Updated: August 04, 2020
Whether you are an experienced archer or someone who is new to the sport, there are certain tools that you can use that can help you to be more accurate with each and every shot. This is where the arrow rest has become one of the most invaluable for competitive archers all the way down to people who are just learning how to use a bow.This tool allows you to secure your arrow in place, ensuring that you get a more accurate shot each and every time. They are easy to use and install, and provide the kind of stability that makes it ideal for any person who wants to get the most accurate shot each and every time.
Arrow Rests Types and their Usefulness for Shooters
There are three primary types of arrow rests: shoot through rests, drop away arrow rests, and standard arrow rests. Each of these comes with its advantages.
- Shoot Through Rests. This is one of the most common types of rests, with the whisker biscuit style being the most common. The rest uses stiff bristles with a hole in the center that allows you to secure your arrow shaft into place. These type of rests keep direct contact with the arrow, helping to generate a more accurate shot. However, because the bristles are in contact with the arrow you lose some velocity, maybe even as much as 2 feet per second.
- Drop Away Arrow Rests. This type of rest is becoming extremely popular. The drop away rest does exactly what its name implies. As your arrow passes through the rest, the product drops away so that no contact is actually made with the fletching at all. Yet, it still provides an incredible amount of accuracy by holding the arrow securely in place prior to the shop being taken. Because there is no contact with the fletching, you have no reduction in velocity. However, because of the mechanics involved, you do have to worry about this product breaking down.
- Standard Arrow Rests. The standard rest is typically a flipper or built with a two-pronged design. This allows your arrow to sit on a small arm that is spring-loaded. This is usually covered in some kind of plastic to deaden any noise, and the arrow is held in place by the rest itself. This means that the arrow comes in contact with the rest, causing a slight reduction in velocity.
Choosing the Perfect Arrow Rest
While an arrow rest can be an exceptional accessory to help you to enjoy your time out at the range or out hunting a lot more, the truth is that not every rest is built the same. It is also true that not every option you will find fits your particular needs. If you are looking to find the right arrow rest for yourself, here are some factors you should consider.
- Noise level. Some are specifically designed to reduce or even eliminate noise when you are loading the arrow or when firing. This is important when you are out hunting and you don’t want to give your position a way to your prey.
- Ease to Set up. Some options can be a lot more difficult to try to install and use. Finding one that works well with your particular bow and that is easy to install is important. Plus, you want one that fits your particular needs in terms of what you are looking for during use.
- Durability. This is important with almost any type of product you will purchase, but when you are talking about a device that helps you to perform better with your bow, durability is a big issue. Something that breaks down eliminate your enjoyment with your weapon, and something that can easily get damaged won’t suit your needs for very long.
- Interference. One of the most important factors to consider in choosing the right rest for yourself is how easy it is for the arrow to travel through the rest. The reality is that there are some arrests who actually interfere with the trajectory and speed of the arrow being released from your bow. That may not work for you. If the highest degree of performance is what matters to you most, then interference is a big issue.
- Hand Style. You also want to consider the hand style. Many of these are built for both right or left handed persons, but you will find some rests that are specifically geared towards one dominant hand, usually the right.
- Price. Price is always an issue no matter what you are buying. You want to get a quality product, but may find that there are some that are outside your budget. Fortunately, most of the options available are priced under $100, which is workable for the vast majority of people.
What is The Best Arrow Rest on the Market?
#1 Hamskea Hybrid Hunter Pro Right Hand Microtune – Best Overall
This was our No. 1 choice, and with good reason. This is a well proven rest, tested over time and in many circumstances and has been proven to be one of the very best products you were to find on the market.
One of the features that really caught our attention was how light weight it was, as much as 20% lighter than many of the other products you will find in the market, yet it did not lose any of its quality or durability. It is built to provide very little sound, as you will be impressed how quiet it is when the rest drops.
Speed is an essential part of how this was built. You get excellent arrow clearance, making it easy to load, and there are a number of adjustments and features that really make this product stand out. There is a bounce back elimination coil which works perfectly, eliminating sound and making it comfortable to use the product.
The V arrow rest containment make sure the arrows are always fitting properly within the rest. This ensures that you get the best shot every time, and that you’re going to get an accurate shot. You also like that there is no lateral plate of this. The zero-tolerance system makes sure that you get the right kind of stability and that your arrow fires accurately each and every time.
