When it comes to archery, choosing the right arrow rest is crucial to your success. Two popular types of arrow rests are the whisker biscuit and the drop away. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand the differences between them before making a decision.
What is a Whisker Biscuit?
A whisker biscuit is a type of arrow rest that has bristles that hold the arrow in place. The bristles create a cage around the arrow, keeping it in place until it is released. This type of arrow rest is popular with hunters because it is durable and easy to use.
One of the main advantages of a whisker biscuit is that it is very forgiving. If you don’t have a perfect shot, the bristles will keep the arrow in place and prevent it from falling off the rest. This makes it a popular choice for beginners or those who are still learning how to shoot accurately.
What is a Drop Away?
A drop away arrow rest is a type of rest that drops away from the arrow as it is released. This type of arrow rest is popular with competitive archers because it provides a clear path for the arrow, which can improve accuracy and speed.
One of the main advantages of a drop away rest is that it provides more clearance for the arrow, which can reduce contact with the rest and improve accuracy. This type of rest also reduces the amount of noise that is produced when the arrow is released.
Whisker Biscuit vs Drop Away: Pros and Cons
While both types of arrow rests are popular, they each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons of each type of arrow rest:
Whisker Biscuit Pros
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Forgiving – can help prevent the arrow from falling off the rest
Whisker Biscuit Cons
- Can cause more friction on the arrow, which can reduce speed and accuracy
- Can produce more noise
- May not be suitable for competitive archery
Drop Away Pros
- Provides more clearance for the arrow, which can improve accuracy
- Reduces contact between the arrow and rest, which can improve speed and accuracy
- Reduces noise
Drop Away Cons
- More complex to set up and use
- Less forgiving – if you don’t have a perfect shot, the arrow may fall off the rest
- May not be as durable as a whisker biscuit
Which is Better?
Ultimately, the choice between a whisker biscuit and a drop away comes down to personal preference and what type of archery you plan to do. If you’re a beginner or a hunter, a whisker biscuit may be a good choice because it is easy to use and forgiving. If you’re a competitive archer, a drop away may be a better choice because it can improve accuracy and speed.
It’s also worth noting that there are other types of arrow rests available, such as the full containment rest and the launcher rest. These types of rests may also be worth considering depending on your needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Choosing the right arrow rest is an important decision that can have a big impact on your success as an archer. While both the whisker biscuit and the drop away have their own advantages and disadvantages, it’s ultimately up to you to decide which one is the best fit for your needs and preferences.