I have had 2 QADs fail after being in sub zero MN weather. Both covered under warranty but still a pain. My hamskea is in its 5 th bow and is still flaw less and completely dependable.


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I have had 2 QADs fail after being in sub zero MN weather. Both covered under warranty but still a pain. My hamskea is in its 5 th bow and is still flaw less and completely dependable.


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What was the failure? I've run mine down into the teens in snow with no problems, but can't say I've ever bow hunted in below 0*F, nor would I want to I don't think... lol

 

You can't mess up the timing cord on a limb driven rest. You would notice the rest in some stage other than fully down . Then you just tighten the cord..
I don't like how the qad sits over the shelf. You can't truly tune without moving the d loop. Not enough adjustment in a qad. I want perfect bareshaft flight and have never achieved that with a QAD rest. Also if your cable stretches you can have timing issues that you don't know about until it's too late..
The shop near me pushes qad. But they also don't believe in bareshaft tuning.
As far as full containment I've never had an issue with a hamskea.. I put felt on my riser so I don't get any noise and just put my finger over the arrow when stalking. The Hamskea doesn't have to be timed perfect to preform unlike the Qad .

 

Thousands of ppl have been able to tune bare shafts with a qad I do ut every year and about 5 different bows a year, if you can't bare shaft tune with a qad it's the Indian not the rest.

 

I have both and like both. I hunt with my HDX but would have no issues with Hamskea hunter Hybrid for hunting either. I do like limb driven for set up and when making cable adjustments. I don’t see any difference in accuracy but I’m an average shooter. Both have been trouble free.

 

I'd say I have had 50 plus qad since 2005 and only one fail but it would still work just had a grinding feel when cooking it but bow shop gave me another one in place of it .that was in 2009 and I still have it on my back up elite.

 

I don't trust the QAD- I did have an issue with one where the launcher locked up on me many moons ago. I then went to limb driven styles, but messed around with the ripcord code red on a couple bows as well (no issues with it)

BUT- I'm using the HDX on two bows right now, simply because I wasn't able to get the rests I wanted to fit on a specific bow, or the rest I wanted wasn't available at the shop when I was having the bow set up (and I didn't want to wait weeks due to covid related supply issues) I was planning on eventually changing over to limb driven when available but both HDX have been flawless, and I'd rather spend the $ on other things. So for now, they stay.

IMO the limb driven rest is superior in every way when it comes to tuning, reliability and setup (whether initially or after a mishap). However, props to the QAD for having the arrow already in the shooting position and ready to go- that I prefer. I also find the QAD HDX more quiet than most limb driven rests. It is also less bulky and obtrusive.

 

yeah, a hamskea trinity is gigantic, a far cry from a golden futura tm hunter

 

A limb driven has the advantage of being able to time the drop closer to the time it needs clearance. Does that make a difference? No idea. You could also make the argument that a string extending to the limb is more prone to damage when bushwhacking but it's splitting hairs.

I have a QAD now, and I've had no issues. Some folks like the limb driven Hamskea rests much better, but I usually don't hear any solid reason why other than they've used one for a long time. I'm curious to try one out.

 

A limb driven has the advantage of being able to time the drop closer to the time it needs clearance. Does that make a difference? No idea. You could also make the argument that a string extending to the limb is more prone to damage when bushwhacking but it's splitting hairs.

I have a QAD now, and I've had no issues. Some folks like the limb driven Hamskea rests much better, but I usually don't hear any solid reason why other than they've used one for a long time. I'm curious to try one out.

Pretty much in the same boat as you, which is why I'm asking.

 

i have a qad hdx on a bow that i hunted with for years that is now my backup bow, i got good arrow flight and it still works fine

however, it can't be denied that it is very lightly built compared to something like a hamskea

if you fell the wrong way with your bow in your hand or something similar, i can definitely see the qad plastic prongs snapping or something else happening....it would take probably 10 times the abuse to make a hamskea trinity fail

also, the qad has internal parts and triggers that can wear out or break, whereas limb driven rests are around 10 times simpler in function....unless a bearing fails i just can't see how they won't work

an upside to limb driven rests is that you can put them in a draw board and exactly time when they fall, a lot of people just do it by "pull the string until the rest goes down", which works but they are missing out, qad hdx does not have this functionality

lastly, limb driven rests usually have full containment cages, so you can't lose an arrow..it can just move a little bit, i have fleece wherever the arrow can touch and it is zero issue, even when on the ground stalking...you just go from moving 1/8" in any direction on the qad to 1 inch or less, they make little holders that make the limb driven arrow even less likely to move, but i ran into clearance issues with my qad exodus, since i allow my arrow to pull inside the window (i'm not afraid of cutting my finger....heck i used to use open overdraws back in the day)

the qad is a fine rest and is lighter and holds an arrow better, but other than that it is exceeded in about everyway

