Ripcord Fall Away Rest Review

One Week with the Ripcord Fall Away Rest

For any archer, the arrow rest is a critical component, directly influencing accuracy and consistency. My ongoing quest for the perfect setup led me to the Ripcord Fall Away Rest, a device promising ultimate containment and a silent, smooth operation. After experiencing some less-than-ideal performance with my previous rest, which occasionally let an arrow wobble or even misfeed, I was actively seeking a more reliable solution.

My initial impression upon unboxing the Ripcord was one of solid engineering. The materials felt robust, and the design exuded a no-nonsense approach. It seemed built to withstand the rigors of consistent use, a crucial factor for someone who spends considerable time practicing. I had briefly considered a different popular brand, but their reputation for a slightly finicky setup deterred me. This model offered a promise of simpler, more dependable performance.

There was an immediate sense of quiet confidence as I handled it; it felt like a genuine upgrade that would address my specific needs. The initial feeling was not of overwhelming excitement, but a pragmatic satisfaction that I might have finally found a piece of equipment that would reliably do its job.

Real-World Testing: Putting Ripcord Fall Away Rest to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of this fall away rest was conducted at my local outdoor archery range, a familiar setting where I typically spend hours fine-tuning my equipment. I mounted it to my bow, ensuring all connections were secure, and proceeded with my standard practice routine. The rest performed admirably right out of the gate, dropping away cleanly with each shot and ensuring the arrow remained on the launcher until the moment of release.

Conditions at the range were fairly typical for late spring: bright sun, a light breeze, and moderate temperatures. The rest handled these conditions without issue, and I experienced no noticeable performance degradation. It was impressively intuitive; there was virtually no learning curve, and I could focus entirely on my shot execution rather than fiddling with new equipment.

The only minor surprise was how remarkably quiet it was. My previous rest had a slight, almost imperceptible, “thwack” sound upon retraction, but this one was nearly silent. This, coupled with its seamless operation, made for a very focused and enjoyable shooting experience.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, several practice sessions per week, and a couple of longer days afield, the Ripcord has proven its mettle. It has become a steadfast component of my archery setup, performing reliably shot after shot. I’ve subjected it to dusty conditions on dry trails and even a light morning dew, and it has shown no signs of faltering.

Durability has been exceptional; there are no visible cracks, no stiffness in the moving parts, and absolutely no drop in performance. The rubber overmolding on the launcher has held up perfectly, showing no signs of wear or degradation. I haven’t had to perform any specific maintenance beyond a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after particularly dusty excursions.

Compared to my previous budget-friendly rest, which required occasional adjustments and had a noticeable decrease in smooth operation after about a year, this model feels leagues ahead. It consistently delivers the accuracy and silence that are paramount for serious archery.

Breaking Down the Features of Ripcord Fall Away Rest

Specifications

The Ripcord Fall Away Rest is designed as a full-containment arrow rest, a key feature for archers who demand precision. Its Drop Dead Lock-Up Feature ensures the launcher remains in the perfect shooting position until the arrow is released. The rubber overmolding on the launcher is specifically engineered to provide silent operation, minimizing any distracting noise.

This rest also incorporates an internal dampening system, further contributing to a quiet shot by absorbing unwanted vibrations. The construction utilizes durable materials, designed to withstand the stresses of repeated firing. Its compact design ensures it doesn’t add excessive weight or bulk to your bow setup.

These specifications translate directly into tangible benefits for the archer. The full containment aspect provides peace of mind, ensuring the arrow is always properly seated. The silent operation is crucial for hunting scenarios where animal awareness is paramount. The dampening system contributes to a cleaner release and a more consistent shot.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Ripcord Fall Away Rest is to provide a stable and reliable platform for the arrow during the draw cycle and to drop away cleanly upon release. In this regard, it excels. The launcher stays perfectly aligned, and the drop-away mechanism is swift and complete, leaving the arrow path unobstructed.

Its major strength lies in its consistent accuracy and whisper-quiet operation. I’ve noticed a definite improvement in my arrow grouping since installing this rest. The clean release and lack of fletching contact significantly contribute to this enhanced accuracy.

The only potential area for improvement, though not a true weakness, is that the launcher arm, while robust, is somewhat standard in its design. While effective, some archers might prefer a slightly more adjustable or customizable launcher profile if they had very specific arrow tuning needs beyond standard settings. However, for the vast majority of users, its performance is more than adequate.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of this fall away rest is immediately apparent. It feels substantial, constructed from high-grade metals and durable polymers. The rubber overmolding on the launcher arm is perfectly applied, offering a secure grip for the arrow without any chance of damage.

Ergonomically, it’s designed for straightforward functionality. Mounting it was a simple process, and adjusting for arrow clearance was intuitive. The design prioritizes a clean arrow path and a silent retraction, which it achieves exceptionally well.

There are no extraneous parts or complicated adjustments that could lead to user error. The clean lines and robust construction speak to a design focused on reliable performance rather than flashy aesthetics. It feels like a tool built for purpose, and that purpose is to enhance your shooting.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction, the Ripcord Fall Away Rest is built for longevity. I anticipate it will last for many seasons of regular use, likely outlasting several sets of strings or other bow components. The materials used are resistant to corrosion and wear, suggesting it can handle a wide range of environmental conditions.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick brush to remove any debris and an occasional check of the mounting screws are all that’s typically required. Unlike some more complex mechanical rests, there are fewer points where dirt or grime can accumulate and cause issues.

I haven’t encountered any failure points, and I don’t foresee any major concerns down the line, assuming it’s mounted and used correctly. The robust engineering suggests it can handle the inevitable bumps and scrapes that come with being attached to a compound bow.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Ripcord Fall Away Rest typically comes as a standalone unit, focusing on its core function. It doesn’t include a wide array of accessories in the box, which is common for this type of archery component. Its primary customization lies in its precise adjustability for arrow clearance and timing to your specific bow.

The compatibility with other bow accessories is excellent, as it utilizes standard mounting hardware. You can pair it with any quality peep sight, string, or cables without issue. While it doesn’t come with specialized accessories, its design integrates seamlessly with the broader archery ecosystem.

The strength here is its focused design; it doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It delivers on its promise of a fall away rest without unnecessary extras, allowing the archer to focus on their bow’s other tuning aspects.

Pros and Cons of Ripcord Fall Away Rest

Who Should Buy Ripcord Fall Away Rest?

The Ripcord Fall Away Rest is an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced archers seeking a reliable, accurate, and quiet arrow rest. It’s particularly well-suited for hunters who prioritize stealth and consistency, as well as target archers looking to fine-tune their accuracy. Anyone who has experienced issues with arrow wobble or inconsistent releases from their current rest would benefit significantly from this upgrade.

Beginners who are new to compound archery might find the price point a bit high for their first rest, and a simpler, fixed rest might be more appropriate initially. However, if a beginner is committed and willing to invest in quality equipment from the start, this rest would serve them well for years. For those looking to maximize their bow’s performance, I’d strongly recommend pairing this rest with a quality arrow and a well-tuned sight.

Conclusion on Ripcord Fall Away Rest

The Ripcord Fall Away Rest has proven to be a stellar performer, delivering on its promises of silence, containment, and accuracy. Its robust build quality and intuitive design make it a standout piece of equipment for any serious archer. The $99.95 price tag feels justified by the significant improvement it offers in shot consistency and overall shooting experience.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this fall away rest to any archer looking to elevate their game. Whether you’re in the pursuit of game or the pursuit of tighter groups on paper, this rest provides the dependable performance you need. It’s a solid investment in your archery setup that you won’t regret.