Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit Review: The Full-Containment Rest

If you have bought a ready-to-hunt compound package, there is a good chance it came with a Whisker Biscuit. Trophy Ridge describes it as the world's most popular rest, and it has been the default full-containment rest on hunting bows for around two decades. This review explains how it works, the versions on sale, how to set one up, and the trade-offs that lead some archers to upgrade.

The short version

A Whisker Biscuit is a ring of stiff bristles mounted in a frame on the riser. The arrow is pushed through the centre of the bristles, which hold it on every side. It cannot fall off, whatever angle you hold the bow at, which is why it is popular with hunters and beginners. The Original Quick Shot version uses a composite-encased "biscuit" that Trophy Ridge says is 150 percent stronger than earlier models, rubber boots to prevent metal-on-metal contact, a medium mount that works on right- and left-handed bows, and comes in small, medium and large sizes.

How a full-containment rest works

Most arrow rests support the arrow from below. Drop-away rests fall out of the way at the shot, and target blade rests offer a single point of contact. A full-containment rest surrounds the arrow, so it is supported on all sides until it leaves the bow.

The benefit is security: the arrow stays put while you climb, stalk, wait or shoot at awkward angles. The cost is that every vane passes through the bristles on every shot.

The versions

If you shoot standard-diameter carbon arrows, the medium or V versions suit most set-ups; very thick aluminium arrows may need a large or V Plus version.

Setting one up

1. Mount the rest to the riser's rest holes and fit the arrow through the biscuit.
2. Set centre shot: the arrow should point straight out from the bow, in line with the string. A bow square and string alignment tool help.
3. Set height: the arrow should sit level, with the nocking point set so the arrow is square to the string or very slightly nock-high.
4. Orient the vanes: with three vanes, arrange the nock so vanes pass through the bristles as cleanly as possible; many archers point one vane straight up.
5. Paper-tune or walk-back tune to confirm the arrow is leaving cleanly.

Our guide to choosing arrows explains spine and tuning basics that apply to every rest.

The trade-offs

These are the points commonly raised by archers and coaches, and the reason some upgrade later:

• Vane wear. Vanes rub through the bristles and wear faster than with a drop-away.
• Some drag. Bristle contact can cost a little speed and may affect arrow flight with some fletching set-ups. The V-series and perpendicular bristles are Trophy Ridge's answer.
• Bristles wear. Over time the bristles open up and hold the arrow less firmly. The Pro version's quick-swap bristles address this.
• Feathers. Most archers use plastic vanes with bristle rests; feathers wear quickly in them.

Maintenance

Choosing between the versions

• Original / Quick Shot: the simplest and most common choice for package bows.
• Kill Shot: adds windage and elevation adjustment, which makes tuning easier.
• V and V Plus: fewer contact points; V Plus suits arrows up to .320 inch diameter.
• V Max: perpendicular bristles intended to reduce vane drag.
• Pro: aluminium build and quick-swap bristles for archers who shoot a lot.

Common mistakes

• Choosing a size that does not match arrow diameter, so the arrow is too loose or too tight.
• Skipping centre-shot and height set-up because the arrow "seems fine".
• Using worn bristles that no longer hold the arrow.
• Pairing bristle rests with feathers, which wear quickly.

What to pair it with

A full-containment rest works best with durable plastic vanes and arrows spined correctly for your bow. Our reviews of the Gold Tip Hunter XT and the Trophy Ridge React Pro sight cover two common companions on hunting bows.

Who the Whisker Biscuit suits

• New compound archers and young archers, for whom an arrow that cannot fall off removes a common frustration.
• Bowhunters who hold a nocked arrow for long periods, climb with it, or shoot at steep angles.
• Owners of package bows such as the Bear Cruzer G3, which ship with Trophy Ridge accessories.

Who should look elsewhere

• Target archers chasing the last point of accuracy usually prefer a drop-away or blade rest.
• Long-range hunters who want maximum speed and the least contact.
• Archers shooting feather-fletched arrows.

You can see the Whisker Biscuit Original on Amazon. Check the size against your arrow diameter and the hand of your bow.

Frequently asked questions

What size Whisker Biscuit do I need?

It depends on arrow diameter. Most standard carbon hunting arrows suit the medium size; small-diameter arrows may need the small size, and thick aluminium arrows the large or V Plus.

Does a Whisker Biscuit slow arrows down?

Bristle contact adds a little friction. The difference is small for hunting distances, and the V-series designs reduce it.

Can I use feathers with a Whisker Biscuit?

You can, but feathers wear quickly passing through bristles. Most archers use plastic vanes.