Best Arrow Rest for Compound Bow Hunting | Top 7 Picks & Buyers Guide

Are you a beginner and going on compound hunting? Do you have the right arrow rest? Right, you must be thinking how an arrow rest can make a difference in hunting?

A perfect arrow rest is very important for a compound bow.

A kit of proper bow-hunter can’t be completed without a perfect arrow rest. You don’t have to worry anymore because this article is all about arrow rest. When it comes to compound bow hunting’s essential equipment, many people don’t consider arrow rest in their list. However, it is certainly one of the important pieces of equipment.

This not hard to understand; like this article, it discusses some of the best arrow rest for compound bow hunting, and all the factors need to consider while selecting arrow rest.

First of all, we need to understand what arrow rest is?

What is Arrow Rest for Compound Bow Hunting?

Arrow rest is an accessory used in the compound bow while bow hunting. As its name suggests, the arrow rest’s basic function is to rest to the arrow in a compound bow. It plays a crucial part in any compound bow. I would highly recommend using arrow rest while bow hunting. The good thing is it comes along with most of the compound bows.

How to Choose the Best Arrow Rest for Compound Bow Hunting?

Arrow rest is undoubtedly very important for any compound bow setup, but it is equally important to choose the right/ best arrow rest. So how can we know that we are choosing the best arrow rest? This depends on you; what is important to you?

You may want to use something easy to use, or perhaps you might want to control every aspect of your arrow rest. Accuracy may be the only thing you want is everyone desires that.

Perhaps, the only thing you want will perform perfectly without any malfunction. Regardless of what you aim for, there are some things to look for while selecting the arrow rest.

Ease of Use

Ease of use is the first thing you look for in any product, so it is also important in arrow rest—the less input required by the user, the better.

Arrow rest should be simple and reliable as it allows us to use it easily. The arrow rest should allow you to remain engaged at your full draw. This will allow you to relax as you don’t have to reset anything while at full draw.

Body

The arrow rest’s body is also an important factor to consider before opting for any arrow rest. It would help if you always preferred the arrow rest with sleek design and arrows that can easily attach your bow.

It is better to always go for compatibility before buying any arrow rest. Other than that, the body of your arrow rest must be lighter in weight. You would never want a heavy arrow rest along with a heavy bow as it can cause fatigue to your arm. That is the reason to consider the body of your arrow in the consideration.

Accuracy

Every bowhunter would want to have maximum accuracy, but all arrow rest is accurate if correctly handled. The key to accuracy is precision and consistency.

An arrow rest can be accurate, and suddenly the accuracy can diminish with use as bristle weakens and shift, making the use inconsistent. Other than that, some arrow rest can be moved, as a result diminishing the accuracy.

Interference

A major and probable the most important factor is to consider how your arrow travels through the arrow rest. Not even a single archer would want any interference, as it directly impacts the target and the arrow’s speed.

Nobody would want that, especially hunters, as they don’t have a margin of error. Arrow rests that cover the arrow’s complete circumference don’t usually do this, and it is better if you weigh your personal preference before choosing one.

Dependability

Dependability is another major factor to look for, as a complex mechanical arrow rest has more ways to fail than a normal arrow rest.

Mechanical action allows more objects to move; thus, it can face multiple failures. That’s why stationary arrow rest is preferred as they will wear out over time, decreasing their dependability.

Adjustability

There are two types of bow hunters, those who want to have a plug n play option and those who want to have proper control over every possible variable.

If you want to set every variable according to your personal preferences, you should consider this factor and go for micro-tune arrow rests. These rests have so much precision.

Hand Shooting

Arrow rest comes in different hand styles. There is a lot of arrow rest that feature either left-hand style or right-hand style, which can be problematic for some people with a different hand style than the model. However, there are a few arrow rest models that allow us to use both hands.

These hands are suitable for people as they allow both hands styles people to use, and if you can use both hands, this is convenient as you can switch in case of fatigue in one arm.

Versatility

An arrow rest should offer versatility as versatility allows you to operate the rest limb-drive or cable-drive. It maximizes the use of arrow rest.

These are some factors or features to look for while selecting the arrow rest.

