Radiused Shelf...

[Cward]

I've noticed in my brief traditional bow shootin' that some of the bows have a radius to their shelf opposed to "straight" on some. I would think this is done to reduce arrow/shelf contact. Is that the reason and is it that much of a performance differance? I just think they look cool!

 

[Orion]

That's why it's done.  Less prolonged feather contact with the arrow shelf should mean cleaner arrow departure from the bow. Does make a small/ theoretical difference.  Most wouldn't recognize it in practice.  IMO a radiused shelf is also less bulky and pleasing to the eye.

[BMN]

Yes, the radius shelf gives better arrow/shelf clearance. I haven't noticed a performance differance in the two styles.

[bohuntr]

I have a radiused shelf on my Big East recurve and find that it makes it easier to achieve good arrow flight. I can get real good arrow flight with less fine tuning than I have to do with my bows that do not have a radiused shelf.

[oops sorry]

I came to the conclusion that a radiused shelf made tuning less critical. That might be incorrect but it works for me. As a consequence, I have started putting a small "riser" under the calf hair on both riser shelf and strike plate. I use a piece of rawhide bootlace under the calf hair. It sort of amounts to an arrow rest. I think it works.

[smokin joe]

With the highest point of the radius above the contact point of the grip, the radius tends to lessen the effect of bow movement at the moment of release. The same idea applies to the side of the sight window. A small point of contact on the side of the arrow in the sight window, again just above the contact point of the grip, would tend to lessen the effects of torque.
I have set up bows with flat shelves and with radiused shelves, and I find the slight radius to be helpful. I hope this helps.
Joe

[Bird Dog]

I can't tell a difference.

[Chuck Mullaley]

Chicks dig radiused shelves!        

[WidowEater]

I like the bows with the radius' highest point above the throat of the grip so i dont have to heighten it myself with leather or a toothpick it is just designed into it.