I think one of the best ways to set your self apart in today’s archery market is through versatility. I mean come on; honestly, the number of manufacturer’s in the hunting industry that have sprung up in just the last few years is utterly mind blowing. 

That being said, for any company to make a product that is going to stand out from the multitude of other similar products out there, it had better have a little more versatility than the competition. 

That is where Alpine Archery has recently made the move by introducing its new Bear Claw quiver system. I have to admit that I have been pretty satisfied with the bowquiver I currently own and have used for about 5 years now.  It is just what I have come to know and trust. Sure, I have looked at other quivers just about every time I see one on the shelf at the local pro shop. 

I just haven’t noticed anything that I can see that would make enough of a difference in my hunting to justify a switch after all those years. I mean, after all, it’s just a little plastic thing to hold arrows and I guess I like to keep things simple. 

That is, however until I received the new Alpine system for Evaluation & Field Testing. 

Now right after hearing I would be evaluating this system I did a little research on the net to find out just what I was in for. Right off the bat I learned that the Bear Claw was a quick disconnect quiver system just a little different in design from their previous Soft Loc quivers. 

That in it’s self did not do much for me. I have seen the rest of the Alpine line over the last few years and while I did like the ultra quiet, vibration free mounting system and the looks of them, it was just not quite enough to make me switch. 

Then I learned that the quiver was designed to be a tree stand quiver. 

This was kind of interesting to me. All you had to do was buy a quick disconnect tree stand bracket and once you situated yourself in your stand, the quiver could detach from your bow and be mounted sturdily to the side of your tree stand in a manner that would keep the arrows easily accessible, yet far enough away to keep them from hindering any shot. 

Now this did get me thinking, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to shed a little weight once I planted myself for the afternoon in my comfy "Bark-O-Lounger". 

I  also learned that the quiver was completely adjustable in its mount for sight or accessory clearance. Now this really got me thinking. I had a problem last year with a new sight I had purchased and had to return it because it just wouldn’t work with the bowquiver I had. 

At this point I could hardly wait to get the Bear Claw in my hands.

The Evaluation

As soon as the package came I was anxious to tear into it and find out how well the information I gathered over the net actually applied in the real world. 

The quiver itself is a 5 arrow model similar in design to Alpines Soft Loc 5 arrow quiver. The biggest differences are in the mounting system and the shaft of the quiver. This is a single long piece of plastic rather than their previous two carbon fiber rods with holes every inch or so throughout the entire length of the shaft. 

The quivers mount, both on the bow and in the tree stand, utilize these holes both for positioning and a positive mounting system. This mounting system firmly holds the Bear Claw to the bow via two large cone shape pins and a rubber wing shaped lock. 

Upon initial inspection it appears that this is every bit as sturdy as their previous system with the most notable exception being that it has quite a bit more clearance and position adjustment to it in comparison. 

The tree stand mount is also a unique area of the system. This incorporates two large rubber pads that bolt on the top and bottom of the stand between two of the floor rungs and act as the base. There is a second section to the base that includes a two pronged plastic piece that a second bow mount style grip attaches to and is easily removed when you are not utilizing the treestand mount to keep it from hindering you. 

The pictures show how simple this system is. 

For the evaluation of the quivers real world performance I dug out every gear combination I could put it with to test both the clearance and its balance with my setup. 

The first thing I did was mount it up with several of my old bulky rests and sights. Out of every combination I could come up with I was able to position the quiver in such a way that allowed plenty of clearance. 

Couple that with the fact that I could also achieve a very good balance at the same time by positioning the quiver up or down in the mount, and I could honestly say that without much further evaluation that I would probably have a place for this quiver in my future. 

Other innovations Alpine has incorporated into this setup are the large vibration controlling rubber mounting wings that seem to have made a noticeable difference in the felt vibration after my very first shot. After all, one can never have too many vibration absorbing devices in your setup. 

Also a notable improvement area I see is in the foam Alpine is using as a broadhead shield liner. Compared to most quivers I have used in the past, it seems to be very durable yet soft enough to firmly hold the arrowheads in place. Even in the coldest weather you should have no problem getting your arrows in and out of the shield end of the setup. 

The biggest difference I can see in the shield however is that it has been perforated with five fairly large holes. This is to accommodate most modern mechanical heads without the forced opening of the blades when they are inserted. 

This is a problem that has plagued most mechanicals that use a rubber band to hold the blades shut. This feature has been long overdue and one of those ‘why didn’t I think of that’ innovations. 

Add to all this the fact that it is convertible into a treestand quiver when the action heats up and I think it will find a place in quite a few serious bowhunters bag o’ tricks.

Simplicity 4 of 5
It doesn’t get much easier to use than this, and with the full range of adjustability the only situation you may have a little problem with would be the new single pin adjustable armature style sight. With that type of sight I believe only a 2 piece quiver will accommodate the movement. The rubber in the shaft mounting end could stand to be a tad bit softer compound for ease of inserting the arrows when the temperatures dip.

Lightweight 4.5 of 5
While not quite as light as the quivers in their Soft Loc line, it is comparable to others on the market.

Durability 5 of 5
Don’t see any problems in this department. Should easily withstand many years of abuse.

Value 5 of 5
With a retail price of  $29.99 this is easily one of the best quiver value’s on the market.

For more information on ALPINE Archery products see your local Pro Shop or contact:

ALPINE ARCHERY
PO Box 319
Lewiston, ID  83501
208-746-4717  -  FAX 208-746-1635 
On the web: www.AlpineArchery.com