1. No category

A
Today’s Bow Quivers Benefit from
rchery icon Fred Bear is generally credited with inventing
the bow-mounted arrow quiver, initially an arrangement of heavy
wire holding rubber arrow gripper and
fiberglass dome at opposite ends. They
were pretty ingenious, even by today’s
standards. The frame was adjustable in
length to accommodate various bow
models and included a molded hood to
protect razor-sharp broadheads against
mishaps to hunting edges and bowhunters alike. I own several originals
and still find them functional enough
to mount on vintage Bear recurves
while bowhunting down memory lane.
Of course before this inevitable development bowhunters wore all manner
of back quivers; simple tubes of leather
with arrows shoved in point first and
feathers waving in the elements, or
Glenn St. Charles’ primitive design that
Jerry Gentellalli eventually refined into
his highly-functional Rancho Safari
Catquivers.
By the time I started bowhunting
in the mid ‘70s bow quivers were de
rigor, French for “absolutely essential.”
We couldn’t have imagined operating
without them. My first was a simple
pair of grippers clamping to opposite
limbs of my trusty recurve, holding four
arrows with broadheads dangerously
exposed. I somehow avoided injury
with this primitive outfit, despite getting along with it for years – those years
in which I clung to traditional bows in
any case. With the solid acceptance of
compound bows, quiver designs began
to blossom. My first wheel bow, an
1981 Browning Xcellerator, carried a
quiver by the same company that was
clunky, unnecessarily complicated and
noisy during the shot. These shortcomings, my adoption of bow sights that
required me to hold the bow vertically against a quiver’s weight, and the
discovery of Jerry’s above mentioned
Catquiver, all led me to essentially
abandon bow quivers for nearly two
decades.
Still it’s difficult to deny the inherent conveniences of bow mounted quivers. As designs became more refined
I’ve returned to them slowly. I might
choose a detachable model for whitetail hunting, something easily removed
once installed on stand. Some of these
provide clever mechanisms to secure
them to stand trees within easy reach
for backup shots. In western backpacking situations a Catquiver became just
one more item to strap on an already
distended pack.
This is Alpine Archery’s Soft Loc 5 Arrow Quiver in the Mossy
Oak Break-Up Infinity camouflage pattern. Angle and height of
the quiver are adjustable to keep arrows within the outline of the
bow.
Then I began choosing tough two piece
quiver designs instead. While bowhunting close to home or vehicle I typically
returned to my trusted Catquivers…
So, in that I’ve never really proven
an ardent bow quiver fan, at least while
wielding compound bows, to say I’m
impressed by the latest models really is
saying something. Manufacturers have
addressed all my original gripes and
are building much lighter (less bow
torque), highly streamlined (less snags,
and torque), stronger (quivers are subjected to plenty of abuse) and smarter
(easier mounting systems, sometimes
built-in adjustability) wares promoting greater accuracy, fewer hassles and
longer life. The following are only a
sampling of those designs.
DETACHABLE “EASTERN”
QUIVER DESIGNS
One-piece, quick-detach quiver
designs are most prevalent because
Eastern whitetail hunting dominates
our sport. Sitting for long hours with
a bow in your lap isn’t comfortable
with an attached quiver. There’s also
the concern of interference in the tight
confines of an elevated platform. Many
Alpine Archery’s Bear Claw quiver is an economical model that
detaches quickly using a mount positioned along a set of indexed
holes along the center support stem. It is offered in three arrow
and five arrow models, in many popular camouflage patterns.
84
May12AT084-095.indd 84
4/2/12 1:33 PM
B
m
By Patrick Meitin
Better Engineering, Materials
manufacturers further accommodate
the stationary bowhunter by providing options for mounting removed
quivers close at hand. Still, many
one-piece quiver models prove solid
enough for even on-the-move bowhunting. Normally these are models
spreading contact points over wider
spans, promoting added balance and
silence when left in place while shooting. Detachable qualities then make
transport (in a bow case) and storage
much easier.
Alpine Archery’s (www.alpinearchery.com; 208-746-4717) Soft
Loc Quiver (MSRP $55) defies quick
pigeonholing. It is an instantly-detachable quiver Eastern whitetail bowhunters find convenient with verticaladjust balancing, vibration-absorbing
and mounting-angle versatility. All
this gives Western bowhunters a viable option when left in place while
shooting. The rubber mounting base
and dual carbon-rod frame make it
deadly quiet. The quiver comes on and
off instantly, but locks securely into
place. They include dual arrow grippers perfect for today’s mechanical
broadheads and the foam filled hood
allows removing the upper gripper for
fixed blade heads. The molded hood
is covered in Mossy Oak Infinity or
Treestand, Realtree Hardwoods Green
or APG, Lost Camo or black with other
finishes available on request. They’re
offered in three or five arrow options. A
lag screw-equipped Quiver Clip allows
for quick fastening to stand trees.
Also worth mentioning is the Bear
Claw ($30) budget priced quiver. A
dual-pylon mounting block and composite spanning bar, including indexed
mounting holes, allows for vertically positioning the quiver for perfect
balance. A thumb-latch system aids
instant removal. They include a single
arrow gripper and the same capacity
and camo options as the Soft Loc.
