Do you need a new drop-away arrow rest? If you’re an avid archer or bow hunter, you’ll want to choose the best drop-away arrow rest for your needs.
There are a lot of different arrow rests on the market, though. You might not know where to start.
That’s why I created this guide. I’ll show you the best drop away arrow rests that I found. You’ll find our top picks for a few different price ranges. So no matter what your budget is, you can find the perfect arrow rest for you.
Also, at the end of this post, I’ll show you what to look for in a new drop away arrow rest.
Top 10 Best Drop Away Arrow Rest Reviews
1. Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit Kill Shot Arrow Rest
Trophy Ridge Kill Shot is the most advanced biscuit arrow rest ever created. Not only is it the safest and most reliable, but also easy to use.
Allowing the arrow to slice through bristles, helps maintain course and speed. Also, advanced windage and elevation adjustments make it easy to adjust the rest for a perfect, accurate aim. Hence, expert and beginner bowhunters can shoot with confidence every time.
A reversible mount design makes this arrow rest ideal for all bow setups and hunting situations. You can use it with left- or right-hand bows.
You don’t want a flimsy arrow rest that breaks when you’re in the middle of a hunt. Well, this arrow rest doesn’t disappoint. It comes in composite materials that won’t break or crack like other plastic rests.
It’s also a lot quieter than most arrow rests on the market. So you can take your shot without spooking the game and ruining your chances at a successful hunt.
Pros
- Silent arrow loading
- Ideal for all bow setups
- Easy to adjust
- It’s available in three different sizes to match the type of arrow you want to shoot
- You get it in a bunch of different colors
Cons
- It tends to deform if you over tighten the screws
2. QAD Ultra HDX Arrow Rest
If you are serious about mastering your archery skills, the Ultra HDX arrow rest is for you. It packs all the features of the HD model but with extra bells and whistles to boot. So, as far as QAD arrow rests go, Ultra HDX is the gold standard.
Most drop-away arrow rests don’t hold the arrow as you wait for your shot. Instead, the HDX holds the arrow until you release it, which is a huge advantage, in my opinion.
This arrow rest is made from materials that inhibit sound. Moleskin and rubber, for instance, keep the arrow from making noise should it get bumped.
But as far as noise dampening goes, I think it’s the anti-vibration technology that sets it apart. It gobbles up noise, which is a full draw for bowhunters.
Most drop-away arrow rests have velocity drop-away technology. However, Ultra HDX takes the extra mile. It does more than drop away when you shoot. Instead, it does so by speeding forward in a down position to provide more fletching clearance.
But that’s not all. It also locks in the drop-away position to keep it from bouncing back and messing with the arrow flight. Well, the lock-down technology makes the HDX a top choice for high-speed shots over 400 fps.
The Ultra HDX arrow rest is more versatile and compatible than ever, thanks to the sleeve capture bar. In addition, it accommodates all the latest bows.
The Ultra Rest HDX is built with high-quality materials. The CNC aluminum and stainless steel, in particular, enable it to last for years of target practice or hunting.
This rest is available for left and right-hand use and comes in various colors to match your bow.
Pros
- Total arrow containment
- One of the quietest drop-away arrow rests
- Total fletching clearance
- EZ-clamp eliminates the need for a bow press
- Durable construction
- Full draw indicators
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Expensive
3. QAD Hunters Ultra Rest
The Ultra Hunter arrow rest, a mid-range model from QAD, doesn’t pack the bells and whistles of the HDX. It does, however, have all the basics for stability and consistency.
This arrow rest has a V-shaped containment bar, allowing you to focus more on your shot. It’s deeper and made of laser-cut felt for a very silent draw.
Like the HDX model, this arrow rest has a full draw indicator. Hence, it’s easy to know when the launcher is in position at full draw.
The launcher drops away once the bow is fired. For this reason, it guarantees total fletching clearance, providing the most accurate shot possible.
Thanks to the EZ clamp, this arrow rest is light and simple to use. Additionally, it comes in stainless steel and CNC aluminum, making it stronger and durable.
Ultra Hunter arrow rest comes with a micro-adjust wheel, so you can easily set it to your ideal position. But unlike the HDX, it only allows for horizontal and overdraw adjustments, not vertical.
