What Are The Different Types Of Arrow Rests? [Know The Difference]

I was a novice archer and went to the market to buy an arrow rest for my bow.

He answered-

This isn’t everything. To know more about different types of arrow rest and the choosing process, read this article. I will explain them in detail.

What Does Arrow Rest Mean?

Do you know what is the arrow rest called? An arrow rest is a piece of equipment that attaches to the bow and keeps the arrow in place during shooting. It keeps the arrow in place throughout the whole shooting process until it is fired. 

There are many different types of arrow rests available, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. But which type of arrow rest do you need? 

Let’s see with an example: recurve bows usually use very simple and basic arrow rests. Shelf rest is a type of arrow rest used by both longbow and recurve archers. To achieve better accuracy, it is essential to use an arrow rest.

Reason To Get Arrow Rests

Ok so that’s what Arrow Rest is! But why do you need them? Here is why:

• Aim with Precision: An arrow rest helps you aim the bow precisely and accurately.
• Stable Shooting Platform: It provides you with a stable shooting platform for your arrow.
• Consistency in Short Patterns: Arrow rests help to maintain consistency in your shot patterns.
• Improves Shooting Form: An arrow rest can help you improve your shooting form.
• Adaptability: It generally connects to the side of your bow and helps to hold arrow placement consistency. If you need an adjustment for your perfect setup, the arrow rest moves left, right, up, or down.
• Variety of Options: There are many different types of arrow rests with their unique pros and cons. A wrong arrow rest can lead to erratic flight of the arrow and greatly affects the arrow spine.

What Are The Different Types Of Arrow Rests?

There are different types of arrow rests available. Various types of bows have different types of arrow rests associated with them as well. Here are different types of arrow rests:

Recurve Arrow Rests:

Recurve bows are used in a curved shape to increase the power of the draw. But recurve bows need the cable system. Which means it needs an arrow rest to support the arrow’s weight. Do you know what kind of arrow rest for recurve bow? There are different types of arrow rests for recurve bows:

• Shelf rests:  This arrow rest is best for shooting with feather fletching. Because shelf rest is the basic types of arrow rest built into the bow. The shelf is a flat area where the arrow is positioned directly above the grip.
• Stick on arrow rests: These types of arrow rests are attached to the recurve bow via double-sided tape or adhesive. It is affordable and easy to install. It has a small arm or prong that extends to support the arrow. These types of arrow rests are popular among beginner archers. 
• Screw-in rest: Screw-in rests are familiar to stick-on rests, except they screw into your recurve bow. It makes bows more durable and accurate. As they screw and tighten onto the bow, give them a stronger hold.

Compound Bow Arrow Rests

Compound bows have a cable system to reduce the draw weight and increase the arrow speed. Wanna know what are the types of arrow rest for compound bow? There are many types of arrow rests. Here are types of arrow rests compound bows :

• Launcher Rest: The launcher arrow rests have two prongs or a blade arrow rest for supporting your arrow with minimum contact to reduce friction. It is mainly used in bow hunting and target shooting archery.
• Containment Rests: In this arrow rest, the rest holds the arrow inside a cage or housing. To solve the issues of launcher rests, containment rests are designed by providing full arrow containment and support of the arrow. This rest is also called a whisker biscuit arrow rest. It is more helpful for beginners because it keeps the arrow from slipping off the rests and ensures an accurate shot.
• Drop Away Arrow Rests: These rests offer complete control without affecting shot quality by retracting when the arrow is shot. This ensures there is no contact with the arrow. The difference between limb-driven and cable-driven drop-away rests where they attach to the bow.

Pros and Cons Of Different Types Of Arrow Rest

Arrow rest is important but is there only benefit? No! There are some cons too. Take a look at both sides before getting an arrow rest:

Tips To Maintain Arrow Rest

Don’t get frustrated seeing all the cons. You can overcome it you know how to maintain it. Here are some tips to help you out:

• Tuning: Are you using the most modern bows? These use an arrow rest that helps to hold the arrow properly in place. In general, advanced arrow rests are highly adjustable and must be appropriately tuned.
• Inspect the arrow rest: You must have to check your arrows for any signs of crack or damage. Sometimes, arrow tips can be damaged, which also affects the rest to fly properly.
• Clean properly: You must clean the arrow rest to remove dirt and debris.
• Adjustment of the arrow rest: Adjust your arrow arrow rest position as needed for proper alignment.
• Replacement: If you find any cracks or damage to your rest, or if the arrow rest keeps falling off, it will be better for you to replace this arrow rest with a new one.

How To Choose The Right Arrow Rests? [Step By Step]

To get the perfect accuracy and consistency during shooting, it is very crucial to choose the right arrow rest. Here is the step-by-step process:

• Step 1: Determine The Type Of Bow & Arrow
• Step 2: Consider Your Skill Level
• Step 3: Choose The Style Of Your Arrow Rest
• Step 4: Adjustment Of The Arrow Rest
• Step 5: Visit A Local Archery Shop

Step 1: Determine The Type Of Bow & Arrow

First of all, determine what type of bow you are using because not all of them are suitable for all types of arrow rest. You should choose an arrow that is compatible with your arrow rest.

Suppose you are shooting with a recurve bow. Now, Basically, the type of arrow is primarily determined by the kind of arrows you use. But, how right? This can differ between bows used exclusively indoors (fat arrows), only outdoors (skinny arrows), or, if you only have one bow, a combination of both.

Step 2: Consider Your Skill Level

Are you a beginner in archery? If it is, you should choose an arrow rest, which is easy to use and install. 

For example, You can use a Hoyt Super Rest, which is known as a “set it and forget it” rest. It is the best choice for the archer because there is no required adjustment, and it is also cost-effective.

Step 3: Choose The Style Of Your Arrow Rest

In general, there are two styles available on the market: stick-on and wrap-around rest. But which will you choose, right? Stick-on rests are easy to use; they stick to the riser on the bow’s shelf side. These are lighter in weight and are simpler in design with fewer moving parts.

On the other hand, A “plate” is attached to the sight-mounting side of the bow beneath the plunger’s collar using wrap-around rests. In this, nothing gets stuck on the riser, and some of them need to adjust.

Step 4: Adjustment Of The Arrow Rest

Ensure that the arrow rest that you have chosen is properly positioned between the arrow shelf and the bowstring. Make sure the arrow rest is parallel to the shaft by adjusting its height.  Be sure that there is contact between the shaft and the arrowrest when drawing the bow.

Step 5: Visit A Local Archery Shop

If you are a novice archer, it may be difficult to choose the right arrow rest for you. You can seek guidance from a skilled archer. I suggest you visit an archery shop to find the perfect piece of equipment.

If you can choose the right arrow rest, it leads to more confidence in your shooting style. So, choose one of them as your personal preference.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, the above discussion was helpful for you, and you have got a clear vision of “what are the different types of arrow rests?”

Arrow rests are crucial for stabilizing the arrow in the right place and helps to aim properly during shooting. 
Don’t mistake to choose the right one. If you are a beginner, I suggest you seek guidance from a skilled archer.  I hope you got your answer, and that’s all for today!