Apex Gear (www.apexgear.com;
877-701-APEX) devoted a lot of R&D to
new quiver designs for 2012. Of three
models offered this year, two are completely new, including the Accu-Strike
and GameChanger. The Accu-Strike
(MSRP $30 to $35) offers a vibrationfree, lightweight and compact carbonfiber design holding four carbon or
aluminum arrows. Its secure mounting bracket allows one-handed operation and is adaptable to right or
left hand use.
The all-new Game Changer from Apex Gear is super lightweight
and compact. It includes a machined-aluminum frame and back-set
double arrow grippers for better balance. The twin grippers let it fit
both fixed blade or deployable blade broadheads.
The rubber hood insert helps maintain broadhead edges and dampen
vibrations. It’s suitable to both fixed
blade and mechanical designs. The
entire quiver includes the Tru-Touch
Soft-Feel Technical Coating for further
vibration reduction.
The first thing you’ll notice about
the new GameChanger Quiver ($90 to
$100) is its off-set design and special
mounting system, setting the hood and
dual five arrow grippers behind the
sight bracket and tighter to the bow for
improved balance. A lightweight carbon-fiber hood and Tru-Touch Coating
accentuate vibration control and the
one-piece milled-aluminum frame
is skeletonized for strength without
weight. The adjustable-tension CamLock mounting system allows onehanded removal. The entire frame and
mounting block is adjustable up and
down and for tilt to help find the justright positioning for individual bows.
Dual grippers accommodate carbon
or aluminum shafts of many diameters
and the hood includes a tree-hanging
loop.
Archer
Xtreme/AXT
(www.
ArcherXtreme.com; 406-924-6113) has
woven-carbon quivers with the look
of sleek sports cars, but this space-age
construction is offered for more than
Apex’s new Accu Strike is made to be feather-light, vibration
free and affordable. The simple design holds four arrows in a
single gripper and includes a rubber-lined hood and Tru-Touch
rubberized coating.
85
May12AT084-095.indd 85
4/4/12 9:40 PM
racy good looks. The one-piece Carbon
Vapor Quiver (MSRP $270) with C.B.R.
(Carbon Body Ridge) frame is formed
completely of aerospace carbon fiber,
coated in V.A.C. (Vibration Absorbing
Coat), a rubberized finish, which combined destroy harmonic vibrations.
Carbon construction also makes it
impact-resistant yet feathery. The Quad
Lock four-point, twist-and-lock system
allows solid, single-handed operation.
The staggered frame bushings allow a
couple inches of vertical adjustment
in a five arrow design. The hood holds
closed-cell foam to support all types of
broadheads, with the gripper securing
all diameter shafts. The open bridge
frame makes a convenient hanging system as well. The newer Vapor Hyperlite
Quiver, a two-piece design, is detailed
later in this article.
For solid AXT innovation at a more
affordable price, the Carbon Helix
Quiver ($110) incorporates sounddampening technologies in a five
arrow, double-gripper design. Rubber
Helix X-Dampeners cross connect
the dual carbon-rod frame top and
bottom and the quiver uses the same
Quad Lock mounting as the Vapor.
The fanned grippers position that first
arrow for quick access, while also providing a more compact footprint. The
grippers are designed for arrows large
and small and the hood includes a
milled tree hanger. The hood is covered
in Realtree APG, Lost Camo or Mossy
Oak Treestand.
One of the most unique treestand
quivers around comes from Athens
Archery (www.athensarchery.com;
574-224-2300). The most novel feature
of The Zen-4 and The Zen-6 (MSRP
$130 to $135) is the built-in bow/gearhanging hook. A stainless-steel, lagbolt-equipped bow hook is hinged
right into the center of the quiver, folding and locking out of the way when
not in use, snapping out and anchoring
the quiver anywhere it’s needed once
installed on stand, and then providing
a place to hang your bow, game calls or
daypack. The quiver includes a hardanodized aircraft aluminum frame and
300-series stainless steel hardware.
The Cam Lock Mount allows instant
installation and removal and multiposition adjustment. The composite
hood includes a rubber liner to protect
broadhead edges with double grippers
securing mechanical and fixed blade
heads. The Zen quiver I tested during
an Illinois bowhunt was a touch heavy
(11.2 ounces) for attached shooting
because of the steel hanger, but not
overbearingly so and proved vibration
and noise free. It comes with a black
carbon-fiber look or is covered in Next
Vista Camouflage.
Bohning Archery (www.bohning.
com; 231-229-4247) has become a
one-stop shop for affordable, detachable quiver designs. The Bohning
lineup includes five models from past
seasons, but the bigger news is the
newer Chameleon, offering interchangeable camo bands, and easyon/easy-off mounting via the secure,
Archer Xtreme’s Carbon Helix uses dual
carbon rods to hold a streamlined hood
and dual rubber grippers, plus cross-linked
silencers to create a quick-detach quiver
that’s light and completely silent.
vibration-dampening soft-snap bracket. They’re offered in three and five
arrow models (MSRP $45 to $50). The
newest, the Chameleon Mechanical
was designed especially for deployable-blade heads and includes a
smaller footprint. Vented, dual “angleload” arrow retainers lock all shaft
The newest quiver in Bohning’s extensive lineup, the Chameleon is ultra light and compact. It accommodates snap on panels that
carry the different finishes, comes in three and five arrow models for fixed or mechanical broadheads and is American made.
