A drop away arrow rest is a type of arrow rest used on compound bows and recurve bows for target shooting and hunting. As the name suggests, this type of rest drops out of the way as the arrow is released, allowing the fletching to freely pass by without contact. Drop away rests provide several advantages compared to other types of arrow rests.
Reduced Fletching Contact
One of the main benefits of a drop away rest is that it minimizes fletching contact with the rest as the arrow is launched. Other types of rests, like simple plastic stick-on rests, can cause the fletching to make significant contact as the arrow moves forward. This contact decreases arrow speed and can negatively affect accuracy.
With a drop away rest, the launcher arms quickly drop down as soon as the bow is fired. This allows the fletching and vanes to easily clear the rest without interference. By reducing fletching contact, drop away rests increase arrow speed and improve precision shot after shot.
Tuning Flexibility
Drop away rests allow for great flexibility and fine tuning compared to other rest types. The timing of when the rest drops can be easily adjusted to optimize performance for different arrow setups.
Most drop away rests have an adjustment that controls how quickly the rest falls after the shot. For example, the rest can be set to drop immediately or delay just a fraction of a second.
Tuning the drop speed helps time the fall so that the fletching clears the rest at the perfect moment for any arrow and fletching configuration. This level of tuning capability enables highly accurate shooting.
Compatible with Any Arrow
Unlike some other arrow rest types, drop away rests work excellently with all kinds of arrow and fletching options. The launcher arms securely hold arrows with 3, 4, or 5 fletchings. And there is no limitation on vane size or shape.
So whether shooting with skinny target vanes or broadhead hunting vanes, a drop away provides solid arrow guidance. The arrow drops cleanly off the rest regardless.
This makes a drop away extremely versatile. One rest can be used effectively for both target shooting and hunting simply by switching up the arrows.
Works for Any Shooting Style
Another big perk is that drop away rests accommodate any shooting technique. This includes release methods like finger shooting, mechanical releases, or the newer back tension releases.
The key is that the rest only drops when the bow is fired. It does not matter how the shooter uses their hands to activate the release.
So archers can choose their preferred release style while still benefiting from the optimized performance of a drop away rest.
Reliable Operation
Drop away rests are designed to operate reliably, unlike some other arrow rest types. There are no small moving parts or mechanisms that can get gummed up or stuck.
The rest has a simple falling motion activated by the bow’s movement on release. Quality models incorporate dampening materials to prevent bounce back and ensure the arms fully drop each time.
Reliable activation shot after shot means you can set it and forget it. Once tuned, a quality drop away will perform consistently during high volume practice sessions or competitions.
Accommodates Any Bow Setup
An advantage of drop aways is they work with virtually any bow setup. This includes being compatible with the latest high-speed compound bows shooting over 350 fps.
The rests can handle aggressive cam systems and the excessive vibrations and torque generated on release. Quality models easily mount to the bow riser and hold up to the forces involved.
There are also drop away models designed specifically for traditional recurve bows. So whether shooting a hunting compound or Olympic style target recurve, a drop away can enhance accuracy.
Cleaner Release
By dropping out of the way, a fall away rest gives the arrow an extremely clean release off the bow. There is no sideways contact with a fixed rest to impart unstable forces as the arrow moves forward.
This straight, unimpeded release gives a sight and sound that archers describe as extremely smooth and crisp. Watching a slow motion video clearly shows the clean transitional forces.
This clean release boosts accuracy and gives great flight consistency to the arrows downrange.
Minimizes Noise
The smooth operation of a drop away rest also reduces excess noise from the bow. There is less sound from fletching contact compared to other rests.
And at the point of release, there is no rest in the way to dampen vibration or create extra noise from contact with the arrow. This keeps the bow as quiet as possible for hunting situations.
Durable Construction
Drop away rests are built with durable materials to withstand constant shooting. The arm and launcher materials are robust. They hold up to rapid fire as well as accidental bumps or drops of the bow.
Quality rests often use hardened steel for pivots and moving components. Plastics are reinforced or have special coatings to prevent wear over time.
This durability means a drop away can last for thousands of practice sessions and hunting trips before needing replacement.
Easy to Install
Drop away arrow rests are quite easy to setup and install compared to other arrow rest types. Most models come with all mounting hardware needed and clear instructions.
