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What side of the bow should the arrow rest?


For archers using a recurve bow or compound bow, proper arrow rest placement is essential for accuracy and consistency. The arrow rest position affects the arrow’s clearance over the bow as well as its horizontal and vertical alignment. There are some general guidelines archers should follow, but the optimal arrow rest position can vary based on the archer’s draw length, stance, grip, and shooting style. In this article, we will look at how to determine the best side of the bow on which to position the arrow rest.

Left or right side of the bow

The first decision is whether to place the arrow rest on the left or right side of the bow when at full draw. For most right-handed archers using a recurve or compound bow, the arrow rest will be positioned on the left side of the bow (the side closest to the archer). For left-handed archers, the arrow rest is generally placed on the right side of the bow.

This orientation is preferred because it allows the arrow to travel in line with the dominant eye for a right-handed or left-handed shooter. Having the arrow align with your dominant eye makes it easier to aim accurately.

Exceptions

However, there are some exceptions where an archer may opt to use the opposite configuration:

  • Archers with an eye dominance that is opposite their handedness sometimes find it more comfortable to shoot with the arrow on the opposite side of the bow.
  • Some types of bows or shooting styles may call for a non-standard arrow rest placement. For example, archers using a thumb draw may position the arrow rest on the opposite side.
  • Beginner archers may initially feel more comfortable with the arrow on the same side as their dominant hand until they get used to the standard alignment.

So while the general rule is to place the arrow rest on the opposite side from the drawing hand, archers should feel free to experiment if they think a different orientation may work better for their needs. The priority is that the arrow alignment allows you to aim and shoot comfortably and accurately.

Height of the arrow rest

Once the left or right side is selected, the next step is determining the vertical placement of the arrow rest. There are two key factors to consider when setting arrow rest height:

Clearance

The arrow rest must be high enough to provide sufficient fletching clearance as the arrow passes over the shelf or shooting window of the bow upon release. If placed too low, the fletching will make contact with the bow, causing the arrow to bounce off course. Usually, a clearance of 1/8″ or a little more between the fletching and bow is recommended.

Arrow alignment

You also want the arrow to be at the optimal height for your bow’s sights or your point of aim. Setting the arrow rest too high or low can make accurate aiming difficult.

The goal is to find the highest possible rest position that provides both fletching clearance and proper arrow alignment. This often requires a little trial and error to get right. Things to look out for when testing different heights:

  • Make sure fletching has not contact with bow during the shot.
  • Inspect each arrow after shots to look for any signs of contact.
  • Try short and long distance aiming tests to check for alignment issues.
  • Watch arrow flight closely – improper clearance will cause the arrow to noticeably arc up or down right after the shot.

Once you find the ideal rest height for clearance and alignment, use the micro-adjustment feature on most arrow rests to lock in that exact position. Be sure to regularly check the rest height as you make any changes to your bow setup.

Horizontal position

The final step is positioning the arrow rest left or right so the arrow crosses the bow at a 90 degree angle perpendicular to the string. Centering the arrow this way maximizes horizontal stability and improves accuracy. A perfectly perpendicular position is ideal, but there is some leeway here.

If a small adjustment left or right helps with your particular shooting form and aim, that slight offset is fine. Just avoid large misalignments where the arrow sits at an obvious diagonal across the bow.

To check arrow alignment:

  • Look down the length of the arrow from behind and make sure it forms a straight line cutting across the bow at 90 degrees.
  • Aim at a target and see if the string aligns evenly between the left and right side of the sight aperture or point of aim.

Use the horizontal (windage) adjustment of the arrow rest to tweak the horizontal alignment if needed. Be sure to reconfirm proper clearance height after any left/right adjustments.

Choosing the Right Arrow Rest

The type of arrow rest you choose can impact the optimal setup position. Here are some common options and considerations:

Shoot-through rests

  • Drop-away and shoot-through rests allow arrows to pass between prongs or rollers.
  • Offer less contact and friction for smoother arrow flight.
  • Easy to set up for fletching clearance.
  • Models with an integrated sight window allow lower rest positions.

Stick-on rests

  • Adhesive shelf rests that stick onto riser.
  • Provide a basic fixed platform for arrow to rest on.
  • Easy to adjust height by moving rest up or down.
  • Minimal parts and inexpensive.

Plunger rests

  • Attaches to bow sight bushing.
  • Often used for Olympic recurve shooting.
  • Allows fine-tuning of arrow pressure and horizontal alignment.
  • Can be used in combination with different stick-on prong or platform rests.

Wire frame rests

  • Basic wire arm that attaches to the riser.
  • Supports the arrow in a fixed prong or curved shape.
  • Very simple and affordable option.
  • Less adjustable than other rest types.

The right choice depends on your bow setup, shooting needs, and budget. Shoot-through rests are a popular choice for compound target bows, while stick-on rests work well for most recurve applications. Talk to fellow archers or the staff at your local pro shop to choose the optimal rest type and model.

Tuning and Final Adjustments

Setting the proper arrow rest height, position, and alignment is a great starting point for any bow setup. However, you may need to do some fine-tuning during the full tuning process to achieve the best accuracy:

  • Use paper tuning, walk-back tuning, or bare shaft tuning to detect any minor issues with arrow flight or fletching clearance.
  • Add a cushion plunger if needed to fine tune the horizontal arrow position and adjust the dynamic pressure on the arrow.
  • On shoot-through rests, adjust the spring tension to control how quickly the prongs drop after shot.
  • Minor vertical adjustments may help arrow groupings tighten up at longer distances.

Tuning allows you to isolate and correct any imperfections in your equipment or shooting form. Take the time to try a thorough tuning session periodically. Having a properly spined arrow precisely positioned on a well-tuned arrow rest can make a huge difference in shooting precision.

Conclusion

Determining the optimal arrow rest position entails finding the right balance of:

  • Sufficient clearance over the shelf and bow window
  • Vertical alignment with the bow sight or point of aim
  • Horizontal perpendicularity across the bow

While the general rule is to place the rest on the opposite side from your drawing hand, make adjustments as needed for your eye dominance, technique, and comfort. Choosing the right style of arrow rest and taking the time to properly tune the bow setup is also key for accuracy. With some trial and error testing during initial setup and tuning, you can dial in the arrow rest position and achieve consistent arrow flight. Proper arrow rest setup is one of the fundamental steps to accurate shooting and grouping.