86
May12AT084-095.indd 86
4/2/12 1:42 PM
sizes securely and a built-in hanging
loop allows convenient treestand use.
Each comes with one camouflage and
one carbon-fiber snap-on color plate.
Additional plates are sold separately
in two Lost Camo patterns, Mossy
Oak Break-Up, Treestand, Infinity and
Break-Up Pink, and Realtree AP and
APG. The high-impact, polycarbonate
frames provide strength without excess
weight and these quivers are made
right in Bohning’s Michigan factory.
Easton Technical Products (www.
eastonarchery.com; 800-539-1400) has
introduced all-new Arsenal Detachable
Quivers. The design allows quiver and
arrows to be removed as a unit for easy
storage or travel with the ultra-light
construction reducing bow torque and
increasing carrying ease. The Arsenal
One-Piece (MSRP $85) offers five
arrow capacity in a fully-adjustable,
“telescoping” design. The streamlined
profile hugs the bow for better balance with a back-set bracket situating
it behind the riser. The quick-detach
lever system is quick and quiet. The
ergonomic gripper design holds all
shaft diameters equally well, including
G (new Injection) and X (Axis) shafts.
The series also includes a two-piece
model (detailed later) that easily converts into a one-piece. They’re offered
in Realtree APG, Lost Camo and black.
Elite Outdoors (www.elitearchery.
com; 877-503-5483) offers designs from
Treelimb Products in solid one and two
piece models (MSRP $129 to $139).
They include high-strength aluminum
construction, light weight and hold five
arrows of any diameter tipped with
fixed or mechanical heads. They feature a simple quick-detach system and
low-profile design. They’re offered in
Realtree AP, APS (snow), Max-1 and
black.
All Fuse Archery (www.fusearchery.com; 801-363-2990) quivers
are now one piece models, a change
from last year. Ventura and Satori models are solid holdovers from last year,
both including the company’s vibration-dampening Shock-Rods. These
carbon-rod models allow for adjustable vertical positioning.
New for 2012, the Switch
Convertible 5-3 Quiver is like nothing
that has come before. An innovative
convertible hood and gripper system
allows a single quiver to be quickly
converted from a five arrow quiver to
a more compact three arrow quiver.
You can do this just by subtracting
sections of the single-row gripper and
modular hood sections. The low-profile
Carbon Blade frame is strong and it
allows a wide range of vertical balance
Easton’s novel Arsenal Detachable Quiver
is easily converted from a one piece to two
piece design, both configurations allowing
instant removal and secure arrow storage.
Special grippers hold any arrow diameter.
87
May12AT084-095.indd 87
4/4/12 9:48 PM
adjustment. The back-set Power Clamp
QD mounting bracket also allows
instant removal, but is otherwise rock
solid and quiet when left in place while
shooting. They’re offered in Realtree
AP and Max-1 or Black Out.
As you’d expect from a company
like G5 Outdoors (www.g5outdoors.
com; 866-456-8836) their new HeadLoc Quiver uses a different approach.
The Head-Loc (MSRP $55) includes
novel touches such as the Exo-Flex
Hood, offering extremely quiet, light
weight and vibration-dampening qualities with the hood construction mirroring hard sunglass cases. The HeadLoc’s unique rubber-compression
mount acts as a buffer between the
quiver and bow; further adding to its
dampening qualities. This involves a
hard rubber stud with an over-clamping system and a safety stop anchoring the quiver solidly with the flick
of a lever. The Head-Loc includes a
dual carbon-rod frame, six arrow dual
grippers and a slim profile for great
balance. It is offered in Lost Camo,
Realtree AP and black. A screw-in tree
mount is included.
Mag-Loc Halo ($70 to $100) and
Riser ($65) models involve a different
mounting system, a silent and secure
arrangement employing neodymium
Elite’s line of quivers are custom made by
Treelimb to work smoothly with the company’s premium bows. Both models are
super lightweight, streamlined and highly
functional. This one piece version offers
instant detachability.
super magnets. The sight-mounted
bracket and high-grade magnesium
frames allow generous vertical adjustment. The Halo is available in three and
six arrow configurations while the Riser
holds five. The Halo has a super-slim
foam-free hood; the Riser is designed
with foam broadhead point hood sockets and noise dampening rubber “fins.”
The double-slotted grippers (dual in
Halo, single in Riser) anchor a wide
variety of shaft diameters with a Python
Grip Dual design. Halo hoods are covered in Optifade, Lost, Realtree AP and
Max-1 camo; the Riser comes only in
the latter three patterns.
Grayling Outdoor Products (www.
graylingoutdoorproducts.com; 989348-2956) offers four highly functional,
molded rubber/plastic designs for the
most cost-conscious archers. These
include the Jus ‘n’ uff four arrow, Jus
‘n’ uff four arrow GE (MSRP $15 to
$21), Silent Hunter seven arrow ($16
to $22) and Lit ‘n’ uff four arrow ($10)
quivers. The first two include a built-in
broadhead wrench and quick-detach
twist mounting, the latter have a Quick
Switch Locking System using a thumb
lever. All include single grippers,
except the Lit ‘n’ uff, which carries two.
