As i'm learning and slowly gearing up for a hunting set up i have naturally come to the quiver choice.
I'm fairly at a loss as there's different kinds and i'm not sure as to the advantages of each.
I like the look of old style back quivers, but see that a lot of people here use the bow quivers. Then there's those new kind of back quivers that look like bow quivers as well.
What advantages/disadvantages does each quiver give that the other doesn't?
Does a bow quiver affect how the bow shoots, and if so and i chose to go with one should i start getting used to having one on the bow as soon as possible?
Also what would be the best kind of bow quiver for a Martin Hunter without drilling holes in it?
Thanks
Stan
:)
personally, I never cared for bow quivers. Even in my wheelie days...the quiver came off the second I was in the stand. Now I use a back quiver, and hang it beside me in the stand off a tree step I carry just for that purpose
What kind of hunting do you do? There are strap on quivers such as the EFA, Great Northern, Boa, etc that attach to the limbs. If you decide to go that route you do need to practice with them on and arrows in them to get used to the weight and such, many times these quivers will quiet the bow some is set-up properly. Back quivers and stalker/side quivers leave you an unencumbered bow and can be used for carrying other things also that can come in handy. It is good to learn how to remove arrows properly from them for hunting situations and to move through the woods with them without tangling in brush and such. Quivers come down to personal choice/style as much as the bow you use. Half the fun is figuring out what will suit you for what hunting you do. I own some of each lol.
Well said Dave. You summed it very nicely.
If I were to add, I would say I prefer bow quivers, I am able to keep them out of the brush easier than other quivers, and the arrows are quickly accessible.
If you take them off when in the stand, you need one that keeps the hood and gripper attached by another means than the arrows.
I just got a GFA quiver and am going to give that style another try.
Stan, you'll hear a lot of opinions on this and it depends a lot on what you expect.
We at Eagle's Flight Archery make ultra-light bow quivers holding 3 or 4 arrows. In almost all cases you won't be able to see any difference in how the bow shoots. Recently we have made two improvements to our line of quivers. These are the "Talon" grip fastening system which we will have on all future quivers, and the "Totem" system which connects the hood and arrow gripper assemblies as one unit. This steadies the unit on the bow and makes it more flexible to use as an over the shoulder unit or to anchor to a tree while hunting from a tree stand.
Every time I've tried bare-shafting with and without a bow quiver, it affected the spine, normally reducing it by one size. If you use one, you should tune with it on the bow and full of arrows, just like you would hunt with it.
I prefer my bow unencumbered, but I don't like traditional back quivers because they don't like my thick woods- always complaining by grabbing something. I use a bow quiver for a back quiver by hanging it in the middle of my back, fletching down, with leather laces over each shoulder that I attach to my belt in front with a loop on one and a hook on the other. It's easy to get on and off, I can get through the woods more easily, and the arrows are very accessible from either side. I like side quivers, but I walk with a limp and it makes the fletching wave like a flag. Not good for hunting.
I've yet to find the one quiver that works for everything. I switch back and forth between bow quivers, back quivers, etc. depending on the situation.
I hunted for a number of years with a back style quiver, it was not user friendly while packing in my lone wolf. I bit the bullet one day and tapped the bob lee for a simple bohning quiver. When I get on stand, I take it off and hang it. Is really more simple for me to have the quiver attached to the bow. I've practiced enough with it on to feel comfortable should a shot situation suprise me with it on.
With a glass bow I preferred a bow quiver. The weight and the way it made my bow balance seemed to help me shoot. With wood bows I do not like a bow quiver. I have 2 types I use now; one for hunting and one for target and 3D. My hunting quiver is a GFA type I made from my old Selway bow quiver. For target and 3D I prefer a side stalker type.
If you ask 10 people what is there favorite most will have different answers. There is no perfect quiver for all situations. I'm still looking for the perfect one for me. Pat
A quiver is as personal a choice as which bow to shoot. Everyone who hunts will carry their arrows to best suit their needs during that particular hunt. I have 2 EFA quivers and they are very light and make almost no difference in how my bows shoot with them on it. I also have a back quiver and several side quivers that I'll carry my arrows in for different hunts or roaming thru the woods. My suggestion is to try them all and see what you like. A bow quiver isn't for everyone.
I have two of the E.F.A. Quivers and don't notice any weight nor problems when shooting...One is the three and the other the four arrow...Very compact and lightweight...I think these are perfect for longbows...Wish I waited for the new "Talon" style but following the directions from E.F.A. instruction sheet the velcro really isn't a problem if cut correctly to fit the limbs...They are also a very well made quiver and look very Traditional...God Bless ! Keefers <")))><
This is my first year and I opted for the two styles I could make. First is the "plains" style quiver for deer season- very comfortable, surprisingly quiet, and easy access to arrows. With a full backpack, it was a little tough trying to situate at times with the quiver strap and backpack strap on top of each other. 2nd was the back quiver for my rabbit outings- very cumbersome reaching for an arra and very noisy with the clanking shafts. Have not had any experience with a bow quiver but seriously thinking of one since I've been "skunked" with the two quivers I've made. LOL
Quinn
I've had four of Don's Eagle Flight Quiver for the bows I have had, they don't affect the flight of the arrow or the efficiency of the limbs and they don't slip around. They are light enough to where you don't even notice they are on there. I'm having a bow made,
( Whisperstik )and I wanted to match the quiver with the wood, Don made one up for me in the color I wanted, Don is a great person to work with, he will figure out what your need is and try to meet it. Makes a great product. I really like the quivers, variety in style, and in size.
