As at I sit here and think about this review it strikes me that I can't
remember a time when a Kwikee Kwiver wasn't a part of at least one of my
rigs. This year my 12 year old son, Tyler, started off his bowhunting career
with the Kwikee Kwik-3 attached to his bow. Kwikee Kwiver has been in business
since 1957 and still provides bowhunters with quality, useful quivers.
Tyler and I put the Kwik-3 through a full season of bowhunting in all
types of situations and weather conditions. Following are the basics of
the quiver and our impressions.
Basics
The head or broadhead shield of the Kwik-3, approximately 3x3" in size,
is constructed of Polycarbonate, the "Cadillac of plastics", as Kwikee
puts it. Polycarbonate is known for its great strength and high resistance
to ultraviolet and ozone. The interior is lined with Artic-2, Kwikee's
special rubber like material that stays pliable in below zero temperatures,
will not dull broadheads and will remain silent while pulling the heads
out or putting them in the quiver. There are 3 evenly spaced holes, approximately
¼? in diameter, precut into the Artic-2 material to guide the broadhead
tips into the proper location. A 3-arrow replacement broadhead shield liner
is also available that accepts mechanical broadheads.
Attached to the head with a small screw is a 2-piece polycarbonate
bar, measuring approximately 9" in length when assembled for use. The two
pieces of the bar are held together near the middle with a captivated screw
and wing nut to allow for breakdown and easy packing when not in use. To
break it down, a wing nut is loosened to the point that the broadhead shield
side (we'll call it the top bar) of the quiver is able to be lifted high
enough to clear the brackets/tabs molded onto the opposite bar (we'll call
this one the bottom bar) and spun around to line up under the shield. The
brackets/tabs prevent the quiver from shifting while in use (wing nut is
tightened). There is also a slot in the top bar that allows the two pieces
to move freely enough to nest together when broken down.
The arrow shaft holder is another feature on the Kwik-3 that utilizes
the Artic-2 material. This of course allows the archer to load and unload
arrows quietly in the coldest of weather with little trouble.
The molded plastic mounting block, one cubic inch in volume and ½
oz in weight, along with a rubber spacer is secured directly to the bow
or sight bracket with two, 7/8" long Phillips head screws. Also included
is a molded plastic spacer, 3/8" thick, to provide riser and arrow rest
clearance. A molded tongue on the quiver slides inside a groove on the
mounting block and is held there with a small plastic block. The plastic
block is attached to a piece of spring steel that snaps it into place but
also allows it to be moved out of the way easily.
Testing
Tyler and I used the Kwik-3 quiver all season but before we got started
it was given a thorough quality review. The mechanics, finish and overall
workmanship were found to be in excellent order.
Next up, we went to the miscellaneous arrow bucket and started picking
out many different sized arrows to see how securely they would fit and
how easily they would load into the quiver. The Artic-2 material is extremely
pliable and elastic but also firm. It held arrows of all sizes, except
the skinny carbons, securely. However, I did find out later that Kwikee
offers the SD-3 (Small Diameter Arrow Holder for the K-3) for those hunters
who shoot the small carbon arrows. Retail price is $2.95.
Ty braved some cold weather this season, below freezing and told me
that he did not notice any difference in loading/unloading or quietness
while using the Kwik-3 without the SD-3.
Tried to pack the folded quiver into several of my packs and pockets
and it is definitely compact. It fit easily into several compartments
of my CAT Quiver.
Why is this feature desirable? For me the application that came
to mind first was my overnight mountain bike bowhunting trips. The handlebar
mounted bow holder on my bike will not allow the use of a quiver. The answer
is a CAT quiver, but once camp is set up I like to use a bow mounted quiver.
The answer is a compact, light take-down Kwik-3 quiver. It is a perfect
solution.
Basically, the remainder of the testing was conducted in the field where
we used it extensively. The quiver performed flawlessly and is as good
as new now that the season is complete. I really like this little thing
-- it is rattle free, rock solid and above all -- useful.
Design: 4.99 of 5
Everything can be improved, I just can't figure out where on the Kwik-3!
Functionality: 4.5 of 5
The usefulness of this quiver has not been entirely explored in this
review. I'm sure there are many applications that would require just such
a quiver.
For information on these and other products
contact:
Kwikee Kwiver Co., Inc.
7292 Peaceful Valley Road
P.O. Box 130
Acme, Michigan 49610
Email: kwikee@i2k.net
(231) 938-1690
1-800-346-7001
Web Site: www.kwikeekwiver.com |