All include no-shine textured finishes,
rubber-lined hood with broadhead
placement holes and stepped gripper accepting various diameter shafts.
They are offered in Realtree AP, APG,
Hardwoods and Hardwoods Green,
and Lost Camo.
Hoyt (www.hoyt.com; 801-3632990) offers five excellent quiver choices. Three carbon-rod-framed, onepiece models sport back-set Power
Clamp QD (Quick Detach) Systems;
the 1-Piece Dual Gripper (MSRP N/A),
1-Piece Single Gripper, plus a 1-Piece
Shorty Double Gripper model. A budget-priced, slide-mount E3 Double
Gripper QD one-piece is also offered
with a single-stem molded-composite
frame. All one-piece hoods have hanging loops and vibration-control rubber
inserts and exterior over-molding.
In the quiver business since 1956,
Kwikee Kwiver (www.kwikeekwiver.
com; 231-267-5685) has remained
popular with budget-minded archers
offering single-piece molded frame
construction, spring-clip quick release
mechanism, and locking knurled knob
for those who wish to keep it in place
while shooting. Soft plastic hoods
include broadhead placement holes to
aid in even, secure arrow placement.
The Kwik-3 SS (MSRP $29 black, $34
Fuse Accessories offers a wide variety of
quivers. This new Switch quickly and easily converts from a removable five arrow
quiver to a three arrow model by exchanging modular hood and gripper pieces.
A special rubber stud mounting block
with detachable clamp, molded-cloth ExoFlex Hood and dual carbon-rod frame set
this G5 Head-Loc quiver apart. Dual grippers are standard and it is lightweight and
extremely quiet.
88
May12AT084-095.indd 88
4/2/12 1:52 PM
camo) three arrow is a newer, compact, 5.6 ounce quiver that is 12 inches
long. Order this quiver with standard or
small-diameter arrow grippers. The K-4
Combo ($32 black, $37 camo) is a company standard, weighs 9.7 ounces and is
12-5/8 inches long holding four arrows
in double grippers stepped to hold
both large and small diameter shafts.
Both are offered in Realtree AP, APG
and Hardwoods Green, Next G1 and
Next G1 Pink, Mossy Oak Infinity and
Treestand, plus Lost AT and Lost. The
Bracket Kaddy & Bracket ($9) includes
the company’s spring-lock bracket
with molded-in lag screw to secure the
detached quiver
to any stand tree.
From
the
folks at LimbSaver
(www.limbsaver.
com; 360-4276031)
comes
the 1-Piece M6
Quiver
(MSRP
$90) which offers smooth, quiet function in a simple design. It includes a
solid quick detach system with one of
the lightest bow-mount brackets on
the market. The six arrow gripper and
hood insert are molded of NAVCOM
LimbSaver vibration dampening material for quiet shooting. The rigid hood
and gripper assembly is connected by a
dual carbon-rod frame to save weight.
The quiver works on right or left hand
bows and hoods are covered in Next
G-1 Camouflage. The two piece M6
Quiver is detailed later in this article.
The BloodSport accessory line
from Muddy Outdoors (www.gomuddy.com; 877-366-8339) was designed
Best Designed Dampening System
Graying has made its name by offering a wide variety of functional quivers designed especially for the budget minded. They
are highly affordable, but include features bowhunters need in the
field. The Jus ‘n uff four arrow quiver is at left, the Silent Hunter 7
quiver is at right.
This three arrow quiver,
the Mag-Loc Halo from G5,
includes dual rubber grippers,
milled magnesium frame and
super-powerful magnetic
mounting to make it quiet but
easy to install and remove.
G5’s Mag-Loc Riser holds five
arrows in a single rubber gripper. The hood has vibrationcontrol rubber fins and the
frame is made of strong but
lightweight magnesium. It
mounts via a powerful magnet.
With over 10 years of success
BOWJAX DAMPENERS
ROCK!
89
May12AT084-095.indd 89
4/2/12 3:06 PM
over a two year period with the help of
world champion compound and crossbow shooters and a NASA rocket scientist. One of the results is an advanced
pair of quivers designed to make bowhunting more efficient. The CX3 Quiver
(MSRP $70) and EX5 Quiver ($70) both
include ultra-low profile hoods with a
unique opening feature that preserves
interior foam from cutting, and keeps
fixed blade broadhead edges sharp and
mechanicals ready for action (no broken O-rings or opened blades). Both
also include dual Soft Grip blended
rubber grippers allowing one-handed removal and they have vibrationdampening hoods. A removable ball
mount screw easily affixes to the tree
to keep the quivers within easy reach.
The CX3 is designed to accommodate
both fixed and mechanical blade heads
while the EX5 is made specifically for
mechanicals. The hood on each also
includes a hanging loop. Both quivers
are available in black.