We found this to be the very best product to the market, and have no doubt that you will feel the same. Truly a remarkable arrow rest to say the least.
#2 QAD Pro Series LD Drop-Away Arrow Rest – Best Arrow Rest for Target Shooting
This is a product that has developed quite a reputation among avid hunters. The drop away mechanism works perfectly each and every time. The mechanism is not only built to give you flawless performance, but is also designed so that it provides a quiet product with each shot. A whisper would be the perfect way to describe it.
This QAD product is made with an aluminum build that provides durability and performance you can count on for years. It can handle any kind of weather, terrain, or tasks you put it through and still keep performing to perfection each time. The aluminum construction also includes stainless steel and Delrin parts.
To ensure you get a quiet performance each time, laser-cut felt is used which reduces noise when loading arrows. The felt can also be easily replaced should it wear down, and there are kits you can purchase from QAD to enable you to make the swap quickly and easily. It is true that the sticky backing on the replacements is wanting, but it is still a nice addition to purchase.
There are a number of great features included, which start with total arrow containment. There is also total fetching clearance, and lock down technology. They have designed this product well and it shows in the price, but it is well worth it. If performance is what you want then you will be glad that you spent the money on this option.
#3 Quality Archery Designs Ultra-Rest HDX – Best Arrow Rest for Hunting
This is one of the very best drop away arrow rests that you are going to find on the market today. It is what you would expect from a quality brand, and also because it is one of the more expensive options on the market today.
This rest is made of a high quality stainless steel, making it built to last and giving you great durability. Plus, it is built to resist rust, a feature you will be glad you have when you spend long hours in damp areas.
The design comes with a lockdown technology which helps you to automatically set the arrow rest back to the drop position whenever the launcher has fallen. We also really liked the anti-vibration technology that is included, which serves a number of purposes, including eliminating vibration from the release as well as from the elements. This also makes it one of the most noise free options you are going to find on the market.
The speed is for up to 400 FPS, and the launcher will drop with great speed while still giving you the proper accuracy you need to hit your target perfectly every time. The arrow rest is built to be versatile, meaning that both left and right-handed persons can use the rest for their bow. Plus, it is built to provide a total arrow containment area.
What really separates this from most of the other options is the noise reducing features. Your position is not going to be given away by this product, as is made of a laser cut felt, dampeners, and they can break. Apart from the price, there is maybe no option better than this one.
#4 Ripcord “Code Red” Fall Away Arrow Rest – Best Drop Away/Fall Away Arrow Rest
This is one of the best products you are going to find on the market today. Because it is built with aluminum body is lightweight, but still has the kind of durability that you expect when a company uses a metal in the design of the product. Plus, it is fully coated to reduce scratches or other damage that can occur.
Two things that stood out right away was the full contamination and the drop dead break. The full contamination ensures that you are getting a quality product, and the drop dead break eliminates most of the bounce back that is common when using a bow.
A durable and soft rubber piece is used to provide smooth molding and launching. Many are concerned about travel distance of the arrow, and this product is meant to alleviate those concerns. The offset cord doesn’t get in the way or interfere with the arrow travel whatsoever. This means that regardless of whether you are hunting or in some kind of competition, you were going to get the right kind of comfort and performance you desire.
The windage adjustment ensures that you get a wider range when using your bow. The offset cord is built to give a smoother performance when shooting and a clamp is included with every rest to make the cable a lot easier to control. Also included are a number of silencing materials to make your shot silent and deadly.
This is truly an outstanding product, and well worth your money if this is the kind of quality arrow rest you desire.
#5 Trophy Taker SmackDown Pro – Best Arrow Rest for Compound Bow
This is a product built to give you the performance and durability that any hunter or archer will find perfectly suits their needs. This is definitely an upgrade on many of the options you will find, especially considering how quiet and easy it is to use.
The benefits to this arrow rest start with that you can create a variety of configurations using it. This includes both lower and upper limb, and upward and downward cable driven set ups. Most drop away rests release when the downward traveling buss cable is activated. As the bow was drawn, this cable pulls the rest’s cord tight. This raises the launcher. However, in the limb driven rest the process works in the exact opposite way, thus, the launcher is forced down.
Some preferred this particular configuration, finding that it gives them better action and accuracy, and this is why this is become a popular rest. It gives you that ability to configure the product to fit your needs.
