First Impressions of Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver
The Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver promises a blend of classic aesthetics and modern functionality for the traditional archer. It’s designed to hold five arrows securely, fitting a range of arrow diameters commonly used in traditional archery.
My journey to this quiver began with a persistent frustration: fumbling with my arrows during hunts. I needed a quiver that was both secure and readily accessible, allowing for quick follow-up shots without compromising the traditional feel of my recurve bow.
Unboxing the Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver, I was immediately struck by the vintage green plastic hood adorned with the Bear Archery logo. It evoked a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the classic archery gear I admired growing up. The brown leather-like material of the quiver body felt durable and well-constructed, adding to the overall impression of quality. It felt lightweight and not cumbersome at all.
I considered the Kwikee Kwiver and the Great Northern Side Mount Quiver, but ultimately chose the Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver for its quick detach feature and classic look. The Kwikee felt too modern, while the Great Northern seemed bulky and might interfere with my bow’s balance.
My initial reaction was definitely excitement. It felt like a piece of archery history, promising to enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of my traditional setup.
Real-World Testing: Putting Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver was at my local archery range, prepping for the upcoming deer season. I mounted it on my Bear Kodiak Magnum recurve, finding the limb attachment system relatively straightforward, though requiring some careful adjustment to ensure a snug fit.
The Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver performed admirably, securely holding my arrows even during rapid shooting drills. The quiver also remained firmly attached to my bow, even with the vibration from multiple shots. It was a pleasant surprise to find that the quick detach mechanism was smooth and reliable, allowing me to easily remove the quiver when desired for target practice or carrying the bow in a case.
There were no immediate issues, but I did notice that the plastic hood seemed a bit thin and potentially prone to cracking under extreme cold or impact.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including a few rainy practice sessions and a week-long hunting trip in the mountains, the Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver has proven to be generally reliable, but with some caveats. The leather-like material has held up well, showing no signs of tearing or significant wear.
The Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver’s durability has been tested in different weather conditions, and only the hood shows signs of potential weakness. Also, some slight slipping of the mount was noted when repeatedly removing and re-attaching the quiver.
Cleaning is simple – a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. I definitely prefer the Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver over my old back quiver, which was always a hassle to manage in dense brush.
Breaking Down the Features of Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver
Specifications
The Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver is designed to hold up to five arrows with diameters ranging from 5/16″ to 23/64″. It is an ambidextrous design.
The recurve model fits limbs from 1.5″ to 2″ wide, while the longbow model accommodates limbs from 1″ to 1 3/8″ wide. The quiver mount tightens over the limb with a lock-down knob. These specifications are important because they determine the compatibility of the quiver with different bow types and arrow sizes. They also allow for a secure and adjustable fit.
Performance & Functionality
The Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver performs its primary function adequately: holding arrows securely and providing relatively quick access. The arrow grippers offer a decent amount of retention, preventing arrows from falling out during movement.
However, the plastic hood feels somewhat flimsy and the quick detach mechanism can occasionally loosen over time, requiring periodic tightening. The quiver meets basic expectations but doesn’t necessarily exceed them in terms of overall robustness.
Design & Ergonomics
The Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver’s design is aesthetically pleasing, especially for those who appreciate traditional archery equipment. The leather-like material and the green plastic hood evoke a classic feel.
The weight of the Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver is minimal, and it does not significantly affect the balance of the bow. There’s a slight learning curve to adjusting the limb attachment system perfectly, but it is easy to use after setup.
Durability & Maintenance
The leather-like material appears to be reasonably durable and long-lasting, however the plastic hood may be a weak point that could limit the quiver’s lifespan. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver comes as a standalone unit with no additional accessories included. Customization options are limited, primarily focusing on adjusting the limb attachment to achieve a secure fit.
While there aren’t specific aftermarket accessories designed solely for this quiver, some archers might consider adding aftermarket arrow grippers for improved retention. The Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver is generally compatible with most standard arrows within its specified diameter range.
Pros and Cons of Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver
Pros
- Classic aesthetic with the Bear Archery logo.
- Relatively lightweight and doesn’t significantly affect bow balance.
- Securely holds arrows during normal use.
- Ambidextrous design.
- Quick detach feature for easy removal and reattachment.
Cons
- Plastic hood feels flimsy and potentially prone to cracking.
- Quick detach mechanism can loosen over time, requiring adjustment.
- Higher price point compared to similar quivers on the market.
Who Should Buy Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver?
The Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver is perfect for traditional archers who appreciate classic styling and the convenience of a quick detach system. It suits hunters using recurve or longbows within the specified limb width ranges.
This quiver is not ideal for archers who prioritize extreme durability or those on a tight budget. Additionally, if you frequently remove and re-attach your quiver, you might find the loosening mechanism to be a minor annoyance.
A must-have accessory is a small wrench or multi-tool to tighten the lock-down knob as needed.
Conclusion on Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver
The Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver offers a blend of classic aesthetics and modern convenience, but it comes at a relatively high price point. While the leather-like material is durable and the quick detach feature is useful, the flimsy plastic hood and the potential for the mounting mechanism to loosen are drawbacks to consider.
The value proposition is questionable, as there are other quivers on the market that offer similar functionality at a lower price. While it serves its intended purpose adequately, the Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver’s price makes it difficult to recommend wholeheartedly.
I would recommend the Grayling Selway Fred Bear Quick Detach Quiver only to archers who are specifically drawn to its classic Bear Archery styling and are willing to pay a premium for it. If you appreciate traditional design and want a quick detach quiver, it might be worth a look. However, explore alternative options before committing to this specific model.