In barebow shooting, you have no sight, no stabilizer — just the bow, the arrow, and your form. The arrow rest is the one mechanical contact point between arrow and riser, and it matters more than most beginners expect. Choose wrong and your tuning baseline is off before you've pulled a single shot. This guide covers the four main rest types used in barebow: magnetic flipper, stick-on plastic, screw-on, and hair/fur rest.

Magnetic Rest

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SAS Magnetic Olympic Recurve Bow and Barebow CNC Aluminum Arrow Rest

Intermediate to advanced barebow archers who tune their setup

A competition-grade magnetic flipper rest machined from aluminum. Self-adhesive mount with a magnetic reset wire — the most consistent option for tuning-focused barebow shooters.

4.5 stars · 300+ reviews

Pros

  • Magnetic reset for consistent arrow positioning
  • Fully adjustable horizontal and vertical
  • Ambidextrous — flip the wire for left hand

Cons

  • Self-adhesive only — no screw mount option
  • Wire arm can bend if knocked hard
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BICASTER Magnetic Arrow Rest Aluminum Alloy Adjustable

Barebow shooters wanting a reliable magnetic rest at lower cost

A sturdy aluminum magnetic rest with wide adjustability and a backside adhesive mount. Fits most recurve risers and handles both OTT and TTF setups.

4.4 stars · 600+ reviews

Pros

  • Durable aluminum construction
  • Adjustable in two axes
  • Works with most recurve risers

Cons

  • Adhesive mount only
  • Adjustment screws are small and fiddly
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Stick-On Plastic Rest

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SOPOGER 6pcs Plastic Arrow Rest Adhesive Back

Beginners and budget-conscious shooters building their first setup

A six-pack of stick-on plastic rests for recurve bows. High-elasticity TPU construction that flips out of the way cleanly on release. The most affordable entry point for beginners.

4.3 stars · 1000+ reviews

Pros

  • Extremely affordable — 6 per pack
  • Easy peel-and-stick installation
  • Lightweight and low-friction

Cons

  • No adjustability
  • Adhesive wears over time
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Pawfly 8 Pcs Arrow Rest for Recurve Bows Right Hand

Beginners who shoot right-handed and want a ready supply

An eight-pack of right-hand plastic rests with adhesive backs. Reliable basic performance for practice and beginners. Larger pack size means you won't run out for months.

4.4 stars · 500+ reviews

Pros

  • 8-pack for long-term supply
  • Clean flipper action
  • Fits standard recurve risers

Cons

  • Right-hand only
  • No metal option in this pack
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Screw-On Rest

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SAS Screw On Arrow Rest 5 Pack

Intermediate shooters who want a more secure mount than adhesive

A five-pack of screw-in plastic rests that thread directly into the riser's bushing. More secure than stick-on types and slightly adjustable in-out. A community favorite for traditional recurve shooting.

4.5 stars · 700+ reviews

Pros

  • Threads into riser bushing — no adhesive
  • More secure than stick-on types
  • 5-pack provides good supply

Cons

  • Requires riser with threaded bushing
  • Plastic construction — not the most durable
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Hair / Fur Rest

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SPG Archery Hair Arrow Rest 4 Pairs Fur Adhesive Shelf Rests

Traditional recurve and longbow shooters using wood or feather-fletched arrows

A four-pair pack of all-natural fur adhesive shelf rests. Silk-smooth surface eliminates fletching damage and shoots completely silent. The traditional choice for longbow and instinctive barebow shooting.

4.5 stars · 200+ reviews

Pros

  • Silent on arrow contact
  • Gentle on natural and synthetic fletching
  • 4-pair pack for long-term supply

Cons

  • Not competition-legal in most barebow formats
  • No adjustability
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Buying Guide

Arrow rests for barebow fall into four categories, each with a distinct trade-off between precision, durability, and price. Magnetic flipper rests are the competition standard. A built-in magnet resets the wire arm after each shot, ensuring consistent arrow positioning. They're adjustable for both horizontal and vertical alignment, which is critical for tuning. CNC-machined aluminum models offer the most precise adjustment range. If you're shooting tournaments or serious practice sessions, start here. Most quality magnetic rests are ambidextrous — the wire arm can be flipped to the opposite side. Stick-on plastic rests are the entry-level option. They attach with adhesive, require no tools, and cost almost nothing. A pack of six or eight gives you months of replacements. They work fine for casual shooting and beginners learning form. The downside is zero adjustability and faster wear than metal alternatives. For anyone who just wants to start shooting without fiddling with setup, stick-on is the right call. Screw-on rests mount directly into the riser's threaded bushing. They're more secure than stick-on types and slightly adjustable in and out. A good middle ground between cost and stability for intermediate shooters who want a more solid mount without jumping to full magnetic rests. Requires a riser with a standard threaded hole. Hair and fur rests are traditional. They use natural or synthetic fibers mounted on an adhesive shelf pad. Extremely quiet, gentle on fletching, and favored by longbow and instinctive recurve shooters. Not competition-legal in most barebow formats, but excellent for hunting or traditional shooting where silence and fletching protection matter. For tuning: always use a magnetic or screw-on rest if you're doing paper tuning or walk-back tuning. Stick-on and fur rests don't have enough adjustment range to correct arrow flight systematically. Pair any rest with a cushion plunger for the most consistent barebow performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a cushion plunger with my arrow rest?

For serious barebow shooting, yes. A cushion plunger works alongside the arrow rest to absorb lateral flex (the archer's paradox) as the arrow passes the riser. Without one, arrow flight is less consistent. Magnetic rests are often sold as a set with a plunger — if yours isn't, budget for one separately.

Right-hand vs left-hand rests — what's the difference?

Right-hand rests sit on the left side of the riser (the arrow shelf) for right-handed archers who draw with the right hand. Left-hand is the opposite. Some magnetic rests are ambidextrous — the wire arm can be flipped to either side. Always confirm handedness before buying.

How long do stick-on arrow rests last?

The adhesive typically holds for months of regular shooting, but heat, humidity, and repeated arrow contact wear them down. Keep a few spares — they're cheap enough that buying a 6-pack or 8-pack makes more sense than buying singles.

Can I use a compound bow arrow rest on a recurve?

Generally no. Compound rests (drop-away, whisker biscuit) are designed for the different geometry and arrow spine requirements of compound bows. Recurve and barebow shooting uses finger release, which produces different arrow flex patterns. Use rests specifically designed for recurve bows.

What arrow rest do barebow competitors use?

Competitive barebow shooters typically use magnetic flipper rests paired with a cushion plunger. The magnetic reset ensures the wire arm is in the same position for every shot, which is essential for consistency at competition distances. CNC aluminum models from brands like SAS or BICASTER are common choices at the intermediate level.