Most arrow rests from QAD, including the HDX, are excellent for shooting arrows. The Hunters Ultra is no exception. It shoots short arrows but at a price that won’t hurt your wallet.
Pros
- Maximum arrow containment
- Quiet performance
- Maximum fletching clearance
- Strong and durable built
- Full-draw indicator
- No need for a bow press
Cons
- Only for righties
- Limited colors (black)
4. Apache Drop Away Arrow Rest
The Apache arrow rest isn’t as advanced as the high-end arrow rests. However, it’s one piece of budget gear that’s solid, reliable, and does what it’s supposed to do.
This arrow rest is pretty much simple in design. It neither has internal cocking mechanisms nor complicated parts.
But while simple, the Apache arrow rest isn’t prone to failures. It doesn’t have any bounce-back issues and comes in a durable all-metal construction.
The tool-less knobs tend to add some bit of weight to this arrow rest. But the big advantage is that they enable you to fine-tune the arrow rest on the go. Also, the knobs have etched graduations for quick and easy adjustments.
I like that it’s manufactured with sound-dampening technology for a silent arrow release. It achieves this through the 360-degree padded containment cage.
One feature that has made the Apache arrow rest so popular is the open top. Unlike most arrow rests that load from the side, this arrow rest loads from the top.
Well, it might take a little time to get used to. Nonetheless, it eliminates the need to fiddle with that top bar, which is a huge plus for most bowhunters. Moreover, loading arrows is a whole lot quicker once you get the hang of it.
Pros
- Quiet performance
- Well built
- Easy setup and adjustments
- Available in both left and right-hand orientations
Cons
- A bit heavy and bulky
5. Trophy Ridge Sync Drop Away Arrow Rest
You’ve probably seen it on the archery range. But did you know the Trophy Ridge Sync arrow rest is a great upgrade for bowhunters, too? It’s designed and tested to appeal to the most committed bowhunters.
This arrow rest offers the fine-tuning that bowhunters love and trust. The windage and elevation adjustments, for instance, reward you with a perfect shot every time. Also, the cable system offers a smoother experience every time you draw your bow.
Also, this arrow rest isn’t called “sync” for nothing. It has a removable full containment arm that ensures your bow is ready when you are. So, it’s a reliable arrow rest that moves with your bow and arrow.
Stealth accounts for a huge part of your hunting success. Well, the Sync arrow rest doesn’t disappoint. It uses felt material to provide quiet performance that doesn’t give away your position.
This lightweight arrow rest is available for both left and right-hand use. Also, it has all the hardware for quick and easy installation.
Pros
- Consistently smooth release
- Fine-tuned shots
- Noise-reduction
- Full arrow containment
- Lightweight aluminum construction
Cons
- It doesn’t clear that arrow path fast enough on high-poundage bows
6. Ripcord Code Red Fall Away Arrow Rest
Ripcord Code Red arrow rest has been in the limelight for quite a while now. It’s a no-nonsense arrow rest and one of the most dependable on the market.
Though not top-of-the-line, most hunters swear by it, with many likening it to the popular QAD Ultra HDX arrow rest.
Well, Code Red is a no-frills arrow rest. But while simple in design, you can count on it to deliver. In addition, it uses all metal parts, making it less prone to durability issues.
Also, this arrow rest is super easy to tune. You can shoot fairly large vanes without timing issues or fletching contact. It offers complete arrow clearance at full draw.
Most arrow rests use moleskin to address the noise issue. On the other hand, Ripcord Code Red uses rubber coating, which is a lot better, in my opinion. It not only keeps the arrow quiet but also doesn’t wear out like moleskin.
Thanks to the internal brake system, this arrow rest has no bounce-back issues. Hence, there’s no fletching contact when you release the arrow.
Pros
- Simple yet dependable design
- Easy adjustments
- Full containment
- Durable rubber coating for noise reduction
Cons
- You have to take it apart to replace the activation cord
7. QAD Ultra-Rest HDX, Mossy Oak
QAD is a name you can trust, especially if you’re into bowhunting. You can count on the Ultra-Rest HDX, where you need nothing less than top-of-the-line performance.