 

i have a qad hdx on a bow that i hunted with for years that is now my backup bow, i got good arrow flight and it still works fine

however, it can't be denied that it is very lightly built compared to something like a hamskea

if you fell the wrong want with your bow in your hand or something similar, i can definitely see the qad plastic prongs snapping or something else happening....it would take probably 10 times the abuse to make a hamskea trinity fail

also, the qad has internal parts and triggers that can wear out or break, whereas limb driven rests are around 10 times simpler in function....unless a bearing fails i just can't see how they won't work

an upside to limb driven rests is that you can put them in a draw board and exactly time when they fall, a lot of people just do it by "pull the string until the rest goes down", which works but they are missing out, qad hdx does not have this functionality

lastly, limb driven rests usually have full containment cages, so you can't lose an arrow..it can just move a little bit, i have fleece wherever the arrow can touch and it is zero issue, even when on the ground stalking...you just go from moving 1/8" in any direction on the qad to 1 inch or less, they make little holders that make the limb driven arrow even less likely to move, but i ran into clearance issues with my qad exodus, since i allow my arrow to pull inside the window (i'm not afraid of cutting my finger....heck i used to use open overdraws back in the day)

the qad is a fine rest and is lighter and holds and arrow better, but other than that it is exceeded in about everyway

So this is where I start questioning these reasons a bit, although you don't seem like someone who hates QAD but for the sake of discussion...

I don't know anyone who has broken the arrow holder off their QAD or broken their QAD in general, but maybe they're out there. So there is perceived durability you get with a Hamskea trinity (not their other models IMO), but weight savings with a QAD?

Does the timing of a limb-driven rest really make any noticeable accuracy difference for bowhunters? I would doubt it for the majority of hunters.

I personally don't like having to hold the arrow with my finger when not cocked up (but it probably wouldn't be a huge deal, I used to have to do it as a kid with my old Nova), and was also concerned about clearance with QADs and a rubber arrow holder (so that's good to know).

I think one other advantage to the QAD is that the arrow holder stays up when letting down after being at full draw.

 

Dozens of bows and dozens of QAD’s…not one issue.

Also, I’ve bareshaft turned every one of those bows…to perfection.
Zero issues.

 

They have a pretty strong opinion on the subject

A good comparison

 

They have a pretty strong opinion on the subject

MFJJ has alot of strong opinions. lol

 

Brand new one pooped out on me today. Shooting my new levitate for just the second time and I had to stop. The rest fails to fully drop and feels stiff at the end of its travel. QAD said it’s a known problem and I should take it to a shop for warranty work. I asked them to just replace it, they wouldn’t. I’ll definitely think twice before I buy another one.

 

That’s because your own a PSE specific QAD, correct?

 

Honestly I’ve had plenty of QADs and have two current HDX. The only thing I can say is make sure it’s tied into the string for timing. But the only thing I don’t care for is the arrow fork. I wish they had it rubber dipped like Rip cord. The stick and peel sticker sucks! Just my opinion!

 

Total Peep has a pretty nice cover material that goes over the QAD fork and the top guard.

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Thanks I’ll look into that!

 

Strictly personal preference...I've shot QAD for 20+ years but have now set up and shot both and have never had one single issue with either. In my personal opinion, I simply prefer the streamlining that QAD does in engineering / final design...IMO the QAD's are more refined and not so 'utilitarian'...Hamskea appears to be trying to address this with their new release and mounting options though so thats a good sign.

I also don't understand the point about having to move the d-loop to tune a QAD? Don't you have to position the d-loop correctly on every rest / bow combination to achieve perfect flight? I've never had to move a d-loop on either...I set center shot to mfg's suggestion and then start them as close to level as I can through the berger hole and then typically only have to make extremely minor adjustments (like 64th's of an inch) to the rest and I'm done....

 

Strictly personal preference...I've shot QAD for 20+ years but have now set up and shot both and have never had one single issue with either. In my personal opinion, I simply prefer the streamlining that QAD does in engineering / final design...IMO the QAD's are more refined and not so 'utilitarian'...Hamskea appears to be trying to address this with their new release and mounting options though so thats a good sign.

