My top recommended arrow rest for today is going to be this one from Trophy Ridge which is also the simplest and you do not need anything more. It is a whisker biscuit where you can also adjust it for the windage and elevation.
In this article, I will provide you with everything that you need to know when it comes to buying an arrow rest for yourself. Whether you want to replace your current arrow rest or your compound bow did not come with one. I know that some people (like myself) are more into building up their compound bows instead of purchasing a complete one.
After reading this piece, you will have a better idea on how to choose an arrow rest for your compound bow setup. In this article, I am also going to cover 6 of the arrow rests that you can use for your compound bow.
I am also going to cover the different types such as the whisker biscuit and fall-away rests, the cost and also how to install them onto your bow.
A short recap on arrow rests:
An arrow rest is a part of your bow from which your arrow will rest upon (as the name implies). Arrow rests play an integral role in any compound bow setup. I would not recommend any hunter to go out and shoot a compound bow without the use of an arrow rest. Fortunately, most compound bows will already come with an arrow rest installed.
Best Arrow Rest For Compound Bow (Ultimate Buying Guide)
If you want to hear my honest opinion on what I think off arrow rests in particular, then this part might shock you. I am not a huge believer in buying the most expensive products all the time. When it comes to buying parts for my compound bow, I would rather spend most of my money on the bow itself and maybe upgrade it’s sight. Arrow rests would be the last item on my priority list for if I should buy them for my bow.
If you are serious about bow hunting and you can afford the best of the best, then this will not affect you. In this part of the review, I am going to teach you everything I know about arrow rests. I believe that after reading this part, you will be more knowledgeable about these products which are crucial for if you want to purchase one for yourself.
For a short recap, I am going to cover the types of arrow rests available, the cost associated with them and also how to correctly install them.
Let’s start with the different types available:
1. The 3 types of Arrow Rests
In this part, I am going to reveal the three different types of arrow rests that you can buy which will include the Whisker Biscuit, the Fall-Away arrow rest and also the 3-Point Brush.
a) Whisker Biscuit vs. Fall-Away
The whisker biscuit is the most common type of arrow rest that you will find. It is straightforward in design and does what it is supposed to do. The whisker biscuit is also much more reliable than the fall-away arrow rest because it has less moving parts.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the whisker biscuit is so much easier to tune than the fall-away. The only downside to the whisker biscuit is that it provides more resistance to the arrow than the fall-away. The reason for this is because the arrow fletchings need to move through the brush part of the whisker biscuit.
The fall away makes up for this because once the arrow is released and the timing cord kicks in, there will be almost zero resistance to the arrow. The difference in resistance between these two types will practically be non-significant.
The whisker biscuit is easier to use because you only need to nock your arrow and shoot. The fall-away is a different story. This type requires a ton of adjustment before you can even dream about approaching the hunting grounds.
This type will have a “V” shaped launcher arm that will keep the arrow in place while you draw the string. Once you release the string, the arrow will flow through this launcher arm until the tension from the timing string is released. Once the tension is released, the launcher arm will fall just before the fletchings of the arrow reaches the end.
The timing string will be attached to either the bottom limb or the upward cable. So, in a nutshell, the tension of the timing string will release when the bow is close to its resting position which is just before the arrow is ultimately released.
b) The 3-Point Brush
This type is my least favorite, and soon you will know why. This type forms part of the whisker biscuit or can be considered a subtype. This type makes use of 3 small brushes which will keep the arrow in place.
The problem with this is that the brushes need to be harder than that of the regular whisker biscuit because the quantity of hair is less.
When using this type, you need to make sure that the arrow fletchings pass between the 3 small open spaces between the 3 small brushes. This requires practice and some getting used to. I would save myself from all this trouble and potential errors and get myself a standard whisker biscuit instead.
2. How much do they cost?
Here is where it gets interesting because the whisker biscuit is way cheaper than the fall-away. I have never seen a whisker biscuit that crosses the $60 mark while the fall away can even exceed over $130 which is more than double that of the previous type.
Some of the whisker biscuit rests can even cost less than $20 which is a bargain. If you want to save some money, then I would recommend the Mosuch (3-Point Brush) or the Tabiger (Whisker Biscuit).
If you want to get yourself a fall-away rest, then the Ripcord Code Red is going to be the least expensive option.
3. How to install an Arrow Rest
The installation process is straightforward. The only problem that I came across is the use of an Allen key. Some people might have the right set while others need to buy an additional key.
This is a problem because most manufacturers do not give any data on the size of the screw that you need to connect the arrow rest to your compound bow. See video above for a practical demonstration:
#1 Trophy Ridge (Top Pick)
Best For: If you are after simplicity and quality, then the Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit is for you.
The reason why this arrow rest from Trophy Ridge is my favorite is that of its simplicity. There are other types of arrow rests such as the fall-away arrow rest which is much more complicated and expensive. This specific product is a Whisker Biscuit type rest that is very simple to use. You can adjust both the windage and elevation of this product. Both right and left-handed shooters can use this product.
