I read threads where some folks like a hard shelf and a cushioned side plate, some like a cushioned shelf and a hard side plate. Some folk like both shelf and side plate hard and some like both cushioned.
An example of what I consider a hard would be a piece of leather glued to either shelf or side. Examples of cushioned would be these felt chair leg pads, or a piece of peep sight tubing covered by Velcro.
In your opinion, what provides the best and most consistent arrow flight, and more importantly, why?
If you watch some of the excellent slow-mo videos of archer's paradox, the tail end of a well tuned arrow is nowhere near either when it passes the riser. If that's the case I really think it's a matter of personal preference, other than for hunting the material should be quiet when the shaft slides across it on the draw.
Soft and cushioned so it's silent on the draw....when you drop the hammer it don't matter with the paradox!
Depends...
I've been tuning with Rick Welch advice... If the arrow is weak, harder pad... if the arrows is a stiff, soft pad...
Jonathan
My wes wallace likes a leather side plate and a velcro rest...I get good arrow flight so thats what I use..
I have always had a hard side plate. Up until this year I liked a bear hair rest. My new longbow has a very slim shelf and the same leather as the side.
Can't tell much difference in the two.
I think the bear hair was quiter when I shot aluminum.
velcro for side and shelf nice and silent :thumbsup:
This discussion offers some thoughts that I have never considered or maybe over looked on my part.
Quiet matters most to me. I don't want any noise at all before the release.
That is an interesting question. I use both & don't really notice a difference except the Seal Fur rests are quieter nocking an arrow. This may be the deciding factor. Some Boyers use velcro, the pile side, & seem to get great results.
If I were going to pick one or the other, I'd go for quiet.
Frank
Both cushioned and hard can be made quiet.
My question is, which provides the most consistent arrow flight.
It seems logical to me that a cushioned side plate, especially on a bow cut past center, would be best because it would mimic the action of a spring cushion plunger. Target archers use plungers for more than just attaining a perfect tune, but to also help when the release is less than perfect.
That being said, what seems logical to me, is often wrong. LOL
Depends on arrow flight. Assuming you are a right handed shooter, if your arrows are hitting to the left you may want to try a softer side plate. Vice versa if your arrows are hitting to the right.
QuoteOriginally posted by twigflicker:
Depends...
I've been tuning with Rick Welch advice... If the arrow is weak, harder pad... if the arrows is a stiff, soft pad...
Jonathan
Me also