All in all, the AAE Hawkeye arrow rest is an excellent arrow rest variant that just may help bring out the best in your bow setup. It’s just that the plastic material that this arrow rest is constructed out of may be a big turn-off for most hunters.
It is subjective, yes, but the risk of this arrow rest breaking apart during hunts is a frightening thought. Aside from actually missing the shot, the potential of damaging the bow (and even injuring the shooter) is there. Again, proper inspection and care is needed when trying to address the durability issue.
Still, the AAE Hawkeye arrow does have its benefits. The smooth shooting motion that a limb-activate arrow rest provides can result in better and accurate shots. Also, this natural motion can help boost a hunter’s confidence - a trait needed when making each count.
- Contains too much plastic
- Confusing directions
- Provides full arrow containment
- Boosts accuracy
- Blades replaceable
- Contains too much plastic
- Confusing directions
- Provides full arrow containment
- Boosts accuracy
- Blades replaceable
AAE Hawkeye Arrow Rest Technical Specifications and Features
- Launcher options: limb driven (full containment, fall away type)
- Color: black
- Orientation: vertical and horizontal (right hand and left hand models are available upon request)
- Launcher Construction: plastic
Reviewing the AAE Hawkeye Arrow Rest
An arrow rest is essential in making each shot count. It's a subtle yet efficient enhancement that can very well make the difference when you'd want to hit those challenging targets. This time around. we'd like to shed some light on a limb-activated arrow rest. Will this variant be beneficial for your bow? Let us quickly check some of the AAE (Arizona Archery Enterprises Inc.) Hawkeye arrow rest to see if it's a win or a bust for your gear setup.
Limb-Activated Feature Checks
Basically, the AAE Hawkeye Arrow Rest has a cable that you'd use to attach to your bow's limbs. This way as the limbs move during shooting, the arrow rest will get out of the way of the arrow. Adjusting to the limbs' position (if flexed, the arrow rest's spring will hold the equipped arrow; upon shooting, the rest lowers as the limbs relax), this fall away type does assure a smoother shooting experience.
As compared to typical arrow rests where the arrow is placed on top of the rest, this variant works with the archer in creating a dynamic shooting motion. Simple in application yet efficient when installed properly, the AAE Hawkeye Arrow Rest may just be the bow add-on you'd need to boost marksmanship.
Full Arrow Containment
The AAE Hawkeye Arrow Rest comes with an adjustable cage system. A variable feature (some shooters don't even install this part!), this arrow rest's cage secures the arrow with an outstanding and simple full containment system. The option to have the arrow rest to fully secure the arrow allows for safer and better shooting. In a way, the stability that the cage offers allows shooters to gauge and aim arrows in a more accurate and smoother manner.
Durability
Although the AAE Hawkeye Arrow Rest offers an innovative and accurate way to guide arrows towards its targets, its durability to last out in the wild may be questionable. The launcher is made out of plastic. Granted that the material is lightweight, this arrow rest may not be a reliable choice for hunters making tons of shots.
Additionally, the springs of this arrow rest may be prone to weather elements. Shooting during the cold season may freeze the mechanism - definitely a situation you wouldn't want to be in! Still, through proper care and maintenance, the AAE Hawkeye Arrow Rest may hold on its own. It's just that the lingering thought that it may break during crucial moments may break your concentration during hunts.
Practical Hunting Usage
A limb-activated arrow rest such as the AAE Hawkeye can be great during hunts. The smooth shooting transition that this arrow rest offers can result in faster, accurate, and more satisfying shots. Additionally, the full containment feature of this arrow rest's cage allows for more stability. This gear does make shooting a hassle-free experience.
However, the AAE Hawkeye arrow rest's construction may just prove to be detrimental out in the wild. Granted it's subjective to each shooter's usage of the gear, the chance of this arrow rest breaking is definitely something that hunters would not want to deal outdoors.
Miscellaneous Information on the AAE Hawkeye Arrow Rest
Here are some key details that you’d want to know more about with this arrow rest:
Does this arrow rest come with other accessories?
Aside from the cage, the AAE Hawkeye also comes with felt stickers, an arrow guide made out of rubber, a limb mount, and felt for the arm of the launcher itself.
Where is this product made?
The AAE Hawkeye arrow rest is proudly made in the USA. Go support a local brand today!
Why the AAE Hawkeye Arrow Rest is Recommended
Here are some reasons why this arrow rest can be a great option for your bow setup:
Smoother Shooting Motion
Some conventional arrow rest models have an awkward sensation when engaging and aiming the arrow. The limb-driven system that the AAE Hawkeye follows removes that hurdle by integrating a simple yet very efficient cable and spring system. The shooting motion is as natural as it gets.
Excellent Stability
The full containment feature that the AAE Hawkeye arrow rest’s cage offers adds an extra layer of stability. All help is appreciated in properly securing and guiding an arrow out towards its target!
Issues that May Need to be Addressed in the AAE Hawkeye Arrow Rest
Here are important problems that need to be addressed with this arrow rest:
Durability is a Big Issue
As mentioned above, the AAE Hawkeye arrow rest’s durability is a major problem. The launcher part of this arrow rest is at risk of breaking because it’s made out of plastic. Additionally, the exposed spring may be prone to external damage faced when out in the wild. Proper care, maintenance, and inspection is needed when bringing out the full potential of this arrow rest.
Beginners May Find it Difficult to Use
Another subjective (yet important) issue is on how to install the AAE Hawkeye arrow rest. Granted that it is easy to set up (especially among veteran shooters), novice hunters may fumble on how to properly attach this arrow rest to their bows. Additionally, the online resources from the manufacturer’s site aren’t that friendly - it just may end up confusing a shooter instead! If in doubt, seek help from a pro shop to know how to properly install this arrow rest.
Read More
Here are interesting links in learning more about this arrow rest:
- This Archery Talk forum discusses the pros and cons of the AAE Hawkeye arrow rest.
- BowJunky Media shares a nice review of this type of arrow rest in this video. (The product is different though, but still great for an overview.)
- The AAE Hawkeye is a solid and reliable arrow rest, according to a comment in this Bowhunting forum thread.