My better half wants to get me a quiver for my birthday. Being a Newbie, what are the pros and cons of a bow, hip, or back quiver. I intend to walk the woods stump shooting/3d. And eventually hunt in wooded areas. My thoughts are a hip quiver catches in the brush, a back quiver could catch in low branches, and a bow mounted one could affect the shot. I only want to buy one, just thought some experienced opinions would help me decide.
I like Great Northern bow quivers,they dont add a lot of weight to my bow and my selfbow seems to shoot better for me with it.I have the 5 arrow quiver but when hunting I only put 4 in it.Four stickbow shooters in the family,3 of us using these quivers and number 4 going to get 1 soon.
I think my side quiver is the cat's arse.
It won't catch on brush if you adjust it so you can tuck it into your side with your elbow. And the arrows are pointing the direction you're moving so they are less noisy and less apt to snag. You can get them out easily even with a waterproof fletch cover.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Stumpkiller/Bowhunting/HPIM2026.jpg)
I've used a back quiver to stump shoot for decades. Big enough to carry as many arrows as you want, extra tips, glue, string even your lunch!. As far as catching it on limbs, I just rotate it, one handed, to below my arm. Clear the obstacle and pull it back up one handed again. Plus you can decorate it with feathers, bones, rocks, bead work and what ever you want.
I think it's a good choice for a first quiver.
If your hooked on trad, it won't be your last.
I hunt with a back quiver -it has drawbacks,but it looks cool. I shoot in the yard with a side quiver and have stumped with it also-it has drawbacks as well.I cant shoot with anything on my bow-I guess thats a drawback for me.I am looking to make a sealed bottom draw back quiver-drawback is I never have time.To date I have never found a quiver that didn't have some kind of drawback to it.I am hoping the sealed bottom draw will be the ticket.JMHO
I like my Arrow Master pretty well. Having a bow quiver on the bow is convenient, but I think my bow is more balanced and a little quieter without one. I also shoot very bright fletch and wraps which I don't like flashing around as I am drawing. I hang it around my tree and can easily grab an arrow for another shot with little movement. Its also quieter when stalking than most other back quivers and can be worn on the side as well. It also has a pouch which is large enough to hold everything I need for short afternoon or morning hunts. I think a lot of this stuff it boils down to personal preference. They all have their good points and bad points.
Which is better...blondes, brunettes, or red heads? The same with quivers. You will wind up trying lots of different ones in your search for the right one only to discover there is no perfect quiver--it depends on your particular needs for the hunt at any given time.
i have the same Quiver as stumpkiller i made it a year ago and i can not fault it at all it does every thing you would want a Quiver to do. and whats more they are easy to make. :thumbsup:
I agree with Stumpkiller. I have Chief side quiver that is much the same as the one in the pic. As Stumpkiller says, it's "the cat's arse". For the reasons he states it's the best quiver I've ever used.
I noticed that the Asbell side quiver (see ad at top os page) is now available with a wool hood. That would make it quieter in the woods. Looks to be a very practical quiver. The only thing it lacks is a cover to protect fletches from rain.
I have several quiver types. I have not found the perfect quiver yet. I prefer bow quivers for hunting and I want them to be quick detach. The best working one for me is the Mathews Arrowweb T5 but it requires a circular metal bracket which doesn't fit the look of a fine wooden riser. I have Great Northerns; side insert, limb bolt and strap on. All have disadvantages.
I saw a small quiver _3-4 arrows) with a leather hood on a table at the ATA show. It was at the Samick and 3River's booth. The nice fellows at the Samick booth couldn't understand a word of Kentuckian and I didn't get to ask the 3Rivers guys about it. The hood was 2-tone (black and brown). Anyone see it? No what it is?
i perfer the back quiver as of now. i will try a bow quiver someday cause i hate having arrows stick up from my back when hunting
For small game, a back quiver is a must but it has to fit properly. As stated above, all quivers havc their disadvantages.
I like bow quivers the best for hunting especially if the use the amo bushings for attachment. Next would be back and side quivers. I like hip quivers the least, they are always in the way. About back quivers, I like them better than side quivers because I think it is more comfortable, but it has to be able to pull under your arm to go through brush. Then you have the best of both.
I've used bow quivers and really dislike them. I have a Chuck Adams hip quiver for 8 arrows - nice but no cigar. I made a three arrow hip quiver that is feather light but like all hip quivers I have used the fletching is waving around with every step.
I bought my last quiver last spring, a Safari Tuff Arrow Master side quiver - I love it. Hides the whole arrow but still has easy access to anything in it. I hunted for two weeks in Colorado in September with a day pack and the Arrow Master - IMHO the best stalking quiver design out there.
You might not like that specific quiver for some reason but I don't think you can fault the "side quiver" design. It does and has everything I need in a quiver.
Arrowmaster is the most functional quiver I have found for all the reasons that Pete just mentioned. It carries well, protects my broadheads, keeps my feathers dry and quiet. Those are in my mind the most important attributes of a good quiver, and the Arrowmaster does them all well.
