Arrows do not fly straight. Mechanical string releases flex arrows vertically. Finger released arrows flex to the horizontally. This phenomenon is known as the archer’s paradox. Nullifying the effects of the paradox improves accuracy. Arrow rests are the modern archer’s weapon against the paradox. So, how do you pick out the best arrow rest between various arrow rest types?
Here, we look at the various types of arrow rests, their merits and demerits, and the best performing rests under each group. I personally tried out every rest. I give not only my review of the best arrow rest but, time-tested guides to choosing a rest right for you.
The table below shows how our picks for best arrow rest fared against each other. I have reviewed the best selling/ performing whisker biscuits, drop away rests, and bow fishing arrow rests. For the full reviews, read further down.
A Quick Comparison Of Best Arrow Rest For Hunting
| Arrow Rest For Bow Hunting | Speciality | |
|---|---|---|
Quality Archery Products HDX Arrow Rest (Realtree APG Camo,...
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Quality Archery Designs Ultra Rest Hunter Drop Away Rest...
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Quality Archery Designs Ultra-Rest HDX, Right Hand
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Vapor Trail Archery Arrow Rest Pro V, Right Hand, Red Arm
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NAP Apache Drop-Away Rest Right Hand Camo 360 Degree Sound...
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Ripcord Camo Arrow Rest RH
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Hamskea Archery Solutions Hybrid Hunter Pro Right Hand Black...
$189.99
View On Amazon
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| Whisker Biscuit Arrow Rests | Speciality | |
Trophy Ridge Sure Shot Pro Whisker Biscuit Archery Arrow...
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Sale
Trophy Ridge Kill Shot Whisker Biscuit Archery Arrow Rest,...
$49.99
−$13.44
$36.55
View On Amazon
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| Bowfishing Arrow Rests | Speciality | |
Cajun Bowfishing Quick Draw Arrow Rest
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Fin-Finder Hydro Glide Pro Bowfishing Arrow Rest, Black
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Things To consider Before Buying Best Arrow Rest
After understanding yourself as an archer, here are requirements the rest must meet. Remember to balance these with the characteristics or traits of yours as an archer.
- Ease to set up.
- Low Noise Levels.
- Performance.
- Durability.
Ease To Set Up
The rest must be easy to set up. Not for everyone, just for you. You should be able to set it up and shoot in record time.
Ask yourself this question, if a whitetail approached your stand while you slept, would you set up and shoot before it walks away or hears you? That is exactly what a good rest should afford you. Drop away arrow rest installation is especially troublesome.
You should also consider how quick it is to set up the rest for a follow-up shot. For hunters, this will determine whether you can recover from a poorly placed shot. For the marksman, you will be able to shoot consecutively while your instincts are prime and adrenalin is high. I have always displayed poor groups every time I delay follow up shots. You can learn Where to shoot a deer with a bow for single shot kill for improving your shot placement.
If you are determined to use a new rest, learn to set it up quickly. Decreased setting up time will be very helpful in the woods.
Noise Levels
Some rests are very noisy. They, however, come with accessories to lower their noise levels. Consider the noise level.
For hunters, noise spooks away game. An elk will run away from any stands they deem to have odd noises. One thing I learned from many years of hunting is how to remain virtually soundless. It is a skill that sets apart pro-hunters from the rest of the pack.
A marksman friend of mine also tweaked his gear to have minimal noise. I found it interesting considering his targets cannot be spooked. He told me that the noise agitates him as he aims. The more silent his gear, the better his groups. Apparently, the best arrow rest for archery should also take noise levels into consideration.
Performance
Performance is critical for every Bowman. Before buying a rest, research on its performance. I will review some of the top arrow rests to help you along. Each type of arrow rest has many rests under its belt. This is why the commonly asked ‘drop away arrow rest or whisker biscuit’ question hard to answer. Both types of rests come in very many versions.
Picking out a rest type is, therefore, only the first step. If you settle for full containment, compare the performances of the best full containment arrow rests.
