Fact checked by Steven Lines, lifelong Hunter and Outdoorsman
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Knowing which equipment you need and what purchases you can comfortably make can be tough. This confusion has led many to question when an arrow rest is necessary?
You don’t need to use an arrow rest, as most bows will work well “off-the-shelf.” But there are a few reasons why you might want to consider using a rest. For example, it can help protect your bow from damage and improve accuracy.
As you can see, while not strictly necessary, there are still some reasons why you might want to consider using an arrow rest. Let’s take a closer look at this area, so you can find whether or not an arrow rest is right for you.
In this post, we'll cover:
What Does An Arrow Rest Do?
Let’s start by looking at what an arrow rest is. An arrow rest is a place the arrow can sit in before getting fired. Typically, these are made from metal or plastic, though there might be some made from other materials, like wood.
This is different from the off-the-shelf style of shooting the arrow. In most cases, the bow will come with a shelf built into the bow above the handle. When you use this, you won’t need an arrow rest. However, as we’ll see, there are still some reasons why you might want to purchase one.
Now that we know the difference between these two approaches let’s consider whether you need to pay for an arrow rest.
Do You Need An Arrow Rest?
Though you don’t need one to use the bow, it’s generally believed that you should have an arrow rest. Let’s look at some of the reasons why many people prefer to use an arrow rest.
Added Stability
When you use an arrow rest, you will have somewhere for your arrows to lie while you line up the shot. This will allow you to spend more time aiming, increasing your accuracy.
It also makes drawing back on the string easier without knocking the arrow out of place.
For this reason, it’s highly recommended that beginners use an arrow rest. This will let them spend more time focusing on their technique rather than keeping the arrow in place.
Protect Your Bow And Arrows From Damage
Many people also prefer to use an arrow rest to make sure that they don’t accidentally damage their arrows or bow.
If you don’t use one, shooting off the shelf, there is a chance that the fletches on the arrow will make contact with the shelf on their way through. This can lead to scratching and damage on the bow if done enough. An arrow rest will prevent this.
Even if you opt not to use an arrow rest, you should still ensure that you protect the bow from this damage. The most common way of doing this is lining the inside of the shelf with material like leather or moleskin.
An arrow rest can also be useful for your arrows. When they make contact with the bow, their fletches might be damaged. When this occurs, it can disrupt your arrow’s flight, decreasing your accuracy. An arrow rest will help prevent this.
The exception to this is feather fletches, which are designed to work with the off-the-shelf shooting style.
What Type Of Arrow Rests Are Available?
If you want to use an arrow rest, there are a few different options for you to explore. The right one for you will often depend on your bow type and what you are looking for in your arrow rests. Generally, most arrow rests fall into three categories. These are;
- Screw-In Rests
- Stick-On Rests
- Rest-Plunger Combo
Let’s take a quick look at each approach.
Screw-In Rests
First, you will come across screw-in rests. These are designed to be screwed into the bow. However, these are limited to the bows that have a pre-drilled hole that will be able to accept this kind of rest.
One of the most significant advantages of this approach is that it is securely attached. This can make your aim easier, allowing you to improve your accuracy.
In most cases, these rests are made from a combination of plastic and metal.
Stick-On Rests
Another popular type of rest is stick-on. Unlike the screw-in model, these are attached using an adhesive, such as double-sided tape. Because of this, they are compatible with every type of bow on the market.
Stick-on rests are freely available, giving you plenty of options. This competition can also help to drive down prices, making them more affordable.
However, the stick-on rests are typically not as secure as the screw-on models.
Though several options are available, most will be made from metal or plastic.
Rest-Plunger Combo
This is a rarer type of rest, used primarily by archers that want to take a traditional approach to the sport. In this case, you’ll need a bow that has a threaded plunger hole that you can attach to the shelf.
In this model, a wire arm and plunger are used. The plunger allows you to cushion the movements of the arrow as it leaves the bow. This is designed to produce a straighter flight and improve your accuracy.
However, because of the specificity of this approach, it’s not as widely utilized as some of the other arrow-rests on the market.
Finding The Best Arrow Rest For You
With so many different arrow rest styles on the market, finding the right one for you can be challenging.
First, you should choose something made from a durable material, like metal. These will last for a long time.
Also, you should think about how complex you want the arrow rest to be. For example, more experienced shooters might want an arrow rest that will fall out of the way once the arrow has been fired. This is intended to reduce interference with the arrow.
For most beginners, though, you will need a simple arrow rest.
Using Your Arrow Rest
Once you’ve found an excellent arrow rest, you can start using it. This will be relatively easy. You can lay your arrow on the rest. This will require a few minor changes to the way you approach archery. But you should get the hang of it within a few arrows.
When you’re getting started, it’s recommended that you get used to this new approach by spending a few extra hours training on the range. Combined with a training routine, improving your strength and conditioning can significantly improve your accuracy and aim.
In Conclusion
While you don’t need to use an arrow rest, it’s recommended that you use one. This will often allow you to improve your accuracy while protecting your bows and arrows from damage.
Because of their popularity, there are many different models available on the market so that you can find the right one for your needs.
Do You Need An Armguard For Archery?
Steven Lines is a hunter and outdoorsman from Safford, Arizona, USA. Since he was a child, he has been hunting and fishing and has over 20 years of outdoor experience. Steven works as a hunting guide in Arizona during his spare time and runs a Youtube channel dedicated to sharing his outdoor adventures with others.