We have shortlisted some products in our list of best arrow rest for compound bow hunting after trying out many products. Let’s explore these products and see why these products are so special?

Comparison Table for Best Arrow Rest for Compound Bow Hunting

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6 Best Arrow Rest for Compound Bow Hunting Product Review, Features

01- Quality Archery Products HDX Arrow Rest

Our first pick is HDX arrow rest. This is the top product of this brand. It has a sleek design and extra versatility. It is a right-handed arrow rest; also comes in the left-hand version. Moreover, it has many other unique features. Let’s see why it has been made on our list and have a glance at the features.

Features

• The velocity drops away technology.
• Advance Vibration technology.
• Lockdown technology.
• Compatible.
• Adjustable.
• Stainless Steel.
• Capture bar.
• Durable.
• Full Draw indicator
• Sporty look.

Lockdown Technology

This arrow rest is an exceptional product as it comes with great features. One of these features is Lockdown technology, which allows the arrow to set back to drop position whenever the launcher falls automatically. This feature helps to secure the arrow. This feature makes this arrow rest in the premium arrow rest. 

Advanced Vibration Technology

Another exceptional feature in this masterpiece is advanced vibration technology. The function of this technology is to mitigate all the unnecessary vibration produced by the arrow. This allows the arrow to be precise and on target. This feature provides accuracy, which is desired by every archer. You won’t be off-target, at least by the arrow rest.

Full draw technology

This premium product by QAD (quality archery design) features another incredible function full draw indicator. This feature is not included in all arrow rests, as it indicates full draw and allows proper launcher position at full draw.

Why should we buy this product?

This product features all the amenities that are required for a proper arrow rest along with that it has a full draw indicator. Other than that, it is ranked 11th on Amazon.  

02- QAD Ultra Rest Hunter Drop Away Rest Left Hand

The second product on our best arrow rest for the compound bow hunting list is another product of QAD (quality archery design), Ultra Rest Hunter Drop Away Rest. This band always produces fantastic products and never fails to impress. This is another brilliant product by this brand. This arrow rest use the launch arm or capture bar to hold the arrow in the position while you pull the string. This arrow rest has other features; also, let’s explore them.  

Features

• Total arrow containment.
• Adjustable.
• Velocity draws technology.
• Great speed.
• Accuracy.
• Stainless steel.
• Durable.
• Brake away safety.
• Versatile.
• Unique appearance.

Easily Adjustable

QAD (quality archery designs) has given a fantastic feature in this arrow rest. This arrow rest is adjustable. It is specially designed for those who want to control each variable according to their personal preference. This allows the arrow rest to be used according to one’s style. 

Brake away safety

Everyone prefers safety in these types of products. Every archer tries to be safe first. In this incredible product, a break feature prevents the capture bar from bouncing back just after the arrow’s release. This feature can be critical as it can cause injury or damage to the bow.

Great speed

Speed is a thing every archer wants, especially bow hunters. This product provides a great speed of 400 fps and accuracy. The launcher will drop with intense speed and accuracy at the exact shooting points.

Why should we buy this product?

This product has got all the features to be the proper arrow rest as we have discussed its features. Other than that, it has got 4.4 ratings on Amazon, and I think that is enough to convince the buyer.

03- Trophy Ridge Quick Shot Whisker Biscuit, One Size

Trophy Ridge is a famous brand, and being a trophy ridge product defines the quality of the product. This is probably the world’s best arrow rest for recurve bow due to its unique features. A bowhunter needs to be silent while hunting and this arrow rest provide silent loading of arrows. Let’s see other features of this arrow rest.

Features

• Silent arrow loading.
• Composite-Encased biscuit.
• Both hand style.
• Accuracy.
• Consistent.
• Premium material.
• Lightweight.
• Cleaning accessories.
• Whisker Biscuit.
• Advance adjustability.

Silent arrow loading

A bowhunter needs to remain silent, as the hunting gear can make noise and scare the target. This arrow rest is great in being silent; it allows you to load the arrows silently. It has a different way to reduce the noise, unlike other arrow rest. In this arrow rest, rubber boots are used to reduce all the arrow rest’s unnecessary noise. This is its unique selling point. 