You should remember that each type of rest has a rest designed to suit specific scenarios. For example, there are fall away arrow rests designed for the hunt and others for the range.
Go with the best performer. The hunt will be quicker and cleaner and the groups tighter.
NB: For improved performance, use tailor made rests. The best recurve arrow rest may be the worst rest for a best compound bow for the money.
Durability
Durability is important if you want a bang for your buck purchase. A rest that lasts you a couple of decades should be very welcome. Look for stainless steel rigs. They are rust proof and last long. The best compound bow arrow rest for hunting should be both durable and versatile. Hunters take time to adjust to compound bows. Personally, my groups do not show much difference when using different recurve bows.
The situation is totally different when I change compound bows. The groups seem to have been shot by different people. The opposite seems more likely but is not. I noticed the same among my other friends.
N.B.: Compound bows afford me tighter groups than recurve bows. What I mean is that the difference from recurve to recurve is not as pronounced as the difference across crossbows.
Rests for hunting compound bows, therefore, need to last long. Hunters do not welcome sudden changes on equipment.
Fit/ Synchronicity.
The arrow rest should be a perfect fit for your bow and arrow. As every archer knows, it is easier to adapt to a new rest than to a bow and arrow.
A perfect rest is one that works well with your preferred shooting equipment. No matter how well rated a rest is, overlook it if it is not compatible with your gear. If you shoot longbows, drop downs, no matter how good they are, are all but useless to you.
This seemingly simple logic is hard to grasp for many archers. I had a friend of mine try to change up his gear to match full containment drop down rests that had just hit the market. A lot of frustration and horrible groups later, he reconsidered his stand.
7 Best Arrow Rests For The Money
I have tried out hundreds of rests. I have even been hired to try out and suggest improvements for many a rest.
The biggest issues with arrow rests are:
- Cost
- Mechanical failure
These seven rests are fairly priced. The last factor considered was durability and versatility. These top rated arrow rests are the most durable so far. They are also versatile enough to be used to hunt straight down from a tree stand (very important for me as a hunter) and, to maintain tight groups on the archery range.
Quality Archery Products HDX Arrow Rest Review
- Stainless Steel
- limited life-time warranty
- Color - Realtree AP
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Please note that Prices and Availability Are Subject To Change /Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
My Honest Opinion About Quality Archery Products HDX Arrow Rest
I love that I tried out this rest. I have no complaints. It addresses all the issues I have had with many a drop away arrow rest, namely:
i. Dropping arrows.
ii. Too slow for some modern arrows.
What I loved most about this rest is the fact that it is a full containment rest. It is one of the few arrow rest that can shoot straight down. Imagine that! The rest has the convenience of a Whisker Biscuit plus the agility of a fall away.
Finally, the HDX has a stainless steel frame. It is, therefore, durable and rust resistant. Some years back while I was still into bow fishing, I had a rest snap and break while wrestling with a big bass fish.
This rest may just help me exert my revenge on the bass.
Pros
- Lock down technology prevents the rest from resuming its position and intercepting an arrow in flight.
- It is a full containment rest.
- The stainless steel frame is very durable.
- It is compatible with many arrow and bow types.
Cons
- The clamp holding timing cord to bow cable is weak.
- The riser is thick and may pose problems to accuracy.
- Arrow Containment still needs improvement.
Special Features
- State of the art vibration management system.
- Capture bar is curved increasing compatibility with many bow types.
- Rest lock down system.
- Full arrow containment.
- Rust-resistant stainless steel frame.
Verdict
This rest’s advantages outweigh its disadvantages by far. It affords archers very good angles and is very durable. It is one rest that I am tempted to tag as a one-fit-all rest due to its versatility. Whether bow fishing, deer hunting, or pro-archery, this rest will do you good.
Quality Archery Designs Ultra W-QURH Rest Quad Hunter
- Full containment;Noise reducing felt;Launcher arm stays up on let down
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Please note that Prices and Availability Are Subject To Change /Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Short Overview
This rest is another QAD innovation. It works well with a wide range of arrows. Even short arrow die-hards will have their day with this rest. It is the best fall away arrow rest for short arrows. I adjusted it to accommodate arrows as short as 22-inches.
