Shelf and Side Plate...Hard or Cushioned

[Avid Archer]

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?

[olddogrib]

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.

[ron w]

Soft and cushioned so it's silent on the draw....when you drop the hammer it don't matter with the paradox!

[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

[Pointer]

My wes wallace likes a leather side plate and a velcro rest...I get good arrow flight so thats what I use..

[Rob W.]

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.

[JEFF B]

velcro for side and shelf nice and silent  

[Knapper]

This discussion offers some thoughts that I have never considered or maybe over looked on my part.

[smokin joe]

Quiet matters most to me. I don't want any noise at all before the release.

[Frank V]

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

[Avid Archer]

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

[jonsimoneau]

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.

[tuscarawasbowman]

Originally 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