The DeadLock Lite Arrow Quiver
(MSRP $50) from Octane Accessories
(www.fuelthehunt.com; 888-689-1289)
by its very name is obviously ultralight. The hood holds a removable foam
insert and the carbon-rod frame has
adjustable dual arrow grippers, making
Hoyt offers five quiver models to satisfy
any bowhunter’s needs, including dualand single-gripper, carbon-rod-framed
long models, a shorter dual carbon-rod
and gripper model, economical dual-gripper, single-stem, and two-piece models.
This Hoyt 4 Shorty is a quick detachable
model with twin grippers.
it compatible with mechanical broadheads; though it’s
just as comfortable with
fixed blade designs. The soft
DeadLock Grippers allow
easy arrow insertion, but
hold them securely once in
place. The quick-detach feature is fully adjustable, quiet
and reliable, offering instant,
one-handed removal, and
the hood is equipped with a
tree hanger hook.
The DeadLock Pro
($100) five arrow quiver is fully adjustable, in
and out so as to place the
quiver tight to the bow for
improved balance, and up Parker’s affordable RedHot Quiver is made to use with
compound bow or crossbow. It is capable of holding
and down to keep nocks out four arrows in dual grippers, and is made compact and
of the dirt on shorter bow detachable for bowhunting convenience.
models. Deadlock Extended
Grippers hold all sizes of arrows with a foam insert in the hood accepts both
maximum gripping surface. The frame mechanical and fixed blade heads.
is made of lightweight carbon rods,
Parker/Red Hot Accessories (www.
the hood and mounting mechanism ParkerBows.com; 540-337-5426) The
is also made for minimum weight and Red Hot four arrow quick-detach quivmaximum noise reduction. The Quick er (MSRP $35 black, $40 camouflage) is
Detach Arm designed to fit all brands of compounds
allows easy, and crossbows. This quiver has a rubo n e - h a n d - ber-lined quiver cup, dual arrow griped opera- pers, three mounting positions, and
tion
and a Trifecta Lock quick-detach mechathe precut nism. It works as well with mechanicals as with fixed blade
heads.
PSE Archery (www.
pse-archery.com: 520884-9065) has long carried an extensive line of
bow quivers. The proven models have been
around awhile, but
still remain solid sellers. New this year, the
X Series includes four
designs with improved
ergonomics and modern construction. They
include lightweight but
stout machined-aluminum frames, contoured
hoods and streamlined,
bow-hugging features
making them suited to
the latest bow models. X
Octane Accessories by BowTech include two quiver models.
Quiver 3- and 5-Arrow
The DeadLock Pro at left is the flagship model, featuring
single-hand lever-lock detachment, and Deadlock extended models (MSRP $100)
include single-gripper
Grippers. At right is the Deadlock Lite.
90
May12AT084-095.indd 90
4/4/12 9:51 PM
design and foam-filled hoods with
point-positioning holes perfect for
today’s fixed blade heads; the Dual-X
3- and 5-Arrow Quivers ($115) have
two arrow grippers and the hollow
hoods are suited to modern mechanicals. They use tandem, dual mounting
PSE Archery’s new X Quivers include a
machined aluminum frame and a detach
mechanism with no moving parts. It also
includes a built-in tree hanger. It is offered
in three and five arrow and single or dual
gripper designs.
posts for a smooth, secure compression fit with instant detachability without moving parts. Hoods come in black
carbon weave or Mossy Oak Infinity
finishes and hold built-in tree hangers.
The streamlined Rage Cage Quiver
(MSRP $60) was designed for the
wildly-popular Rage (www.ragebroadheads.com; 888-779-0092) broadheads, though it is compatible with any
mechanical style. The dual five arrow,
stepped grippers securely hold arrows
of any diameter through a Twist-Lock
Retention System with a foam-insert
hood preventing rattling or premature blade deployment. The adjustable
Snap Trap Cam-Lock Quick Release
system allows it to be silently removed.
There are dual rubber vibration-dampening posts completely isolating the
quiver from the bow. Two cam-lock
height adjustments allow it to be set
up on any bow, long or short, helping create desired balance and nock
clearance. The tough but lightweight
extruded aluminum frame and carbon fiber dipped polymer hood means
the quiver weighs only 8 ounces. The
geometry of this model is compact and
low-profile. It contains built-in vibration dampening features throughout
for quiet performance. The see-through
Flexiglass Shield hood edge allows customers to see at a glance which head
they are selecting.
TightSpot (www.tightspotquiver.
com; 406-388-2546) lightweight quivers (10 ounces) are designed to hug the
bow for better balance and reduced
torque. For 2012 TightSpot Quivers
(MSRP $158) are 10 percent lighter and
provide more arrow-gripping power.
The RightSpot 3-Way Adjustment
System allows the quiver to be moved
up or down, tilted forward or back,
and to slide horizontally for optimized accessory clearance and balance. Individually-adjustable Bulldog
Grippers accommodate any shaft size,
including micro-diameter arrows,
even in the coldest weather. Vibrationsquelching 18 inch wrapped carbon
rod and aluminum frames, QuadFit
4-Way rubber riser spacer and crossbar
bumper strip make for quieter shots.
The low-profile polymer hood resists
91
May12AT084-095.indd 91
4/4/12 10:07 PM
wind buffeting, won’t break, even if run
over by a car, and is made extra-deep
to keep broadhead blades contained.