Carl
Thanks for your replies, all very helpful.
I gathering from what you say that i should try different quivers in different situations and see what i prefer.
Had a look at the EFA quivers, they look well nice so think i'll probably be getting one of those to try.
Thanks again!
:)
Yep, you'll soon have a quiver of quviers...lol.
I have had a quiver of quivers too.
I have had bow quivers, back quivers and Cat quivers.
Like someone already said they have different uses. I thick brush it's hard to beat (only having one arrow)not much to get hooked up on then...teehee, but seriuosly..you will find what fits you best and stick with that.
I don't know if I am like alot of people. I like to have with me at all times.
Arrows:
4 - broadheads
2 - judos
2 - flu flu's
Misc:
So I generally have a bow quiver with 3 broadheads and one judo...then my catquiver with (lunch, water) one judo-one broadhead and 2 flu flu's.
It gives me versatility.....maybe that's too much for most, but I do alot of stalking...sitting...calling...glassing.
The catquiver and a fanny pack are great things to have. I can start a fire and carry games bags, sharperers and a space blanket, small first aid kit (sparse one), dry soup (ichiban or lipton's), small tin cup, powdered drink all in the catquiver.
If I have to stay out over night for ANY reason (and I have had too) I can.
Jer Bear
This may sound odd but it works "for me" ;I mounted a kwickee bracket from a small collapsible three arrow quiver to a collapsible aluminum walking stick , also installed a uncle mikes sling swivel top and bottom and a lightweight gun sling..I can carry it as a back quiver or use it for a walking stick..the arrows stay in ,and the walking stick can be an asset in the rough terrain here in Colorado...Not perfect, but I don't really like a quiver attached to my bows...
hey pumatrax can we see a pic.
Jeff...sent PM ..Will work on getting a pic to ya,have to borrow a camera ; Doug
Jeff ..can you email me an addy to send the pics to? thanks ; Doug beartrax44@msn.com
PICS TO JEFF....
i have the rancho safari cat quiver I, an arctic-2 kwikee kwiver, and a regular back quiver. The cat quiver is my favorite because it holds 8 (you COULD squeeze more in, but 8 is plenty) arrows very quietly, keeps your broadhead AND fletchings protected and has a nice little fleece pouch for extras (spare string, extra glove/tab, broadhead sharpener, etc). It has felt lined backpack-style straps and has D-rings and loops all over it to hang anywhere. they have several models but the basic one with the regular small pouch is my choice...just my $.02
my deer set up has the sleway slide on quiver and I love it, for small game I carry a back quiver cause it holds 40 arrows and I need them when shooting.....ahem, I mean missing those little furry critters.
my .02
I think in some cases where guys have experienced problems with bow quivers they have simply put the quivers too far down onto the working part of the limb. I have seen pictures here of bow quivers installed way past the fade-outs. There is no question a bow quiver will affect the efficiency of the limbs if installed too low.
Keep the bow quiver behind the fade-outs and absolutely zero problems! Just my 2 cents worth.
QuoteOriginally posted by pumatrax:
PICS TO JEFF....
Can someone with pics post for all to see? Thanks.
I have a slide on quiver for my one piece Striker and like some have already mentioned it has its advantages and disadvantages. For slipping quietly through the brush it can't be beat. Likewise for simplifying your set-up having a bow quiver means one less thing you need to carry on your back or over your shoulders. That said my bow quiver sometimes drives me nuts by slipping on the limb and dangerously exposing my broadheads. It's just one more thing to be very cautious about.
If you don't go with a bow quiver - check out the Arrowmaster from Rod Jenkins @ Safarituff. http://www.safarituff.com/
It's been great for me so far from the ground and in the tree.
Good luck!
Heck, I try and make the darn things, and I can't make up my mind what type to use....
I use Back Q, side Q, hip Q, GFA style etc, etc.
Hopefuly one day you will find out what works best for ya....
When ya do, let me know....
All my hunting is done with a Jack Bowers side quiver, been using them for 14 yrs and dont enter the forest without one...PR
when i started man i was using a pvc pipe wrapped in camo duct tape. after the duct tape phase i got a little more "trad" with look and wrapped the pvc in leather with a raw hide binding and muskrat hide fringe. i was pretty cool. but now i use a bow quiver from a wheelie bow that i rigger so it mounts to my day pack. all it really needs to do hold arrows, at least for me.