Equipment Focus By John Kasun W hile a bow quiver is an integral part of just about every compound bow purchase, it is often the last item selected. In many ways, quiver sales are like going into McDonald’s, ordering a hamburger and a drink and having the person behind the counter ask, “Do you want fries with that?” (the fries representing the quiver). Bow quivers come with a variety of styles, qualities, features and prices. New customers often buy quivers based mainly on price unless they fully understand the different styles, features and benefits each quiver offers. Every dealer should carry in his or her inventory a budget model bow quiver that satisfies the needs of the basic bowhunter but the dealer should also have more advanced models for the more experienced hunter or hunters looking for special features. These quivers will also be sold to basic bowhunters when they decide to upgrade. Let’s quickly review some important features to keep in mind when selecting a quiver. Recently, I stopped at a grocery store to pick up some bread and milk when I noticed the baskets and carts available. The basic handheld basket was designed for customers in a hurry, who only needed a few items. The small shopping cart offered the customer convenience when he needed more items than could be carried in a basket but didn’t require a full size cart. The full size cart was for customers with larger families or who shopped infrequently and needed to “stock up” on each trip. In many ways, quivers offer the same flexibility as those grocery carts. I remember many years ago, when most quivers carried six arrows. Jennings Archery came out with a quiver called the “Ace-In-The-Hole.” The quiver held six arrows spread in an arc, with an extra arrow fitted inside the arc, hence the name “Ace-In-The-Hole.” At The ArrowWeb CT quiver from Mathews is light, compact and easily removable from the bow if desired. The quiver comes in four and six arrow models and offers multiple interchangeable trim color options. that time, hunters wanted to carry the maximum amount of arrows afield. Attitudes have long since changed and today, quivers mainly come in three, four, five and six arrow models. Arrow capacity can be directly connected to a hunter’s activities. Eastern whitetail hunters normally hunt during mornings and evenings, except during the rut, when some hunters remain on the stand from dawn to dusk. Normally, smaller quivers, three and four arrow models, are ideal for the whitetail hunter. This keeps weight to a minimum while still providing plenty of ammo for a morning or evening hunt. For those who might want to take an occasional practice shot or try for some squirrel stew while on the stand, a five arrow quiver might be the better choice. For western hunters who are normally gone all day, cover great distances and are faced with much longer shots, a quiver with a greater capacity is a must. A six arrow quiver is normally the quiver of choice. Today’s broadheads are deadly and safety is a primary consideration. The hood on any quiver must totally enclose the hunting heads, protecting the hunter from accidental contact. Arrow grippers must also hold the arrows securely to ensure they do not accidentally pull free from the quiver. Several years ago, while hunting elk out west, a hunter was returning to camp late in the evening when he felt a sharp jab in his upper thigh. He stopped mid-stride only to find an arrow that had come loose from another hunter’s quiver stuck in the grass at an upward angle, with the broadhead lodged against his upper leg. One more step could have been fatal. Quivers come in both fixed mounts and removal mounts. With the fixed mount, the quiver remains on the bow at all times. Removal mounts allow the quiver to be easily removed from the bow while on the stand. On removable quivers, the locking mechanism should be solid and secure yet easy to open or close with one hand. Shooting a fixed or removal quiver is the personal preference of the user. However, it is best to practice the way the quiver will be used under hunting 22 Apr15AT022-029T-R-V.indd 22 3/5/15 9:26 AM conditions. When using a fixed quiver, practice with the quiver loaded minus one arrow. (That arrow will be in the bow on the first shot.) If you intend to shoot with the quiver removed, again, practice that way. However, in that case, it is a good idea to occasionally practice with the quiver on the bow minus one arrow to see how the bow shoots under those conditions. A shot opportunity could present itself when you are moving to or from the stand and if it does, you need to know where to hold with the quiver on the bow. Some higher end quivers offer quiver mounting adjustments that allow the quiver to be raised, angled and adjusted close to the bow riser. When available, these adjustments can greatly improve