I couldn't find a lot of info on these releases, I used them this year and will share my experience.
They work great.
Sam's Pro Release has been around for awhile and was sold by Silver Hoard, Offshore Tackle picked them up and sell them as OR 39 Sam's Pro Release.
An orange version call Zam's Pro Mechanical Release is sold on ebay.
I used the Zam's release that I picked up from Amish Outfitters.
They are very simple to use, when they release, you reel in your planer board backwards so your not fighting it.
I found that they release much better if they're attached to the planer board with a split ring. The release friction screw should be set real light so the release opens with little pressure.
When you get a hit the release opens, the planer board swings around backwards and lays down so there's no mistaking a hit. With this release you probably don't need the tattle flag option. If you don't see your flag the release has gone off.
The other thing I found, was because the release had gone off and the fish wasn't pulling against the planer board the clicker started right way. No missing a fish on. The clicker would wake me right up.
If you want to reel in, give the rod tip a jerk and the release opens.
I found that with the board coming in backwards, I didn't mind reeling in and checking or changing my lure quite often.
There is a slight learning curve wrapping your line on the bobbin. I found that it's important that your line is wrapped on the black bobbin and not on the shaft, paying particular attention when your closing the release. I wrapped braided line 6 or 7 time and no slipping.
A couple of tries and I had it working great. Very few accidental release once I was setting it right.
The bobbin (black part) is plastic or hard rubber. I didn't really find anything to break or wear out.
I had 2 and just ordered 4 more to have.
I'm really glad I started using them.
If you've seen them and wondered, I hope this helps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eIdZWT1-CA