I also don't understand the point about having to move the d-loop to tune a QAD? Don't you have to position the d-loop correctly on every rest / bow combination to achieve perfect flight? I've never had to move a d-loop on either...I set center shot to mfg's suggestion and then start them as close to level as I can through the berger hole and then typically only have to make extremely minor adjustments (like 64th's of an inch) to the rest and I'm done....
[/QUOT

Strictly personal preference...I've shot QAD for 20+ years but have now set up and shot both and have never had one single issue with either. In my personal opinion, I simply prefer the streamlining that QAD does in engineering / final design...IMO the QAD's are more refined and not so 'utilitarian'...Hamskea appears to be trying to address this with their new release and mounting options though so thats a good sign.

I also don't understand the point about having to move the d-loop to tune a QAD? Don't you have to position the d-loop correctly on every rest / bow combination to achieve perfect flight? I've never had to move a d-loop on either...I set center shot to mfg's suggestion and then start them as close to level as I can through the berger hole and then typically only have to make extremely minor adjustments (like 64th's of an inch) to the rest and I'm done....

he’s right you know ^

 

I always go back to a QAD so I gave up and don’t bother looking for anything else these days.


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I have used both. I do feel the limbdriven(speaking of limbdriver as I have not used hamskea) is more forgiving and easier to tune than the qad.

I have had one limbdriver pro v (first year made) break after many years of use. Limbdriver repaired it for me. The later editions are much more robust.

I do love the tight containment of the qad and the stay up on letdown. Those are big plusses in my book as most of my hunting in the west is spot and stalk. But I have also used the arrow container that sticks on the shelf along with felt successfully as well.

On a 3D bow etc I would go limbdriven for sure.

 

Really personal preference, and which ever most choose they will defend the choice like their own child...

For me, while I can set up and tune both, the Hamskea is much, MUCH easier to set up blindfolded; it's not near the issue if I want to twist the down cable while tuning, I don't have to worry about knowing if I've got the activation cord installed far enough down the cable for proper operation, and don't have to mess with aligning timing marks or other "loosen this and draw the cord through and tighten that" techniques to properly time, nor any of that "make sure it's full up in the last X" of draw..." stuff. During my set up process, it's just easier for me to loosen a limb driven cord to have the launcher up and know it's in it's full up position and not worry about needing to make sure the drop timing is correct again once I'm done. And finally, if the archery gremlins strike in the middle of a competition, I know with my Hamskea worst case I can shoot it like a blade rest and get through the day... es, my flight changes a bit, but my BlindArcher aiming stand is easy to adjust for such events. QAd works for those who like them; Hamskea work for those who like them; for me, my set up process, and the fact that it is much easier for me to set up with my eyes closed while blindfolded and in a room with no windows and the lights turned out during a new moon... The Hamskea is a better fit for me.

Now, for my jab at QAD just because it's fun [like poking the Mathews bear], but not to be taken seriously... There is a reason why EVERYONE knows QAD has such great customer service...

 

Really personal preference, and which ever most choose they will defend the choice like their own child...

For me, while I can set up and tune both, the Hamskea is much, MUCH easier to set up blindfolded; it's not near the issue if I want to twist the down cable while tuning, I don't have to worry about knowing if I've got the activation cord installed far enough down the cable for proper operation, and don't have to mess with aligning timing marks or other "loosen this and draw the cord through and tighten that" techniques to properly time, nor any of that "make sure it's full up in the last X" of draw..." stuff. During my set up process, it's just easier for me to loosen a limb driven cord to have the launcher up and know it's in it's full up position and not worry about needing to make sure the drop timing is correct again once I'm done. And finally, if the archery gremlins strike in the middle of a competition, I know with my Hamskea worst case I can shoot it like a blade rest and get through the day... es, my flight changes a bit, but my BlindArcher aiming stand is easy to adjust for such events. QAd works for those who like them; Hamskea work for those who like them; for me, my set up process, and the fact that it is much easier for me to set up with my eyes closed while blindfolded and in a room with no windows and the lights turned out during a new moon... The Hamskea is a better fit for me.

Now, for my jab at QAD just because it's fun [like poking the Mathews bear], but not to be taken seriously... There is a reason why EVERYONE knows QAD has such great customer service...