the balance of a mounted quiver. The quiver height and angle help keep the quiver and arrows within the bow profile, keeping the nocks out of the mud, especially on today’s short bows. The adjustment that allows the quiver to be moved as close as possible to the bow riser can make a huge difference on some setups. Moving the quiver as close to the riser as possible minimizes weight overhang and the resulting torque it generates. This not only provides a more comfortable bow to shoot but reduced torque, which increases accuracy. With the wide variety of arrow The Ramcat quiver is an easy on, easy off five arrow bow quiver that is designed specifically to handle the Ramcat broadhead with blades that sweep back along the shaft. However, its design makes it suitable for all popular brands of fixed and mechanical broadheads as well. Apr15AT022-029T-R-V.indd 23 diameters available today, the arrow holders or grippers on the quiver need to be adjustable for shaft size or have a tapered or stepped slot into which the arrows can be inserted. Quivers that have dual arrow holders are best suited for both fixed blade and mechanical heads. These designs hold the arrows securely without the need to jam the tip into the foam broadhead protector in the hood, which can cause the blades to open. Colored accessories have become the rage over the last few years and quivers are catching up. Most quivers are offered in a wide variety of camo patterns, with some that offer solid colors as well. Several others offer add-on color accents as well as interchangeable colored panels and vibration dampers. There is something for everyone, as more customers want to coordinate their gear. While the majority of hunting quivers are bow mounted, other models are also available. Hip quivers are popular with some hunters while the western hunter who normally uses “spot and stalk” hunting techniques might prefer a back quiver that not only holds arrows but also has mounted packs for additional gear. The Lite 1 bow quiver from Trophy Ridge has built in green LED lights that provide illumination for going to and from your stand as well as loading or unloading your arrows in the dark. The green light provides adequate light without spooking game, disturbing your night vision or alerting other hunters as to your presence. QUIVER OVERVIEW The number of available quivers can be a little overwhelming and space limits our ability to show all of them. Following is an overview of some new and existing quality models that warrant your consideration; this will provide information you can share with your customer. RAMCAT: The popular Ramcat broadhead is offered in two fixed blade models: 100 grain with a 1-3/8 inch cutting diameter and 125 grain with a 1-1/2 inch cutting diameter. While the Ramcat broadhead has exploded in popularity, some customers could not find a quiver that provided adequate clearance for the large cutting blades. In response, Fulton Precision Archery, manufacturer of the Ramcat and working in cooperation with Treelimb Products, is offering a quiver designed specifically for the Ramcat head for 2015. The five arrow quiver has a double gripper system and is specifically designed to hold large cut diameters. It comes in black and will soon be available in carbon fiber and camo versions. For more information on the Ramcat quiver, phone (412) 519-5352. TROPHY RIDGE: Trophy Ridge proves all quivers are not equal with its Lite 1. The Lite 1 features a dual arrow gripper for maximum arrow retention. Weighing in at just 11 ounces, the Lite 1 features a hood that protects broadheads without dulling the blades or causing a mechanical head to deploy. A rope loop built into the quiver can be The Silent Quiver from Limbsaver is specifically designed with the hunter in mind. It is quiet, lightweight and adjustable, all while securing arrows and keeping them close at hand. 23 3/3/15 12:38 PM used to suspend the bow if the quiver is left attached or the quiver alone if it is removed. The mounting bracket allows for the quiver to be raised or lowered as desired. The Lite 1 features three green LEDs on top of the hood and one green LED in the hood. The external lights provide enough light for you to make your way to and from your stand in the dark without spooking game or impacting your night vision. The light inside the hood helps the user to properly position the heads and avoid striking the blades together when operating in the dark. This is especially useful in the evening, when you are packing your gear to go home. For complete information on the Lite 1 from Trophy Ridge, phone (812) 467-1200. LIMBSAVER: The five arrow Silent Quiver from Limbsaver features a low profile, lightweight design. The quiver’s hood is made from Limbsaver’s proprietary Navcom material for absolute silence. The universal design fits most