Both hand style

Most of the arrow rest models come with either left-hand style or right-hand style that causes problems for those who have a different style than the model’s style. Trophy ridge quick shot comes with both hands style allowing the user to use it anyway.

Premium material

Arrow rests are made from different materials, and just like them, this arrow rest is also constructed from premium aluminum and plastic. Aluminum gives this a sleek design and classic finish. On the other hand, plastic gives it a classy look. 

Why should we buy this product?

This product has many features to offer, but the most important thing that can convince the buyer to buy it is its silent arrow loading. It is very important for a compound bowhunter.

04- Ripcord “Code Red” Fall Away Arrow Rest, Right (Black)

Ripcord is a leading brand in producing quality arrow rest, and code red is certainly their finest arrow rest. If you are new in hunting and want success right away, this is just the product. There are a lot of features that make this product one of the best arrows rests. Let’s find out.

Features

• Aluminum body.
• Full arrow containment.
• Highly durable.
• Versatile.
• Windage adjustment.
• Brake system.
• High-quality clamp.
• Dampening system.
• Accuracy.
• Lightweight.

Brake system

This masterpiece from the Ripcord has an internal brake system, which is better than other arrow rest. This internal brake system’s function is to prevent the launcher arm from jerking back—this way, the arrow rest allows the fletching to get clear easily.

Dampening system

Arrow rest usually has something that ensures the reduction in the noise. Noise can be disturbing for hunters as it can scare the target, resulting in the target running away. This arrow rest has a dedicated dampening system, which reduces the noise created.

Versatility

Versatile is one of the factors to consider while selecting arrow rest. This arrow rests properly to cover this factor. It can mount easily on any riser—this the evidence of being a versatile arrow rest.

Why should we buy this product?

This product is from a leading brand known as Ripcord. This is enough to convince any buyer. Other than that, this product has got 4.7 ratings out of 5 on Amazon.

05- QAD Ultra Rest HDX Mossy Oak Infinity QURHDXCO

The 5th product is another product by QAD (quality archer design); it seems like this product is the same as the previous products of QAD in our list. However, this is a different product with different and advanced features. This product is good for hunting, but it is also the best arrow rest for target shooting. As a target shooter, you would love this product. Let’s uncover the features of this product and get to know more about this. 

Features

• Sleek design.
• Advance adjustability.
• Full arrow containment.
• Durable.
• Delran components.
• Aluminum and Stainless steel.
• Noise reduction.
• Thumbwheel.
• Breakaway safety.
• Fast Speed.

Advance adjustability

In good arrow rest, adjustability always features. Adjustability allows the user or hunter to set the arrow rest according to personal preferences. However, in this model, the adjustability feature is taken to another level by introducing advanced adjustability. This feature allows the hunter to easily adjust the timing cord with a clamp or cord lock. This has made this product different from the rest of the arrow rest.

Noise reduction

Noise cancelation or noise reduction is important for all the hunters and archers. It allows the hunter to focus entirely on the hunt. With this feature, the hunter can hunt without the concern of the target running away due to the noise created. The laser-cut felt, dampeners, and cam-brake in this product reduces the noise created by the arrow rest.

Thumbwheel

This magnificent arrow rest has a thumbwheel. This aided thumbwheel comes in handy in the arrow rest, as It easily cocks the launcher into position. 

Why should we buy this product?

This product is a suitable product for bow hunters as it features all the basic requirements needed for hunting. This product has got 4.8 customer reviews out of 5 on Amazon, showing its quality. The incredible thing about this product is that it is probably the best arrow rest for target shooting, and this is enough to grab attention for not only a hunter but archers also.

06- Vapor Trail Archery LimbDriver Pro V Rest, Right

This arrow rest is user-friendly and quite easy to set up. It has many improvements than the other arrow rest in the market. In this product, the activation cord is not attached to its limb. There are several features in this product that make this product a suitable recommendation.

Features

• Metal body.
• Limb driven.
• Adjustable spring tension.
• Full containment.
• Intuitive design.
• Containment arm.
• Support to the arrow.
• Drop away.
• Attractive.
• Lightweight.

