I would like to buy a sidequiver, because I like the design and it works for me.
Now I am torn between two possible candidates:
A traditional leather sidequiver from Leathersmith: http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=111286
I really love the traditional look and the craftmanship...
or...
The safari tuff arrowmaster: http://www.safarituff.com/arrowmaster.html
Not so traditional, but I read some very good reviews on this one and it comes with a cap and is waterproof.
Now I don't know anymore, I need help!
I really like the looks of the leathersmith quiver.
That leather quiver looks very nice. I have an Arrowmaster and really like it. It is my go-to quiver for hunting and stumping. Why not get both?
Get both? My wife would kill me and besides of that: I am not rich (but handsome :) ).
Looks - hands down the leathersmith....I have the arrowmaster and I like it from a performance standard...
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chief
Arrowmaster=light weight, durable, has a compartment for extra string, string lube, extra tab or glove, etc.
I have had both. For practical in the field operation the Arrowmaster is the way to go. If you just want to "look traditional" then the leather one gives that look...but, IMO, is not as functional as the Arrowmaster. After all is said and done I really prefer my GFA style homemade quivers.
Buy the arrow master now for the practical side of things and later get the leather cause it's cool!!!
"Torn between two lovers" Go with the sexy one.....well actually it makes sense to go with the more practical one.
Leathersmith=sexy
Arrow master=practical
Can't comment on the arrowmaster. I have the leathersmith side quiver and use it for hunting. Looks good and performs good.
Leathersmith that is a thing of beauty.
Buy them both Ad! :wavey:
Randy, don't say that to me....
As I get older I like things that work well rather than look good. I can't comment on the leather smith but have an arrow master and know it works well. Besides, you already say you're really good looking....you don't need a sexy quiver!
You nailed it Ryan! :)
My vote goes for the Safari Tuff, also.
Its rugged, lightewight, a joy to use, never in the way and really comfortable.
Id only wish theyd make a non-camo model, because some of the tournaments round here dont like camo stuff. :rolleyes:
Theres a shop in Germany that sells the Safari Tuff, pm me if need be.
I have a Leathersmith Sidekick III, and it's plenty practical,light and looks good. Doubt you can get better arrow protection; it kept my arrows pristine in the briar thickets we've got here.
I'd go with the leather version and ask for a pouch to be put on the outside for a spare string/tab/points/wax.
The synthetic is nice but I'm not sure it would stay that way for several generations. With proper care of the leather, your grandchildren could still be using the leather quiver.
Another thing to consider is personal preference for materials, construction, and pride of ownership. I'd never take an inferior "pretty" product over a more functional product. However, you can make a very functional product with leather custom made to your needs and wants that is also good looking and that might add to the satisfaction of using it for you.
My next quiver will be a custom tooled leather one that can be used as a back quiver or side quiver with two separate pockets for regular arrows and flu-flu arrows. I got the idea from the images of this one below from Corcon Craft. I've contacted a few leather workers about it and am waiting on Corcon Craft to get back with a price quote. It's either going to be them or Wyoming Wildlife doing this project for me.
(http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee146/gdpolk/Archerysmallside-quiverbowanddirk.jpg)
Either one would work well, but the Arrow Master is a better hunting tool. I have to say that I love the look and feel of leather, and I really like my leather side quiver. But I also own an Arrow Master original quiver and a smaller Arrow Master Duiker quiver, so I followed the path of buying all of them, as others here have suggested. Sorry, I know I'm not much help. My best suggestion would be to buy the Arrow Master if your main interest is to use it for hunting and to buy the Leathersmith if you main interest is to use it for other purposes and only occasionally take it out hunting.
Allan
If it's for hunting only, get the Arrow Master. If it is for all round use, including hunting, get the Leathermaster.
Better yet, get a Mantis, both of those are heavy and will start working on your shoulder after walking and stalking all day. I like to hunt pigs, I do not like a heavy quiver, no matter how well it works or how pretty it is.
I have the Catts side quiver you are considering.
Typical very high quality. I also have his back quiver and the 5 arrow hip hunter. The side quiver is heavy and does not come with a foam plug for the business end of your arrows. If you bend over it swings around in front of you which is annoying it needs a tether to your waist to keep this from happening or you just hold it in place. I use 5-1/2 fletch 5 arrows would be maximum. Nothing supports the fletching end of the shaft they lay against one another. I also had a Raptor side quiver which had similar issues. The Catts quiver will form a depression where it rides against your body so it does carry fairly well.
I've also had a plains quiver and I didn't care for it either.
When you combine bino straps, back pack straps and a quiver strap on your torso it can be too much to manage in a hunting situation. For roving the short comings are not such a big deal.
58
I love my side quivers , My Bowers Chief is one of my fave pieces of archery gear as it looks great and carries really well ...
But as a piece of hunting kit , the Arrowmaster wins hands down everyday of the week .
I've got both the Quivers your looking at.Both have there pros and cons,not many.I usually decide which one I'm going to use by flipping a coin or how I feel.Unlike you I'm not good looking any more.Years ago I use to look like a greek god,Now I just look like a Gol Darn Greek!
Arrowmaster, quiet, lightweight, feathers protected from water, comfortable. I bet it's twice as light as the leather one.
saumensch, I bet you could dye your Arrowmaster with Rit dye to mute the camo pattern.
Thank you guys for all the help!
Ok, my hearth says Leathersmith, my brains tell me Safari-Tuff...
The quiver will be for 3D shoots.
I always carry a small bag on my belt, so extra pouches are not necessary...
Darned! This stays a difficult decision...
Go with your heart, the Leathersmith!!
Is there a website for the leathersmith?
yes, google on leathersmith
Leathersmith is Steve Catts, www.hidehandler.com (http://www.hidehandler.com)
Thanks David, I googled leathersmith before asking, but there are a lot of leathersmith sites out there
I have a SafariTuff and use it for everything.Weather good or bad this is a awesome quiver.Keeps fether safe and dry.My vote is for SafariTuff.Call Rod he is a great guy.
I have neither but all you. Need to do is have to hike out of a. Steep canyon at sundown and you will be glad for all the lightwt gear you took with you when you left camp to hike in. All I carry is my bow w bowquiver camelback / binocs/ knife/ jerky.and 2 way radio. The leather quiver looks nice. But at my age im in my 60s and I do cardio all year and I consider myself in good shape.I look at everyway to lighten my load.my hunting partners son is 28 and does no cardio and beats me up hills all the time and he smokes! It you are that age go for the leather quiver.
I would be willing to bet that if you go with the Arrowmaster first, you will be ordering the one from Steve sooner than later. You will then live with the displeasure of your spouse. If you get the one from Steve first, then the less expensive,(at least in the eyes of your wife since it is merely made of cloth material) not food for making a big issue of it.
Safari Tuff Arrowmaster
Okay guys, Thanks for all your help!
Thanks to your input, I decided to order the Sidekick from Leathersmith. I know it has no bags, but I always carry a leather bag on my belt, so that's no issue. I know the Safari Tuff is more suited for hunting, but I only shooth 3D (Bowhunting is strictly forbidden in The Netherlands). I think the sidekick is were my hearth is. Besides of that, last summer I test-drove a similar design and it worked very well for me.
The only thing is, it has no cap to protect the fletching against rain. I will see if I can make something myself. For the time being, a plastic bag will do :)
I already have a design for some nice artwork on it...
The only thing is... Steve seems not to answer my e-mail... Is he on a trade show?