Shibuya Ultima Recurve Rest Review

As an avid Olympic recurve archer, I have been using the Shibuya Ultima Recurve Rest for the past three months. I finally felt that I needed to upgrade my rest from my usual setup and the Ultima Recurve rest was my first choice.

This arrow rest is designed with precision and built to cater to the needs of champion archers. Of course, I wanted to use what the champions use. Finally, after months of several uses, here is my Shibuya Ultima Recurve Rest review.

Is it worth it? Are there better arrow rests out there? Is it still the best recurve arrow rest? Let’s find out.

Design

The Shibuya Ultima Recurve Rest boasts a well-thought-out design that sets it apart from other arrow rests on the market. The DLC-coated Offset Support Arm is a standout feature, providing a smooth and friction-free surface for the arrow to glide over. This results in minimal energy loss during the shot, ultimately contributing to a consistent and accurate arrow flight.

Additionally, the Dual Adjust System allows for easy adjustments both vertically and horizontally, accommodating various arrow sizes and sight window setups without the need for any modifications. The ambidextrous design is another practical aspect, making it a versatile option for both right-handed and left-handed archers.

There are several color options too which is essential if you want to color coordinate your setup. Unfortunately, the purple Shibuya Ultima Recurve rest is out of stock so I settled with the black one.

Shibuya Ultima Recurve Rest Performance

It’s time to talk about its performance because this is where the Shibuya Ultima Recurve Rest truly shines.

The V-Lock magnet system ensures that the support arm remains securely in place, guaranteeing repeatable and precise positioning for every shot. The CNC-machined construction of the arrow rest adds to its stability and accuracy, resulting in consistent groupings and improved shooting confidence.

Moreover, the arrow glides effortlessly over the support arm, translating to smooth releases and enhanced shooting experiences. I found that my arrow flight improved significantly after switching to the Ultima Rest, and I could easily adjust the clearance for optimal tuning, enhancing my overall performance on the range.

Is it leaps above the cheaper rests that I have used before? I would say yes since I cannot feel any drag or unnecessary movement from this arrow rest.

Durability

Durability is paramount for any archery equipment, and the Shibuya Ultima Recurve Rest has failed me in this regard. Disappointing is an understatement considering the high praises that this arrow rest has received.

Three months after, the Shibuya Ultima Recurve rest is not with my bow anymore. The wire broke while practicing one day before an upcoming tournament. This messed up my mental and training routine as I had to scour for extra rest.

Let’s dive deeply into what happened.

The Shibuya Ultima Recurve rest does not lock properly. I had to adjust the arrow rest after around 30 arrows or my arrow won’t line up with the plunger properly.

After a while, I noticed that the arrow rest keeps on dropping to the left so I had to push it up and adjust again.

This continued for around three days until the wire finally broke. Again, three months after using the Shibuya rest and it is now broken. I thought going with Shibuya would be a long-term option but its durability is disappointing.

Lastly, one of my colleagues also used a Shibuya Ultima rest before. He ended up switching to a different arrow rest since his Ultima kept on getting loose after a few rounds of shooting.

Value for Money

Considering its exceptional design and performance, the Shibuya Ultima Recurve Rest unquestionably offers excellent value. However, I wouldn’t say that it is a bang-for-the-buck option.

It is pricier than the other recurve arrow rest and it’s been used by a lot of champions around the world. But, there might be hidden gems out there such as the Bicaster arrow rest (which I will post my full review soon). The other arrow rests that are sub-$20 such as the Decut Nova are a nice option too.

Shibuya Ultima Recurve Rest Review Final Thoughts

The Shibuya Ultima Recurve Rest undoubtedly delivers excellent performance with its precision engineering and advanced features. However, my personal experience with the durability of the Shibuya Ultima Recurve Rest has been disappointing. After only three months of regular use, my arrow rest, unfortunately, broke, leading to concerns about its long-term reliability.

While the design and performance are impressive, the arrow rest’s durability concerns raise questions about its overall value for money and lasting performance.

For archers considering the Shibuya Ultima Recurve Rest, it is crucial to weigh the exceptional performance it offers against potential durability issues. While some users may have had positive experiences, my unfortunate encounter with the arrow rest’s durability concerns warrants cautious consideration. As such, I advise archers to thoroughly assess their individual needs and shooting requirements before making a decision on this arrow rest.