Ultra-Rest HDX sets the bar high for other models out there. It’s extremely versatile to satisfy the most seasoned bowhunters.
Since it provides total arrow containment, this arrow rest allows you to focus more on that lifetime shot. Also, the launcher has a lock-down feature to keep it from bouncing back.
The Ultra-Rest HDX has an anti-vibration feature that makes it one of the quietest on the market. Also, it has a laser-cut felt for a dead-silent draw.
This arrow rest is also tough enough for any hunting excursions. It comes in CNC-machine aluminum and stainless steel, except for the tough plastic part. As such, it can withstand accidental drops and other physical abuse.
You can say goodbye to your bow press. This arrow rest has an EZ clamp system that makes setup easier than ever before.
Another huge advantage is the mossy oak pattern. It gives you more edge when stalking prey.
Pros
- Durable construction
- No vane contact or bounce-back issues
- It reduces noise and vibrations
- Provides better stability to the arrow
- Wide-range compatibility with the latest bows
- Easy to install
- Camouflage pattern
Cons
- Expensive
- Only for right-hand users
8. Vapor Trail Limbdriver Pro-V Rest
It’s hard to miss out on the Vapor Trail Limbdriver Pro-V in any list of the best drop-away arrow rests. It’s a solid, more user-friendly rest that doesn’t need a ton of experience to install and use.
Unlike other products in our list, the Pro-V arrow rest uses a limb-driven design. Unlike cable-driven counterparts, it doesn’t affect your timing.
Since the activation cord is tied to the limb, this arrow rest is one of the easiest to set up. You won’t need any bow press.
Longer arrow support is the biggest upside with this arrow rest. It supports your arrow for 70% of the shot cycle. Hence, it gives the arrow more time to stabilize fully.
Pro-V arrow rest doesn’t provide full containment as advertised. Still, it offers near-full containment. Thus, you’ll rarely have any issues with the arrow falling out. The containment cage is also pretty big. So, again, there’s no issue with vane contact.
Except for the rubber coating, this arrow rest is entirely metal. Thus, it scores pretty well regarding durability.
Pros
- Super easy to install
- No vane contact
- Provides longer arrow support
- American made durability
Cons
- The arrow might rattle around the cage
9. Trophy Taker SmackDown Pro Arrow Rest
Speed and easy tuning are areas where the Trophy Taker SmackDown Pro arrow rest ranks high. The limb-driven system offers the quickest shot reaction possible. Not only that, but it’s also super easy to tune without the need for a bow press.
The cage is fairly big to provide more clearance. Plus, it offers full arrow containment, allowing you to focus more on your shot.
This arrow rest has multiple features to deal with the noise issue. First, it has a fleece covering and a rubber coating to reduce both noise and vibrations. SmackDown Pro arrow rest also has ball bearings that make it completely silent.
The frame is 100% metal. Still, it’s lightweight enough to carry during the hunt.
SmackDown Pro rest gives you endless mounting options. It can attach to the upper limb, lower limb, or upward cable.
Pros
- Super easy to tune
- It has fleece and rubber coating to reduce noise
- Durable metal construction
- Easy to install
- Keeps the arrow in place as you move
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- The design is a little complicated for new archers
10. TRUGLO Down-Draft Cable-Driven Drop Away Arrow Rest
The TRUGLO Down-Draft arrow rest is a good point to start if you’re just after the basics. Not only is it among the best entry-level rests, but also the best for the budget.
Though a budget model, this arrow rest isn’t entirely stripped down. It has a few big selling points that make it worth your time and money.
First, this arrow rest is relatively easy to set up. Hence, you won’t need your bow press.
Well, TRUGLOW Down-Draft isn’t the quietest arrow rest you’ll find. However, it has soundproof launcher arms that hush the noise a bit.
The arms provide more than noise reduction. They also don’t have bounce-back issues to avoid fletching contact.
Another huge upside is that you can configure it to your liking. You can fit it on a left or right-handed bow. For me, that’s a big deal, especially coming from a budget arrow rest.
Well, durability is a bit lacking compared to other arrow rests. It does, however, hold up well and can withstand weather conditions.
