Arrow rests come in a diverse selection of designs, makes and models — drop-away, launcher, full containment, prong and others — sure to fit every archery application and personal preference. And whether it’s a leisurely day at the range, a 3-D tournament or the big game hunt of a lifetime, these mechanical wonders are counted on to help deliver arrow after arrow with reliable and repeatable precision.
A high-quality arrow rest is essential for achieving a smooth, consistent release and accurate arrow flight. And while on the surface, it performs the very simple function of supporting the arrow until it’s fired, the rest must also keep the arrow in perfect alignment throughout the entire shooting cycle — aim, release, follow-through.
For the archery retailer, arrow rests represent an avenue for increased profit — with many models selling for more than $200 — a no-brainer add-on to each and every new bow sale. And that means it’s important to have a wide variety of arrow rests on hand when your archery patrons come shopping for a new bow or looking for an upgrade for their current bow.
APA Archery Twister 360
Machined from aircraft-grade aluminum, brass and stainless steel, APA’s rugged and compact Twister 360 Arrow Rest is a revolutionary new design that allows archers to nock an arrow with any fletching combination regardless of cock vane orientation for easier tunability. This limb-driven, side-loading full-containment arrow rest incorporates APA’s forward launch position for increased efficiency and pin-point accuracy, and its all-metal construction provides durability and strength. The Twister 360 is micro adjustable and lined with fleece to eliminate noise for whisper-quiet operation. Left- and right-handed models are available. MSRP: $168.
Arizona Archery Prophecy QD
The Prophecy QD full-capture, fall-away arrow rest from Arizona Archery Enterprises was designed for hunters and target shooters who demand accuracy, consistency and dependability. Built on AAE’s Pro series frame, the Prophecy QD provides both vertical and horizontal micro-adjustment for ease of set up and fine tuning, and its proprietary trigger mechanism includes an integrated nano-second delay, allowing the rest to stay up longer while maintaining maximum clearance. The launcher is flexible and unbreakable for added forgiveness and minimal arrow noise, and its stainless-steel tolerance-fit axle rotates on twin stainless-steel sealed ball bearings for added strength and consistency. The Prophecy QD utilizes the Freakshow QD mount internal mechanism and does not cycle when letting down, reducing unwanted noise. MSRP: $309.99.
NAP Quiktune 360°
The Quiktune 360° arrow rest from New Archery Products (NAP) was designed with capture brushes that allow the user to shoot with no vane contact and at any angle — even upside down. No vane contact means no loss of speed, no drag and no possible damage to fletchings. And this means increased accuracy. There is no need to use de-icing products in cold, wet weather, and wind will not disturb the arrow as it rests securely on the Quiktune 360° capture rest. Available in black only, it weighs 2.5 ounces. MSRP: $39.99.
QAD UltraRest Integrate MX2
The MX on steroids, the Quality Archery Designs (QAD) UltraRest Integrate MX2 arrow rest is designed with a rugged stealthy capture bar and a robust 7075 aluminum launcher that holds up during the most grueling hunts. The MX2 features precision click micro-adjustments, drop-away, slow let-down, total containment and lock-down technology, and its intricately machined launcher is bulletproof yet hushed thanks to the built-in customizable dampers. A seamless connection to the Integrate Mounting Systems found on Mathews, Hoyt, PSE, Bowtech, Prime, Athens, Darton, Bear, Xpedition and APA bows, guarantees a rock-solid mount and a trimmed down design. Made in the USA. MSRP: $279.99-$299.99.
Vapor Trail Gen Integrate 8X
Vapor Trail’s Gen Integrate 8X (GI8X) limb driven arrow rest has a lower profile to accommodate the Mathews LowPro detachable quiver and was specifically designed for the Integrate Mounting System found on most of today’s major bow brands. At 4.1 ounces, it is one of the company’s lightest, most compact arrow rests, made with advanced features, including micro-adjustable windage and elevation, and a full-capture rubber over-molded carbon cage made with proprietary vibration-dampening material in 14 interchangeable colors. The free-floating launcher arm supports the arrow for up to 70 percent of the shot cycle, resulting in increased downrange accuracy. The GI8X comes packaged with Vapor Trail’s own SHAG (Shelf Hushing Arrow Grabbing) pad, limb pad and activation cord. MSRP: $274.99.