If anything can make target shooting a fun activity, it is having a good arrow rest. This is because it is the foremost feature that adds to the rest of the archery gear's precision. Even sighting and shooting forms are secondary aspects when it comes to precision targeting.
The impact an arrow rest can have on accuracy is often overlooked. But for the people who are aware of its importance, there have been several options introduced to the market.
Since choosing a good arrow rest requires many aspects to be understood, we have compiled all the information regarding its usage and reviewed the best ones in the market below.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Arrow Rests For Target Shooting
- OUR TOP PICK: Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit AWB500M
- RUNNER-UP: Quality Archery HDX UHXBK-R
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: SAS Brush Capture
Comparison of the Best Arrow Rests For Target Shooting
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What Makes an Arrow Rest Great for Target Shooting?
An arrow rest helps in stabilizing the arrow until it is released from the string. It helps prevent any wobbling from taking place and ensures a smooth launching of the arrow. It is usually considered great for target shooting because of the following:
Precision
Compound bow hunters need an arrow rest that is durable and able to securely hold the bolt in a level position or pointed down when firing from a tree stand. You also want it to be able to hold the arrow in place when you draw the bow. If the arrow is moved even a fraction of an inch when the bow is being drawn, there is a good chance that your shot will be off.
Hunters also want to choose one that is quiet, so the prey isn’t startled when the bolt is released. For some hunters, a drop-away rest is more comfortable because it guarantees zero interaction with the arrow path.
Durability
They are long-lasting, and most of them offer resistance against various weather conditions and are built to withstand accidental drops on rough terrains. This durability means you will not have to keep re-purchasing new arrow rests as soon as the old ones wear out.
Lightweight
Combined with durability, a lightweight arrow rest allows the user to stabilize the shot and reduce any external forces that may hinder a precise shot.
Noise Reduction
Most of them have a noise reduction feature that prevents the prey from getting alerted when the user draws and shoots the arrow. This can be very beneficial for the overall target hunting experience.
Ease of Use
Having a quick installation and adjustment process makes their usage fun and easy, which is why most users have found them to be user-friendly. They offer a consistent release and take away any contact with the shaft.
Is an Arrow Rest Important While Target Shooting?
Now that you are aware of the reasons why an arrow rest is great for target shooting, it is important to expand on its benefits. Here is what you can expect to gain by using it for target shooting:
Securitization
These rests hold the arrow securely in place to provide stability for the arrow, thereby ensuring a straight-flying trajectory.
Flexible Aiming
They offer flexibility, allowing the archer to shoot from various angles. This automatically allows the archer to have more freedom in terms of positions and arm movements.
Low Noise
Additional features such as low noise help the user concentrate on the target so they can proceed with caution without the target getting alerted that they are being hunted.
Arrow Shaft Protection
A consistent arrow rest delays any wear and tear that the user may experience if it comes in contact with the arrow shaft while shooting. Any hindrance in the way of the arrow shaft changes its course and speed. This leads to the arrow oscillating elsewhere instead of hitting the target.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they
- Full Containment: Full containment indicates the rest has multiple points of contact to securely hold the arrow in place. These also guide the arrow until it completely leaves the bow.
- Mounting Type (snap on, tie on, stick on): This refers to the way the rest attaches to the bow.
- Weight: Total weight in ounces of the rest.
- Type (Drop away, whisker biscuit, capture, pressure): How the rest operates when attached to the bow.
- Correction Options (elevation/windage/overdraw): Windage is the ability to adjust the rest left and right to obtain the proper position. Elevation is the ability to adjust the rest up and down. Overdraw allows smaller arrows to be shot at full draw.
- Material: Main material(s) the rest is made of.
- Hand Orientation: Corresponds to your dominant hand.
Review of the Best Arrow Rests For Target Shooting
After hours of scouting, practicing, and walking for miles, it would be a disappointment to spend your money on an arrow rest that is not up to your expectations. To help you make a wise decision, we have compiled the top-quality units in the market below.