I also loved the felt on this rest’s fork. It really reduced the noise when firing. The felt is not perfect, there is still some noise but you too will appreciate the attempt. The W-QURH also has a camouflaged padding that really helps a stalking hunter. Another thing I loved with this rest is its guard. It is thin and surprisingly strong.
Another thing QAD products have always guaranteed is durability. The W-QURH is not any different.
Pros
- Very good price.
- Full arrow containment.
- Durable frame made of high-quality rust-resistant aluminum parts.
- It is camouflaged and well padded.
Cons
- Arrow fletching still come into contact with the rest. Especially if you use fast arrows.
- It is not compatible with some popular bow types.
- There is still a bit of noise despite the felt on the fork.
Special Features
- Noise dampening rubber bumpers.
- Noise reducing, laser-cut, felts.
- Adjustability to fit shorter arrows.
- Break away feature.
- Full arrow containment.
- Durable aluminum frame.
Verdict
The W-QURH is easily the top quality arrow rest as far as pricing is concerned. It boasts of the latest rest improvement technologies at a very low price. I can see the rest improving a hunt, bow fishing, and target shooting. It has a feature to accommodate each. It is a very pocket friendly rest that barely compromises on quality.
NB: A left hand version of this rest is also available.
Quality Archery Designs Ultra-Rest HDX, Mossy Oak, Review
- Noise reducing laser cut felt and cobber dampeners
- Sleek curved capture bar for more versatility
- Total Arrow Containment
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Please note that Prices and Availability Are Subject To Change /Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Overview About QAD ultra rest HDX
After trying out equipment, I like to read reviews and compare how my experience with the equipment compares to other users. With the Mossy Oak, I was keener to find negative reviews. For the life of me, I could not seem to find fault with this rest. The Mossy Oak is compatible with every bow I tried it on (I tried it out on every bow in my shop).
Containment issues are usually the top QAD arrow rest problems. QAD seem to have salvaged its name with this rest. The full containment feature of this rest accommodated very many angles. Picture a arrow rest that can maintain a direct-down aim. It is also silent and, therefore, perfect for tree stand hunting.
It is also made of very, VERY durable materials. Pricing is the only negative thing I could find with this rest. And by the way, every customer review I have read matches my experience. No one seems to find fault with this rest.
Pros
- VERY durable.
- Almost noise free.
- Curved capture bar that allows compatibility with almost all bow types.
- Very easy and quick to set up arrows.
- Perfect fletching clearance when aligned well.
Cons
- The price is a little on the high-end side.
- No left handed version yet.
Special Features
- Stainless steel, Delrin, and CNC aluminum parts.
- The curvature on capture bar for increased bow compatibility.
- Full arrow containment.
- Comes with a setup DVD to aid setting up.
- Brake system to tackle rest bounce-back.
- Harmonic dampener system for reduced noise.
Verdict
This is the rest for you if you want to have the edge over the competition. It instantly improved my groups at 55 yards from 5-inches to just over 1-inch. The durability and solid design will enable you to pull in stubborn fish, hunt deer, and still shoot up the archery range. It may be a little pricey but well worth the extra dollars. It is one of the best fall away arrow rests for hunting, bow fishing, and any other task you have for your bow and arrow. Do not let the price discourage you.
Vapor Trail LimbDriver Pro V Rest
- Limb Driven
- Full Containment
- Easy Set Up
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Please note that Prices and Availability Are Subject To Change /Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Overview About Vapor Trail
The LimbDriver Pro V is one of those rests that can make anyone feel like a robin-hood. The rest has a containment ring that guides the arrow to a correct rise regardless of how you draw. It also allows for full fletching clearance even on my quick arrows. What really got me was the accuracy. The LimbDriver is made to improve accuracy. It may be a little pricey, but based on what it does, I think the price tag fair. My only true low moment was when I attempted a shot from my tree stand. Downward shots demand some effort on the draw, otherwise, the arrow wobbles affecting accuracy while at it.
