Why would an arrow hit your drop-away rest?

An arrow that hits your drop-away rest can only mean one thing – there is something wrong with the fletchings. Shooting in sweltering conditions can result in the bond breaking. The fletchings can fall off.

Once in a while, an arrow can hit your drop-away rest.

It is because when you shoot in scorching conditions, the bonds can sometimes break. It can cause the fletchings to fall off.

The fletchings can come loose when you hit something hard with the arrow. It can be because of the weather conditions, or it can be because of poorly-glued fletching.

When you are in archery, the first few arrows might seem indestructible.

Sometimes, you might mistake pulling the arrow by its fletchings. However, the vanes usually hold on.

But as your arrow groupings tighten and you learn how to handle arrows properly over the years, your vanes become loose.

Sometimes, the vanes can start falling off even after a few shots. And this is not normal.

You might think that you are doing something wrong. And yes, there is always something wrong when these things happen.

One of the most common culprits is glue.

The glue might not have bonded the fletchings properly to the shaft.

In archery, the vanes and feathers should last for a long time. These two parts should show wear and tear, but not at the onset.

In some cases, something goes wrong at the start.

If the feathers are already falling off, something is wrong.

Here is how to fix that.

Fletching Contact

Most of the time, archers do not shoot single arrows at a specific target. It is especially true because grouping your arrows is essential to your training.

Grouping your arrows provides you with a picture of your abilities and equipment.

Archers always aim for a tight group. However, this setup harms your vanes and feathers.

When fletchings get in touch with each other, they eventually loosen up. This problem also happens when you miss a target, and your arrow hits the grass, a brush, or branches of a tree.

Once you have damaged fletching, it creates a subtle sound.

When you shoot, watch out for a fluttering noise. There is a problem if you hear such noise.

Also, make sure to inspect each vane or feather. Once in a while, you will notice one end of your feather has already separated itself from the shaft.

If this is the case, your arrow will drag and have an erratic flight. Loose feathers or loose sections can result in poor arrow flight.

If you hear a fluttering noise, check the vane. There is a high possibility that the vane has a tear.

If you see any of these issues, set the arrow aside. These issues need professional help. Go to an archery shop near you.

The Powder Test

Sometimes, fletching can hit your equipment. Your arrow will not fly well if this occurs. Your fletchings will also become loose.

So, what causes your fletchings to contact your equipment?

It can be an improper nock rotation. It can also be an improperly tuned bow and a lousy drop-away rest timing.

These factors can result in the fletching to make contact with the equipment.

If this is your issue, do the powder test.

Start by getting some baby powder or an aerosol foot spray. Lipstick will also work.

All that is needed is to powder the arrow from the middle of the shaft to the nock. Make sure to cover each fletching.

Nocking an arrow with care is the next step. Do not disturb the powder when you do this. Draw the arrow. Release into the target.

Check the arrow if there are any changes in the powder.

If you have a properly tuned setup, the powder will not change. If the powder is missing, especially on the lower side of the arrow, adjust the nock point.

If the powder is missing on the side, adjust the center shot.

You can also check if the nock is too tight on your string. It can also cause arrows to have an erratic flight.

How do I keep my arrow from falling off rest?

To keep your arrow from falling off the rest, point your thumb toward the target to keep an arrow from falling off the rest. Make sure to curl your fingers. Or you can also buy a finger or wrist sling at a shop.

In this position, when you start squeezing the bow’s grip, you have to ensure that the fingers do not touch the bow.

Like anything else, improper hand placement on the grips is terrible. It and twist your arrow of the rest. And yes, it can fall.

On the other hand, if you grip a bow like a baseball bat, the bow will twist from one side to another. It is what we call “torquing the bow.”

Little torque arises from a correct bow grip. The least grip possible is a good grip. For you to reduce the torque, loosely grip the bow. Relax your hand and place it on the bow’s grip.

Next, slide your hand up the grip. Please do this for as far as it can go.

Make sure that the web of your hand is in the throat. This part is the grip’s deepest part.

Finally, set your hand so that only the area between your thumb and your palm’s lifeline touches the grip.

Also, the knuckles should be at an angle of about 45 degrees to the riser.

Now, point your thumb toward the target. Next, curl your fingers. Continue doing this until the fingers are on the bow’s front.

If you start squeezing the bow’s grip at this point, make sure to tuck your fingers. Ensure that the fingers cannot touch the bow.

