How To Install a Whisker Biscuit?
Installing a Whisker Biscuit arrow rest is a straightforward process that significantly improves your archery experience. This guide walks you through the steps to correctly and securely mount your Whisker Biscuit, ensuring accurate arrow flight and enhanced bowhunting performance.
Understanding the Whisker Biscuit Arrow Rest
The Whisker Biscuit is a popular type of arrow rest known for its simplicity, reliability, and forgiving nature. Unlike traditional arrow rests that require precise timing and adjustment, the Whisker Biscuit utilizes a circular enclosure filled with durable bristles to support the arrow. This design offers several key advantages.
Benefits of Using a Whisker Biscuit
Choosing a Whisker Biscuit offers several compelling benefits for archers of all skill levels:
- Full Arrow Containment: The enclosed design prevents the arrow from falling off the rest, especially in challenging hunting conditions.
- Simple Setup: The installation process is generally easier compared to more complex arrow rests.
- Durability: Whisker Biscuits are known for their robust construction and ability to withstand repeated use.
- Forgiveness: The bristles provide a forgiving platform, minimizing the impact of minor form errors on arrow flight.
- Quiet Operation: The bristles dampen noise during the draw cycle, which is critical for hunting.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following essential tools and materials:
- Whisker Biscuit arrow rest (appropriate size for your arrow diameter)
- Allen wrenches (usually included with the rest, or a set containing various sizes)
- Bow square
- Arrow
- Bow press (optional, but recommended for easier installation)
- String level (optional)
- Arrow level (optional)
- Pencil or marker
Step-by-Step Installation Process
Follow these steps carefully to ensure proper installation:
Prepare Your Bow: If you are replacing an existing arrow rest, carefully remove it. Clean the riser area where the new rest will be mounted. A bow press is highly recommended to take tension off the bowstring, making removal and installation much easier.
Attach the Mounting Bracket: The Whisker Biscuit typically comes with a mounting bracket that attaches to the riser of your bow. Align the bracket with the *arrow rest mounting holes on the riser.
Secure the Bracket: Using the provided screws and Allen wrench, securely tighten the bracket to the riser. Do not overtighten, as this could damage the riser threads. Ensure the bracket is level.
Attach the Whisker Biscuit to the Bracket: Slide the Whisker Biscuit onto the mounting bracket. Most models have a mechanism to secure the rest to the bracket, such as a set screw or a clamping system.
Adjust for Center Shot: This is a critical step for achieving accurate arrow flight. The center shot refers to the horizontal position of the arrow in relation to the bowstring. A bow square is extremely useful. To adjust, loosen the set screw or clamping system on the bracket, allowing you to move the Whisker Biscuit horizontally. Position the arrow so that it aligns with the string.
- Place the arrow on the rest.
- Using a bow square, measure the distance from the string to the center of the arrow at both the front and rear of the riser.
- Adjust the rest until the measurements are equal.
Adjust Vertical Position: The vertical position of the arrow rest is also crucial. The general rule is to align the center of the arrow with the center of the Berger button hole. (The Berger button hole is the hole through the riser that the arrow rest is mounted to.) You can use an arrow level to verify.
Tighten All Screws: Once you have adjusted for both center shot and vertical position, carefully tighten all screws and set screws to secure the Whisker Biscuit in place. Do not overtighten!
Paper Tuning: After installation, paper tuning is essential to fine-tune your setup. Shoot an arrow through a piece of paper stretched on a frame. The tear pattern will indicate how the arrow is flying. Adjust the rest (usually small adjustments to the center shot) until you achieve a clean “bullet hole” tear.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overtightening Screws: This can strip threads and damage your bow.
- Ignoring Center Shot: Incorrect center shot will lead to poor arrow flight and inaccuracy.
- Failing to Paper Tune: Paper tuning is crucial for optimizing arrow flight.
- Using the Wrong Size Biscuit: Ensure the biscuit is the correct size for your arrows. An incorrect size can cause unwanted friction and affect accuracy.
- Neglecting Maintenance: Regularly inspect the bristles for wear and tear and replace the biscuit when necessary.
- Not Using a Bow Press: While not strictly necessary, a bow press makes the installation process significantly easier and safer, especially when replacing an existing rest.
Whisker Biscuit Component Breakdown
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Mounting Bracket | Attaches the Whisker Biscuit to the bow riser. |
| Biscuit | Contains the bristles that support the arrow. |
| Adjustment Screws | Allow for horizontal and vertical adjustment of the rest. |
| Containment Ring | Encloses the bristles to keep the arrow in place. |
| Fastening Hardware | Screws and bolts used to secure the rest to the bow. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if I don’t properly adjust the center shot?
If you don’t properly adjust the center shot, your arrows will likely fly erratically and you’ll experience inconsistent accuracy. You may observe your arrows kicking left or right during flight, and your groups will be wider than they should be.
How often should I replace the Whisker Biscuit?
The lifespan of a Whisker Biscuit depends on how often you shoot and the types of arrows you use. As a general rule, you should inspect the bristles regularly and replace the biscuit when they become noticeably worn, frayed, or broken. A worn biscuit will affect arrow flight.
Can I use a Whisker Biscuit with carbon arrows?
Yes, Whisker Biscuits are compatible with both aluminum and carbon arrows. However, it’s essential to use the correct size biscuit for your arrow diameter to ensure proper support and minimal friction.
What size Whisker Biscuit do I need for my arrows?
The size of the Whisker Biscuit you need depends on the diameter of your arrows. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications or consult with your local archery shop to determine the correct size for your arrows.
My arrows are fletched with vanes. Will that be a problem?
No, the Whisker Biscuit is designed to accommodate arrows fletched with vanes. However, make sure your vanes are properly aligned and in good condition to minimize friction as they pass through the bristles.
Is it okay to use lubricant on the Whisker Biscuit bristles?
Applying lubricant to the bristles is generally not recommended. It can attract dirt and debris, which can degrade the performance of the biscuit over time. Keep the bristles clean and dry.
How do I clean the Whisker Biscuit?
You can carefully clean the Whisker Biscuit with a soft brush or compressed air to remove any dirt or debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents.
My arrows are making a loud noise when I draw back. What could be the cause?
A loud noise during the draw cycle could indicate that the biscuit is too small for your arrows, causing excessive friction. It could also mean that the bristles are worn or damaged. Inspect the biscuit and replace it if necessary.
Can I install a Whisker Biscuit without a bow press?
Yes, it is possible to install a Whisker Biscuit without a bow press, but it can be more challenging. A bow press makes it easier and safer to remove and install components on the bow, especially if you are replacing an existing arrow rest.
What does “paper tuning” mean?
Paper tuning is a method of fine-tuning your bow setup by shooting an arrow through a sheet of paper and analyzing the tear pattern. The tear pattern reveals how the arrow is flying and indicates what adjustments need to be made to the arrow rest to achieve optimal arrow flight.
What if my arrow keeps hitting the bottom of the Whisker Biscuit?
This likely indicates that your arrow rest is positioned too low. Adjust the vertical position of the rest so that the center of the arrow aligns with the center of the Berger button hole.
How do I know if my Whisker Biscuit is aligned correctly?
The best way to ensure your Whisker Biscuit is aligned correctly is to use a bow square to verify the center shot and vertical position. After that, paper tuning will fine-tune the alignment and ensure accurate arrow flight.