fixed and mechanical broadheads and the Navcom double grippers fit a wide spectrum of shaft sizes. The quick detach locking mechanism allows for vertical positioning of the quiver and easy removal if desired while providing The TightSpot quiver is adjustable for vertical positioning on the bow as well as placing the quiver as close to the bow riser as possible to eliminate offset weight and greatly improve the bow’s balance. The mount also allows tilting of the quiver if required. a secure hold when locked. For additional information on the Silent Quiver from Limbsaver, phone (360) 427-6031. TIGHTSPOT: TightSpot, a manufacturer of versatile and balanced bow quivers, has recently added a three arrow quiver to its line. The extremely lightweight three arrow quiver is a good choice for treestand hunting and is also suited for crossbow use. Both the three arrow quiver and its big brother, the five arrow quiver, feature a quick draw system that allows for a quick second shot if needed. Both quivers are adjustable to fit tight to a bow’s centerline, offering good bow balance. Acoustic dampening material inside the hood makes the quiver extremely quiet. The quiver’s long base from hood to arrow gripper, combined with TightSpot’s TailFan design, means vanes can’t vibrate together on the shot, providing a quiet quiver. TightSpot’s quick detach mounting system provides a rock solid mount that allows one handed removal from either a bow or crossbow. TightSpot quivers are available in a wide range of camo finishes. To learn more about TightSpot quivers, call (406) 388-2546. ARCHER XTREME: The AXT Nitrix Quiver, new for 2015, has been designed for maximum versatility. The quiver can be adjusted in length from 11-1/2 to 17-1/2 inches to accommodate any length of arrow while dampening noise and vibration. The arrow rack slots accept even the smallest carbon arrows as well as larger diameter aluminum shafts. The quiver The Nitrix quiver from Archer Xtreme is easily adjustable, both in length and in the mounting distance in relationship to the bow’s riser. hood features a grilled gate design that allows for quick viewing of broadheads at all times and a tip insert overmold that holds all types of heads and keeps them secure and rattle free. Archer Xtreme uses an Articulating Mounting System to attach the quiver to the bow. This system allows the Nitrix to be positioned as close to the riser as possible, reducing offset weight and bringing better balance to the bow. The Nitrix weighs in at a scant 14 ounces and features a steel cable D-Loop that can be used to hang the quiver from a tree or stand if desired for hunters who prefer to shoot with the quiver removed. The Nitrix is available in both four and six arrow models and fits both right and left handed bows. For more information, call Archer Xtreme at (406) 924-6113. BOHNING: At the top of Bohning’s line of quivers is the Chameleon. The Chameleon comes in both three and five arrow models. The quiver has 4 inches of vertical adjustment and features a high-impact polycarbonate frame that provides the strength of metal without the weight. The rubber hood will not dull broadheads and the dual arrow holders make the quiver suitable for either fixed blade or mechanical heads. Incorporated into The Chameleon from Bohning offers both a three and five arrow model, which will fit most hunters’ needs. The Chameleon also offers interchangeable camo on the hood, allowing the user to match the camo pattern on his bow or clothing as desired. 24 Apr15AT022-029T-R-V.indd 24 3/4/15 6:19 PM 25 Apr15AT022-029T-R-V.indd 25 3/3/15 12:40 PM the arrow frame is a built-in hook that allows for quick hanging when hunting. The Lever-Lock mounting system allows for quick and easy removal of the quiver when desired. Each quiver includes two camo plates that allow for customization of the quiver: a Carbon Fiber plate and your choice of camo. Other plates are available as well. For more information on the Chameleon and other Bohning quivers, call (231) 229-4247. ALPINE ARCHERY: The new Alpine Power Loc Ultralite four arrow quiver sports the best features of Alpine’s Soft Loc Quivers with the addition of new designs and improvements. The Alpine Power Loc continues to use patented rubber mounting technology with a machined aluminum base plate to reduce noise and vibration. With this new design, when the quiver is removed from the bow, the latching system comes off with it, so there is no chance of unwanted noise or vibration on the shot. The Power Loc has an innovative roll and lock latch to hold it securely in place and prevent the chance of an accidental release of the quiver. This quiver has full vertical adjustment and will accept even the smallest arrow diameters. A hang cord allows the quiver to be easily “hung up” when removed from the bow. The Power Loc Ultralite