Best Overall:
Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit AWB500M
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Trophy Ridge arrow rests have been reported to be super easy to use, thanks to the versatile design. The majority favors it because of its compatibility with both left and right-hand users. It is also liked for its low-noise feature, which gives better outcomes when hunting in quiet areas.
Why it Stands Out to Us
An outstanding feature offered by this arrow rest is the adjustment setting for the windage and elevation. This means that users get endless options for modifying it to suit their style and preferences. It has been in the market for about 20 years now, which speaks for its quality and reliability.
Another aspect that makes it unique from the competition is its ability to become accustomed to all levels of bowhunters, thereby being a suitable option for beginners or experts alike. Its body is composite-encased, which offers resistance against high pressures.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is the most reliable product on this list. It has been reviewed positively by most users for its help in increasing the field performance. Known for its silent loading of arrows, it is also sure to make great hunting equipment that you would want to make your staple.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces):
4
Hand Orientation:
Left & Right
Mounting Type:
Screw-in
Full Containment?:
Yes
Correction Options:
Windage and Elevation
Material:
Type:
Aluminum
Whisker Biscuit
Runner-up:
Quality Archery HDX UHXBK-R
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Target shooters and hunters alike have reported this arrow rest to be super consistent when it comes to making accurate shots. It is also liked for its unhindered design that addresses the need for non-interference in the way of the arrow.
Why it Stands Out to Us
One of the most important things in this unit is how it facilitates a safer use of the bow when the user has to draw and release it. The design is super sleek, which is why it makes for a great aesthetic fit with any bow. Owing to its lightweight nature, it is not likely to impact the usual balance of the bow. It is equipped with a curved capture bar to make horizontal and vertical firing easy for the user.
The unit is easy to adjust before and after mounting, and it also hosts a timing cord. Users can change the length of this cord according to the distance. To guarantee each shot's accuracy, it has vibration technology, which informs the user when the bolt is loaded without alerting the prey. This ensures a straight flight for the arrow to pass through.
Bottom Line
Made using extremely sturdy and lightweight aluminum, this model can last ages without wearing out by atmospheric conditions. Its complex features also make it a great choice for professional target shooters.
Product Specs
Hand Orientation:
Right
Mounting Type:
Screw-in
Full Containment?:
Yes
Correction Options:
Windage, Elevation and Overdraw
Material:
Type:
Aluminum and Stainless Steel
Drop Away
Best for the Money:
SAS Brush Capture
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Having the most sturdy built amongst its competition, this arrow rest is known for its advanced drop-away technology. Users have frequently reported the benefit of having the safety feature, which helps the rest move forward as soon as the bowstring is drawn.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The velocity drop-away technology that this model contains helps aim accurate shots and allows for a better, more versatile setting. The capture bar is curved and enables locking down the shaft, thus helping the arrow fly straight. It comes in a stainless steel build, a material with everlasting durability.
Using a molded rubber, the rest can lower the vibration rate to the bare minimum. This reduction of noise level helps in hunting from a close range setting without the prey getting alerted and running away.
Bottom Line
To sum it up, the convenience offered by this SAS Brush Capture in terms of timing, locking, and positioning features is beyond comparison. Users are also sure to benefit from its price point as they get to save some extra few bucks while getting all the necessary features required for the smooth functioning of the draw.
Product Specs
Hand Orientation:
Left & Right
Mounting Type:
Screw-in
Full Containment?:
Yes
Correction Options:
Windage and Elevation
Material:
Type:
Plastic
Whisker Biscuit
Best Drop Away Arrow Rest:
QAD Ultra Rest Hunter
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
For those who like to shoot shorter arrows, this has been of great help. It is also adored for its active camouflage design, which makes a great accessory to have when hunters want to intermingle with their surroundings for better prey hits.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The design of this rest breaks away from others to secure the arrows steadily, allowing for the desired speed and accuracy. It is great for both vertical and horizontal shots, so the user gets the flexibility to take shots while sitting on the ground or standing in the trees.
