Setting up an Arrow Rest by Wendy Rowell

Getting Ready...

Step 1

Before removing the old rest I always mark its position with so I can easily replace it.

Step 2

Make any major adjustments prior to putting the rest on the bow. For example if you have used a similar rest before you may want to duplicate the settings. The next photo illustrates moving the vertical adjustment to the middle hole as I know this is the best position for many Hoyt risers including the UltraElite.

Step 3

Here you can see I have set the horizontal adjustment to the same position as the other rest. This is a good starting position for the Hoyt's.

Step 4

Now I attach the blade, I put a 'locktite' type solution on the screw thread to hold it firm.

We are now ready to put the rest on the bow.

Basic Settings...

Step 5

It is important to try and get the arrow rest on level. To start with I put one of my string levels on to make sure the bow is vertically and horizontally levelled in the bow vise. You could of course use a spirit level placed against the string.

Step 6

Now I use a small level on the top edge of the rest to level it with the bow

Step 7

The main bolt is tightened snuggly to hold the rest in place

Step 8

Most rests have a grub screw to tighten down onto the riser to ensure the rest does not slip.

Once the rest is secured in place it is time to check the blade and nocking point height with an arrow and level.

Getting the nock point and blade height correct...

I like to have my arrow set so the nock point is 1/8" higher than horizontal and the arrow passing near the top of the Berger button for outdoor thin arrows and through the middle on indoor fat arrows. I find this works for me and is a good starting point. In this instance I am fitting it to use an existing nock point. If it is a completely new setup you may want to take the opportunity to mark the correct nocking point on the string. Ensure the arrow is completely horizontal and then move the rest up or down vertically until the arrow is in the correct position with relation to the Berger button then move the arrow 1/8th inch up the string. This is a good starting point for you nock position.

Step 9

I use a level on the string and one that clips on the arrow. By looking for the bubble to be near the back mark on the level I know the angle is just about correct.

Step 10

If vertical adjustment is needed then on this particular rest you undo the locking bolt and use the micro adjust knob to move the vertical height of the blade.

Once the arrow is levelled correctly then remember to secure the locking bolt.

Center Shot using a Laser...

This is probably the easiest method to establish a center shot. In this illustration I am using the Eze Eye Laser attached to the sight mounting holes.

Step 11

Fit the laser and line it up so when the laser head is rotated it hists the string at the nock point exactly in the middle of the string.

Step 12

By rotating the head you should be able to track the arrow along its full length to the tip with the laser beam. If the laser beam leaves the arrow at any point then you need to adjust the horizontal position of the blade with the rest horizontal micro adjust. By dropping the laser beam directly below the laser onto the arrow you should easily be able to see as the adjustment is made. You can then check again that the laser beam moves along the full length of the arrow.

String Method of checking Center Shot...

If you don't have a laser then you can do a quick check of center shot by stretching a piece of string between the middle of the limb bolts.

First attach to the top limb and let it fall

Then attach to the bottom limb bolt. It is important it goes through the center of each bolt hole.

Now place an arrow on your rest. If you have set the center shot correctly your arrow should fall to the left of the string (nearly touching it) for a right handed archer when viewed from the back of the bow to the arrow tip.

Video...

Here is a slow motion video we made showing the fletch clearance on a correctly setup Trophy Taker 1. Note the two bottom fletches slide over the arrow rest at each side of the prongs.