Arrow Rests for Recurve Bows

When it comes to the performance of the arrow rest, we must first understand how the arrow moves during the process of leaving the bow. It is important to understand that if the stiffness of the arrow shaft matches the draw weight and draw length, and the side pads are adjusted properly, the arrow shaft will be ejected after bending during the process of leaving the bow, and the actual test results also show that only in this case can the arrow accuracy and arrow speed be the highest.
Now let's talk about the arrow rest in the era of wooden bows and wooden arrows. The most common type is the brush type. At that time, the bow had no side pads, the draw weight could not be adjusted, and the arrow shaft had a high chance of hitting the bow rest during the process of leaving the bow. The brush arrow rest had a very gentle effect on the arrow feathers and arrow shanks, so this type of arrow rest was quite popular at the time. This type of arrow rest is often seen on integrated traditional longbows and recurve hunting bows for the same reason.
The disadvantage of the brush arrow rest is that it has a large contact surface with the arrow shaft and the support point is unstable, which has a certain impact on accuracy. After the side pads and adjustable pull weight function appeared, the outdoor plastic arrow rest was introduced. This arrow rest has a simple and reliable structure, a small contact surface with the arrow shaft, and stable support. When the arrow shaft leaves the arrow rest, this type of arrow rest will not affect the arrow shaft. Tests have shown that the performance of this arrow rest is not inferior to any high-end and complex arrow rests in terms of accuracy. The disadvantages of the outdoor plastic arrow rest are life and wear. Under normal use, the arrow rest needs to be replaced after 700 to 1000 arrows are worn out.
The spring arrow rest appeared at the same time as the plastic arrow rest. The structure of this arrow rest is also quite simple, the work is quite reliable, and it is more durable than the plastic arrow rest. The disadvantage is that if the arrow shaft does not match the pull weight and pull distance, or the side pad is not adjusted properly, it is easier to damage the arrow feathers and affect the accuracy. When choosing a spring arrow rest, pay attention to the processing accuracy. The place where the spring is fixed should not be loose. If the loose arrow rest is large, it will have a considerable impact on the accuracy.
Finally, there is the magnetic arrow rest that makes people feel high-tech. This type of arrow rest is mainly divided into two categories: large wrap-around type and small adhesive type. Small plastic arrow rests are glued to the bow handle like other small arrow rests. This type of arrow rest works very similarly to a spring arrow rest, but the movement of the magnetic swing pin is gentler. If the swing pin collides with the root of the arrow shaft, the damage to the arrow feathers is relatively small (but there will still be damage).
Small plastic arrow rests are more expensive than spring arrow rests. When choosing this type of arrow rest, just like spring arrow rests, you should pay attention to whether the swing pin and the fixing structure are loose. In addition, it should be noted that a considerable number of small magnetic arrow rests are adjustable, and the adjustment screws and holes are quite small, and the fixing strength is not strong. They often loosen during archery, thus affecting accuracy.
Non-adjustable small arrow rests are currently the most reliable. In addition, the weight of the swing pin is small, and the contact point with the arrow shaft is also small. Tests have proved that they can achieve very high accuracy. The biggest difference between large wraparound arrow rests and other arrow rests is that they are fixed to the bow handle with screws. In addition, there are more adjustable axes, which gives people a sense of high technology and the average price is the highest.
This type of arrow rest works just like a small arrow rest, but the swing pins that support the arrow shaft are thick. If the arrow is not selected correctly or the side pads are not adjusted properly, the arrow shaft or the arrow feathers will collide with the swing pins, which will have a much more serious impact than a small arrow rest. In addition, this type of arrow rest has many parts to adjust and fix, so it takes more time to adjust. In addition, due to the many movable parts and joint structures, the processing accuracy requirements are greater, otherwise the looseness will be greater than that of a spring or a small magnetic rest. Friendly reminder: No matter what kind of arrow rest, as long as it is not loose after being fixed, the arrow is selected correctly, and the side pads and arrow retaining points are adjusted well, the accuracy will be there, and the price does not reflect the performance.