A TailFin gripper eliminates arrow contact while the QuickLock Cam allows
quick, one-handed removal. A new
Conversion Bracket now allows the
quiver to work around moveable sights.
They’re offered in Matte Black, Carbon
Weave, Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity
and Treestand, and Realtree AP, APG
and Max-1. They also include an ironclad guarantee against breakage for
any reason.
Treelimb Products (www.treelimbproducts.com; 419-658-2010) was
the first to put hanging loops on bow
quivers, allowing them to be hung
on stand without fuss. The line now
includes three and five arrow Standard
Series (MSRP $40 to $45) and three
and five arrow Premium Series ($95 to
$100). The composite-framed Standard
Series includes a lever-lock detach
system, while the aluminum-framed
Premiums have the newer dual-post,
twist-lock design with rubber mounting. The Standard allows one vertical
The improved Tight Spot
Quiver is now lighter and offers
better bow balance. The quiver
is infinitely adjustable vertically
and horizontally, as well as for
tilt, made to take extreme abuse
without failure.
and two angled locking positions,
while remaining vertically adjustable.
The Standard’s single gripper accommodates any arrow size; the slim hood
accepts mechanical or fixed blade
broadheads. The Premium includes a
Thumb Tab Arrow Gripper, no moving parts and an ultra-quiet design. A
back-set Riser Mounting Bracket is also
offered. Premium mounting studs are
available in oval, hexagon and triangle
to fit any bow brand. Both are offered in
Realtree APG.
TruGlo’s (www.truglo.com; 972774-0300) entire quiver lineup is new
for 2012; including feature-packed
Tru-Tec, feathery Carbon XS, and economical Loc-Dwn quivers. The Tru-Tec
(MSRP $60 to $80) is based on a milledaluminum frame, including the solid
Positive-Lock mounting bracket allowing one-handed removal. The works
are covered in the Tru-Touch soft-feel
coating for vibration-free qualities. The
double-gripper design anchors arrows
of all diameters, while the hood is suited to fixed or deployable blade heads
and includes a hanging loop. They offer
vertical-adjust capabilities and a rubber hood insert in three and five arrow
models. The hood also accepts any
Apex or TruGlo light for positive arrow
placement in low light. They are offered
in Realtree AP and APG, Lost Camo,
Mossy Oak Infinity and black.
TreeLimb now offers two versions of their original
tree-hanger quivers. The Standard at right features a
composite frame with thumb-lever mounting block.
The Premium has a skeletonized milled-aluminum
frame with solid mounting posts and no moving
parts.
The Carbon XS ($40 to $60)
includes a “grape-vine” carbon-composite frame that is strong but light,
a rubber-lined hood and Tru-Touch
coating for vibration control. The backset Positive-Cam-Lock mounting system holds it tight to the bow and allows
one-handed removal. Five arrow dual
grippers hold carbon or aluminum
shafts firmly and they’re compatible
with both mechanical and fixed blade
heads. The contoured hood includes a
hanging loop. Look for them in Realtree
AP and APG, Lost and Lost AT Camos,
Mossy Oak Infinity and black.
Finally, the new Loc-Dwn Quiver
($25 to $35) includes a longer singlebar frame of composite material, allowing a wide latitude of vertical adjustment. The composite construction,
rubber hood insert and Tru-Touch
coating create a vibration-dampening
accessory. The pressure-fit Twist-Lock
Mounting Bracket allows easy onehanded removal. The four slot dual
arrow grippers accommodate a wide
variety of arrows. It also comes in a
wider array of camouflage patterns,
including Realtree AP, APG and Max-4,
Mossy Oak Treestand and Infinity, Lost
and Lost AT Camos and black.
Ballistix Copolymer System construction is the big news at Trophy
Ridge (www.trophyridge.com; 800694-9494) this season; material with
the strength of aluminum but 25 percent lighter and having natural vibration-control qualities (covered in a
Soft-Touch Ballistix Coating for even
more vibration reduction). The new
five arrow Beacon (MSRP $80) is made
of this material, but its features go well
beyond construction. The streamlined
Trophy Ridge’s ingenious Beacon Quiver
is made from Ballistic Copolymer material.
It includes dual rubber grippers and LED
lights in the hood for sure arrow placement and getting into the stand safely.
92
May12AT084-095.indd 92
4/2/12 2:27 PM
bow balance.
The five arrow
Threat ($60)
offers the basic
features of the
Beacon,
but
without incorporated LED
lights.
V i s t a /
F l e e t w o o d ’s
(www.wribiz.
net; 800-5251181)
E-Z
Loader 1 Piece
Quiver (MSRP
The TruGlo Carbon XS Quiver includes a feathery but durable carbon-composite frame holding dual rubber grippers for four arrows. It $48) is different
has back-set mounting for better balance, and a compact footprint so and made spethe quiver won’t get in the way.
cifically to protect mechanihood includes three powerful green cal broadheads. A hinged quiver hood
LED lights on top, allowing customers opens for quick loading, latching shut
safe, undetected passage in the dark, to contain broadheads securely, but
plus another green LED inside for sure allowing them to be pulled out witharrow placement in poor light. The out disturbing O-rings or blades when
hood also includes a braided hang- needed. The hinged hood now features
ing loop. The entire quiver detaches a magnetic strip to further aid in holdvia a back-set, quick-detach system, ing broadheads in place. The alumiand dual grippers hold any size arrow num frame is height adjustable and
with mechanical or fixed blade heads. includes a quick-detach bracket. The
The fully-adjustable mounting system quiver holds five arrows.
