MSRP: $29.99-$32.99 Bear Claw (left); $54.99 Power Loc (right) | Alpine Archery | 717-492-8039 | alpinearchery.com
August 02, 2021
By Mark Demko
We may not give it as much thought as our sight, arrow rest or release aid, but the quiver is an essential bowhunting accessory, holding our arrows securely in place while serving an important safety function by keeping razor-sharp broadheads concealed to prevent injury in the event of a stumble, fall or other mishap afield.
Like all archery products, quivers come in various styles and sizes, with a variety of features depending on the model and how much you’re willing to spend. One line that has stood the test of time — hitting the sweet spot where quality and affordability meet — are the quivers made by Alpine Archery .
Launched in the late 1980s, Alpine has a rich history of developing dependable archery products. The company was purchased by Kinsey’s Archery in 2020, with the quiver line undergoing a transformation to fit the evolving interests and needs of the modern hunter. The company’s top-of-the-line model is the 4-arrow Power Loc , which comes with several features that make it a stellar choice if you’re in the market for a new arrow holder.
For starters, the Power Loc is easy to affix to your bow — Alpine even offers short videos on its website that cover how to install its quivers. At only 6.3 ounces in weight and 11 5⁄8 inches long, the Power Loc is also light and compact.
Advertisement
Over the years, I’ve had a quiver or two where if you got caught on a branch while you were walking, or when raising or lowering the bow in your treestand, the arrows would easily pop out. Well, the Power Loc’s two-stage arrow gripper is a gem, holding both standard and micro- diameter arrow shafts firmly in place. What I really love about this quiver, however, is the deep, urethane foam-lined hood that protects both your broadheads and you. My Muzzy Trocar fixed blades slid quickly and easily into the precut slots, with the foam engulfing the entire broadhead. Talk about peace of mind!
When I’m in the stand, I like to remove the quiver from my bow. The Power Loc’s rubber mount and stainless-steel lock pin make it incredibly easy to secure the quiver in its bracket and/or remove it from the bow, while the loop on the hood really comes in handy for hanging the quiver on a hook or tree branch. The rubber mount also serves as a dampener to reduce noise and vibration between the riser, mounting bracket and quiver.
If you prefer flexibility in your quiver setup, Alpine also offers the Bear Claw, a 12-inch-long model that comes in 3- and 5-arrow versions and can be adjusted vertically for better bow fit, balance and comfort.
Advertisement
Although it’s only $33, there’s a lot to like about this accessory beyond its price. For example, the Bear Claw is lightweight (7.3 ounces), the numerous holes on the stem allow you to adjust the quiver up to 6 inches up or down, and the hood includes two separate layers of foam to accommodate both fixed-blade and mechanical broadheads.
If you shoot fixed blades, using both layers of foam allows you to sink your entire blade into the foam. To better accommodate mechanicals, you can simply remove the top layer.
Alpine also offers a third quiver model, the Soft Loc , which comes in 3- and 5-arrow versions. All Alpine quivers can be mounted to crossbows and accommodate right- and left-handed shooters. They come in three colors: Realtree Edge, OD Green and Black. — Associate Editor Mark Demko