will fit both vertical bows and crossbows and lives up to its name at only 6.5 ounces. To learn more, call Alpine Archery at (208) 746-4717. NAP: New Archery Products offers the Apache Grid and the Apache Tribal bow quivers. Both are five arrow quivers and feature a fast and easy quickdisconnect mount for one handed removal of the quiver from the bow. Each will accommodate a wide variety of arrow shaft diameters, from large aluminum down to the slender Deep Six Easton Injexion shafts. Both quivers are compact and lightweight and feature a soft-touch finish that reduces glare and dampens vibration. Each offers a selection of colored hood inserts for the archer that wants to color coordinate his gear. To learn more, call NAP at (708) 488-2502. MATHEWS: The ArrowWeb CT Quiver from Mathews is the company’s lightest, most compact quiver to date. The CT, which stands for “compact,” features a reduced profile that improves bow balance while shedding excess weight. The GridLock hood reflects the latest technology found in Mathews bow risers. The ColorShield hood inserts come in 10 distinct colors and enable shooters to match the quiver color with other Mathews Genuine Accessories. The ArrowWeb CT comes in both four and six arrow models and will accommodate expandable or fixed blade broadheads up to 1-1/8 of an inch. The redesigned foam insert will keep blades quiet and in place while the new removable BladeShield The Power Loc Ultralite four arrow quiver from Alpine Archery tips the scale at a mere 6.5 ounces. Suitable for both vertical bows and crossbows, the Power Loc is easily removable from the bow and accepts large shafts as well as new smaller diameters. The Knight Broadhead Hip Quiver by Vista Quivers holds five arrows and features a hard back for safety. The quiver is made of solid leather construction and has a 4 x 5 inch external pocket. It is available only in a right handed model. (included) can be added to the bottom of the hood to provide additional protection when using broadheads with longer exposed blades. Other noteworthy features include the Quick Release arrow grip, Spider Claw quiver mount and Harmonic The Apache Grid and Apache Tribal are both available from New Archery Products with black, red, gold or fluorescent green molded hood inserts, allowing the customer to coordinate his gear as desired. For hunters that desire to shoot with the quiver off of the bow, both quivers also feature a loop for easy hanging. 26 Apr15AT022-029T-R-V.indd 26 3/5/15 9:27 AM kills noise with its unique mounting system. The Head-Loc’s rubber compression technology acts as an isolator between the quiver and the bow, greatly reducing noise and vibration. The Exo-Flex hood is extremely quiet and lightweight and has superior sound and vibration absorbing properties over traditional plastic. The overall low profile design The Head-Loc quiver from allows the quiver G5 features rubber compresto sit close to the sion technology in the quiver Muzzy’s TAQ5 quiver, new for improvmounting system between 2015, has all the features of a qual- bow, the quiver and the bow. This ity quiver plus the addition of three ing balance and results in extreme sound two-slot Picatinny rail segments reducing the and vibration dampening on located on the hood of the quiver. risk of snagging the shot but still allows the The rail segments are perfect for quiver to be easily and quickly easy mounting of accessories such branches when removed from the bow if as tracking lights or small POV moving through dense cover. desired. cameras. The hood Dampers. For additional information, accepts fixed and expandable broadheads and the power grip double contact Mathews at (608) 269-2728. VISTA QUIVERS: While the most spreader gripper holds arrows securely popular choice for hunting quivers is without accidental deployment of bow quivers, there are other options. mechanical heads. The Head-Loc At one time, hip quivers were very popular among hunters and they still have a small following today. They can be great when hunting using the spot and stalk technique. The hip quiver allows for easy arrow manipulation in thick cover and has no impact on a bow’s accuracy. Hip quivers have also seen growing popularity among crossbow hunters trying to reduce the weight and bulk of their crossbows. Hip quivers from Vista feature a hard back for safety. For additional information on the Knight Broadhead Hip Quiver by Vista Quivers, call (800) 525-1181. G5 OUTDOORS: G5 Head-Loc quiver technology takes in all aspects of quiver function and performance. A quiver that can retain arrows safely but generates excessive noise and vibration on the shot is worthless. The Head-Loc holds six arrows and is available in several camo patterns plus black and pink. For additional information, call G5 Outdoors at (810) 392-8431. MUZZY: Muzzy, a leading