Best Compound Bow Quiver: Which Bow Quiver is the Right One?
A quiver for archery is not indispensable, but it is really useful to have one. For a beginner it is not necessarily a must have, but at some point you will get fed up with placing the arrows on the ground next to you and bending down after each shot to pick one up. But which is the best type of quiver? This is one of the best bow quivers reviews. We will tell you which quiver types are available and what you need to look out for when buying bows and quivers.
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What is a Quiver for Arrows?
A quiver is a kind of bag for storing and transporting arrows for bows and crossbows. The opening into which the arrows are inserted is divided into compartments. Thus the arrows do not slip and are usually not damaged. However, you should pay attention to the feathering and not pack the arrows too tightly.
Over the millennia, different types of quivers have been developed, so that for every bow and every purpose the right one is available. Traditionally, quivers were made of leather, but there are also quivers made of cloth. Nowadays, besides leather, plastic is also used and some of the modern quivers also have pockets, where Archery Equipment or tools can be stored.
The Pros of a Quiver
The pros of a Quiver are obvious:
- Transport of the arrows is simplified
- A quiver enables a better handling of the arrows during the shooting
- The arrows are protected from damage and environmental influences during shooting as well as during transport
- Last but not least an archer with a quiver looks much more professional than one who has to bend down after every arrow
Different Types of Quivers
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to quiver types. Each quiver has pros and cons and in the end it is a matter of taste whether you choose a back quiver, a side quiver or any other type of quiver.
Back-quiver
If you value tradition in archery and like to carry a longbow with you, for example, you should get a back-quiver.
Pros
- It stays in place while running, without anything rattling or slipping
- You can transport a large number of arrows with it
- The arrows are well protected against damage
- You can feel like Legolas or Robin Hood!
Cons
- You have to reach for the arrows almost blindly with each shot, which is not a problem if each of them is intact, but if you have one or two damaged arrows in the quiver, it can get really annoying if you pull one out every other time
- You should definitely neither bend down nor lean too far forward with a back quiver, otherwise you’ll have to pick up all the arrows off the ground
- Although many arrows can be transported with a back quiver, the plumage can be damaged if you pack the arrows too tight
- When reaching for the arrow, you often change your position slightly, which can lead to a worse shooting result
- Running with a back quiver can turn into running the gauntlet in impassable terrain, because you constantly rub against branches or other overhanging things – even so the arrow plumage can be damaged
Our Recommendation – XTACER 4-Tubes Back Quiver
If you are a fan of back quivers then this beauty will meet all your needs. A 3-point harness with well-padded shoulder straps keeps everything secure in place without making you feel as if you’re hauling an appliance with you. The ergonomic design allows for a surprisingly large carrying capacity. Not only does the bag fit 4 removable arrow tubes, but you can stick a takedown bow and all the accessories you may need in there as well, with absolute ease. The tubes keep your filed arrows in place, but can be removed when packing broadheads.
- Back quiver made from Oxford cloth with 4 removable arrow tubes
- Large carrying capacity with room for takedown bow
- Comfortable 3-point adjustable harness keeps bag in place
- Durable and well-constructed
- Comfortable to use and stays in place when worn
- Includes 4 removable arrow tubes
- Large carrying capacity
- Will also fit a takedown bow
- The zipper pulls may be too noise when moving for hunting
- It may be necessary to line the tubes with fabric to dampen noise
Side-quiver
The side quiver is the most popular among archers. It is worn on the pulling hand side at the hip so that its opening is at the front. This offers the shooter many pros:
Pros
- The included arrows are easy to remove
- The shooter always has his arrows in view and sees how many are left
- Filling is quick and easy
- The arrows are well protected, since side quivers are usually very long and only the plumage of the arrow protrudes
- They don’t get in the way of shooting.
Cons
- They are not in the way when shooting, but often when running – many a shooter is annoyed when the quiver hits him with every step
- The plumage is not protected from the weather, so that especially natural feathers can suffer from moisture or wetness – this can considerably impair arrow flight
Our Recommendation – KRATARC Foldable Back and Hip Quiver
For a comfortable and versatile quiver, this arrow bag by Kratarc easily fulfills the brief. Lightweight and foldable, it comes with a 3-point shoulder strap to use as a back quiver, or simply use the clip to hook it to your belt if you need a side quiver. The bottom is reinforced with extra padding and a drain hole, so your arrows will not work their way through any time soon. In addition to the arrow compartment, the bag also features a zippable pocket for all your accessories.