Pros
- Very easy to set up.
- Good arrow capture.
- Allows for quick and quiet shots.
- It holds arrows for a very long time.
- Adjustable spring tension that allows you to adjust the tightness of the rest.
Cons
- It is lil bit pricey but worth buying
- It does not offer full arrow containment.
- It makes arrows wobble especially when shooting downwards.
Special Features
- Shock absorbing launcher blade.
- Full fletching clearance.
- Upwards of 70% arrow cycle support for increased arrow holding capabilities.
- Very easy to set up with easily available You-Tube set up videos.
- A spring tension that enables tension adjustment.
- Tight tension adjustment screw that maintains a set level of tension.
Verdict
The LimbDriver Pro V is a very well designed piece of equipment. It is made to be durable and increase accuracy. If you choose to use it on a tree stand, be sure to make full draws to prevent the arrow from wobbling. Otherwise, it is a pretty decent purchase. It beats cheaper models on almost every sphere of comparison. If you are considering the price, it is worth every extra penny.
Finally, despite it not being a full containment rest, arrow dropping was really not an issue the whole time I used it. The wobbling of arrows also reduces once you determine the right amount of pull back.
New Archery Apache Arrow Rest (Camo, Righthand) Review
- Archery Crossbows Stands
- Package Height Of The Item Is 7.25"
- Package Length Of The Item Is 10.25"
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Please note that Prices and Availability Are Subject To Change /Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Honest Opnions About NAP Arrow Rest
This rest almost disappointed me with its shoddy set up instruction manual. I am a seasoned hunter with good experience with rests. I can only imagine what the manual would do to a newbie. So, after the negative intro, how on earth did the NAP Apache make it to my top seven picks? Easy. Once set up, this rest awed me.
The rest is very silent for its price. It also comes with a solid metallic frame. I especially loved that despite the trouble setting up, adjustments were pretty easy. Adjustments are actually made by hand. I also loved that the felt covered fork comes with a felt replacement. You can easily replace a damaged one in time to draw and bring down deer before it saunters out of sight.
Pros
- Easy to set up (if you ignore the manual and use one of the many You-Tube set up videos)
- It is a full containment rest.
- Very decent price tag.
- Fine tuning is very easy.
- Very durable rugged metallic frame.
- Adjustments do not need tools.
- Very low-noise operations.
Cons
- Very poorly written set up manual.
- Missing parts during shipping (I did not experience this, but I have heard of complaints from very trustworthy sources).
- This rest is not compatible with all bows. The mounting brake is a little too large for some bows.
- Weight is on the heavier side.
Special Features
- All round metal construction.
- Laser graduation for improved fine-tuning.
- Full arrow containment.
- 360-degree noise dampening.
- Quick operation.
- Felt covered fork for noise reduction plus replacement.
Verdict
This rest is definitely a contender for the best rest for bowhunting. The low-noise operation will improve your hunting success. It holds the arrows tightly and is quick to set up and fire. I will, however, recommend that you use the setup videos on You-Tube. They will save you a lot of headaches. The accuracy is also very decent. I managed decent groups with this rest. My friend has been using it for target shooting and swore by it. All in all a worthy purchase.
N.B.: Customer service is very good in the case of missing or damaged parts. Do not let the fear of missing parts keep you from buying yourself this magnificent rest. Plus I also hear that missing parts are not as common as they used to be.
Ripcord Camo Arrow Rest
- Made by Ripcord Technologies Inc
- EA
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Please note that Prices and Availability Are Subject To Change /Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
My Thoughts About RipCord Camo Arrow Rest
Let me state from the offset that this rest is America’s favorite for the very good reason. One of my favorite features is the fact that it detaches when the bow is at full draw. This detachment allows for total arrow clearance which translates to improved accuracy. The groups I managed with this rest are some of my best. 100% termination of rest bounce back is another feature that makes it a worthy contender for best compound bow arrow rest.