manufacturer of fixed blade broadheads, has introduced the new Muzzy TAQ5 Quiver for 2015. This low-profile, ultralightweight (8 ounces) quiver securely holds five arrows and is uniquely designed with three two-slot Picatinny rails on the hood to add a multitude of accessories, including lights, POV cameras and more, to enhance the hunting experience. The Muzzy TAQ5 is constructed of extremely strong yet lightweight materials such as extruded aluminum and advanced polymers. The quiver’s aluminum frame is securely mounted to the bow’s riser via the unique and easy-to-use SnapTrap system that incorporates a pair of rubber vibrationdampening posts to isolate the quiver from the bow. Installation and removal simply require a silent 40 degree twist. The SnapTrap can be set up in one of two positions on the frame, allowing 2-3/8 inches of vertical adjustment. The TAQ5’s hood is constructed of a sound-deadening, semi-flexible polymer and is designed to accommodate both fixed blade and mechanical broadheads with up to 1-1/4 inch of stored diameter. The hood features a series of small cups that anchor each broadhead, preventing contact with 27 Apr15AT022-029T-R-V.indd 27 3/3/15 12:43 PM any other surfaces or broadheads. The TAQ5’s dual arrow retainers are aluminum-reinforced rubber and each features five tapered slots that securely hold all sizes of arrows from micro-diameter arrows up to crossbow bolts. Muzzy is a division of Feradyne Outdoors. For more information on Muzzy’s TAQ5 quiver, call (770) 387-9300. FUSE: The all-new Vector XT quiver features new Fuse StealthBand Technology for supreme sound and vibration suppression and has eight custom color options available. The Vector XT’s high precision, machined aluminum and hyper-light frame is integrated with Fuse’s new rock-solid, quick and silent mounting system. The easy on, easy off and hard locking features of the mounting system are complemented by a handy treestand hanging loop. The double arrow gripper system provides for universal arrow and broadhead compatibility and a durable, silent hood system totally encompasses the broadheads. Available in four and six arrow configurations, the Vector XT is available in Blackout, Realtree Xtra, Realtree Max-1 and Realtree Next G2, a great multipurpose camo. For more information, call Fuse at (801) 363-2990. QQ ARCHERY: QQ Archery offers a unique product called the “QuiverLess Quiver Support System.” The heart of the system is an adjustable support system that allows the hunter to sit, The Vector XT quiver from Fuse combines hunters’ most desired features with the latest technology. Removable quiver systems are convenient but many become loose, rattle and make noise, especially upon the shot, if attached. Fuse designed its Quick-Detach system to lock down solidly and silently while still allowing the quiver to be removed quickly and easily. kneel or stand while resting the weight of the bow on the ground or a stand using the support system. This relieves the tension and fatigue of holding the bow while waiting for game or a shot when an animal is within range. When a shot presents itself, simply lift the bow a few inches off the ground or stand and take the shot. The support is adjustable and well suited for hunting from the ground, ground blinds or treestands or for stalking. The system is designed to attach directly to the bow and comes complete with a four, five or six arrow quiver. The support system can be purchased as a separate unit without the quiver or with a quiver of the hunter’s choice installed. The support system comes in two sizes: 52 inches and 67 inches. To learn more about the Quiver-Less Quiver System, call QQ Archery at (855) 937-7727. TREELIMB PRODUCTS: The Treelimb premium series bow quiver offers both three and five arrow models with built-in tree hangers and a quick-detach solid mounting system. The machined aluminum frame is now available in red, green or orange. In addition, the hood is available in over 25 different camo patterns, including the new Stormy Hardwoods pattern. The archer in this photo clearly illustrates how the Quiver-Less Quiver Support System from QQ Archery works. The adjustable support system has been adjusted to make contact with the ground and support the weight of the bow, allowing the hunter to relax in a kneeling position. If a shot presents itself, the hunter can take the shot without any interference by simply lifting the bow a few inches. The QuiverLess Quiver System is designed to reduce fatigue while on the stand or when stalking for extended periods of time. For 2015, Treelimb also offers a new adjustable Riser Mount System that mounts the quiver directly to the riser on the bow. The new mount moves the quiver higher and tighter to the bow, improving balance. The Riser mount fits into pockets within the riser and is available