Exactly what McDave said.
Saved me from typing it out.

Guess I didn't really explain well when I said noisy...running 90MPH it happens.

On some arrows I've found Velcro to be noisy *on the draw*.

Seal skin is what I prefer. Quiet and durable. Unfortunately a little hard to find, but I have enough to last me for years.

One advantage of living in Canada is that we can legitimately buy sealskin here

DDave

I dispensed with my side plate on my HIll Tembo.  I may just keep it off too.  real thin leather on the shelf but that is it.

Some great info in this tread. Did not know the strike plate and shelf material had that much effect.

like mike g said

my strike plate and shelf  plate are like new after many arrows shot

must be a well tuned arrow.....

I have a metal riser but set it up with the felt pads used on the bottom of chair legs and furniture.
Using a razor blade, I can taper it to a peak for both rest and strike plate.

Keep in mind that the thickness of your strike plate will change the arrow spine your bow likes.  

My arrows are a little weak with light heads, so I stuck a rolled up piece of paper behind the strike plate (having no toothpicks to hand) and was able to improve my arrow flight significantly.  

Playing with the stu miller spine calculator can give you an idea of how much difference strike plate stiffness changes can make