Specialty Archery Timberdoodle II Rest Review

First Impressions of Specialty Archery Timberdoodle II Rest

The Specialty Archery Timberdoodle II Rest enters a market saturated with drop-away rests and complex aiming solutions, daring to cater to the traditional archer. This rest is designed specifically for finger shooters, a segment often overlooked in the relentless pursuit of compound bow technological advancements. Specialty Archery promises a return to simplicity and reliability, emphasizing a clean release and consistent arrow flight for those who prefer the instinctive feel of shooting with fingers.

After years of experimenting with modern releases and intricate setups, I found myself yearning for the raw, unadulterated connection with archery that only finger shooting can provide. This yearning led me to seeking a rest that catered specifically to that form of archery, after years of adaptation. The promise of a rest designed to compensate for the unique forces exerted on an arrow during a finger release was immediately appealing.

Upon unboxing, the Timberdoodle II Rest presents itself as a no-frills, functional piece of equipment. The black 6061 T-6 aluminum body feels solid and lightweight simultaneously. The simplicity of the design is refreshing, and the inclusion of the Hunter and Speed fins hints at the tuning potential this rest offers.

Compared to some of the more intricate drop-away rests I’ve used in the past, the Timberdoodle II Rest initially seemed almost too simple. I chose this rest over options like the Bear Weatherest, which is known for its simplicity but lacks adjustability, and basic plastic rests, for its adjustability and presumed durability. The build quality and targeted design made it an intriguing choice despite its relative simplicity.

My first impression was a blend of cautious optimism and curiosity. It’s a product born of specialized need. It looked durable but I wondered if the simplicity would truly translate to effective performance on the range.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Specialty Archery Timberdoodle II Rest to the Test

First Use Experience

My first testing ground was my backyard archery range, a familiar space where I can meticulously analyze arrow flight and overall performance. I tested the Timberdoodle II Rest on my 55# recurve bow, focusing on achieving a clean, consistent release with my fingers. The initial setup required some fine-tuning of the vertical adjustment to align perfectly with my preferred nocking point.

During the first few sessions, I experienced varying degrees of arrow wobble, particularly with slightly weaker spined arrows. Adjusting the position of the speed fin helped significantly in stabilizing the arrow during the initial launch. The rest performed flawlessly in dry conditions, but a light drizzle introduced a slight stickiness between the arrow and the fins.

The ease of use was initially a bit challenging; the small adjustments required a patient and methodical approach. The rest has excellent adjustability that takes experience to understand. I was surprised by the degree to which minute changes in fin placement affected arrow flight.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Timberdoodle II Rest has proven to be a reliable and surprisingly effective tool for finger shooting. The aluminum construction has held up well to regular use. There’s no noticeable wear and tear on the rest itself.

Maintenance is incredibly simple. I just wipe down the rest with a clean cloth after each session to remove any dirt or debris. The silencing tape has started to show some wear, and will likely need replacing soon, but that’s an expected maintenance item.

In comparison to other rests I’ve used for finger shooting, the Timberdoodle II Rest stands out due to its adjustability and its ability to fine-tune arrow flight. Unlike basic rests, this offers a degree of control and consistency that enhances the overall shooting experience. It’s a notable improvement, offering both forgiveness and the potential for greater accuracy.

Breaking Down the Features of Specialty Archery Timberdoodle II Rest

Specifications

• The Specialty Archery Timberdoodle II Rest is specifically designed for finger shooters. This focus is key to its design and functionality.
• It is constructed from rugged 6061 T-6 aluminum, providing a balance of durability and lightweight performance. This material ensures it can withstand the rigors of regular use.
• The rest offers over 1″ of vertical adjustment, allowing for precise alignment with the archer’s preferred nocking point. This adjustability is crucial for optimizing arrow flight.
• The package includes 1 Hunter Fin (on the bottom) and 1 Speed Fin (on the side), designed to provide perfect arrow flight with a finger release. These fins are integral to the rest’s unique functionality.
• The rest features a zero-play pivoting yoke assembly, contributing to extremely quiet and worry-free shooting. This silent operation is crucial for hunting situations.
• Four strips of smoke quiet silencing tape are included. This reduces noise during the draw and makes it suitable for hunting.

These specifications are critical because they directly impact the arrow’s flight characteristics and the archer’s overall shooting experience. The robust aluminum construction ensures durability, while the adjustability and specialized fins provide the means to achieve precise and consistent arrow flight, tailored specifically for finger shooters.

Performance & Functionality

The Specialty Archery Timberdoodle II Rest performs admirably in its intended role: providing a clean and consistent launch platform for arrows released with fingers. The unique fin design effectively minimizes arrow wobble. This helps stabilize arrow flight, improving accuracy and overall consistency.

Its strength lies in its adjustability and ability to correct for the inherent inconsistencies of a finger release. However, the reliance on precise fin placement can also be a weakness; small errors in setup can lead to noticeable deviations in arrow flight. The product exceeds expectations regarding its intended users, but may be of little use for release shooters.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Timberdoodle II Rest is robust, with the 6061 T-6 aluminum providing a solid and durable foundation. Its weight is negligible. It adds minimal mass to the bow.

The design is user-friendly in its simplicity. It allows access to every important component. The learning curve is not steep, but mastering the fine adjustments requires patience and experimentation.

Durability & Maintenance

The aluminum construction suggests a long lifespan. The rest appears to be resistant to the elements and normal wear and tear.

Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning and occasional replacement of the silencing tape are the only required tasks.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Specialty Archery Timberdoodle II Rest comes with the necessary components for immediate use: the Hunter and Speed fins, along with silencing tape. Customization options are limited, but the adjustability of the fins allows for fine-tuning arrow flight with different arrow types and spine weights.

The rest is compatible with standard arrow rests mounting holes, making it easily adaptable to most traditional bows. There is no option to mount accessories such as lights.

Pros and Cons of Specialty Archery Timberdoodle II Rest

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Specialty Archery Timberdoodle II Rest?

The Specialty Archery Timberdoodle II Rest is perfect for traditional archers who prefer shooting with fingers and seek a reliable and adjustable arrow rest. It’s also great for hunters who value simplicity and silent operation in their equipment.

This product is not suitable for archers who use mechanical releases or prefer drop-away rests. Novice archers may find the tuning process a bit challenging.

A must-have accessory would be extra silencing tape, as it is prone to wear and tear with consistent use. Using an arrow spine chart to help fine tune adjustability is highly recommended.

Conclusion on Specialty Archery Timberdoodle II Rest

The Specialty Archery Timberdoodle II Rest is a well-designed and functional arrow rest that caters specifically to the needs of finger shooters. Its durable construction, combined with its adjustability and ability to stabilize arrow flight, make it a valuable addition to any traditional archer’s setup. The price of $117.99 is justified given the quality and specialized design of the product.

I would personally recommend the Timberdoodle II Rest to any archer who embraces the art of finger shooting and seeks a reliable, adjustable, and quiet arrow rest. It offers a tangible improvement over basic rests, providing a more consistent and enjoyable shooting experience. If you value simplicity, durability, and fine-tuned performance, the Specialty Archery Timberdoodle II Rest is an excellent choice. Try it out and rediscover the pure joy of archery!