Let’s Dive into Ripcord Fall Away Rest
The Ripcord Fall Away Rest promises to be the ultimate full containment drop away arrow rest, a bold claim in a market saturated with options. This rest, manufactured by Ripcord, boasts a “Drop Dead Lock-Up Feature” and silent operation. My interest was piqued by the promise of enhanced accuracy and stealth while hunting.
For years, I struggled with arrow rests that either weren’t fully contained or were noisy, spooking game at critical moments. This led me to search for a full containment rest with a silent draw, a feature the Ripcord Fall Away Rest seemed to offer. Unboxing the rest, I immediately noticed the rubber overmolding; it felt substantial and seemed like it would genuinely dampen noise.
I considered the QAD UltraRest HDX and the Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit before settling on the Ripcord Fall Away Rest. The QAD was a close contender, but the Ripcord’s promise of a simpler setup and quieter operation swayed me. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; the build quality felt good, and the drop-away mechanism seemed solid.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ripcord Fall Away Rest to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local archery range, followed by a few days in the woods during deer season. The range provided a controlled environment to dial in the rest, while the hunt provided real-world feedback on its performance. I tested the Ripcord Fall Away Rest in dry and moderately humid conditions.
The rest was surprisingly easy to set up and adjust, although fine-tuning the cord tension took a little patience. The “Drop Dead Lock-Up Feature” worked as advertised, keeping the arrow securely in place until the moment of release. I experienced zero fletching contact during my first few shots, which was a significant improvement over my previous setup.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Ripcord Fall Away Rest has held up remarkably well. I have put at least 300 arrows through it at this point. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the rubber overmolding or the launcher arm.
Maintenance has been minimal; I simply wipe it down with a clean cloth after each shooting session to remove any dirt or debris. The internal dampening system continues to effectively minimize noise during the draw cycle, which is crucial for stealth hunting. Compared to my previous rest, the Ripcord Fall Away Rest provides significantly improved arrow flight and consistency, especially at longer distances.
Breaking Down the Features of Ripcord Fall Away Rest
Specifications
The Ripcord Fall Away Rest features a full containment design, ensuring the arrow remains securely in place regardless of bow angle. It is equipped with the Ripcord’s signature “Drop Dead Lock-Up Feature,” which locks the launcher arm in the up position until the moment of release. The rubber overmolding minimizes noise during the draw cycle, a critical feature for hunting applications.
The internal dampening system further reduces vibration and noise, promoting a quieter and more accurate shot. The rest is compatible with most modern compound bows and is designed for both left- and right-handed shooters. These specifications are important because they contribute to the rest’s reliability, accuracy, and stealth, all crucial factors for successful archery and hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The Ripcord Fall Away Rest excels in its primary function: accurately and reliably launching arrows. The full containment design eliminates the risk of the arrow falling off the rest, even during awkward shots or challenging terrain. The “Drop Dead Lock-Up Feature” ensures consistent arrow placement, leading to improved accuracy and tighter groupings.
The rest’s strengths lie in its ease of use, quiet operation, and reliable performance. One minor weakness is the cord tension adjustment; it can be a little finicky to dial in perfectly. Overall, the Ripcord Fall Away Rest meets and, in some ways, exceeds my expectations for a high-quality drop-away rest.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Ripcord Fall Away Rest is excellent, with durable materials and a robust design. The rubber overmolding provides a comfortable and secure grip. There is no noticeable vibration during the shot.
The rest is surprisingly lightweight and adds minimal bulk to the bow. The design is user-friendly, with intuitive adjustments and a simple setup process. There is a slight learning curve to fine-tune the cord tension, but the included instructions are clear and helpful.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience so far, the Ripcord Fall Away Rest appears to be built to last. The materials are high-quality, and the construction is solid. The rubber overmolding shows no signs of cracking or deterioration.
Maintenance is straightforward; a quick wipe down after each use is typically sufficient. I anticipate that this rest will provide many years of reliable service with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Ripcord Fall Away Rest comes with all the necessary hardware for installation and adjustment, including mounting screws, a cord clamp, and detailed instructions. While there are no specific customization options offered by Ripcord, the rest is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories. These include different cord materials and serving thread for the activation cord.
Some archers choose to add a small amount of lubricant to the pivot points of the launcher arm to further reduce friction and noise.
Pros and Cons of Ripcord Fall Away Rest
Pros
- Full containment design prevents arrows from falling off the rest, even in challenging situations.
- “Drop Dead Lock-Up Feature” ensures consistent arrow placement and improved accuracy.
- Rubber overmolding significantly reduces noise during the draw cycle, crucial for hunting.
- Easy to install and adjust, even for archers with limited experience.
- Durable construction and high-quality materials ensure long-lasting performance.
Cons
- Cord tension adjustment can be a little finicky.
- Price point is slightly higher than some competing models.
Who Should Buy Ripcord Fall Away Rest?
The Ripcord Fall Away Rest is perfect for hunters who demand stealth and accuracy in the field. It is also well-suited for competitive archers who require a reliable and consistent rest for optimal performance. The ease of use makes it a good choice for intermediate archers looking to upgrade their equipment.
Beginners might find the cord tension adjustment slightly challenging, but the overall simplicity of the design makes it manageable. Those who prioritize budget over performance might want to consider a less expensive alternative. A quality bow stabilizer would be a must-have accessory to pair with the rest.
Conclusion on Ripcord Fall Away Rest
The Ripcord Fall Away Rest delivers on its promise of being a high-quality, full containment drop-away rest. Its standout features, including the “Drop Dead Lock-Up Feature” and silent operation, make it a valuable asset for any serious archer or hunter. The rest’s reliable performance and durable construction justify the $99.95 price tag.
I would personally recommend the Ripcord Fall Away Rest to anyone looking for a top-tier drop-away rest that enhances accuracy and stealth. Upgrade your archery game today and experience the Ripcord difference!