Should entire shelf rest be covered?

[FrankM]

I'm selling my, dun, dun, dun, Martin Jaguar Takedown with NAP Centerest. I want to buy a more traditional bow and was wondering if you put bear hair, etc. across the entire rest or just in the center part where the arrow goes?

[skunkhound]

If the shelf has a radius, you really only need it on the high point, but it might look better to cover the whole shelf. It'll probably stay on better having more contact too.

[creekwood]

What skunkhound said, but I always leave a small gap between the rug and the riser, about 1/16 to 1/8 inch, depending on the diameter of your arrow shaft.

[FrankM]

Thanks. I have one where I had cut a piece off for something else. I think I'll just order another. They're pretty cheap.  

[bigbadjon]

Now that seal skin is no longer generally available just scoot over to the store and buy some heavy duty velcro. The soft part makes as good a rug rest as anything else.

[M60gunner]

It may not be necessary to cover the whole area but some hunters will. An arrow that bounces off a wood or metal riser can be heard for what seems miles when that big critter shows up.

[Stumpkiller]

Good advice above.  I often cover the whole shelf to reduce the chance of noise when laying an arrow on the shelf in a hunting situation.

[damascusdave]

I have a recently built dual shelf bow that I have still not sanded and finished...I shoot it with no shelf pad or strike plate off the bare wood...with a properly spined arrow it is quiet and shoots fine...just something to think about

DDave

[damascusdave]

Originally posted by M60gunner:
It may not be necessary to cover the whole area but some hunters will. An arrow that bounces off a wood or metal riser can be heard for what seems miles when that big critter shows up.

I have a 1961 Bear Kodiak Special that I started gluing some tanned deer hide on one day...I covered not only the shelf but also the grip and sight window with deerhide...not the prettiest recurve I own, but very possibly the quietest

DDave