Support to the arrow

This arrow rest is special, as this arrow rest provides support to the arrow. This support extends the success rate of the shot. The success rate is increased by 70 percent due to this support. That much increase in the success rate is commendable.

Limb driven

Vapor trail’s products are always very innovative and unique, but this product’s gem has some exceptional features like being limb driven. The activation cord of this product is not attached to the limb. This way, it eliminates the issues associated with the timing cord.

Adjustable spring tension

Adjustable spring tension allows the archer to decide how much stiffness they want. This works in the same way as other archers make their bows and arrows at different stiffness levels making shooting worthwhile.

Why should we buy this product?

This is a perfect arrow rest for bow hunters. I highly recommend this, as it has got all the amenities to be a proper arrow rest for a bowhunter, especially a beginner.

Buyers Guide on Best Arrow Rest for Compound Bow Hunting

Most beginners who go to compound bow hunting usually don’t consider arrow rest as important equipment. However, it is equally important, like other compound hunting gears. Having an arrow rest is not enough; you need to have a perfect arrow rest. This is the ultimate buyer’s guide to help you buy the best arrow rest for compound bow hunting. Buying the right arrow rest for compound bow hunting can be challenging for beginners, but you can easily choose the right arrow rest if you consider these factors.

Arrow Hold

The first reason for getting an arrow rest is holding the arrow before you fire. An arrow that can’t hold the arrow is useless. Arrow rest is designed to hold your arrows. A perfect arrow rest would be the one that can hold as many arrows as possible. Something that wraps the width of the arrow is good enough.

Noise reduction

Noise reduction is important for bow hunters as the target can be scared and getaway by the arrow rest’s noise and it can mess up everything. For that purpose, there are dampeners installed on the arrow rest. The function of these dampeners is not only noise reduction but vibration reduction also. Vibration can alter the flight path of the arrow. So don’t ignore this factor while selecting the arrow rest.

Easy installation/Adjustment

A perfect arrow rest needs to be adjustable and easily installed. Adjustability allows you to make the changes according to your choice, and you can adapt easily while having adjustability.

On the other hand, easy installation is always a plus point for any product. Everybody wants something that they can use right away after buying; nobody wants to install it properly.

Material used

Arrow rest is not supposed to go through some wear and tear stuff, as other hunting kits. However, you would never want something that falls apart just after buying. That’s why you would want something durable and make of premium material like aluminum or stainless steel. Stainless steel is better for arrow rest as it lasts long. On the other hand, aluminum is better if you have a heavy bow.

These are some factors that you need to consider while buying an arrow rest for compound bow hunting.

How does the Arrow Rest Works?

Arrow rest is a shoulder horn that helps the arrow on the bow. The arrow rest’s function is pretty simple; the arrow rest has to hold the arrow before you fire it. Each arrow rest has its advantages and disadvantages. Buying the expensive arrow rest doesn’t work in this case. Having a silent arrow rest, durable arrow rest, or consistent arrows depends on the features and your style what you are in for? For instance, silent arrow rests are preferred by bow hunters.

Types of Arrow Rest

There is another thing you need to know before buying the arrow rest. There are two types of arrow rest, Drop away and Whisker biscuit arrow rest, respectively. Choosing between these two types can be difficult. There is a quality of arrow rest in both arrow rest categories. It depends on your priorities, which category of arrow rests suit you. Let’s find out the abilities and differences between the categories. 

Drop away

If you consider accuracy and speed as your top priorities, then drop away arrow rest is the best choice for you.

Drop away arrow rest allow the fletching to leave the arrow rest without making any contact cleanly; hence, the shaft’s speed remains unchanged. You can easily hit the target with as much velocity as you want.

There are drawbacks of drop away arrow rest also. These arrow rests are complex. According to experts, the arrow rest’s complexity allows it to have more chances of failing, and the same is the case for the drop-away arrow rest. Another drawback of this arrow rest is its installation and tuning process; it can be overwhelming for new archers. So, it can be tricky for beginners.

