If you're gonna invest in a device designed specifically for ergonomics and efficiency, it needs to be utilized with those objective in mind. The mobile half should open TOWARD the inside of the boat on rear-facing rods-- OR -- toward the bow of the boat (stern in a drifter) on rods facing out to the sides. This motion results in the most effortless release... and leaves the rod holder wide open to receive the rod when you are ready to put it back in again. You can fish all day without ever touching that rodholder again... you simply open and close it with the rod butt.

A FOLBE rodholder doesn't do much, but what it does, it does exceedingly well.... dare I say unsurpassed.

a) Hold the rod securely without fear of losing a rod.
b) Hold the rod securely at a pre-set angle without fear of it collapsing during the strike.
c) Permits the effortless release of a fully loaded rod....
d) without ever losing the load on the rod....
e) all in one fluid continuous motion.

It takes all of 10 seconds to train any user the minimal muscle memory required for the effortless release. It all hinges on two principles:

1) removing the rod in a path of motion that matches the 1/4-radius track of the mobile half.
2) applying even pressure on the rod grips both fore and aft of the FOLBE as you release it.

If pressure is applied evenly fore/aft, and the release motion is along a 1/4 radius path, the rod will release from the holder effortlessly EVERY time. The release can also be achieved without the 1/4 radius motion by pulling straight up with even fore/aft pressure, but it takes a just a wee bit more effort. It also results in the rodholder immediately closing (due to simple gravity) after clearing the rod. That's because the mobile half is NOT taken thru the complete 1/4 radius excursion to rest in the fully open position.

Any other attempted "release" technique will result in the the rod remaining SECURELY held by the FOLBE..... which is EXACTLY what it was designed to do. 1455 SECURE rod-downs without a mishap on my FOLBES since 2004 speaks volumes about the product.