how do i keep my arrow from falling off rest?

[Stinger]

I was looking for the same thing last year.  When it gets cold, it gets difficult to hold the arrow with your index finger for very long.  I tried eflanders holder idea last year and it cost me 2 bucks.  On the first one, it failed to release cleanly and the arrow deflected away.  Like an idiot I used it the next day and managed to mouth grunt a monster running buck that was chasing a doe to a stop just 15 yards away.  This time I tried using my string hand to release the thing before I drew and I couldn't get the damn thing undone before he ran off.  I threw all of my toothpick and rubber band devices away after that.  I now use a similar holder to the one pictured, but it is an older design that is smaller that I can't find for sale any more.

Bobby's idea looks good, but even though my bows are tools, I won't drill a hole in them.

[Bull Elk]

Hey, here is a good alternative to drilling the riser.  Use a long thumb tack, with a large flat head, and glue it on the belly of the riser, facing backwards.  Use barge cement, and it will be easily removed, if & when you want to take it off.Remember to file the sharp point off of the tack. How's that for the , " Tip Of The Day "?   PS:  You might have to use a large carpet tack.  Jim

[reddogge]

The thought of drilling my bows gives me the heebie jeebies. Sorry, no can do.

[sidebuster]

Piece of  self adhesive Velcro coming from somewhere on your bow going under your arrow and sticking back to some place on your bow.  Then undo when ready to shoot but be sure you let long strip of Velcro stick back out of the way somewhere  on your bow.

Personally I just put the bow on my lap until I ready.  If the bow in in a horizontal position it will never fall off the shelf.  Never has been an issue for me.

[eflanders]

I make a simple arrow holder that is easily moved from bow to bow and it will not leave any marks or residue.  I call it the FTS Arrow Holder and it was tested by several fellow Tradgang members.  It is easy to use, silent, lightweight, reliable and weatherproof.  It consists of a specially hardened brass rod that is shaped to retain the mounting bands. The brass rod is covered with a special black rubber coating to protect the finish of your bow.  It is available in two sizes: Longbow & Recurve.  The Longbow model will also fit your selfbows.  Feel free to contact me for more information.  

[RkyMtn Joe]

I can't imagine why the arrow holder doesn't fall off of the arrow when you draw?  Maybe it wasn't installed right or something?

When I install one, I clip it onto the arrow first, and get it in the correct position before peeling the paper off of the tape side.  Then with it still attached to the arrow which is nocked and on the rest, I make sure it is tight before allowing it to stick on the backside of the riser.

With that kind of installation I can't draw an arrow more than an inch or two before it pops right off and out of the way.

Joe

[eflanders]

If you look at the picture in my post, notice the small exposed end of the brass rod.  This is polished to a mirror finish so that the band releases with just an inch or two of draw.  It is important that you use the right length / model for the width of your riser.  If not, the release may be inconsistent due to the amount of tension of the band on the arrow.  With this system, the band stays on the holder at all times so it is totally silent and it clears the rest so as to not hinder arrow flight. You will also note that there are no adhesives used to mount the holder.

[Shortlongbow]

Originally posted by heydeerman:
I have tried all of these arrow grabbers and they have not always worked the way they are supposed to. I like the bow across the lap with an arrow on the string with my hand on the bow and my finger on the arrow trick. Never fails.

I agree with this approach. Be ready at all times. Game will appear when you least expect it. Goes for still hunting too. You may not have time to knock an arrow.

[Bjorn]

Yeah-my bows won't be getting any drilling either!  
My pointer finger was put on my hand for a reason!!    

[eflanders]

I admit that for years I did the finger thing too.  But there are times that I wanted my bow and arrow ready and both hands free.  A good  example would be in the cold weather I wear a hand muff to keep my hands warm or when looking through my binoculars.  I also did the drill thing to a recurve of mine.  It works, but the rubber band falls off when you draw and can spook game.  To keep the band from falling off you need a hook or something bigger and I just didn't want to modify my bow with that much permanent hardware.