in Triangle, Hoyt, Hex and Mathews configurations. Treelimb products are 100 percent made in the USA. For more information, phone (419) 658-2010. OCTANE: The DeadLock Pro is a one piece, five arrow quiver. It is adjustable in and out, allowing the user to adjust the quiver as close to the riser as possible for the best balance and reduced torque. The DeadLock Extended Gripper will hold all arrow sizes with its maximum gripping surface. Constructed of carbon and other lightweight materials, the DeadLock Pro is a lightweight (6.4 ounces) and quiet quiver with strength and durability. Featuring a Quick Detach Arm, the DeadLock Pro releases from the bow with one easy motion. The hood is equipped with pre-cut foam to accept most of today’s fixed or mechanical broadheads. For more information on Octane’s DeadLock Pro, phone (888) 689-1289. APEX GEAR: Topping Apex Gear’s quiver line is the Gamechanger. The Gamechanger utilizes Tru-Touch, a Treelimb Products offers multiple lines of quivers. The Premium Series, shown here, is now available in red, green and orange mainframes that can be matched with a variety of camo hoods, including the new Stormy Hardwoods pattern. Shown here is Stormy Hardwoods Natural. 28 Apr15AT022-029T-R-V.indd 28 3/3/15 12:44 PM reduces noise and the built-in hanging loop makes hanging the quiver in treestands or blinds quick and easy. The arrow grippers will accept both carbon and aluminum arrow shafts and the rubber lined hood fits both fixed and mechanical broadheads. The quiver fits both right and left handed bows. An optional push-button light can be installed in the hood interior for ultimate visibility when loading broadheads in low light. For more information, contact Truglo at (888) 887-8456. SUMMARY The Gamechanger Quiver from Apex Gear is strong, lightweight and compact. It has a built-in bow hanger that works well for stands and ground blinds. The mounting bracket offers extreme position adjustment, including angling of the quiver. It is available in most popular camo patterns as well as Bone Collector. soft-feel technical coating that feels soft to the touch and helps reduce noise when contacting branches. The Gamechanger features secure double grippers for maximum arrow security. The grippers accept both carbon and aluminum arrows, including microshaft hunting shafts. The quiver has some vertical adjustment plus an “in and out” adjustment that allows the quiver to be positioned close to the riser for ultimate balance. The Gamechanger fits both right and left handed bows. For additional information, phone Apex Gear at (972) 774-0300. TRUGLO: New for 2015, the The mounting bracket on the TRU-TEC LT quiver from Truglo can be adjusted vertically to provide the best fit for the bow. Making minor adjustments on bow quivers can make a big difference in the balance of the bow and the resulting accuracy. Everyone who bowhunts is going to buy a quiver at some point in time. What hunters buy and where they buy it depends greatly on the recommendation of the salesman. The more you and your staff know about the features of the quivers you sell, why they are important and how they can help the customer, the greater your chances are of making a sale. Get familiar with the tips in this feature and you will be on your way to a larger bottom line and happier, better informed customers. TRU-TEC LT five arrow quiver from Truglo uses ultra-lightweight aluminum construction to tip the scale at 10 ounces. The positive-lock mounting bracket provides a solid mount with smooth one handed removal. Interchangeable colored vibration dampening inserts Deer Crossing Archery is now accepting applications for Dealers! Join the network of Dealers who’ve already taken advantage of allow the user to some of the industry’s lowest prices and the biggest margins on customize the look the highest quality arrows. Utilize our website for convenient, of his gear while any time ordering and let us work around your busy schedule. reducing vibration. We offer next day shipping on most orders and terms for approved The Tru-Touch dealer dealers. Visit our website at www.deercrossingarchery.com and use code ARROWTRADE30 for up to 50% off MAP and up to 60% off soft-feel coating MSRP. Questions? Call 1-760-670-2079 and talk with experienced archers and dedicated Customer Service agents. Member of the ATA and NABA. The DeadLock Pro quiver from Octane is extremely versatile when it comes to adjustment. The quiver can be adjusted vertically to keep the arrows within the bow’s profile. The Quick Detach Arm also provides adjustment that allows the quiver to be mounted as close to the bow’s riser as desired. Keeping the bow and quiver configured in a compact package greatly improves the balance, reducing torque and improving accuracy. 29 Apr15AT022-029T-R-V.indd 29 3/3/15 12:44 PM
© Copyright 2024