The Benefits Of A Fur Rest For Barebow Shooting

Whether or not you need a fur rest for your barebow depends on your personal preference. While it is perfectly acceptable to shoot a barebow without an arrow rest, using one can make it easier to keep the arrow in place while drawing the bow and can increase accuracy. Some people, however, consider using an arrow rest to be less traditional.

If you decide not to use an arrow rest, it is recommended to add some protection for your shelf, such as a shelf rest made of felt, animal hair, or the soft side of a velcro strap.

If you do decide to use an arrow rest, there are a few different options to choose from, including stick-on rests, screw-in rests, and magnetic rests.

Pros and cons of using an arrow rest

Arrow rests are an essential piece of equipment for archery, helping to keep arrow placement consistent and keeping the arrow in place when you draw back the bow. They are especially useful for beginners, shooting in windy conditions, or shooting at extreme angles like in field archery.

There are many different types of arrow rests available, and the one you choose will depend on your budget, appearance preferences, and features required. Some popular options for barebow include the stick-on rest and the wrap-around rest.

Pros of Using an Arrow Rest

• They help keep arrow placement consistent.
• They can aid in keeping the arrow in place when you draw back the bow.
• They are useful for beginners, shooting in windy conditions, or shooting at extreme angles like in field archery.
• There are a variety of options available, so you can choose one that suits your budget and preferences.

Cons of Using an Arrow Rest

• The price and style can vary greatly, making it daunting to choose the correct one.
• Some arrow rests can be fragile and need to be replaced often, increasing costs.
• Some rests may not be suitable for certain types of archery, such as string walking, and can break easily if used incorrectly.
• Highly adjustable rests may be difficult to adjust and may have small parts that can be easily lost.
• Some rests may not comply with competition rules, so it is important to check before purchasing.

Types of arrow rests

Arrow rests are important as they stabilise the arrow until it leaves the bowstring. There are several types of arrow rests available for barebows. Here is a list of some of the most popular ones:

• Stick-on arrow rests are a simple and affordable option. They are usually made of plastic or metal and stick onto the riser on the shelf side of the bow. An example is the Hoyt Super Rest, which is a plastic stick-on rest that costs about $2. Another option is the Shibuya Ultima, which is a stick-on model with replacement parts available.
• Wrap-around arrow rests have a "plate" that affixes under the collar of the plunger on the sight-mounting side of the bow. Some models, like the AAE Free Flyte, are micro-adjustable. The Spigarelli Z/T Spigua is another wrap-around rest that is highly adjustable.
• Zniper wrap-around arrow rests are specifically designed for barebow archers and are used by many top barebow archers.
• Magnetic rests are less popular but can be a good option if you're looking for something more permanent as they are made of metal. An example is the Cartel Doosung X-Pert Magnetic Arrow Rest.
• Screw-on arrow rests are another option if you don't like the idea of sticking something to your bow. An example is the SAS Screw-On Arrow Rest, which can be screwed into the area by the shelf of your bow.

Arrow rest recommendations

Arrow rests are one of the most important aspects of a bow, and they can dramatically affect the flight of your arrow. While it is possible to shoot a barebow without an arrow rest, using one can help stabilise the arrow until it leaves the bowstring, improving accuracy.

There are three common types of arrow rests: shelf rests, stick-on rests, and screw-in rests.

Shelf Rests

Shelf rests are the simplest type of arrow rest and act more as protection for your bow. They are typically made from felt, a thick material known as a "rug", or animal hair for a traditional look. Shelf rests can be applied to both the vertical and lateral points of contact.

Stick-on Rests

Stick-on rests work with any bow and are attached via adhesive or double-sided tape. They feature an arm that extends to hold up the arrow, and can be used with either vanes or feathers.

Screw-in Rests

If your bow is drilled for it, a screw-in rest will provide the most secure point of contact for your arrow. Like stick-on rests, they feature an arm that extends to hold the arrow, but are more secure. Accuracy and function are your main concerns, a screw-in rest is the best choice.

Recommendations

For a stick-on rest, the AAE Champion II is a popular choice, especially for those who are string-walking. For a screw-in rest, the AAE Freeflyte is a good option, with the Elite version offering a more premium experience. For those who are not string-walking, the Spigarelli ZT rest is also a good choice.

If you are looking for a more traditional look and feel, you can use a fur rest, or calf hair rest, which comes with a side plate to prevent the arrow from knocking against the riser.

Finally, magnetic rests are a less popular but more permanent option, as they are made from metal. The Cartel Doosung X-Pert Magnetic Arrow Rest is one example of this type of rest.

Arrow rest alternatives

There are several alternatives to a fur arrow rest for a barebow. Here are some options:

• Stick-on rests: These are simple to use and can work with any recurve bow. They typically have an adhesive backing that you stick onto your bow. Examples include the Archery Finger Arrow Rest, the Hoyt/Easton adhesive stick-on arrow rest, and the Bear Weather Arrow Rest.
• Screw-in rests: These provide a more secure point of contact for your arrow. An example is the SAS Screw-On Arrow Rest.
• Wrap-around rests: These attach to the bow using a spare pressure button hole. An example is the Cartel CR 301 Hunter Arrow Rest.
• Springy rests: These are good for hunting as they allow for more movement while tracking a target.
• Drop-away rests: These rests drop away upon release, minimising the impact on the arrow shaft and reducing its upward bounce. The Zniper Drop Away Arrow Rest is a popular choice for barebow archers.
• No rest: It is perfectly acceptable to shoot a barebow without an arrow rest, by shooting the arrow off the shelf of the bow. However, this can cause wear to the bow and reduced accuracy. To combat this, you can add a shelf rest made of material such as felt, velcro, or animal hair.

Arrow rest maintenance

Arrow rests are important for stabilising the arrow until the moment of release. They also keep the arrow in place while you draw the bow. There are different types of arrow rests, including shoot-through and side-pressure.

Maintenance Tips

• If you are using an adhesive rest, make sure to get the positioning right the first time as you won't be able to remove it without damaging the sticky tape.
• If you are using a plunger, you can adjust it during practice to compensate for any inaccuracies.
• If you are using a drop-away arrow rest, you will need to set the activator cord so that it is up at full draw.
• If you are using a screw-on arrow rest, this will provide the most secure point of contact for your arrow.
• If you are using a metal arrow rest, you can change the angle of the arrow rest, which will influence how far the arrow rest protrudes beyond the arrow. Ideally, minimise the amount the arrow rest protrudes beyond the arrow, but if you notice the arrow falling off the rest, increase the angle.
• If you are using a blade arrow rest, the arrow may jump off the rest while drawing back the bow. This can be resolved by drawing back the bow as smoothly as possible.
• If you are using a stick-on rest, have lots of spares as the arm that holds the arrow is quite fragile and can easily break.

Frequently asked questions