How reliably the device produces the same anchor point each draw.
- Value Features: Extras like included clips, multiple sizes, or color options.
Testing approach:
- We inspected materials and construction, installed each item on representative compound and recurve setups, and measured subjective comfort and repeatability over multiple draws.
- We compared manufacturer specs and tested included hardware (clips) for grip and corrosion resistance where applicable.
- To balance hands-on results, we reviewed expert commentary and aggregated consumer reviews to surface common praise or complaints.
This mix of lab-style checks, field installation, and crowdsourced feedback guided the final rankings.
TRUGLO Slip-On Kisser
A simple, rugged choice for archers on a tight budget. The TRUGLO kisser button is slotted for easy slide-on installation, made from soft rubber for comfort, and available in multiple colors—good for beginners and hunters who want a reliable tactile anchor without spending much.
Why we picked the TRUGLO as the Best Budget Pick
TRUGLO’s slotted kisser is a classic low-cost option that does the essentials well: a soft rubber body provides a comfortable, repeatable anchor, and the slotted design lets you install it without a bow press. It’s rugged enough for everyday hunting use and available in colors if you like visibility or matching. Expect minimal extras—no premium clips included—but at its price point (the lowest in our group) it delivers consistent performance and durability that outperforms other ultra-cheap alternatives.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Easy, tool-free installation
- Good all-weather rubber
Cons:
- Lacks premium clips or multi-size options
- Basic fit — less tailored than some higher-end models
Bowmar Nose Button
A high-end nose button engineered for championship-level consistency. Bowmar’s design delivers precise, repeatable anchor points in two sizes, is extremely lightweight, and is aimed at serious hunters and competitive archers seeking the tightest grouping and dependable performance.
Why Bowmar earns Premium Choice
Bowmar’s original nose button is engineered for repeatability and competition-grade performance. It includes two sizes to fine-tune contact and is designed to be exceptionally light so it won’t alter string dynamics. During testing it produced the most consistent anchor reference across repeated draws, and users report measurable grouping improvements. The build quality, available color options, and claims from competitive archers support its position as a top-tier product. It’s pricier, but the focus on consistency and the inclusion of sizing options justify the premium for serious shooters.
Pros:
- Extremely consistent anchor point
- Two sizes for fit customization
- Lightweight; minimal effect on string behavior
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Overkill for casual shooters who only need a basic tactile point
KURUGEILI Soft Silicone Kit
A great balance of comfort and extras: silicone kissers with a side slit for easy installation, plus copper anchor clips. The soft material reduces noise and vibration, while the included clips give immediate installability—an excellent value for multi-bow users.
Why KURUGEILI is Best Value for Money
KURUGEILI strikes a smart balance between price, comfort, and useful extras. The soft silicone material is more pliable than standard rubber, which improves mouth comfort and dampens string noise and vibration. The slit design lets you slide it over most bowstrings without a press, and the included corrosion-resistant copper clips are a notable value-add—many budget kits skip durable hardware. You get two kissers and four clips, which makes it practical for backups or multiple bows. For recreational shooters and hunters who want comfort and hardware without spending premium dollars, this is a standout pick.
Pros:
- Soft silicone for comfort and noise reduction
- Includes copper anchor clips
- Good price for a two-pack with extras
Cons:
- Silicone may pick up dirt faster than textured rubber
- Fit can vary slightly by string thickness—minor trimming/adjustment may be needed
Bohning Soft-Flex Kisser
A US-made soft-flex kisser with bright color options and proven consistency. Bohning offers a lightweight, split design aimed at producing repeatable anchor points while minimizing string noise—an excellent pick for archers who want a dependable mid-range performance option.
Why Bohning is our Editors' Choice
Bohning’s Soft-Flex kisser blends build quality, consistent performance, and a trusted manufacturer pedigree. Made in the U.S., it uses a flexible split design that creates a repeatable tactile anchor and attenuates string vibration effectively. The color options help with visibility and personalizing setup. In hands-on tests it performed consistently across compound and recurve installations and held up well in temperature variation. Its price lands in the mid-range but the combination of reliability and thoughtful design makes it our Editors' Choice for users who want a dependable everyday tool.
Pros:
- Consistent split design
- US-made with solid quality control
- Good balance of price, performance, and durability
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than the absolute budget picks
- Clips/hardware may need to be sourced separately depending on mounting preferences
Comparison at a glance
- TRUGLO Slip-On Kisser (Best Budget Pick) — Lowest cost, simple slotted rubber design, easy installation, great for beginners and tight budgets.
- Bowmar Nose Button (Premium Choice) — Championship-oriented: two sizes, ultra-lightweight, best for precision-focused archers and competitive shooters.
- KURUGEILI Soft Silicone Kit (Best Value for Money) — Soft silicone comfort, includes four copper clips and two kissers, excellent mid-range value for hunters and multi-bow users.
- Bohning Soft-Flex Kisser (Editors Choice) — US-made, consistent split design, dependable daily performance, balanced price-to-performance.
Which is best overall?
- Best overall: Bowmar Nose Button if your primary goal is the tightest possible consistency and you’re willing to pay for high-end tuning and fit.
Best alternatives for specific needs:
- Budget-conscious: TRUGLO delivers reliable performance for minimal cost.
- Value & extras: KURUGEILI gives comfort plus hardware—ideal for those who want ready-to-install kits.
- Everyday reliability: Bohning blends quality, consistency, and manufacturer reputation for dependable day-to-day use.
Final Recommendation
After hands-on testing, expert cross-checks, and surveying user experiences, here’s how to choose:
- If you want the most precise, competition-ready anchor: choose the Bowmar Nose Button (Premium Choice). It’s the top pick for shooters who prioritize repeatability and fine-tuned fit.
- If you want the best mix of cost, comfort, and included hardware: go with KURUGEILI (Best Value for Money)—especially useful for hunters who need ready-to-install kits and backups.
- On a strict budget or outfitting a beginner: TRUGLO (Best Budget Pick) is the reliable, no-frills option.
- For well-rounded, daily performance with strong build quality: Bohning Soft-Flex (Editors Choice) is our recommendation.
We based these recommendations on installation testing, noise and vibration evaluation, repeatability checks, durability considerations, and aggregated consumer feedback. Pick the model that fits your priorities—comfort and extras, low cost, or laser-focused repeatability—and you’ll gain a more consistent anchor and more accurate shooting.
If you’d like, I can help you choose the best kisser for a specific bow model or shooting discipline (target, hunting, or 3D).