But if you use the tucked technique, get a finger or wrist sling at your local archery shop. This tool will keep your bow in place.

Finally, apply slight pressure to your bowstring. This step should set your grip into place. Also, this should keep your hand relaxed throughout.

Consider taking lessons from a teacher if you are still having difficulties.

Why does my arrow fall off rest?

One of the most common reasons for arrows falling off the rest is finger tension. It could also be because of too much draw weight. Or you might want to check the nock. It may be too low.

One of the most common problems for new archers is arrows that slide off the arrow rest.

For most archers, they can solve this issue.

Most archers would use their index fingers to hold the arrow in place while drawing the bow. However, I would like to reiterate that this is a temporary fix. Also, this is unsafe.

What you should do is diagnose the cause of why your arrow falls off rest.

Here are the most common reasons.

Tension

If you grip the tension too tight, or if you are improperly hooking the tension, it can twist the arrow from its rest.

A proper bowstring grip means you do not grip it at all. As mentioned earlier, the less grip, the better.

Position the string between the first and second joints of your index, middle, and ring fingers.

From here, check for the exact placement. You can experiment with arrangements.

For some archers, they place the string closer to the first joint. For others, they do not.

At this point, you can only use enough tension. The tension should be enough to keep the bowstring from slipping off your fingers.

Also, it should be your bone structure that supports the weight. It is not the muscle that does that.

Imagine holding the bowstring like you were hanging onto a bar with just your fingertips.

Make sure to keep the back of your hand flat.

When you draw the bow with a relaxed hand and forearm, you make sure to keep the arrow on the release. Also, it ensures that you have a clean-out of the arrow.

The Draw Weight

Most archers can easily overestimate the draw weight that they can handle.

It is a common mistake among archers to start with too much weight.

As mentioned, too much muscle tension in your hand and forearm can result in your arrow twisting. It can also fall off the rest and affect the arrow’s release.

Muscle tension is one of the many signs of too much draw weight.

If you can no longer hold your bow for ten seconds, there is too much weight. Try a lighter draw weight.

The Nocking Point

When you set the nocking point too low, you can no longer apply enough downward pressure on the arrow rest.

Because of this, the arrow can fall off its rest.

How can you tell if the nocking point is too low?

Measure the height of your nocking point. Use a bow square.

The perfect height for your nocking point would be about ¼ or half of an inch for recurves and longbows.

From this vantage, you can already tune the bow to dial the exact nocking point height.

Your local archery shop can help you with this.

What is a nock pinch?

Look at the space of your loop or nock points. See how they squeeze the arrow nock. This part is what we call the nock pinch. It plays an essential role in the performance, similar to how vital a nock fit is.

One of the critical parts of your archery rig is that part that connects the arrow and the bowstring.

A simple click can determine how good or bad your arrows fly. However, despite that essential role, most would ignore its importance.

Today, we will give you a few facts about the accuracy, especially if you are not paying attention to the nock fit.

With this basic knowledge, you can gain confidence in your shots. After this, you will be sure to have your arrows properly nocked.

Some Basic Nock Knowledge

An arrow nock has two parts – the groove and throat parts.

The throat is a bit larger than the groove. The throat is larger by 0.012 inches.

The nock is made this way to clip snugly onto the string. Also, it creates some space to move on the string serving.

It also allows the string to remain unhampered. Aside from this, it can also spin while seated into the throat as you begin to draw and shoot.

If the nock is too tight, there is no room for this natural movement. Nocks that are too tight can also result in poor arrow flight.

Your arrow should be tight enough so it won’t fall off its rest. It should also not be too loose to spin freely during the shot cycle.

To get that perfect fit:

• Nock an arrow on the string.
• Tip the bow down and ensure the point is towards the ground.
• From this point, try rolling the string serving left and right using your fingers.

If the serving can spin freely, the nock’s fit is perfect. If it does not, the nock may be too tight. Make some adjustments.

Or better yet, you can also visit your local archery shop.

A visit can allow you to have your nock professionally checked to have it fixed.

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An arrow is like a well-oiled machine.

If everything fits well, you get an exemplary performance. One loose part and you get a wobbly flight path.

As you prepare to draw and shoot, remember that it is not only your skill that can get you ahead in archery.

Often, you can pair that skill with well-maintained equipment.