Recurve bow enthusiasts understand that part of the excitement of owning a recurve bow is the setup.
Getting to choose from all the contrasting styles of bowstrings, and limbs adds quite a bit of fun. Besides, this process gives you the freedom to create a custom bow setup tailored just for you.
One component that is a part of this setup is an arrow rest. Alongside the plunger and string, the arrow rest is one of the few elements that an arrow touches during a shot.
Not sure whether you should buy an arrow rest, or which one to go for? We’re here to help. Below is a detailed guide to finding the best recurve bow arrow rest. We’ve also highlighted the benefits that an arrow rest brings to the table.
Reviews of the Best Arrow Rests for Recurve Bows
Let's start by taking a look at the top products on offer.
1. erduoduo Archery Recurve Bow Arrow Rests
The last thing you want is for the arrow rest to slide off the bow when you’re in the middle of taking a shot.
If you want to minimize this risk, consider the erduoduo arrow rests that include 3M double-sided adhesive. With such a quality adhesive, the rest sticks on your bow firmly and it’s fairly easy to install too.
Another thing you’ll love about this set is the fact that it includes a whopping 12 arrow rests. Interestingly, it’s very budget friendly, providing maximum value for your investment.
For archers who want to give magnetic arrow rests a try, the Sharrow model is just what you need.
The manufacturer set out to meet the needs of every kind of archer with this rest. This explains why it’s available in left- and right-hand versions, and in numerous colors as well.
If you like your arrow rest bright, then you can buy the red or yellow. And if you prefer more neutral colors: black and blue colors are also available.
More importantly, the Sharrow magnetic rest delivers an exceptional performance. It holds your arrows more consistently, helping you achieve pinpoint accuracy with each shot.
If you’re looking to buy multiple arrow rests, Hoyt/Easton has got you covered. Their Archery Bow Rest is low-priced, giving you some wiggle room to purchase several units.
Constructed using molded plastic, this is one of the most durable arrow rests available. And thanks to its stick-on design, it’s pretty easy to install. Plus, it comes in left- and right-hand models, catering to the needs of all archers.
Have you been searching for an arrow rest that can improve both your accuracy and shooting speed? If you have, the Skylety Archery Arrow Rest is the perfect choice.
Unlike other models where you only get one rest, this one includes two pairs of rests, that is, 2 triangle pads and 2 rectangle pads. The concept behind shaping the pads in this manner is to offer buffering while preventing the arrows from slipping.
More importantly, the arrow rest pads are made of fur. The fur construction makes the arrow much smoother for drawing. It also minimizes the friction between the bow and the arrow, which allows you to shoot the arrow faster and more accurately.
And the best thing is that the Skylety rest can work with different bows. Since it’s made of fur, it’s very easy to trim it to the desired shape and size.
Versatility is another area where the Skylety arrow rest shines. Apart from recurve bows, it can also be installed on traditional longbows.
Don’t mind splurging on a premium-quality arrow rest? If you don’t, consider the Archery Cushion Plunger model that comes in a black color.
As you might have guessed from the title, the set includes a plunger and arrow rest in one. These parts work nicely together to prevent any wobbling in the arrow’s flight. Thanks to this, any arrow you shoot flies straighter, boosting your precision considerably.
You’ll also find it relatively easy to install this arrow rest. The manufacturer has provided a wrench and screw, which are the only things you’ll need for setup.
Want to enjoy the convenience that arrow rests offer without sacrificing the spirit of traditional recurve shooting? If you answered yes, the Bear Archery Weather Rest is just what you need.
One of its key highlights entails its working mechanism. This rest is able to straighten out the arrow without disrupting its flight path.
Better yet, installing the rest on your bow is incredibly easy. This is thanks to the self-adhesive backing that it comes with. The only drawback is the fact that it comes in a right-hand version only. This means that if you use left-hand bows frequently, this arrow rest isn’t the best choice.
Difference Between Recurve and Compound Bow Arrow Rests
Whether you’re shooting with a compound or recurve bow, an arrow rest is an indispensable accessory.
The primary difference between these rests lies in their construction. While recurve arrow rests feature a simple and minimalist design, compound bow arrow rests are a little more sophisticated. The following is a breakdown of the arrow rests used with each type of bow:
Recurve Bow
With a recurve bow, the arrow rests you’ll have to choose from are:
Shelf rests
This is the most basic kind of arrow rest you’ll ever find. It differs from other arrow rests in the sense that it’s a fabric placed on the bow.
Simply put; it’s not a standalone tool but rather a material added to the bow so as to protect the arrow shelf. It provides a platform on which the arrows rest. Most shelf rests are made of either animal hair, felt or leather.
Stick-on rests
This is another easy-to-use arrow rest. It works exactly as implied in its name. It usually comes with a double-sided tape or other type of adhesive that helps you stick the rest on to your bow.
Stick-on arrow rests are particularly helpful if your recurve bow isn’t pre-drilled for a screw-in rest.
Screw-in or Bolt-on rests
This rest works fairly similar to a stick-on, with the only difference being that it needs to be screwed into your bow. The screw-in design translates to a more stable, durable and accurate rest.
Rest-Plunger Combo
The last choice of arrow rest available for recurve bow owners entails the rest and plunger combo. The plunger element is shaped like a cylinder and usually touches your arrow horizontally.
A plunger serves two crucial functions. For one, it centers each shot and props up your arrow. Secondly, it offsets any arrow imperfections.
When you shoot an arrow, there’s a small chance that it will flex. The plunger comes in and absorbs such imperfections. This then ensures that the flight path remains straight as the arrow leaves the bow.