QAD does have great customer service.....and they make an excellent rest. There are many great archery rests out there...it really comes down to personal preference. The timing marks are reference points only and you can adjust the cord internally in the thumb wheel as well as it is held tight with an allen screw. I shot the HDX in many different competitions ....and won a bunch of them to include ASA, NFAA, and FITA. I personally do not like a blade rest as you have constant contact with the arrow until it is away from the bow. I prefer a clean arrow when the launcher clears almost immediately. And, does it require a little more setup....not really. So, the arguments against the HDX.....are they really valid? Just my thoughts.
Fred

 

I have owned about 5 QAD's with many thousands of shots on them and never the slightest issue. I have also owned a few Hamskea's also with no problems. And I also bareshaft with QAD's all the time so I'm not sure why it's stated you can't.

 

Similar to the earlier post my integrated Mathews QAD wouldn't drop in cold weather. Locked up when under 35°F. I swapped it for a new one at my local bow shop... rest functioned totally fine in warm weather but not when it got cold... of the thousands of shots I've taken with multiple QAD rests that was the first issue I've ever had. Could've been terrible had I been on a remote hunt, but I was hunting close to home and it was quickly remedied... I still prefer and trust QAD. The compactness and containment make it better to me... I will say the new Hamskea Epsilon looks pretty nice and is much more compact compared to previous models. Also should be mentioned that the new Epsilon can be set up as cable driven or limb driven. Interesting (and smart IMO) move by Hamskea.. though I prefer QAD I'd be open to trying a Hamskea, always fun to tinker with new stuff!

 

Since the launch of this new Hamskea, and reading comments I have some serious question(s) for everyone who seems to dislike QADs. Me and everyone in my camp that hunt with drop aways all have QADs. Of those that I have talked to specifically about them we have had zero issues of failure with the same QADs being moved across multiple bows for years, and none of these tuning issues everyone keeps mentioning. The only time we have had one fail was on an elk hunt where my dad slipped on some shale, fell on his bow, and it messed up the timing cord, which he didn't notice until after trying to shoot. That same thing would happen with a limb-driven cord as well I'd think? We have hunted in NM, CO, KS, IL, IO, and MI with them in all temperature ranges without any failures. They're all HDXs so maybe that makes a difference?

Is the feature that the QAD stays locked up and in full containment without the arrow moving around in the cage not a big advantage for people? And when letting down the rest stays cocked up? What is the difficulty of tuning a QAD that isn't there with a limb-driven if you have a bow press (most of us tie them into the serving)? This new Hamskea looks really nice, and I'm considering getting one just to try it out, but I don't see this glaring "QAD is garbage" thing that some seem so adamant about?

If there was a Hamskea limb-driven that cocked up and stayed up until you actually shot that seems like it would be the best rest one could make. Anyways, interested in hearing people's opinions. TIA

I have sold, set up and used QAD since they came out. If set up properly having one fail is a rarity regardles of what you read on here. AT has a habit of blowing things way out of proportion. Also AT is a very small representation of what is actually out there.
I am not saying things don't happen but there IMHO nothing to be concerned about, anything in archery can fail at any time. Almost everything in archery today is mechanical and prone to fail.

 

After running Hamskeas for the past two seasons I am going back to the QAD Integrates next year on both of my new bows, Mathews and Hoyt. I ran QAD for several years prior to switching to Hamskea and never had a failure or any tuning issues. Hoping that Hamskea can work out a deal to use the Integrate mount in the future. It is a very secure and sleek mounting system!

NC

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After running Hamskeas for the past two seasons I am going back to the QAD Integrates next year on both of my new bows, Mathews and Hoyt. I ran QAD for several years prior to switching to Hamskea and never had a failure or any tuning issues. Hoping that Hamskea can work out a deal to use the Integrate mount in the future. It is a very secure and sleek mounting system!

‘I’m doing the same. I did have one bad QAD and the shop swapped it out immediately, it was a minor inconvenience.

 

I have 1000s of shots through my QAD HDX... good reliable rest IMO

 

Never any issues here with several QAD’s after many years…

 

Biggest problem with the 3 HDX’s I’ve owned is that they’re so repetitiously boring 🙄… literally, the rest goes up, the rest falls down, and the arrow goes exactly where I point it every single time. Talk about monotonous! At least my whisker biscuits wear out every so often…

 

I really like QADs. Never had a failure or issue with any of the handful I have had in the 12 years or so I been using them. I like the looks, light weight. I love I can have them cocked in the up position so may arrow is not coming up while I draw. I even like the short cord.

I keep saying I am going to put a limb driven rest on my primary bow that I am traveling to hunt with for the year “ just in case “. But really I have nothing to justify that line of reasoning from the QADs performance standpoint in the past.

 

I've had 2 and both worked great. I do own two Hamskea Trinity now but only switched to try something new and for ease of installation with my Deadlock system and no press that fits the newer models. I'd have no reservations going back.