The biggest seller, for me, however, was its fine adjusting capabilities. You can make very intricate adjustments for that perfect shot. I also found its internal noise dampener to be one of the most effective of all arrow rest noise cancellation mechanisms.
Pros
- Total elimination of rest bounces back.
- Very durable.
- Full fletching clearance.
- Easy micro-adjustments.
- Low noise performance.
- Consistent arrow flight thanks to its braking system.
- Versatile enough to work with MANY bows on the market.
Cons
- Very many moving parts. This translates to increased risks of mechanical failures.
- Poor installation instructions.
- A bit pricey.
- Contrary to popular belief, the rest will only fit some bows if you remove the containment arm (and why would anyone want to do that?).
Special Features
- 1. Internal braking system.
- 2. 3-position adjustable arm.
- 3. ACE fine adjustment technology
- 4. Manual Launcher lock.
- 5. Internal noise dampeners.
- 6. Easy setup and use.
- 7. 100% rest bounce back termination.
Verdict
The Ripcord affords arrows very accurate flights. They may be pricey, but they are America’s favorite fall away rest for a good reason. The ACE micro adjustment capability sets it apart from its closest competitors. It is a rest that rarely disappoints. Compatibility may not be universal, but it does work with all the popular bow types on the market. A final plus is the arrow clearance it affords your arrows. It works with minimal damage to arrow fetching.
Hamskea Hybrid Hunter Pro Right Hand Microtune
- RUGGED & LIGHT - The Hybrid Target Pro takes design elements from the proven VersaRest platform in a more streamline package that is 20% lighter
- ZERO STOP TECHNOLOGY - The Hybrid Hunter Pro adopts adjustment features like Zero Stop Technology for the up and down positions of the launcher which makes for an absolute repeatable launcher position...
- ULTIMATE ACCURACY - Coupled with the 8-sided, non-slip, compression clamp design of the lever arm and the anti-bounce back dampening coil give you all the elements for ultimate tunability to maximize...
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Please note that Prices and Availability Are Subject To Change /Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
My Experiences About Hamskea
The Hamskea is an improvement model of the Versa rests. The Versa rests are well-proven rests. Hamskea had its work cut out as an improve. First of all, it is 20% lighter but not at the compromise of quality. I loved the fact that you can barely hear this rest drop. The speeds are excellent as is the arrow clearance. The only downside would be the price. The features it offers will, however, make you forget the pinch in your pocket.
My absolute favorite moment was when I realized there was no lateral play in my shaft. I mean totally free lateral play thanks to its zero tolerance system. It may be pricey but worth every penny!
Pros
- Barely audible movements.
- Bounce back elimination coil works perfectly.
- Easily adjustable.
- Arrow Containment works very well.
- Durable design (Improves on the durable Versa rest design).
- V- arrow rest containment ensures that the arrow is always where it should be.
Cons
- Too many moving parts increase the risk of mechanical failures.
- Does not come in camouflaged versions.
Special Features
- Zero Tolerance System to eliminate lateral play of shafts.
- Zero Drop system to allow repeated launcher placement.
- Coil on the launcher arm to prevent bounce back.
- Rubber coated containment bracket and launcher blade.
- Eight sided compression clamp on the lever.
- Spring knobs for easy micro-adjustments.
Verdict
The Hamskea Hybrid Hunter Pro Right Hand Microtune rest is not featured in many arrow rest reviews. This is no way undermines its performance. It is fairly new and comes after many prototype versions. The wait was well worth it. It is better than its predecessor and beats its closest competitors on all aspects of design. The rest is a bit pricey, but, compared to the features it offers, it is well worth it.
Watch out; the Hamskea will soon be topping many arrow rest review. If a Camo version of this rest comes out, I will crown it the best fall away arrow rest for hunting, no questions asked!
Here I review my findings on testing various rests. I rank the best fall away arrow rests. I also review whisker biscuits, and bowfishing rests for the die-hards who will not leave them for fall away rests.
Conclusion
Tell us about your experiences with our best rest picks. If you have not yet tried any of them, pick one and get back to us on the comments section. We want to hear from you. Happy Hunting.