How to Choose the Best Quiver on the Market

best quiver for archeryAs an archer, you will need something to transport your darts, bolts, and/or arrows: This piece of equipment is called a quiver. Of course, there are many unique designs and styles when it comes to quivers, so understanding the types of quivers and features associated with each will help you in making a buying decision. The types of quivers available are usually identified by the way they attach (or do not attach) to the archer’s body. Each type of quiver has unique features, advantages, and disadvantages: Examining all of the latter in detail will allow you to discover the best quiver for you and your needs.

Quiver Types to Consider

Back – The most common and popular type of quiver is the back quiver: This style is something you are most likely familiar with as it the one seen most in movies and television shows. Back quivers, usually made of leather, feature a strap that allows you to wear the quiver on your back and to strap the model across the chest. With this model, you will have to reach up and backward to pull out the arrow, but there are contemporary models that allow for you to make a downward motion for arrow removal. The main disadvantage is the amount of movement you will have to make to get an arrow out of the quiver: A lot of movement is not ideal in a hunting situation. This type of quiver is great for both left and right-handed archers since the direction you put the sling on your body determines where the quiver is positioned.

There are different types of belt quivers to select from, with the lightest type being the pocket quiver: This type of model is something you put into one of your back pockets. The benefit of the pocket quiver is, of course, the ease of portability. The downside of such a model is the fact you are forced to reach upward to grab an arrow in order to pull it out of the quiver for use. The belt quiver is also sometimes difficult to maneuver when you are working your way through thick brush. Alternatively, a field quiver will have your arrows pointing behind you, and target quivers do the exact opposite by pointing the contained arrows/shafts in front of you.

Bow – With this model, the quiver attaches to the bow and it is an option most commonly used by archers who use compound bows. There are some users of the recurve bow that may prefer the use of a bow quiver; however, it is not an ideal selection for anyone who uses a longbow. The main advantage of having the bow quiver attached to a bow is the close proximity of the arrows, which are always close to the archer’s hands and easily within reach. Thus, this type of quiver is best for the archer who foresees needing to make multiple shots quickly, quietly, and easily. One of the major drawbacks associated with the bow quiver is that these models can only hold so many arrows and that number is quite limited: Usually four to six total. Either this means you need to be willing to track down and reuse arrows you’ve already shot during a practice session, or you must be willing to lug around an additional quiver with extra arrows. The bow quiver is less ideal for the neophyte archer as it can add additional weight to the bow and, therefore, makes aiming the bow more challenging.

Ground – This is a type of quiver that does not attach to the body; rather it works as a durable stand that is placed on the ground. The manufacturer will fit the ground quiver with a hook so it can be toted around by connecting it to the bow. This kind of quiver is best for practice or tournament archery, simply because the quiver can remain stationary and the archer doesn’t have to carry it around.

Hip – Also called belt quiver or side quiver, the hip quiver is easy to transport since it is the smallest and, therefore, lightest quiver selection. A hip quiver attaches to your hip or side. As is often the case, a belt slides through several attached loops and which allows you to attach the quiver to your side for ease of carrying. In some instances, the quiver manufacturer fits the model with a hook you can use to hook onto the side of your pants. Additionally, these same quivers sometimes host leg straps so the quivers can cling closer to the body of the archer.

Whether buying pocket belt quiver, hip or side quiver, or a target or field quiver, there are models that are orientation specific: Fitted only for the right or left-hand dominant. Likewise, some manufacturers make quivers for those who are ambidextrous or models that work perfectly for any archer, no matter what the archer’s dominant hand.

Additional Features to Consider

Some of the contemporary quivers on the market have tubes inside the quiver. The tubes are fantastic for keeping your arrows organized. The quivers with tubes also make for easier arrow access when you want to pull an arrow out.

If you have a significant amount of archery/hunting accessories, it might benefit you to find a quiver featuring one or more pockets for storage. You can slip small accessories in the pockets like string wax, a range finder, extra arrowheads, bow releases, stringers, and more.

When in the market for a quiver, make sure you give due consideration to the model’s size. The unit has to be big enough to hold your shafts/arrows and spacious enough to hold several arrows comfortably. Some quivers can hold four or five arrows while others can hold ten or more. You have to give thought as to where you will use your bow and arrow. You must figure out if you plan to tote a lot of arrows with you when you travel, to determine which quiver is going to work for you and your personal style.

Some units are sold with lids: A perfect solution for a hunter who will need to keep arrows dry and protected from the outdoor elements. In addition to protection from the elements, a hunter will want a camouflaged model: Today’s quivers are sold in a wide selection of colors, including several camo options.

Recommended Quivers

The Flipside 3-Tube Hip Quiver by Easton

The Flipside quiver has a comfortable entry price between $24.00 and $35.00. The quiver is perfect for all bow users no matter what hand orientation; the model features a looped pocket and reversible hook for those who are ambidextrous. The Flipside 3-Tube Hip Quiver comes with several feature integrations, including an accessory attachment grommet, bow square slot, and belt clip. It comes in a range of colors as well, including Lost Camo, Purple, Realtree Max -1, Pink, Blue, Red, Black, and Realtree XTRA. The quiver hosts a high-denier POLY construction to ensure its durability.

The One-Piece Silent Quiver by LimbSaver

The LimbSaver Quiver is among the best bow quivers on the market today. Priced between $45.00 and $60.00, the quiver is as affordable as it is functional. LimbSaver’s quiver hosts a light structure, low profile, and is perfectly suited for bow hunting. Whether you use fixed or expandable broadheads is of no consequence, as the LimbSaver quiver is universal and fitted for either style arrowhead. The quiver is also suited to fit a wide selection of different size arrows/shafts.

This quiver is made with a navcom hood: A feature lending to noise dampening. Grippers provide vibration control. The quiver fits five arrows sized at .245 to .360 inches in diameter. Its quick attach/detach feature is activated through the use of a simple to access thumb release. LimbSaver’s quiver is durable, thereby lending to the model’s longevity. It is all new, quiet, and it comes with double rubber grippers for holding arrows safely in position. It comes in a wide selection of colors, including Realtree, Mossy Oak, Lost Camo, Vista, Muddy Girl, and Carbon Black, for ease of personalization.

Conclusion

No matter what style archery you enjoy, be it competitive, leisure/practice, or hunting, there’s a perfect quiver for every archery-related pursuit. With so many diverse quiver models, including backpack, back, belt, and ground quivers, it is easy to find a durable quiver to tote your arrows/shafts and arrowheads to your selected spot for archery. When comparing quivers it will be your job to seek out the additional features you seek, like pockets, and storage compartments. You will also have to give serious thought about the noise the quiver might produce, what the exterior of the unit looks like, and last, but not least, you have to assess the quiver’s affordability before making an investment. Many of the major brands of quivers are available for purchase at highly competitive prices.

Sources

“Arrow Quiver Types – Quick Access to Your Arrows,” My Archery Corner website. URL: http://myarcherycorner.com/arrow-quiver-types-quick-access-to-your-arrows.

“Quivers Buying Guide,” eBay. URL: http://www.ebay.com/gds/Quivers-Buying-Guide-/10000000177627736/g.html.

“How to Choose Among Various Archery Quivers,” SlideShare. URL: http://www.slideshare.net/leafmail3/how-to-choose-among-various-archery-quivers.

Resources

“Factors for Choosing a Bow,” Zanzelia website. URL: http://zanzelia.com/factors-for-choosing-a-bow-quiver/.

Raptor Archery’s “Selecting a Quiver for Archery,” YouTube. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOabT4LuNXU.