You will also get three sizes which are size small, medium and long. The right size for you bow will all depend on the thickness of your arrow. There should always be a tiny gap between the top side of your arrow and the brush. If there is no gap, then the fit of the arrow will be too tight. You can also choose between 7 different colors to match that of your bow.
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#2 Mosuch (Least Expensive)
Best For: For those that want the cheapest arrow rest which also uses three brushes.
The least expensive product in this category is going to be this product from Mosuch. This is the only arrow rest that I came across that uses three small brushes for arrow guidance. Within the package, you will get the arrow rest itself, the attachment arm and an Allen screw. Unfortunately, I do not know the exact size Allen key needed to operate the screw. You also have the option to choose between 5 colors that include black, carbon fiber, camo, pink camo and then snow camo. What I also liked was that the arm would give you some adjustability where you can shift it either to your left or right.
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#3 Tabiger
Best For: For those hunters that want a “whisker biscuit” arrow rest that is very inexpensive.
If you did not like the previous arrow rest that makes use of 3 small brushes, then you might like this one from Tabiger. This product is also in the same price class as the Mosuch, and I would consider the Tabiger to be better than the Mosuch. This product is a composite-encased biscuit (whisker biscuit) that is filled all around the edges. There is also a small gap on the side that will allow you to load your arrow. You will even get the color schemes black and camo to fit the look of your bow. Both left and right-handed shooters can use this product. You also can change the angle on the windage and elevation to compensate for these two factors.
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#4 Ripcord Code Red
Best For: This product is ideal for those that want to get started with a fall-away arrow rest.
If you are into fall-away arrow rests, then you will like this product from Ripcord Code Red. The reason why it is called a fall-away arrow rest is that once you release the arrow, the “v” shaped launcher arm in which your arrow sits on will fall down. Once this arm has fallen, there will be no obstruction or hindrance to the fletching of the arrow.
The nocking process is also very straightforward once you have knocked the arrow. You can also adjust this arrow rest to compensate for the windage. It also has an internal braking system that will keep the launcher arm down once the arrow is released so that it does not jump up and cause the arrow to fly in another direction. There is also an offset cord that allows the launcher arm to stand up straight and then to fall once the string is released.
This rest is also very silent. For a physical demonstration on how to use this product, please look at the video provided below.
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#5 Trophy Taker SmackDown Pro
Best For: Best for those that want to take their arrow rest to the next level with a fall-away rest.
I would recommend the Trophy Taker SmackDown Pro if you are seriously into Drop-Away arrow rests. This arrow rest functions the same way as that of the Ripcord Code Red. Once the arrow is released, the launcher arm will fall. There is also a rubber coated containment ring around the launcher arm to prevent any outside interference. This arrow rest can also be adjusted 2.5mm to both sides or even up and down.
These adjustments can be useful in compensating for windage and elevation. You can also attach the drive cable to the bottom limb or the upward cable. This cable is responsible for keeping the launcher arm up for as long as possible before the arrow fletchers reach the arm. In short, the launcher arm will fall once the bow is very close to a resting position.
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#6 QAD Ultra-Rest HDX
Best For: For those that want the best of the best when it comes to fall-away arrow rests.
If you are a serious hunter and you want the best of the best when it comes to fall-away arrow rests, then you should look into the Quality Archery Designs Ultra-Rest HDX. This arrow rest uses a capture bar or as I like to call it a “launcher arm” that will hold the arrow in position while you pull the string. This product also has a brake feature that will prevent the capture bar from bouncing back just after the arrow is released.
This feature is critical because it might actually damage your bow or cause an injury. It also uses Harmonic Dampener Technology which will give you a silent draw and releasing experience. The adjustable timing cord will also allow the capture bar to fall when the time is right. This product is made out of stainless steel and comes in the color scheme Mossy Oak. It is also intended for right-handed shooters.
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Arrow Rest Comparison Table
| Product Name | Type | Price | Editors Rating |
| 1. Trophy Ridge (Top Pick) | Whisker Biscuit | $$ | 10/10 |
| 2. Mosuch (Least Expensive) | 3-Point Brush | $ | 7.5/10 |
| 3. Tabiger | Whisker Biscuit | $ | 8.4/10 |
| 4. Ripcord Code Red | Fall-Away | $$$ | 8.8/10 |
| 5. Trophy Taker SmackDown Pro | Fall-Away | $$$$ | 9.2/10 |
| 6. QAD Ultra-Rest HDX | Fall-Away | $$$$ | 9.6/10 |
Final Word
Finding the best arrow rest for your bow does not need to be that hard. I also made is super easy where I have recommended 6 of the best products that you can choose from.
Now it is your turn. Click here to learn more about some of the other related products.
What was your favorite arrow rest and why? Please leave a comment below to inform us of your decision.
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