Compound Bow
Compound bows employ more advanced technologies. As such, it’s not surprising that their arrow rests contain more complex features too. The main arrow rests available for compound bow users include:
Launcher rest
If you’re looking for a simple arrow rest for your compound bow, the launcher model is the best option. It’s made up of two prongs that are spaced a couple of inches apart; hence, creating a cradle for the arrows to rest in.
These springs boast a spring-loaded mechanism that causes them to flex a bit as the arrow is passing. This then minimizes friction and subsequently, interference to the flight path.
Full containment rest
As implied in its name, this arrow rest keeps your arrows completely contained throughout the draw cycle and release.
Full containment rests are a favorite for many hunters, and rightly so. They’re ultra-quiet and thanks to their design, it’s very rare for an arrow to fall off from the bow. This arrow rest also works effectively regardless of whether an archer is standing or sitting.
Drop away rest
This type of rest is known for its multiple moving parts. It is no wonder that it’s also the most advanced arrow rest.
The way a drop away rest works is by holding your arrow completely upright during the draw cycle. Then just as the arrow is leaving the bow, it falls out of the way; hence, the name ‘drop-away’.
How to Choose the Right Arrow Rest for a Recurve Bow
There are a few points you should consider before choosing a recurve bow arrow rest. These include:
Arrow retention capability
It’s a no-brainer that a quality arrow rest should be able to retain your arrows until you’re ready to shoot. If it can’t achieve this, then there’s a very high chance of the arrow falling from the rest as you release it; resulting in a misfire.
Interference with the arrow’s flight path
Though the rest should be capable of retaining arrows, it shouldn’t have an overly tight grip on them. Its grip ought to be moderate to avoid compromising your accuracy.
Adjustability
When attaching the rest to your bow, you should ensure that it’s well tuned. However, the setup doesn’t end there. You may find yourself having to make some trivial adjustments along the way. As such, the best recurve bow arrow rest should allow for this adjustability.
Do You Need an Arrow Rest on a Recurve Bow?
There are two camps when it comes to recurve bow arrow rests: those who advocate for it and those who don’t.
Some archers find these arrow rests unnecessary. Their primary reason for this is the fact that it takes away from the traditional experience of shooting with a recurve bow. It’s considered that the more tools you incorporate on your recurve, the less traditional the experience gets.
Other archers who want to invest in this accessory but still keep it traditional, prefer a shelf rest that’s usually made using animal hair.
Now, there’s another group of archers that advocate for arrow rests, and rightly so. Though it may seem insignificant, an arrow rest plays a very crucial role. Specifically, it prevents your bow and arrows from wearing out too quickly.
Shooting your recurve bow without one not only risks damage to your bow but also your arrows. The bow can get wrecked when arrows slide across the shelf repeatedly, causing marks to start forming.
Ultimately, these marks become deeply engraved and can turn into grooves. With regards to the arrow, the vanes and feathers can easily start to fall off the arrow’s shaft.
Another risk that stems from shooting directly off the shelf is that it can compromise your accuracy.
Once the arrow moves past the shelf, the vanes and feathers can hit the shelf. The result is a tiny bump that can, at times, cause your arrow to fly off course. If you’re doing long-range shooting, the effect on your level of accuracy can be massive.
So does an arrow rest offer other benefits apart from improving your accuracy? Yes, it does. Here’s a quick summary:
- Keeps the arrow in one position when you’re drawing your recurve bow
- Ensures the arrow and fletchings don’t strike the shelf during a shot
- Moves your arrow from the shelf; thus, preventing it from unnecessary wear
How to Install an Arrow Rest on a Recurve Bow
How easy it is to install an arrow rest on your recurve bow will depend on a few things such as:
- The type of arrow rest you’re installing
- Whether your bow is designed for a bolt-on or screw-in rest
- Whether you’re installing a shelf/arrow rest combo or just one of them
Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty. You’ll have two installation techniques to pick from. The first entails screwing the arrow rests into the pre-drilled screw holes on your bow. The second method is to use an arrow rest that comes with its own adhesive back.
If you opt for the latter, start by trimming the rest material to the appropriate size so that it fits on your bow. Once you’re done trimming, get rid of the backing and place the rest firmly on the right surface. Apply some pressure on the adhesive to ensure it sticks.
Installing the bolt-on or screw-in arrow rests isn’t as easy though. In this case, you’ll need to place the arrow rest in such a way that it corresponds to the screw holes on your bow.
Once you’ve done that, the next step is to insert the screw and tighten it with a screwdriver.
The bolt-on rest follows a fairly similar approach, save for the fact that it requires an entirely different tool for tightening. Check out this video below that illustrates the process of installing a screw-in and bolt-on arrow rest.
Are Magnetic Rests Good for Recurve Bows?
Yes, magnetic rests work relatively well for recurve bows. But because of their complexity, they’re mostly recommended for experienced archers.
This type of rest relies on magnetic force to thrust the arrow from the bow; thus, minimize friction.
The way this works is that magnets of opposite charges are positioned within the arrow as well as in the arrow rest. The presence of opposite charges causes them to repel each other - an action that minimizes friction and contact between the bow and arrow.
Unfortunately, magnetic rests have always garnered mixed reviews. Most archers allege that the magnets don’t always align well or that they’re too difficult to use. However, the best way to know is to give it a try. If you fancy a magnet rest, take it for a run and decide whether it works for you.
Conclusion
As you continue to gain more archery experience - whether from a shooting range or hunting fields - you’ll quickly learn that every single detail makes a difference.
One such detail is investing in the best recurve bow arrow rest. This tool guides your arrow on a straight flight path without compromising speed or accuracy.
Looking for a quality arrow rest for recurve bows? One that comes highly recommended is the erduoduo Archery Recurve Bow Arrow Rests. It includes 12 pieces, so you’ll always have a spare rest to use. And, each one has an adhesive backing for an easy installation.