The unit is also specifically made to provide a quiet draw, so the prey does not get scared and runs away. The durable aluminum and stainless steel body construction also guarantee that it lasts for a number of years, so the need for replacement or repairs is taken away from the user. It is also super convenient to mount on and make changes according to the conditioned preferences.
Bottom Line
Apart from the fact that this arrow rest is designed to be used by right-handed shooters only, it has all the universal flexible features one would expect. If an accurate drop is your main concern and you are a professional shooter, this is your best bet to go forward with.
Product Specs
Hand Orientation:
Left
Mounting Type:
Screw-in
Full Containment?:
Yes
Correction Options:
Windage
Material:
Type:
Aluminum and Stainless Steel
Drop Away
Best Arrow Rest For Recurve Bow:
The Little Green Change COSMOS
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The Little Green Change COSMOS is a simple drop-away arrow rest that is preferred over others for its ability to have a tight grip on the arrow while the user draws. Furthermore, upon release, it gives way to offer a touch-free and precise draw.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Perhaps a unique feature offered by this arrow rest is its internal brake system, which helps in getting rid of inertia to provide clearer shots without the user having to move the arrow from its original direction. The lightweight body also helps in keeping the shots super balanced without the need for intervention by the user.
To add to this, the aluminum components have been over-molded completely to get rid of any potential noise while drawing. This means that hunting big or small prey from close ranges is possible.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a simple yet effective arrow rest that would call for minimum intervention and not cost you a lot, this one is your best bet. It shoots successfully and noiselessly, directing the arrow with extreme precision.
Product Specs
Hand Orientation:
Right
Mounting Type:
Stick-on
Full Containment?:
Yes
Material:
Type:
Plastic
Drop Away
Best Arrow Rest For Compound Bow:
TRUGLO EZ-Rest TG615B
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This arrow rest is known for its ‘drop-away’ aesthetic, which releases the arrow without the fletching. It is also known for its easy installation process. If you are looking for a rest that can be used from multiple sitting or standing positions, this one has been reported to be flexible enough to cater to all shooter poses.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Many enthusiastic bow hunters prefer using this arrow rest and for a good reason - it features a camouflage design which allows them to merge with the surrounding so that the prey does not get alerted. The rubber dampeners are another unique feature that offers silent draws; however, you may have to think about maintaining them as they are not weather-resistant.
It comes with hard-wearing bushings that are covered completely to work towards the increased speed of the shot once it is released. The bounce-back design also ensures the prevention of the shot going off in an offset direction.
Bottom Line
With its camouflaging ability, along with the flexibility it offers for users to use it in multiple positions, it is an overall win in terms of functionality. So if the rest's technical working is your main concern, you are sure to enjoy using this TRUGLO arrow rest.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces):
4
Hand Orientation:
Left & Right
Mounting Type:
Screw-in
Full Containment?:
Yes
Correction Options:
Windage and elevation
Material:
Type:
Aluminum
Whisker Biscuit
Types of Arrow Rests for Target Shooting
The main types of arrow rest currently on the market can be divided into three categories, each having their own use and unique features. These include:
Shoot Through Rest
These are also known as the Whisker Biscuit style rest. They make use of a disk with a centered hole as a base to handle the fitness. It solves the issues about earlier arrow rest styles by making the bristles more flexible. These remain in link with the arrow until the user shoots on a certain flight.
Since they shoot at the last minute, some beginners may have issues with the target being downrange if the arm goes slightly off. About two feet per second can be lost with this type, but the flexibility it offers is still unmatchable.
Drop Away Arrow Rests
These are more recent, and they are true to their name; even before the fletching occurs, they drop away, which allows for a zero-contact situation sought by most hunters. Everything else can be connected to a small cord, which draws everything into place by drawing the bow.
The only thing its usage requires is the correct tuning to ensure drop at the right timing. This makes it more suitable for professional target shooters who know how to work their way around maximum arrow speeds.
Standard Arrow Rests
Such units usually imitate a flipper aesthetic when it comes to design, enabling the arrow to sit on a small, loaded arm that is usually constructed using metal. However, the metal is always given a second outer layer in plastic to prevent any potential noises during its usage.