Pros
- Easily adjustable to your preference
- Relatively silent
- No bounce-back issues
Cons
- The launcher arms don’t provide arrow containment unless fully drawn.
The Best Drop Away Arrow Rest: A Comprehensive Guide
There are many different drop-away arrow rests on the market, and it can be overwhelming trying to decide which one is the best for you.
Here are the main things you’ll want to consider before you make your purchase.
Sound Dampening
When you release an arrow, it will make some degree of noise while passing the arrow rest. Well, this doesn’t go well, especially for bowhunters who value stealth. Animals like deer, for instance, get spooked by even the slightest noise.
So, to give you the edge, choose an arrow rest that has noise-dampening materials or technology. Most arrow rests have felt material, fleece cover, or rubber coating to reduce noise. High-end options address not only the noise issue but also vibrations.
Noise, however, isn’t much of a concern for archers and target shooters. After all, it makes no difference whether there’s little or more sound. So, as far as archers go, sound dampening is more of a personal preference.
Containment
Placing the arrow on the rest doesn’t guarantee it will stay within the confines of the arrow rest. It can accidentally fall off in case of any wrong movement.
To prevent such, pick an arrow rest that has containment bars to hold the arrow in position. Most would argue that this is a matter of personal preference. However, the rewards are worth it.
A good containment cage will not only keep the arrow fully contained but also keep it silent. Also, it allows you to focus more on the shot instead of worrying about the arrow.
Durability
Drop-away arrow rests are not made equal. Some come in sturdy materials. Others, especially budget models, may opt for low-quality designs and materials.
A durable arrow rest not only lasts longer but also offers more reliable shots. But don’t trade weight for durability. Instead, pick an arrow rest that’s sturdy but also lightweight enough to carry around.
Weight
Weight affects precision and accuracy. Also, it’s a no-brainer that the arrow rest will add some weight to your bow setup.
How heavy or light you want it entirely depends on what setup works best for you. However, I’ll always recommend going as light as possible. After all, any significant change in the weight of your bow setup can affect the consistency of motion and accuracy.
Arrow Clearance
Choose an arrow rest that gives your arrow as much clearance as possible. Any fletching or vane contact might knock it off the course. Moreover, a good arrow clearance will help minimize friction, hence boosting the speed of the arrow.
Safety Features
Not many products come with safety features. Still, it’s a good consideration if you want to protect yourself and those around you. Look for protective design features, such as breakaway safety.
Ease of Setup & Adjustment
The best drop away arrow rest should be easy to use, install, and adjust. It will save you time and energy. Also, it will ensure accurate alignment.
Best Drop Away Arrow Rest FAQs
Which is better drop away arrow rests and whisker biscuits?
Well, each style has its weaknesses and strengths.
Whisker biscuits are far easier to install and have an almost zero chance of mechanical failure. On the other hand, drop away arrow rests provide better velocity and accuracy.
At the end of it all, it’s all about reliability and forgiveness. While whisker biscuits are more reliable, drop away arrow rests are more forgiving.
Which is better between limb-driven and cable-driven drop away arrow rests?
The design of the arrow rest is one of the most important things to consider. Whether to go cable-driven or limb-driven is one question asked by most people.
Cable rests are tied to the down cable. They’re the ideal choice if you’re looking for better arrow containment. Also, it keeps the arrow silent, making it ideal for walking and stalking prey through the woods.
Limb-driven arrow rests are tied to the limb. Thus, they provide better timing and fletching clearance. Moreover, limb-driven arrow rests are the easiest to set up.
Should arrows sit level with the rest?
Arrow placement should be level or at a very slight downward angle, especially when shooting downhill. Though a matter of personal preference, the general rule is that you shouldn’t angle the arrow upward.
Conclusion
With the best drop away arrow rest, you can focus on your shot without worrying if your arrow will hit the rest or not. All products I recommend are durable and easy to use. Also, they’re lightweight enough not to slow you down during your hunts. Whether you’re an archery expert, a seasoned bowhunter, or just starting, these arrow rests will help you shoot like a pro! Pick one now and find out why so many bowhunters are switching them.
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