Field Guide / Archery Gear & Setup
Arrow Rest
Also called: rest, drop-away rest, whisker biscuit
A mounted support that holds the arrow on the bow, from a simple brush to a drop-away that falls clear when you shoot.
- Type
- Accessories
- Common types
- Brush or whisker biscuit, drop-away launcher, and capture rests
- Setup
- Must be aligned and timed to the bow
- Main benefit
- Consistent arrow flight
- Used for
- Deer & big game, Turkey, Target practice
What it is good for
- Reliable arrow support on a compound bow.
- Cleaner flight with fletching clearance.
- Quiet, repeatable shooting.
Where it falls short
- Drop-away rests need correct tuning and cord timing.
- Biscuit rests can slow arrows a little.
- A rest that fails can cause a poor shot.
Tips
- Have a pro shop set up and tune the rest.
- Check the cord and arm for wear before each season.
Works well with
- Compound Bow: the usual pairing.
- Vane Fletching: vanes need clearance from the rest.
Field notes
A drop-away rest holds the arrow until you shoot and then drops out of the way. Some rest designs use a brush or ring instead.
Related guides
Numbers here are typical, not guarantees. Have a pro shop set up and tune your bow or crossbow, follow the maker's manual, and never dry-fire a bow. Legal equipment, draw weights, crossbow seasons, and broadhead rules differ by state and area; our state resources directory links to each state's official regulations. Not sure what to buy? Try our bow and crossbow wizard.