One quiver.......don't think that's possible.... :biglaugh: good luck!
Was Pete McMiller talking to me? Anyway I never said I did not like side quivers, I just think that the back quiver is more comforable in its neutral carry position. As for the SafariTuff quiver, I have not used it. However I learned to shoot proficiently the Rod Jenkins way and love his bow cases, so I am sure it is well thought out and of top quality. Too many people use them and like them for it to be subpar.
It may not win beauty contests, but for functionality the Great Northern is hard to beat.
i like my arrowmaster as well, altho i'd like to try the eagles flite bow quiver also.
Hi Bigbadjon,
No I wasn't relating my comments to or about anyone but myself. Just my opinions on what works for me. I 'may' have a tendency to think my way is the best sometimes - I'm trying to change................ really :)
I'm with ron w on this one.......just ONE quiver, :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: .
For stump shooting, I like to shoot judo points, blunts and hammerheads. When stump shooting, I use a cheap (under $10) clip on quiver that is round and fairly large diameter that allows for easy removal of arrows.
For hunting with broadheads, I have tried a few bow-mounted quivers and really like the Great Northern detachable quiver for my 3-piece takedown longbow if I use a bow quiver. The biggest problem with a bow quiver for me is hunting in high winds. In Nebraska, windy conditions are common, causing the bow-mounted quiver to act like a sail and making accuracy more difficult.
For hunting I have come to prefer a GFA quiver (moose hide autographed version from Ron LaClair, sponsor) that hangs over your shoulder by a single nylon web strap. It is very functional, goes through brush well and holds arrows securely. It is not a great design for stump shooting if you plan on shooting a lot of arrows on a given outing but is a great hunting quiver in my opinion.
I have never liked hip quivers, and back quivers look cool but aren't as comfortable for me. But the cool factor for back quivers and the ability to hold lots of arrows is a consideration.
My recommendation is buy a cheap quiver for stump shooting. By used and cheap of other types to find what you like. Then spend a little more to get a quality quiver of the style(s) that meet your needs and that you personally enjoy! Whatever, you choose, please consider buying from one of the many fine sponsors of Tradang. They are a great bunch!
The Great Northern is a great bow quiver and works well. I have one and have used it a great deal. I still use it from time to time.
I am making a side quiver for a winter project I like working with leather as a hobby. I will use it for 3D and target shooting and it will see use in the field come fall.
I picked up an Arrowmaster last year they are everything I wanted in a hunting quiver and more.
Should last me the rest of my days hunting.
There are other quivers in the house that I have and use. I have several back quivers. There is one I use almost every time I go rabbit or squirrel hunting no reason other than it has all my small game arrows in it. Quivers are kind of like peanuts or potato chips hard to stop at one.
All of that being said if I could have one quiver it would be an Arrowmaster but that is just me.
No such thing as a "perfect" quiver....but the Safari Tuff "Arrowmaster" is pretty dang close.
QuoteOriginally posted by ron w:
One quiver.......don't think
that's possible.... :biglaugh: good luck!
Kind of like owning only one bow, eh? It just ain't done. :D
After years of using and deciding, I have narrowed it down, HH back and a Bowers stalker side quiver. Oh the money I have spent on quivers.
Good luck on one quiver. If you can borrow some friends quivers to try that is the route I would take.
Earl
I have gone from bow quiver to GFA to Arrowmaster. Now I'm back with the GFA
QuoteOriginally posted by David Mitchell:
Which is better...blondes, brunettes, or red heads? The same with quivers. You will wind up trying lots of different ones in your search for the right one only to discover there is no perfect quiver--it depends on your particular needs for the hunt at any given time.
Well said...true enough! It took me too many years to find out what I didn't like....
QuoteOriginally posted by Stumpkiller:
I think my side quiver is the cat's arse. :thumbsup:
It won't catch on brush if you adjust it so you can tuck it into your side with your elbow. And the arrows are pointing the direction you're moving so they are less noisy and less apt to snag. You can get them out easily even with a waterproof fletch cover.
I also find that a side quiver serves me the best...Art Vincent made mine about 7 years ago. Was called and Adcock Stalker I believe...
I prefer one of our (EFA) mid size 4 arrow bow quivers with the totem and wing features. It's very lightweight, well made, easy to get on and off, and doesn't change how the bow feels in hand, or how it shoots. It's convenient to take off at the stand if you feel inclined to do so.
A bow quiver and arrows on a bow could be a flash point for deer, or whatever, if you have bright fletching or cresting. However, I belive that Terry Green once said that a bow quiver and arrows gave him cover to hide behind when deer had spotted him. I haven't had that opportunity but if you get caught drawing your bow, it would be something to consider.
I had not really considered seriously putting a quiver on a primitive bow until recently. Someone called me yesterday who very excited about his recent experience. He had put an EFA bow quiver on a very fast David Knight primitive bow and said that it was shooting better. We hear that occassionaly, but I can't imagine him shooting any better.
