Hip Quivers Vs Field Quivers: Which Quiver is Best for You?
Quivers are a type of arrow container that is used to carry arrows and other projectiles. Quivers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but what they all have in common is that they are designed to keep arrows safe and ready for use.
Quivers are traditionally worn on the back, but sometimes they can also be attached to the belt or hip. The most important thing about quivers is that they need to be easy to reach so that you can grab an arrow quickly in the heat of battle.
Field quivers are larger and designed for hunters who need to carry a lot of arrows or want easier access to their arrows. They’re typically worn over one shoulder and across the back.
Hip quivers, on the other hand, are made to be worn on the hip and are typically smaller than field quivers. Hip quivers are designed for hunters who don’t need to carry a lot of arrows.
FIELD QUIVERS
Consider using a field quiver if you enjoy courses that take you through woods and 3-D ranges. A field quiver is similar to a target quiver, but the fletching is tilted backwards and the points are angled downward. In this position, arrows are less prone to colliding with branches.
Grabbing an arrow from a field quiver requires a short, simple movement similar to grabbing an arrow from a target quiver. However, instead of reaching out in front, you reach behind instead.
Field quivers are traditional hip quivers. You can clip them to your belt or to a belt loop. It’s the lightest quiver in archery. The typical bow case or bag is made from leather or synthetic material, and can be packed easily. These generally include a customizable arrow-management system and a small pocket for extra gear.
The field quiver is like the hip quiver in many ways. However, the arrow orientation differs, as a right-handed archer would wear the field quiver on their right side instead of their left. In the past, arrows have always pointed in front of the archer’s arms. With quivers, arrows would point from one side to the other and might be more of a nuisance than anything else.
In the beginning, it’s a bit weird to grab and nock arrows. Practice practice! Field quivers are more popular now in target and 3D archery than they’ve been in the last decade.
PROS AND CONS
Field quivers are a traditional way to carry arrows while hunting. The main advantage they have over hip quivers is the sleeker profile and direction of the arrows. This does a better job of keeping the arrows within their space, so they won’t hit anything on accident or be in the way when you want to shoot next.
Field quivers are lighter and less bulky than hip quivers, which makes it easier to walk while they’re on. While front facing hip quivers have their own merits, one of their particular drawbacks is the number of arrows that they tend to hold. With a lot of arrows sticking out at awkward angles, they can make shooting line members uncomfortable as well as hinder an archer’s aim with awkward arrow flight. It’s hard to see which arrow you’re grabbing when you’re not looking behind you.
Despite the ease with which this can be overcome, it requires some spatial awareness in order to not get out of your shooting lane with your bow by looking back into your field quiver. You will find it more difficult to see your arrows, as well as to identify an individual arrow. It is necessary to count your arrows before you shoot or turn to identify numbered arrows.
In addition, field quivers often have less room for arrows and accessories. People who wish to pack lots of tools or other equipment in their quiver may not be comfortable with a field quiver, due to its lack of cargo capacity. This does prevent an archer from overloading his quiver and dealing with extra weight hanging off his hips.
If you are an archer who prefers a more minimalist design, a field quiver is a great choice. Almost all professional archers choose this quiver as their quiver of choice, especially competition archers.
HIP QUIVERS
The hip quiver is a type of arrow container that attaches to a belt that hangs around the archer’s waist. Arrows in the quiver are directed with the nock end pointing forward of the archer and are shot without being removed from the quiver.
For example, if the archer is right-handed, the quiver would hang to his or her right side. So when they sit down, he or she would be able to see the nocks of their arrows.
This will make it easy to see where your arrows are and you’ll be able to reload more quickly.
PROS AND CONS
It is beneficial to be able to easily see your arrows in the quiver. In case you’re an archer who shoots certain arrows because they make you feel warm and fuzzy, you can see which arrow you’re grabbing.
Additionally, it shows you how many arrows you have removed from a particular tube and shot, making it easier to determine if you have fired the required number.
A hip quiver also provides more space for arrows and accessories, allowing the user to store more of them. Those who may need to spend all day on the range or have equipment and tools on hand for themselves and others may benefit from a hip quiver.
The hip quivers, however, tend to be heavier because of their generous size. Because of their size and direction, their arrows often catch on other objects, and possibly other archers. Furthermore, cheaper models, made with lower quality materials, tend to flap awkwardly on the legs, which can be uncomfortable.
Especially if an archer has particularly long arrows or there is limited space in the shooting area, hip quivers can cause problems for an archer and his or her neighbors. As a result, hip quivers are not as popular with serious competitors. While hip quivers do have some downfalls, they are an excellent choice when it comes to ease of use and visibility of arrows.
Factors To Consider
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the right quiver for your needs.
● First, decide which type of archery activity you will take part in. You should choose a field quiver if you intend to walk a lot. You should also consider the weight.
● Next, consider the size of the quiver. It is important to have a larger quiver if you will be carrying a lot of arrows. Almost all quivers share a similar design. In addition to the belt, there are three arrow tubes. How much storage you can get from a cheaper option versus an expensive option is a major difference.
Your quiver might seem to have no need for storage. Nevertheless, where would you leave your release/tab, arrow puller, scoresheet, and pencil, right?
- Then, the third thing you need to figure out is its ability to stay in place while walking.
Walking can be quite frustrating if you have a wobbly quiver. You will constantly feel the quiver wag from right to left. At times, the arrows will even fly out of the quiver. Most quivers have large upper supports that minimize the amount of wobble. Together with a belt, they will stay put.
- Finally, the last thing you need to consider is the material’s durability.
A good quiver also differs from a poor quiver by the material it’s made from. Inexpensive quivers tend to be made of thin fabric, which tears easily. On the other hand, higher-end quivers are made from nylon fabric that is more durable and abrasion resistant.
The quiver might seem to not wear all that much. It is only worn while shooting and is stored safely in your archery bag. However, a quiver tends to wear quite a bit.
Walking causes your leg to rub against the outside of the quiver, causing the fabric to wear easily. Additionally, if your quiver becomes stuck behind a branch, especially if it has sharp edges, the material can easily be damaged.
Hence, if you buy a cheap quiver, you will have to replace it sooner rather than later. It defeats the purpose in a way.
*All of these factors can be taken into account when choosing the right arrow quiver for your needs.
To Buy: On Amazon
Conclusion
The way to choose a quiver, and make the best choice for you, starts with assessing your personal wants and needs. No two shooters are the same – so what suits one won’t suit another.
If you’re a beginner, talk to your mentor or a fellow competitor that you trust and they’ll make sure you have a quiver that will suit your needs. If you’re new to archery, be sure to get help from veteran archers. They often have excess equipment that they can lend you rather than selling it or parting with it.
Just remember that you can never go wrong with getting a practical and stylish quiver!
Now, we hope that this review can help you decide which Quiver is best for you.