(including three different brackets to
fit all bow brands) allows positionTWO-PIECE “WESTERN
ing for height and tilt to customize
STYLE” QUIVERS
Creating a two-piece design supported by only the attachment hardware, scrapping bridging framework,
centrally-located mounting blocks and
detach brackets, makes bow quivers
lighter. They also spread arrow weight
over a wider radius, like the tight-rope
walker’s long balancing pole. This creates less side torque on the riser, as
well as gripping arrows farther down
the shaft to prevent unsupported ends
rattling during the shot. In most cases
the only drawback is they require tools
for removal (there are now exceptions),
making them less convenient when
traveling or after climbing into a stand.
In general terms, two-piece quivers are
preferred by western hunters.
Archer Xtreme’s (AXT) Vapor
Hyperlite Quiver (MSRP $270) was one
of my favorite products for 2012. This
Trophy Ridge’s Threat is made from
two-piece design is made entirely of
Ballistic Copolymer material 25 percent
high-quality carbon fiber coated in
lighter than aluminum. It has all the feathe Vibration Absorbing Coat (V.A.C.)
tures of the Beacon shown at left but lacks
rubberized clear finish, effectively
the LED lights in the hood.
eliminating vibrations and resulting
noise. The hood bridge is swept up and
back, the gripper assembly set back,
providing excellent behind-the-riser
bow balance. The DC Dual Connect
Detach System allows the quiver parts
to be removed via a twist-lock system
(each includes collar locks to accommodate most of today’s popular bow
brands). Arrows are spread evenly by
the gripper bridge system to prevent
contact and noise and the grippers
anchor anything from small-diameter
93
May12AT084-095.indd 93
4/4/12 10:15 PM
carbon to larger aluminum arrows. The
sleek hood includes a foam insert with
precut broadhead slots for even positioning and a secure fit.
I’ve already introduced Easton’s
Arsenal Quivers but the five arrow
Arsenal Two-Piece (MSRP $100) is the
only two-piece design I’m aware of
allowing true quick-detach capabilities with arrows still installed. This is
accomplished through compressionfit, lever locks on each extension (hood
and gripper sections). Each lever lock is
attached to its own riser-anchored stud
and all mounting apparatus is milled of
high-grade aluminum. This also makes
the system extremely lightweight, super
low profile and fully adjustable. Also
unique, is its “telescoping” composite frame which allows for converting
the Two-Piece into a detachable OnePiece when desired. Like all Arsenal
quivers, the ergonomic gripper holds
any shaft diameter, even new microdiameter Injexions. They’re offered in
Realtree APG, Lost Camo and black.
The Arrow Cage 2 (MSRP $100)
from Trophy Ridge has been around
awhile but remains a valuable twopiece design. An individual back-set
hood and gripper assemblies provide back-set bow balance along
with a lightweight aluminum frame.
Sound-deadening qualities are derived
from the rubber hood, an encased,
rigid insert protecting its soft material from sharp broadheads. The foam
hood insert holds fixed blade heads
securely, but can be removed for use
with mechanicals. The fully adjustable mounting system allows the two
parts to rotate to create the best arrow
positioning for individual bows and
mounting to the upper and lower riser
tooling holes creates maximum quiver
clearance. It comes with three types
of mounting brackets to fit all bow
brands. The quiver can be removed
with arrows installed by use of an Allen
wrench. The single arrow gripper snuggly accepts arrows large and small. It’s
covered in Realtree APG.
LimbSaver’s M6 Quiver, discussed
above, is also available in a M6 2-Piece
(MSRP $100). Dual carbon-rod vertical extension bars on the hood allow
a degree of up-and-down adjustment
while the direct mount results in solid
anchoring. It holds six arrows and is
well suited to both mechanical and
fixed blade broadheads.
The two-piece options from PSE
include two time-tested designs and a
newer back-set model providing better
balance. The straight-framed, directmount four and eight arrow models are
simple, PSE originals; highly functional
and priced to move. The newer PSE
Vertex ($100) includes a back-set hood
and gripper assemblies placing five
arrows behind the riser for improved
balance. It includes a through-the-riser
mounting system mounted individually at each riser end which spreads
arrow support over a wider radius.
Vista’s E-Z Loader mechanical
broadhead
quiver
(already discussed)
is also offered in a
two-piece, five arrow
model (MSRP $55). It
is connected through
standard top-andbottom riser mounts.
Hoyt’s 2-Piece Fixed
Mount
includes
machined aluminum
back-set extension
bars, rubber dampening in the hood and
is height-adjustable
with a dual carbon
rod mini frame. This
quiver mounts at
Archer Xtreme makes accessories for the most serious boweach riser end (on
hunter, like this two piece Hyperlite quiver molded of highbows including tristrength carbon fiber to be lightweight and very strong. It
angle mounting holes,
holds five arrows securely for silent operation.