Of course, the fact that it is one of the quietest rest you will ever use should be a benefit to many people. It is silent all the way throughout the draw cycle, because of its sleek design and the internal dual bearings that are employed. The launcher is made of steel that is fleece wrapped and built with rubber dampeners. You will love how quiet it is to use, ensuring that your position is not given away.
This is one of those products that you will really come to love to enjoy. It is made of a durable material, and is built to last. No doubt it will be a rest you will be glad you purchased.
#6 FIVICS Recurve Butterfly Rest – Best Arrow Rest for Recurve Bow
Sometimes, in an effort to accommodate the needs of everyone a product can become so complicated that it is impossible to use. That is why we found this FIVICS option to be a really quality one, because of its simplicity and its durability.
It starts with the fact that it is made to be used by both left and right handed people. It comes with an adjustable arm that allows you to customize its position to fit your needs.
The fact that it was magnetic was a nice touch. Not only can you attach it using the lever arm, but if you are the owner of a metallic bow that you can simply attach this rest to your bow using the magnet. Talk about a simplistic way to install, which makes it much easier to use because of how easy it is to install. Yet, you do not have to worry about it easily becoming loosened or falling off, as this is a sturdy magnet built to hold the rest in place.
It is made of aluminum, making it both lightweight and durable. No concerns about this breaking down on you easily. Plus, you will find that it is one of the easiest rests to figure out how to use. This is not a complicated product at all, and is why it has become so popular.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced archer, you are going to find that this is everything you could desire in arrest. It’s adaptable, easy to install, and easy to use. Talk about the perfect option.
#7 Quick Draw RH/LH Bowfishing Rest – Best Bowfishing Arrow Rest
The Quick Draw product made this list for a number of reasons, but it starts with the fact that they live up to their name. This is an arrow rest that is extremely easy to use, and allows you to quickly and easily get your arrow in place to prepare to fire. It gives you the accurate shot and allows you to do it quickly.
This is a very simple design, that is easy to install. It is ideal for both right and left-handed users, and takes a matter of a few minutes to get it attached to your bow.
The rest is made of aircraft aluminum material. This lets you know that it will be lightweight, but it is also quite durable. This is meant to last, and still give you a quality product that takes very little time and effort to get in place.
The one major drawback is that it is not padded with some form of rubber to reduce noise. Plus, there is very limited added for you to be able to make fine adjustments. For these reasons, we find this to be a better product for a person who is an experienced archer. If you are someone who is just learning how to use your crossbow or standard bow you may find this a little more challenging. It is easy to install and to use, but doesn’t give you the kinds of advantages you would find with many other options out there.
#8 Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit Kill Shot – Best Whisker Biscuit Arrow Rest
This is one of the most popular rests you will find anywhere on the globe. In fact, it often doesn’t survive in stores for very long, as bow hunters absolutely love the quality. However, it is its popularity that should sell you on this product. No, it is its accuracy and comfort as well as its beautiful design that will let you know that this is the perfect product for you.
First off, it was a nice feature that the product comes in seven different colors. This allows you to choose a product that fits the color and design of your bow. Plus, it is made to be the perfect accessory for those involved in big-game hunting. The reversible mounting design allows you to use this product whether you are right or left handed, and it easily installs regardless of which is your dominant hand.
For some products, the adjustments can take a little time to get comfortable with, but the advanced windage and elevation adjustments for this product are made to give you a quick and easy way to make the adjustments you need.
This arrow rest comes with custom rubber boots. This is a nice feature because it eliminates sounds so you can be quiet and discreet while loading your arrow.
One additional feature that should be mentioned is the left to right toggle. This not only allows you to use the product regardless of your dominant hand, but to make easy adjustments that accommodate your individual tastes. Add to it the fact that it comes with a lifetime warranty and you know you are looking at a perfect option to use for your bow.
#9 TRUGLO Down-Draft Drop-Away Arrow Rest – Best Full Containment Arrow Rest
This is a product that has built up a solid reputation, primarily because of how easy it is to set up and use. The design is so simplistic that it could easily fit into almost any bow, and is easy for almost any person to use and install. In fact, it is so easy to install that you do not even need to use a bow press. This is one of the primary reasons why it is become so popular with those who target shoot.
While it is easy to install, that doesn’t mean that ease reduces performance. This arrow rest is made of a solid metallic construction, meaning you are going to get a durable product that is built to last. It is designed for both left-handed and right-handed users, and has rubber dampeners that kill most of the noise. In fact, you will find that there is very little noise produced whenever you are loading or shooting your arrows.
