Weigh the pros and cons of each quiver to learn what’s best for you. Photo Credit: ATA

Quiver Options: Choose From 4 Styles

  Cassie Gasaway   FeaturedGear   July 16, 2019

You probably spent hours choosing an ideal hunting bow after considering your options on size, price, style, weight and let-off, to name a few factors.

You should take the same approach when choosing a quiver. Quivers hold arrows by locking them into place individually with flexible grips, or simply by encasing them in a tube or container slung across your back or hung from your belt.

You have many options, so start by comparing the four basic types. Also keep safety in mind. If you’re hunting or practicing with broadheads, choose a quiver that keeps them covered to prevent injuries, and to protect their blades from dirt, bark or brush.

Detachable Quivers

If you use a detachable quiver, make sure you have somewhere secure to hang it in the stand. Photo Credit: ATA

Detachable bow quivers that hold three to seven arrows are popular with bowhunters. They quickly attach or detach from your bow, depending on your shooting preference or hunting situation. Each quiver brand and style attaches differently to bows. Some click into place, while others screw in or lock into place with a lever.

Test how different quivers attach and detach to ensure they quietly and easily release. Also make sure they’re sturdy, stable and made from high-quality materials that last.

Bow quivers make the bow heavier, which can be distracting when shooting, but you can detach it and hang it nearby to solve that problem. Read the Bowhunting 360 article “10 Tips for Bowhunting from a Treestand” to learn convenient ways to keep detached quivers handy.

Bow-Mounted Quiver

You can mount your quiver to your bow for a permanent fix. Photo Credit: ATA

These quivers mount more permanently to the bow. Unlike detachable quivers, bow-mounted quivers can’t be removed without a screwdriver or Allen wrench. Some bowhunters don’t like these models because they make it difficult to rest the bow in your lap. These quivers are less popular, but newer models are lightweight and help balance your bow while shooting. You might want to experiment with additional weights or stabilizers if your rig feels unbalanced.

Back Quiver

If you use both a backpack and a back quiver, try to find a backpack that can accommodate the quiver. Photo Credit: ATA

Back quivers provide quick access to arrows. They can accommodate right- or left-handed archers. They can hold many arrows and keep them out of the way when walking, aiming and shooting. They’re popular with traditional bowhunters, but grabbing and pulling an arrow can get noisy unless the quiver has spacers. Be extremely careful when extracting a broadhead-equipped arrow from a back quiver. If you’re careless, you could cut your neck or head.

Back quivers can shift and the arrows can catch brush as you pass through thickets. Be careful you don’t lose arrows when ducking under branches. If you hunt with a backpack, you’ll probably have to lash the quiver to its side. If you often crawl to stalk prey, a back quiver might not be the best option.

Hip Quiver

Hip quivers can attach to a belt loop, backpack, or pocket. They may be more comfortable than a back quiver. Photo Credit: ATA

If you dislike back quivers but still want a hands-free option, consider a hip quiver. They’re also called side or field quivers, and attach to your waist on a belt loop or around your belt. Other models clip to a pocket or waistline. Most hip quivers are designed to lean arrows backward when you walk so they don’t interfere with your arms. Target archers favor hip quivers because they often have pockets for gloves and other accessories. Some hunters find them more comfortable than back quivers, especially on hot days.

Hip quivers can also clip to backpacks. In fact, some hunting packs feature built-in bow-quiver pockets for stalking, still-hunting or keeping arrows handy in a treestand. Check out the pack featured in the article “10 New Bowhunting Products We Can’t Wait to Try.”

Other Factors

Some archers own several quivers to handle different situations. You might want a hip or back quiver when practicing because they can hold a dozen or more arrows. Some bowhunters, for instance, carry a full hip quiver while practicing. They shoot with their bow quiver attached, but leave one slot empty to simulate hunting situations.

When bowhunting, it’s best to carry at least three or four broadhead-tipped arrows. That way you’ll have back-up options should you miss, need to shoot again, or get a chance to shoot another animal.

There’s no right or wrong quiver style. Just find something you like using. If you need help or guidance, talk to a pro at an archery store.

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