Ripcord Rak Arrow Rest: Setup, Tuning and Tips for Beginners

Updated November 2026

A ripcord rak arrow rest is a rest that holds your arrow in place until the string leaves the bow, then moves out of the way on its own. This guide explains how the rest works, how to install and tune one on a compound bow, and what to check so your arrows fly straight. You do not need specialist tools, but you do need patience and a systematic approach to get reliable results.

What a Ripcord Rak Arrow Rest Does

Most drop-away and rak-style rests use a spring or cable to pull the arrow support out of the path of the fletching when the shot is released. A ripcord version works in a similar way, but uses a cord connected to the bow’s string or cable system to trigger the retraction. The arrow sits on a small cradle or arm, and when you draw, the cord keeps the rest in its supporting position. As the string moves forward, the cord releases and the rest pulls back, clearing the arrow.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Arrow Rest for Compound Bow: 6 Best Picks Compared (2026).

The main benefit is clearance. Fletching that brushes the rest can change the arrow’s flight, and a rest that moves out of the way quickly reduces that risk. The trade-off is that the mechanism adds parts that need adjustment and periodic inspection. Owners often report that the rest is simple to live with once set up correctly, but it rewards careful attention to timing and cord tension.

Before You Start: Tools and Checklist

Gather what you need before you open the box or pull the old rest off the bow. Having everything at hand prevents half-finished adjustments and mistakes.

• Hex (Allen) keys in the sizes listed by the rest manufacturer
• A bow square or a ruler for measuring the arrow-to-riser distance
• A nocking point set and a serving or nocking point tool
• A bow press, or a helper who can hold the bow safely while you adjust cables
• A target at 10 to 20 yards and a field tip or practice point
• Your bow’s draw length and peak weight, written down for reference
• Eye protection and a bow stringer if you need to remove or add string loops

If you are unsure about cable adjustments or string work, consult a qualified archery pro shop. A bow that is under tension can cause serious injury when a part fails.

Installing the Ripcord Rak Arrow Rest

Step 1: Mount the Base

Attach the rest base to the riser using the mounting holes. Most setups place the rest about 1/4 inch below the center of the arrow shaft at full draw, so check the manufacturer’s instructions for the exact starting height. Tighten the screws snugly but do not overtighten, since over-torquing can strip threads in aluminum risers.

Step 2: Set the Cord Length

Run the ripcord from the rest to its anchor point on the string or cable. With the bow unstrung or at rest, the cord should be slack enough not to pull the rest out of position, yet taut enough to trigger smoothly. A common starting point is a slight bow in the cord when the bow is at brace height.

Step 3: Establish Centershot

Set the rest so the arrow sits centered over the riser cutout. Use a bow square to check that the arrow is at 90 degrees to the string. Adjust the rest left or right until the arrow lines up with the string at full draw.

Tuning the Rest for Clean Arrow Flight

Paper Tuning

Paper tuning shows whether your arrow is flying straight relative to the bow. Shoot an arrow through a sheet of paper stretched on a frame about 3 feet from the target. The tear shape tells you how the arrow is flying: a clean hole means the arrow is in tune, while a tear with the fletching visible indicates a problem with nocking point height or rest position.

Adjusting Timing

Timing refers to when the rest retracts relative to the string leaving the arrow. If the rest retracts too late, the fletching may touch it. If it retracts too early, the arrow may drop before the shot. Adjust the cord length in small increments, usually a quarter turn at a time, and shoot a few arrows after each change.

Setting Nocking Point

Place the nocking point so the arrow sits square to the string. Many archers use a nocking point set with a clip so the arrow stays put. A nock that slides up or down indicates the point is off. Recheck arrow height at full draw after any change.

Common Mistakes

• Overtightening the cord. A tight cord can keep the rest from retracting cleanly, which causes fletching contact.
• Skipping paper tuning. Eyeballing the setup rarely produces reliable groups.
• Changing too many things at once. Adjust one element at a time so you know what made the difference.
• Ignoring wear. Frayed cord or a worn spring should be replaced before they fail during a shot.
• Mismatched arrows. Arrow spine must suit your draw weight and length. A rest cannot fix an arrow that is too stiff or too weak.

Tips for Long-Term Performance

1. Inspect the cord and rest every few weeks, especially after a season of heavy shooting.
2. Keep a log of your settings, including nocking point height and cord length, so you can return to a known good setup.
3. Check screws for tightness before each session.
4. Store the bow with the string relaxed when not in use to reduce cord stress.
5. Retune after changing arrows, string, or draw length.

Recommended Gear

• Bow square: Helps you check arrow alignment at 90 degrees to the string, which is the foundation of a reliable setup. View on Amazon
• Nocking point set: A clip-on set keeps your nock position consistent and makes height adjustments easy. View on Amazon
• Paper tuning frame: Gives you a clear visual result for checking arrow flight. View on Amazon

For more background on how rests work in general, see What Holds Arrows in Archery: Quivers, Arrow Rests and Holders Explained. If you are comparing mechanisms, Drop Away Arrow Rest vs Whisker Biscuit: Which Should You Choose? covers the main differences. Archers who want to understand flight problems may find Why Do Archery Attack Bows and Arrows Miss? 6 Causes and Fixes useful.

FAQ

Is a ripcord rak arrow rest suitable for beginners?

It can be, but beginners should expect a learning curve. Setup and timing take patience, so many new archers start with a simpler rest and move to a ripcord design once they understand tuning.

How often should I check the ripcord?

Inspect it before each shooting session and replace it at the first sign of fraying, stretching, or kinking. A broken cord during a shot can damage the rest or the bow.

Why does my arrow still hit the rest?

Common causes include incorrect cord length, poor centershot, a nocking point that is too high or low, and arrows with the wrong spine. Work through the tuning steps one at a time.

Do I need a bow press to install this rest?

A press makes cable work easier and safer, but you do not need one for basic mounting. If you must adjust cables or string, use a press or have a pro shop do it.

Can I use a ripcord rak on a recurve bow?

Most ripcord rak designs are made for compound bows. Check the manufacturer’s compatibility list before buying, since recurve setups use different mounting and string systems.

How do I know if my timing is right?

Good timing means the rest retracts before the fletching reaches it and the arrow leaves cleanly. Paper tuning and a few shots at close range will show you whether adjustments are needed.

What arrow setup works best with this rest?

Choose arrows whose spine matches your draw weight and length, and use fletching that is secure and straight. Your arrow supplier or pro shop can recommend a spine chart match.

Conclusion

A ripcord rak arrow rest can give you clean arrow clearance once it is mounted, timed and tuned correctly. Work through the steps in order, paper tune your setup, and keep a record of your settings. With regular inspection and small, deliberate adjustments, the rest will perform reliably for a long time.

Related reading

• Top 7 Archery Bow Arrow Rest Options Compared for Recurve and Compound Bows
• Quality Archery Arrow Rests: 7 Best Picks Compared (2026)
• Limb Driven Arrow Rest: 6 Best Picks Compared for 2026

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