Whisker biscuit

Whisker biscuit is a simple and reliable type of arrow that has put it into the hunters’ favorites. This arrow rest doesn’t make unnecessary noise and vibration, as it can mess up everything. Other than that, there is a very little margin of error for them. However, everything has some positive and negative point, and whisker biscuit is no exception.

Unlike drop-away arrow rest, these arrow rests tend to decrease the arrow’s speed and accuracy as the arrow doesn’t leave the arrow rest without making contact.

Considering both types of arrow rest, for bow hunters, I think whisker is undoubtedly a smart choice.

How to Maintain your Arrow Rest

Maintaining your arrow rest can be difficult, especially drop away arrow rest. This is another reason hunters don’t choose to drop away arrow rest as it sometimes creates trouble while tuning in this arrow. Drop away arrow rest is more likely to break, as it is complex, and once the cord is broken, the arrow rest can’t be pulled upwards. Drop away arrow rest needs more maintenance and knowledge. On the other hand, whisker biscuits take less effort to maintain, and paper tuning can help you maintain your arrow rest.

Frequently asked question about the Best Arrow Rest for Compound Bow Hunting

What is the best drop away arrow rest on the market?

There is a lot of exceptional drops away arrow the rest in the market. It can make a book if we discuss all the drop away arrow rest available. However, according to customer ratings, QAD Ultra-Rest Pro HDX Drop Away Left Hand Rest is certainly the best drop away arrow rest in the market. It has got all the features for becoming the best. Other than that, it has got 5/5 customer ratings. 

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Can you shoot a compound bow without an arrow rest?

Yes, you can shoot the arrow without an arrow rest by your shelf or your hand, but it won’t get the same amount of flight as it gets when an arrow rest is used. However, I would highly recommend using arrow rest as it is safe, gives your arrow speed, accuracy, and is essential for bow hunters.

Are drop away rests more accurate?

Yes, drop away arrow rest is more accurate than whisker biscuit arrow rest; drop-away arrow rest doesn’t make any contact with the arrow while shooting. It leaves smoothly, hence providing more accuracy and speed. On the other hand, the whisker biscuit arrow rest is always in contact with the arrow, decreasing the arrow rest’s speed and accuracy.

Do longer arrows fly better?

No, not really. The shorter arrows are lighter in weight hence have more speed. Longer arrows are heavier arrows; that’s why they retain their velocity, resulting in less speed and penetration power.

Why is my arrow hitting my drop away rest?

Several reasons can cause your arrow to make contact or hit your drop away arrow rest. Improper nock rotation, improper tuned-in bow, and improper timing of drop away rest can cause the arrow to hit the drop away arrow rest. Other than that, the string of your drop away arrow rest can also allow this malfunction.

Is a compound bow better than a longbow?

There are different advantages of both longbows and compound bows. Longbows are very easy to use and maintain, while compound bows are easier to draw for new and novice archers and can be very difficult to maintain. Compound bows are vulnerable to dust, rust, and dirt if not properly handled. So, there is no such thing that which bow is better.

Does a whisker biscuit slow down an arrow?

Yes, a whisker biscuit causes the arrow to lose some speed. Whisker biscuit arrow rests are always in contact with the arrow resulting in slowing down the arrow and losing accuracy.

What is the fastest Mathews bow?

Mathew Halon is certainly the fastest compound bow. It has a speed of 353 FPS, which is the fastest bow speed yet. 

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Our Recommendation for the Best Arrow Rest for Compound Bow Hunting

We have tried a lot of arrow rest and made a list of best arrow rest for compound bow hunting, and among all these compound bow arrows rests, our recommendation is Trophy ridge Quick Shot. It is certainly the best arrow rest for recurve bow and compound bow we have got on our list.

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Read our guide on the Best Arrows for Compound Bow Hunting

Last Words

Arrow rest is important equipment in the bow hunting kit. We have explained all the factors and details you need to know before choosing any arrow rest. We have also mentioned some of the best compound bow arrows rest in the market to help you choose wisely.

To further help you, we have made a section of the frequently asked question to clear all the confusion for a non-specialist. Getting a perfect arrow rest might be difficult, but if you have properly read this article, it will be a piece of cake for you.

I hope this article will be helpful to you. Please share your thoughts about this article in the comment section.