Offered in both one-piece detachable
and two-piece solid mount, the E-Z Loader
from Vista includes a hinged, snap-closed
hood with magnetic strip, to make loading
mechanical heads faster and easier.
like Hoyt and Bear) for superior balance and bowhunting stealth. They’re
offered in four and six arrow configurations, in finishes to match Hoyt bows.
Traditional-Touch Quivers
Standard-issue bow quivers normally work fine with recurve and
longbows, provided the bows carry
available taps (bushings can be
bought separately and easily installed;
www.3RiversArchery.com), but traditional bowhunters normally shun
“compound” accessories in favor of
something with old-time appearance.
Distributors such as 3Rivers Archery or
Lancaster Archery Supply (www.lancasterarchery.com; 800-829-7408) are
good sources for these classic designs.
Bear
Archery’s
(www.
BearArcheryProducts.com; 800-6949494) Recurve Bow Quiver (MSRP $55)
makes a perfect mate to Bear’s dual
point recurve riser brass tap mounting system. The quiver hood is set on
a square aluminum rod. The backset extension arms and arrow gripper assembly (tension-adjustable for
various arrow diameters) slide along
this framework to allow vertical height,
94
May12AT084-095.indd 94
4/4/12 10:18 PM
gripper and hood positioning for
desired balance. Set screws lock the
adjustments into place. The design
accommodates any length recurve
having Bear 1/4 inch x 20 or AMO
10-24 mounting studs. The knurled finger knobs make it quick to detach, even
with arrows installed.
Great Northern’s line of classic
quivers are reminiscent of Fred Bear’s
originals, using length-adjustable
heavy-wire frames with heavy stitchedleather hoods giving them real traditional appeal. They’re offered in an 8
ounce Side Mount with knurled thumb
screws mounting to 1/4 inch x 20 /1024 riser inserts; 7 ounce Quick Mount
including wire studs accepted by
limb-bolt brackets with thumb knobs;
and 8 ounce Longbow (rigid 10 inch
span) or Adjustable (10 to 18 inches
for recurves) rubber-strap-on models
(MSRP $100). Replacement grippers
are offered to secure a wide variety of
arrow diameters with arrows arranged
in round-robin fashion to create a compact footprint. All quivers hold five
arrows.
Hunter’s Niche/Predator 2-Piece
Bark Quivers (MSRP $70) are a feathery 5 ounces, mounted top and bottom via standard 1/4 inch x 20 Bear or
10-24 AMO riser taps. The customizable arrow gripper can be set up for
one to seven arrows of any diameter.
The molded-composite hood features
a 3-D tree bark texture and camouflage
finish eliminating shine and helping it
blend into any environment.
Selway Archery’s traditional quivers have remained favorites with single-string shooters due to total function
and classic good looks. The 8 ounce
Side Mount (MSRP $125) is a two-piece
design attaching to standard 1/4 inch
x 20/10-24 riser mounting inserts. The
Bolt-On T/D Recurve ($125) weighs
7.5 ounces and mounts under the limb
bolts of most take-down recurves.
The company’s Slide-On Recurve and
Longbow models ($80 to $98) weigh 10
ounces and include soft, back-set rubber extensions that slide over limb tips
and into the fade-outs for a tight friction fit. The Detachable ($107) includes
rubberized and threaded split extension studs that fit 1-1/2 to 2 inch wide
limbs, a rubberized cap threading over
ends, once installed, to keep it firmly in
place. Finally, Selway’s new Strap On
Rawhide model weighs 9 ounces and
includes heavy-duty rubber straps to
secure top and bottom assemblies to
limbs from 1 to 2 inches wide. All hold
five arrows with replacement grippers
offered for various diameter shafts. The
Side Mount, Bolt-On, Detachable and
Strap On are fitted with rigid, stitchedrawhide broadhead hoods with the
Slide-On models offered in rawhide
or economy non-glare
rubber hoods.
Thunderhorn
Archery Boa models
use a unique indexed
rubber strap and
metal-stud system
allowing them to be
lashed in position
anywhere along the
limb fade-outs or riser
ends of any traditional
recurve or longbow.
They are offered in
a 9 ounce, six arrow
Boa and an 8 ounce,
four arrow Mini-Boa,
with stitched leather
or composite hoods
(MSRP $46 to $75).
Replacement straps
are offered.
Selway quivers are in use here by Patrick Meitin (left) and a
bowhunting buddy.
The largest FREE
archer y classifieds
on the internet!
Check out AT’s FREE
how-to video series
for new shooters!!
Get Answers Free at
ArcheryTalk.com
• Over 25 million hits per month.
•Worlds largest archery website.
•Sponsored by over 200
manufacturers.
•Talk to fellow archers, pros,
and bowhunters worldwide.
Message Board includes:
•General Archery Discussion
•Bowhunting Discussion
•Manufacturer’s Product
Announcements
•Traditional Archery
•LiveChat
•Blogs
•Hundreds of Archery Articles
archerytalk.com
archeryhistory.com
archerytalkblogs.com
95
May12AT084-095.indd 95
4/2/12 3:03 PM