It simply involves securely attaching the rest mount to the bow’s riser. Then the launcher arms clip or screw into the mount. The entire process can be done in under 5 minutes with basic tools.
Quick and simple installation means you can upgrade to a drop away rest and be out shooting with it in no time.
Summary of Advantages
To summarize, here are the key advantages that make a drop away arrow rest a great choice:
| Reduced fletching contact | Provides a clean release off the bow |
| Easily adjustable timing | Minimizes noise from the shot |
| Works with all arrow types | Durable construction |
| Accommodates any release style | Quick and easy to install |
| Consistent operation | Compatible with all bow setups |
Types of Drop Away Rests
There are a few different styles and designs of drop away arrow rests to choose from:
Full Capture Rests
Full capture rests fully encompass and contour around the arrow when at rest. Models like the Ripcord Code Red and AAE Pro Drop use a more closed design with extended circular launcher arms to securely hold the arrow.
The arrow is fully cradled by the arms with the fletching facing down. When released, the launcher quickly pivots downward and out of the way. The full capture design provides a substantial initial holding platform for the arrow.
Containing Rests
Containing rests use more of an open design but still surround much of the arrow’s circumference when at rest. This gives lateral stability while allowing vanes to protrude a bit between the launchers.
Examples of containing rests include the Trophy Taker Smackdown Pro and QAD Ultra Rest Hunter. The bristle launcher gently holds the shaft and then drops at the shot. Containing rests are a good mix of guidance and clearance.
Partial Containment Rests
Partial containment rests use slimmer arms or prongs that only contact a portion of the arrow’s circumference when at rest. Models like the Vaportrail Limbdriver Pro V use a single thin arm or wire that lightly holds the bottom of the arrow.
Minimal contact allows great vane clearance but decreases lateral guidance. Partial containment works well when balanced with a back stabilizer and proper bow tuning.
Prong Style Launchers
Prong style drop away rests have multiple independent fingers or prongs that support the arrow rather than solid containment arms. Examples include the Trophy Ridge Revolution and Ripcord Fall Away rests.
The prongs cradle the bottom and side of the arrow when at rest. Spaces between the prongs allow vane clearance. Prong rests provide good guidance while minimizing contact.
Considerations When Choosing a Drop Away Rest
With several types and designs of drop away rests, it’s important to consider your specific needs when choosing one:
– Containment level – Do you prefer full capture around the arrow or minimal contact? This affects stability versus fletching clearance.
– Adjustability – Look for vertical and lateral adjustments to allow fine tuning of the rest position.
– Mounting options – Some rests can mount directly to the riser while others need a separate block or extension.
– Smooth operation – Ensure the rest drops cleanly and consistently without bouncing back up.
– Durability – Check for robust construction if doing lots of shooting or hunting. Metal components are ideal.
– Price – Drop away prices range from under $50 up to $200+ for premium rests. Determine how much you want to invest.
– Compatibility – Verify the rest works with your bow setup and arrow types before purchasing.
Taking the time to evaluate these factors will help select the ideal drop away rest for your needs and shooting style. Proper setup and tuning is also crucial for getting the full accuracy benefits.
Tuning a Drop Away Arrow Rest
To achieve optimal accuracy with a drop away rest, careful tuning and setup is a must. Here are some tips:
Set the Arrow Height
Position the vertical height of the launcher arms so the arrow is 90 degrees to the string at rest. Use a small level on the shaft to adjust the rest up or down as needed.
Time the Drop
Adjust the rest’s drop speed so the launcher falls just as fletching passes by. Go slow at first until the vanes clear cleanly.
Check for Contact
Do test shots and watch for any evidence of fletching contacting the rest on release. Adjust the rest position or fall timing if needed.
Paper Tune
Use paper tuning as a guide to dial in lateral rest position and center shot for ideal arrow flight.
Walk Back Tune
Perform walk back tuning out to 60 yards to finalize vertical and horizontal rest alignment and nock point.
Taking the time to properly tune a drop away rest helps maximize its accuracy benefits on any bow setup.
Conclusion
Drop away arrow rests provide several advantages for compound bow and recurve archers seeking optimal precision on target.
Reduced fletching contact, clean arrow release, reliable operation, and versatile compatibility make them an excellent upgrade over other rest types.
With quality construction and proper tuning, a drop away arrow rest is a set-it-and-forget-it upgrade that can immediately take your shooting accuracy to the next level.