Just as most bowhunters fall to opposite ends of the fixed vs. mechanical debate, most also have strong opinions on arrow rests. Although drop-away style products reign supreme and continue to push the boundaries of new innovation, Whisker Biscuits still seem to have a place in the bowhunting world. You won’t see many pros using these breaks these days, though some still sing their praises.
These full-containment breaks are incredibly reliable and simple and have garnered a loyal following since their debut two decades ago. With no moving parts, they are quiet and virtually foolproof in the field. Even when you’re walking through rough terrain or drawing with less than perfect form, Whisker crackers and similar full-containment supports won’t break and will keep your arrows in place and ready to fly.
They are low maintenance, easy to set up, and much more affordable than high end pull down options. The concept is fairly basic, but designs that minimize drag and allow windage and elevation adjustments are also now available. So even though Whisker Biscuit bristles can wear down over time and repeated contact may eventually require arrows to be fletched, this style of rest is economical and practical.
But you won’t find archers like Levi Morgan competing with Whisker Biscuits. These silences sacrifice a certain level of accuracy and speed. Drop down rests eliminate feather contact on the shot when properly installed and adjusted. They’re also a bit faster and consistently accurate, which is why bowhunting legends like Randy Ulmer and Bill Winke mount pop-ups on their hunting bows.
However, the more complex design of drop-down rests makes them more finicky and less forgiving of poor draw shape. The arrows can easily jump off many dropdown breaks. These products also have the potential to fail in extreme conditions such as rain, snow, or hot weather. But most loyalists won’t even consider Whisker Biscuits, instead just arguing the merits of limb-driven versus cable-driven breaks.
Although most compound archers are sold for the pinpoint accuracy of deployable rests, some industry professionals prefer the reassurance that Whisker crackers provide. Frequently hunting whitetails from the ground and often ignoring conventional odor control wisdom, members of The Hunting Public swear by Whisker Biscuit-style total containment breaks.
“These things are tried and true,” said Aaron Warbritton of Hunting Public. “They’ve been around for years. They’re just an awesome hunting rest. You can put your arrow on that rest and you don’t have to worry about it falling off as you move the bow up and down, creeping in game. They’re an awesome hunting rest.” , especially for whitetail hunters who shoot deer within 40 yards.”
Hunting Public’s Zach Ferenbaugh also opts for full containment because an arrow rattling on a drop rest could cost you a hard-earned money shot.
“On my bow, I always like to make sure I have a full catch arrow rest,” Ferenbaugh said. “I like them a lot because the arrow can’t get out of there. No matter what you do, no matter how you swing the bow, the arrow is in the rest.”
Also appreciate how a Whisker Biscuit keeps the arrow level at all times.
“When I’m ready to draw and level the bow, it’s right in the shooting position,” Ferenbaugh said. “That way, when I have an arrow set and I’m moving through the woods, whether I’m going to and from a facility or hunting fixed or hunting on the ground, you’ll be swinging the bow whenever you want.” I am trying to shoot. And if you have an arrow rest that doesn’t hold the arrow in place, it can be difficult and make things difficult.”
Because they can be more foolproof and forgiving than droplets, Whisker Biscuits and similar full-containment breaks can be beneficial to youngsters and new shooters, as well as mobile deer hunters. While many bowhunters who use only deployable rests tout the superior speed and accuracy of their products, field tests have indicated that the difference between Whisker Biscuits and deployable rests is minimal to negligible for most shooting scenarios. hunts, losing only a few feet per second and about an inch of drop at longer distances.
Bowhunters who are hell-bent on squeezing every ounce of speed and accuracy out of their rigs may appreciate the nominal advantage of a drop rest. But for bowhunters who are on a budget, hunt from the ground, or just prefer dependable simplicity, the Whisker Cracker is still a great choice.
So is the Biscuit Mustache dead? Not even remotely.