AAE Driven Drop Away Rest Review

Why the AAE Driven Drop Away Rest Cable Driven Caught My Eye

Drop away arrow rests have always intrigued me, promising cleaner arrow flight and tighter groupings. I’ve been tinkering with archery equipment for over a decade, always seeking that edge in performance and forgiveness, especially when the pressure’s on during a hunt. When I saw the AAE Driven Drop Away Rest Cable Driven, the name AAE alone piqued my interest, a company known for their precision and innovation in archery accessories. I was immediately drawn to the advertised laser-engraved reference marks and the dovetail system.

My primary motivation for considering the AAE Driven Drop Away Rest Cable Driven was to replace my aging whisker biscuit rest. The whisker biscuit, while simple and reliable, always felt like it introduced some level of drag and inconsistency, especially with broadheads. I craved a system that would provide a more unobstructed arrow launch, increasing my downrange accuracy and penetration.

Unboxing the AAE Driven Drop Away Rest Cable Driven revealed a sleek, black, and robust piece of equipment. The stainless steel construction immediately conveyed quality and durability. The laser-engraved markings were a welcome touch, suggesting a commitment to precise adjustments. The rest felt solid in my hand, not overly heavy but substantial enough to inspire confidence.

I had been considering the QAD UltraRest HDX and the Ripcord Code Red as alternatives. Both are reputable cable-driven drop away rests. However, the AAE Driven Drop Away Rest Cable Driven‘s more streamlined design and the promise of easy fine-tuning with its dovetail system ultimately swayed my decision.

My first impression was positive; this rest looked and felt like a serious piece of archery equipment. I was excited to install it and see if it lived up to the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting AAE Driven Drop Away Rest Cable Driven to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the AAE Driven Drop Away Rest Cable Driven took place at my local archery range. The range offers both indoor and outdoor shooting lanes, allowing for testing in various lighting conditions. I spent the first few hours carefully setting up the rest according to the instructions and fine-tuning the vertical and horizontal adjustments.

The weather was relatively mild, with a slight breeze. However, I planned to test it under harsher conditions later. The initial setup was surprisingly straightforward, thanks to the clear instructions and the laser-engraved reference marks, which made micro-adjustments easy.

The first few shots were noticeably different from my experience with the whisker biscuit. The arrow seemed to launch with less resistance and a more consistent trajectory. I did notice a slight learning curve in ensuring the cable was properly tensioned to achieve optimal drop away timing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the AAE Driven Drop Away Rest Cable Driven has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. I’ve taken it on several hunting trips, exposing it to varying weather conditions, including rain and cold temperatures. The rest has held up admirably, showing no signs of rust or functional degradation.

Durability-wise, the stainless steel construction appears to be highly resistant to wear and tear. There are no noticeable scratches or dents, despite being bumped around in my bow case and exposed to the elements.

Cleaning and maintenance are relatively simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each use is usually sufficient. I occasionally apply a small amount of lubricant to the axle and bearings to ensure smooth operation. Compared to my previous whisker biscuit, which required frequent bristle replacements, the AAE Driven Drop Away Rest Cable Driven is significantly less maintenance-intensive. It has outperformed my expectations, delivering consistent arrow flight and improved accuracy.

Breaking Down the Features of AAE Driven Drop Away Rest Cable Driven

Specifications

The AAE Driven Drop Away Rest Cable Driven is a cable-activated, tension-activated fall away rest platform. It features laser engraved reference marks for fine-tuning vertical and horizontal adjustments. It utilizes a dovetail system for secure and repeatable adjustments.

The rest is constructed from stainless steel, ensuring durability and corrosion resistance. The stainless steel tolerance fit axle rotates on twin stainless steel sealed bearings. This is designed for smooth and consistent operation.

Performance & Functionality

The AAE Driven Drop Away Rest Cable Driven excels at its primary function: providing a clean and consistent arrow launch. The drop away design eliminates fletching contact, resulting in improved accuracy and reduced noise. The launcher arm stays up longer for increased arrow to rest capture time, offering increased forgiveness, particularly with less-than-perfect shooting form.

One strength is the ease of fine-tuning. The laser-engraved reference marks and dovetail system allow for precise adjustments. A minor weakness might be the cable attachment point, which requires careful tensioning to ensure proper drop away timing. Overall, it meets and, in some ways, exceeds my expectations, offering a noticeable improvement in arrow flight compared to previous rests I’ve used.

Design & Ergonomics

The AAE Driven Drop Away Rest Cable Driven features a sleek and functional design. The stainless steel construction and black finish give it a professional and durable appearance. The weight is well-balanced and doesn’t add significant bulk to the bow.

The rest is relatively user-friendly, with clear instructions and intuitive adjustments. There is a slight learning curve associated with cable tensioning. However, with a little practice, it becomes second nature.

Durability & Maintenance

The AAE Driven Drop Away Rest Cable Driven is built to last. The stainless steel construction and sealed bearings should provide years of reliable service. Routine maintenance is minimal. Keep it clean and lightly lubricated, and it should continue to perform flawlessly.

Accessories and Customization Options

The AAE Driven Drop Away Rest Cable Driven doesn’t come with a vast array of accessories, focusing instead on core functionality. However, it’s compatible with standard archery bow setups, allowing for integration with various sights, quivers, and other accessories. Aftermarket cables can be used to customize the color or material based on personal preferences. The dovetail system is the star here, providing a significant degree of adjustability without requiring proprietary tools or add-ons.

Pros and Cons of AAE Driven Drop Away Rest Cable Driven

Who Should Buy AAE Driven Drop Away Rest Cable Driven?

The AAE Driven Drop Away Rest Cable Driven is perfect for experienced archers and hunters who demand precision and reliability from their equipment. It’s well-suited for those seeking to improve their accuracy and achieve tighter groupings at longer distances.

Those who are new to archery or prefer a simpler, more forgiving rest might want to consider alternative options like a whisker biscuit. Users extremely sensitive to price and/or who want the absolute most basic equipment should also look elsewhere.

A must-have accessory would be a bow scale to ensure proper cable tension during setup. A small container of quality lubricant specifically designed for archery equipment is also recommended for routine maintenance.

Conclusion on AAE Driven Drop Away Rest Cable Driven

The AAE Driven Drop Away Rest Cable Driven is a well-engineered and highly functional arrow rest that delivers on its promise of improved accuracy and forgiveness. The laser-engraved reference marks and dovetail system make fine-tuning a breeze, while the stainless steel construction ensures durability and longevity.

The price is justified by the performance and quality of the product. It is a worthwhile investment for serious archers and hunters looking to elevate their shooting game.

I would personally recommend the AAE Driven Drop Away Rest Cable Driven to anyone seeking a high-performance drop away rest. It represents a significant upgrade over simpler designs and offers tangible improvements in arrow flight and accuracy. Take your archery to the next level – invest in the AAE Driven Drop Away Rest Cable Driven!