It's all a personal preferance. I myself prefer a bow quiver. I like the added weight, and the ease of the arrow being right there at hand. I also carry a pac seat, so a back quiver for me is kinda cumbersome. I don't have anything against the others, but the bow quiver works better for me. JMHO! Good Luck! Jason
+1 for the Great Northern bow quiver. I like taking as little as possible with me in the woods so the fewer things I have to scoop up and run out of the house with after work the better.
I like a sturdy bow mounted quiver for hunting and a side quiver for target practice.
The only way your goina find what you like is to try a few different quivers.
When I said only one quiver I guess I should have made it more clear. There are times where I love to use a back quiver ,other times a side stalker. I have several bow quivers, EFA, Kanati, Selway,Great Northern, A home made solo stalker. I also have and use a couple of homemade GFA style quivers. 2 of my favorites are a Mini Cat and a Cat Quiver II. For me to have one.......ain't gonna happen!
I guess it depends on how many arrows you want to be using. For hunting you are only going to be using a MAX of 4 arrows, 3D shoots would be 1 to 12 depending how mean the course is. Stumping and fun shooting would be as many arrows with as many arrow heads you can fit in.
Sometimes if I am just shooting at a target I will shoot 20 arrows into it before getting them out, but other times I will shoot 1 to 3 arrows because that feels right. So as been said before one quiver.....Have not find it yet but I keep on looking.
It's stalker type quivers for me. I just bought a Safari Tuff arrow master side quiver, and really like the looks of it. I use them for 3-D, and stumping, and am going to start using them for hunting.
I like a side quiver like those made by cedar ridge leather works listed in the sponsers list. It holds the arows securly and the broadheads are well protected for hunting. That said, lately I have been using a mini BOA bow quiver.
At long last I have decided on a skookum bow mounted 3 arrow quiver. IT looks the part and I Just figured to have a small bow mounted one for hunting would be good, and not easy to self build, and to make a larger back quiver for carrying more if/when needed. Thanks for all the input, I would have liked to buy from one of the advertisers but living in Europe and shipping it here would have taken too long for my birthday.
I've used them all. I now use back quivers.
Bow quiver
Advantages: convenient; allows you to use a back pack or hydration pack.
Disadvantages: limited number of arrows held, with consequences in serious firefights and in serious stump shooting; some people prefer the looks of their bow without it (I do).
Side quiver
Advantages: frees the bow from additional accoutrements; some can carry more arrows than a bow quiver.
Disadvantages: the type that fasten onto your belt wave around and do interfere with stalking sometimes; most of them do not carry enough arrows for a serious fight in a target rich area.
Back quiver
Advantages: always enough arrows, both broadheads and blunts, to cover any eventuality; they look really cool, and really have that old leather yester-year vibe about them; side is unencumbered, as is bow.
Disadvantages: if not properly constructed or worn, so that it cannot readily slide around your body under your armpit when required, the arrows can hit brush and make a noise or hold you up; a back pack or hydration pack cannot be worn, neccessitating the use of a bum bag with water bottle carrier.
Oh, I find all quivers equal in terms of how often I have to touch-up my broadheads.
Rod Jenkins Safari Tuff Arrow Master will cover all the bases.
I love the Great Northern quivers and it's the only bow mount quiver I use, super with field points and not so oversized broadheads. Depending on what diameter arrows you're shooting you'll have to make sure you get the correct size arrow gripper. They make a small, medium and large.
The Safari Tuff is a "do all" quiver. Carries a load of arrows, keeps them dry and unseen, easy arrow in and out, big broadheads, little broadheads, field points, big rubber blunts, judos, hammerheads, oversized turkey heads, on and on and on. You name it, they fit. If I hade to pick "one" quiver the Arrow Master is it. JMHO.
I am a hunter first...for hunting I prefer a bow mounted quiver.
My bow and arrows are ONE unit. One thing in my hand.
During summertime shooting, I use a side quiver, but my bow mounted quiver is always present, full of arrows, just as when hunting.
I tried a broadhead friendly side quiver this past season for a bit, and found it a real pain for my bow and arrows to be TWO seperate items.
As an example, with a bow mounted quiver, when I first climb into a treestand, I simply hang my bow wherever convenient and get things settled in. When using the side quiver, I had to find a place for my bow, and THEN my quiver.
I have tried a lot of quivers over the years. Keep coming back to a Boa bow quiver for hunting and a back quiver for 3d or stumping. I used a back quiver for a long time hunting and could go back to it if I needed.
A good bow quiver (great northern, selway) will quite you bow, and doesn't get in the way.
a hip or back quiver is great for practice or small game, but every time I tried using one in brush it's always getting caught up and I'm getting pissed off wishing I had a bow quiver.
Cheers
I'll use a back quiver when huntin tree rats. I need a lot of arrows for those guys. Range and 3D shoots I'll use a hip quiver until it gets close to hunting season then I put my bow quiver on. For all around use a bow quiver works well for me.