- Quality polyester fabric quiver with adjustable 3-point padded shoulder strap
- Suitable for 18-24 arrows and storage zippered pocket for accessories
- Extra padded bottom, lightweight and foldable for use as back or side quiver
- Versatile, and lightweight arrow and accessories bag
- Made from weather-proof polyester fabric
- Carry on shoulder, back, or hip
- Well-padded and reinforced bottom
- Very good value for money
- Takes a maximum of 24 arrows
Attachment and Bow Quiver
Modern types of bows such as compound bows and some recurve bows have a middle section with special holes to which the best arrow quiver can be attached. Also for traditional bows like the longbow, hunting quivers are now available. These are attached to the arch. This type of quiver also has pros and cons:
Pros
- The quiver is easy to fill
- It is very practical, because you have all arrows immediately at hand
- The arrows are clearly visible, so that the archer can immediately see any damage to them
- The quiver is comfortable to carry, because nothing slips or rattles
- The additional weight on the bow acts as a stabiliser
Cons
- The arrows are unprotected; especially with wooden arrows this is a big minus point, because they are completely exposed to the weather
- Since its weight stabilizes the bow, the quiver is not welcome at various tournaments and is even prohibited at some
- Only a few arrows fit into it; usually six of them
- You need additional bags for your equipment, because the quiver has none
Our Recommendation – TROPHY RIDGE Hex Light 5 Arrow Quiver
If you want to be stealthy in the dark and unencumbered by a torch and hefty arrow bag, then this ingenious quiver is for you. the Trophy Ridge Hex Light Arrow Quiver features four glowing green LED lights, three on top of the hood and one inside. These guys are just bright enough to allow you to see you arrows and where you are going in a soft green glow. The quiver holds 5 arrows with a soft-touch hood construction for less vibration and noise. The arrow single or dual grippers are customizable to suit your bow, while the entire quiver is designed to have a low enough profile to be contained within the bow.
- Built-in LED lights to illuminate arrows and surroundings in low light
- Soft-touch hood construction and quick attachment design
- Adjustable mounting for a low profile against the bow
- Can accommodate fixed or mechanical broadheads
- Low profile
- Soft-tough hood for less vibration and noise
- LED lights illuminate arrows and surroundings
- Adjustable single or dual arrow grippers hold 5 arrows
- The LED’s are not fully water-proof
- Not compatible with rear-adjusted slider sights
Matching the Right Quiver to Your Bow
Which bow quivers you want to use for arrows is a question of style and taste. No plastic quiver fits to a traditional archer.
However, there are other things to consider, such as the Size of the Bow. It is quite possible that a side quiver will get in your way when using a longbow. Therefore, traditional archers tend to use a back quiver.
A hunting quiver is very well suited to compound bows, because this bow is not shot with wooden arrows. So they are not so vulnerable under bad weather and can be transported well on the bow.
If you are unsure, most manufacturers and archery suppliers are happy to answer queries regarding their products. Any good retailer should offer this service if you want to buy an archery quiver.
No matter which quiver for arrows you choose, you should pay attention to your dexterity. A left-handed person needs a quiver that is virtually mirror-inverted!
Make Your Own Quiver
If you would like to make a quiver yourself, you can actually buy DIY sets. These are delivered to you with all the necessary parts and you only have to put them together.
Of course you can also build a complete quiver yourself. First you have to decide whether you want to create a side quiver or a back quiver. In our instructions for building your own quiver we will limit ourselves to the back quiver.
- You take a piece of leather or fabric and smooth it down
- Fold the leather piece at the sides so that openings remain at the top and bottom
- Sew the side parts together and use a stable stitch
- Now you sew the bottom; one side remains open, into which the arrows will be inserted later
- Cut a slit in the leather near the opening and another one near the bottom
- Push a narrow leather strap of suitable length through both slits; this serves as a carrier
- Now you can lay the quiver on your back and knot the two ends of the leather strap together; make sure you have a stable knot and think of the additional weight of the arrows you want to transport later
We hope we could help you in your decision making process for a quiver and give you valuable tips if you want to build a back quiver yourself. Have fun with archery!
