LAST UPDATED: May 8th, 2015
When it comes to archery accessories, it’s hard to think of one less glamorous than the quiver. Unlike arrows and broadheads you don’t get to watch them impact your target with the telltale “thud” all bowhunters love to hear. Unlike sights they don’t have any fancy micro adjustments or fiber optics to play with. No, the quiver is a relatively simple device with one purpose – to hold your arrows until they are ready to be shot. Let’s face it, nobody has ever killed an animal and stopped to thank their quiver.
However with all of that said, I feel quivers are one of the accessories that have benefited the most in recent years from new innovations. The new Game Changer quiver is no exception to that.
When I was first introduced to the Game Changer by Apex Gear at this year’s Mathews Retailer show in the Wisconsin Dells, I immediately took a shine to it. Anyone who has read my Blogs for any length of time (all 12 of you) knows I’m a fan of archery gear that is rugged and durable. When I drop my bow or hit it up against a tree as I’m fighting my way through a briar patch in the dark (I get lost a lot) I don’t want to worry about breaking things or items falling off my bow. The Game Changer seems to have been built with guys like me in mind.
The new Game Changer arrow quiver from Apex Gear. It even comes in Lost Camo to match my new Heli-m, which is important. What will the deer think if they’re killed by a guy whose accessories don’t even match??
First off let’s cover the basics. The body of the Game Changer quiver is made from CNC machined aluminum. That means its metal, and I like metal. Metal is strong and aluminum is light weight; both qualities that I look for in a quiver.
Next, the Game Changer features dual arrow grippers. Grippers keep my arrows in place and make sure they’re still there when I get to my treestand. I like that. One area I can’t comment on that has been brought up by more than a few bowhunters over the years is how do the grippers work with thin arrow shafts, like the Easton Axis or Injexion. Well, I’m shooting Carbon Express Maximas so I don’t know. Sorry guys.
The hood of the Game Changer features what’s called a “Tru Touch” soft feel coating, which gives it an almost velvet-like feeling. While it feels cool when I rub my fingers on it, I’m not sure how it really helps make the quiver any better.
In addition to the Tru Touch coating, the quiver’s hood does feature several rubberized inserts that help dampen vibration for those hunters who still shoot with their quiver on. I’m not one of those guys, so they don’t do much for me.
The built-in vibration dampeners are nice, but not very useful for those of us who prefer to shoot quiver-off.
Inside the hood you’ll find a “technical” rubber lining with little cups to hold your broadheads in place. I prefer this type of liner versus the traditional foam that can dull broadheads over time as they are taken in and out. Although getting your arrow into the cup every time is a bit of a chore, especially when it’s dark. If Apex could somehow color those circles in bright orange we’d be in business.
Sure, they’re easy to see now when I use the camera flash. But in the dim light of an autum eve, I’ll never be able to see these without some help.
Now we come to the good stuff, and probably the biggest selling point of the Game Changer – the mounting system. The mounting bracket that screws onto your bow sight is extremely small and light weight, which means it’s not obtrusive unlike some mounts. The quiver itself features a cam-lock type latching system that locks the quiver in place. You can very easily take the quiver off with one hand, although putting it back on can be a bit of a chore sometimes. I’m hoping once I wear the connection in a little more, it will slide on easier. Of course the big test will be how easily I can get it back on in the darkness after an afternoon hunt this fall.
When it comes to quiver mounting brackets, less is definitely more.
The Game Changer is now attached and ready to roll.
The quiver mount that screws into the aluminum body is adjustable vertically, which is another great feature. Being able to slide your quiver up and down on your bow based on your arrow length and axle to axle length can help keep your nocks out of the mud, which we all know can be a royal pain. I’m sure we can find more constructive things to do while on stand than picking mud out of our arrows with tiny little twigs.
Thanks to the in-line mounting system, the Game Changer mounts very close to your bow, which is supposed to help reduce torque and produce better balance. Of course I don’t shoot with my quiver on so this isn’t a huge benefit for me.
Without mounting it directly to the riser, I’m not sure the Game changer could get much closer.
The final feature I want to point out is the machined aluminum bracket that allows you to easily hang the quiver on a hook or branch after you take it off. Why every quiver manufacturer doesn’t do this is beyond me. It’s so simple and so easy, yet such a great feature. A big Thank You to Apex for including it.
The hood-mounted quiver hook. An ingenious invention and a simple benefit that can make or break your buying decision.
Well, that about sums up the Game Changer quiver from Apex Gear. No, I don’t think it will help anyone kill a 200 inch buck this fall, but it will certainly help you get your arrows in and out of the woods securely and quietly. Which, come to think of it, is probably a pretty big necessity if you want to shoot a 200 incher. So if you happen to be in the market for a new quiver, give this one a look. I have a feeling you’ll like it.