If you are a person who is out in the woods, you will love that it is built and designed to blend in perfectly with the terrain. The camouflage color makes it unnoticeable, not giving your position away to any critters you may be hunting. Add to it the fact that it is quiet and built to allow you to load arrows quickly and easily, and you can see how this can become a winner with many different hunters out there.
It does not matter whether you are a beginner or an expert archer, this is a product you will find ideal for your use.
#10 Vapor Trail LimbDriver Pro V Rest – Best Limb Driven Arrow Rest
This is a revolutionary style of rest, that is both innovative, and actually way ahead of its time. This product is designed with a first limb driven rest that includes a full capture option. The limb driver is built to stay up to 70%, ensuring that the rest will last longer than many of the other arrow rest you will find.
It includes an adjustable tension system that has an adjustable spring tension and a free-floating launcher arm. This ensures that you get the perfect shot, looking to give you the dead center bull’s-eye.
There are a few things that we found to be excellent about this product. It starts with two particular options, the vapor trail, which provides a shell pad stabilizer. This uses an adjustable spring that helps to increase performance to a level you cannot possibly imagine. In fact, you will see marked results almost right away.
You will also love the fine tuning that is provided to give you the best kind of performance. The free-floating launcher arm and this adjustable spring tension gives you a very smooth tuning to give a great aim each and every time. Plus, it locks in perfect position.
All of this already makes it sound too good to be true, but you will love that it is incredibly lightweight, just 6.4 ounces, and that it is easy to assemble and use. No doubt this will be a product you will use for years.
Comparison Chart
| Arrow Rest | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Hamskea Hybrid Hunter Pro Right Hand Microtune |
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| #2 QAD Pro Series LD Drop-Away Arrow Rest |
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| #3 Quality Archery Designs Ultra-Rest HDX |
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| #4 Ripcord “Code Red” Fall Away Arrow Rest |
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| #5 Trophy Taker SmackDown Pro Drop-Away Arrow Rest |
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| #6 FIVICS Recurve Butterfly Rest |
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| #7 Quick Draw RH/LH Bowfishing Rest |
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| #8 Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit Kill Shot Arrow Rest |
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| #9 TRUGLO Down-Draft Drop-Away Arrow Rest |
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| #10 Vapor Trail LimbDriver Pro V Rest |
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Most Frequently Asked Questions
What Does an Arrow Rest Do?
An arrow rest cradles your arrow securely in the exact same starting place for every shot. This means that no matter what the orientation of the bow is, whether vertical or horizontal, you will have the same secure position for the arrow each and every time.
Does a Whisker Biscuit Affect Accuracy?
No, that is not really a concern with this type of rest at all. Where the primary concern arises with the whisker biscuit is in velocity. Because the bristles are placed directly against the arrow, it will slow down the arrow as it is being released. This does affect accuracy over a long distance where the speed reduces so the arrow starts to degrade in terms of elevation. However, at short distances, you are likely to find that the whisker biscuit actually improves accuracy.
Does Every Archer Need an Arrow Rest?
No, not at all. This is a good accessory for some, maybe even for most archers. However, there are those who by the design of their bow find that there is absolutely no need for a rest at all. Then there are those who are so efficient with their weapon that arrest becomes more of a hindrance than a benefit. It is really up to you.
What Arrow Rest Do The Pros Use?
It really depends upon who you are talking about. Most are likely to use the drop away rest options, but this is about personal preference. There are those who prefer other styles simply because they grew up using them, or have had greater success with one option over another. This is really about personal preference.
How Do You Find The Correct Position For an Arrow Rest?
The arrow rest is placed approximately 6 mm away from the hand. This ensures that you get the proper amount of clearance so that the arrow does not come in contact with the hand when fired.
How to Set an Arrow Rest and Adjust Center Shot?
The important thing in determining the proper position of the arrow rest so that you get the center shot is that you get the exact same hit, a bullseye regardless of whether you are shooting at 6 feet away, 16 feet away, or 160 feet away. This requires you to continually test and tell you have that dead center hit each time. Once you have it in position, then you know you have positioned your rest properly.
How to Tell if My Arrow Rest and The Nocking Point are Aligned?
This is best accomplished by making sure that the nock lines up with the cock vane and not with the hen vanes. You also want to check the arrows after each shot to ensure that the nocks remain positioned and are free from chips or other damage.
