I have a Custom Kodiak (green stripe). Question is can Bowdoc or others make the shelf radiused, and if so what would be the draw backs? Thanks TERM
I'm guessing that the main drawback would be that you are decreasing the value of the bow. Changing it from original could well cut its value in half. Other than that, I don't see any draw backs. You could accomplish the same thing by building up the existng arrow shelf with a few thin layers of leather. Good luck.Pup
Like said it would greatly decrease the value of the bow.On my older bows with more of a flatter shelf I just use some leather underneath or a feather rest or old style brush rest.JMO
Man I have to agree, like on my Sky - Sky Hawk where it was cut past center, I just glued a piece of ACC shaft to the window & then a piece of wood match to the shelf to get the effect I was looking for on arrow contact before I pasted the leather shelf plate & carpet shelf.
I get the arrow the way I want without changing the original dynamics of the bow.
Now if you wanted to keep the bow then by all means you can change it to suit your needs & it shouldn't hurt the bow in any way other than it would not be the way Bear built it.
Any item, affixed to the shelf, and is directly above the deepest inset of the grip, makes the bow more forgiving. Creates a pivot point. I use pieces of plastic "rod" that comes with plastic models...that the parts are affixed to. Sand down one side for a flat spot to affix to shelf w/ rubber cement, then cover as normal with whatever shelf material you prefer. I use sealskin when I can get it.
Fred did it...I'll bet his bow didn't go down in value !
He isn't Fred. Nothing personal, but let's use some perspective here.
Is your concern with the flat shelf fletching clearance? If so, a Feather rest works very well to solve that problem.
You can achieve a radius shelf by using layers of leather glued together.
vermonster, The point I was making was that the idea of radiusing the shelf on a Super K. was Freds, not some "after market" idea. While understand it won't increase the value, I question how much it actually decreases it. I've had several of mine done, and they shoot great.
I just radiused the shelf on my 1970 Super Kodiak by using a dremel tool. I have the pivot above the deepest part of the grip and it shoots great. It is not hard to do. I also refinished the bow and it looks like new.
If you are wanting it to shoot better just do it. But if you think you will want to sell it in the future then I'd reconsider.
Good advice already. Your own goals will determine whether or not it is a good idea. Any modifications to a bow from original design will likely decrease value. But if it is a bow you have no intention of selling and only want to increase your own use and enjoyment, then it makes sense.
I'm not a Bear collector expert by any means. What is the value of your bow as is? If you have to pay to have the shelf redone and then the bow refinished, plus shipping two directions, you might stick more than the bow is worth back into it. So again, from a resale perspective, modifications rarely make sense.