Because they are easy to tune and flexible, they make a great choice for beginners who wish to gain command over arrow flight and accuracy.
How to Install an Arrow Rest
Knowing the proper usage of arrow rests extends their shelf life by preventing wear and tear regularly. It also helps in keeping the shot aligned to the target. Follow these four simple steps below to install it:
- Make sure that the surface is meant for installation in oil and dust-free. It is always better to use rubbing alcohol to clean the surface.
- Now, align the arrow rest with the bow handle, leaving a gap of ⅝ inches from the middle of the arrow to the bottom of the sight frame. You can locate the latter on the bottom of the bow, directly above the handle. Once aligned, apply a little pressure to set it in place.
- Next, set the nocking point on the string. You can find this as a compact, U-shaped metal piece. It is used to lock down the accurate position of the arrow, five mm above the square of the string.
- To test your setup, engage in a try-out shooting. Keep fine-tuning and adjusting until you are happy with the results. In case you experience rotation, you can increase the nocking point one to two millimeters.
If you need a pictorial reference to these steps, you can refer to the video below:
Conclusion
You are probably aware of how useful an arrow rest is to the bow. A good-quality one can help you achieve stability and power in the long run and helps to contain the arrows while making usage quieter. Hopefully, you can make an informed decision by taking all the aspects mentioned above into account.
People Also Ask
Many questions may surface once you start to choose between brands or actually start using an arrow rest. To help guide you through its proper usage, we have answered some of these in a concise manner below:
Are Drop Away Rests More Accurate?
Even though the drop-away rest is usually thought to provide more accuracy in comparison to the Whisker Biscuit, their difference is still negligible. If the speed of both is measured, a difference of three to six feet per second (fps) can be found. This has directly to do with the drop, and in this case, the drop-away rest is just about a little faster.
However, it is of no concern to modern compound bow hunters. In the drop away rest, groupings may be a bit tighter, but that is of no concern if the target size for hunting is big.
Why is My Arrow Hitting My Drop Away Rest?
This happens when the fletching gets in touch with the equipment, leading to a poor arrow flight. Some other reasons may be inappropriate nock rotation or an inappropriately tuned bow. In these cases, you can try out the ‘powder test.’ This involves the use of some powder.
You can powder the arrow thoroughly and then nock it without settling the powder. After drawing the arrow, if there is any change in the powder, it is an indication that the nock point needs to be adjusted.
Can You Shoot a Compound Bow Without an Arrow Rest?
A modern compound bow requires a good arrow rest as an important counterpart to function efficiently. Without it, you would end up losing precision and accuracy. This causes a lot of uncertainty, which could otherwise be prevented. Therefore, the final verdict is no; you cannot shoot a compound bow without an arrow rest.
Which Way Do I Move My Arrow Rest?
Dissimilar to the sighting, where the arrow has to be chased using the sight's pin, tuning calls for the arrow rest to be moved in a way where the arrow might head. So if the arrows are predicted to drop to the centerline's left, the arrow rest should be moved to the right.
How Far Should an Arrow Go Past the Rest?
The safest distance for an arrow to go past the rest is 1 inch when the user is planning on a full draw. This allows for more precise drawing and overall target placement.
What Happens if Your Arrow Rest is Not Center Shot?
Center point alignment allows for the rest and nock point to be in alignment for the arrow to fly right in the string's direction. This is why the centerline of the arrow precisely aligned with the bowstring with force applied to it does not truly go right to the center.
What is the Difference Between an Arrow Rest For Target Shooting and One For Hunting?
There is only a slight difference; target archers can simply draw the bow again and shoot. However, when it comes to hunters, the target may not remain fixed, which is why a second draw needs to happen. For this reason, hunting arrow rests call for a more firm hold on the bow.
Is an Arrow Rest Hard to Use?
If set up as it should be, an arrow can fly smoothly in the direction of the intended target without being offset. It might be a tad bit difficult for beginners to get control of it, but with practice, it should not be an impossible task. In reality, it provides zero contact with the bow while letting it be stable for maximum precision.
