New archer with a couple questions

[aujack25]

I have shot a compound for several years now, but just purchased my first traditional rig and can't wait to get started! I bought a 68 Bear Kodiak recurve pulling 47# at 28". I have researched a bunch and learned a lot about traditional archery, but I still have a couple questions that I was looking for some help with. The bow I bought is in good condition, but I was wondering, if I ever have to replace the padding/rest on the bow, what is the best to get? I really don't know much about the rests on recurves, and was looking for some opinions on which would work best for me. I'll be shooting feathers so I don't need an elevated rest. And my other question is about strings. If I ever have to replace the string on my recurve, which string makers should I consider, and what type of string would best suit my bow? Any help on either of these questions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[McDave]

I'd recommend visiting 3 Rivers Archery's website, which is a sponsor of this Forum.  They have a selection of shelf rests and bowstrings.  A simple leather rest would probably work fine for you, or you might want to try a calfs-hair rest.  Usually, the rests have a peel-off backing, with adhesive underneath.  If there is a mess after you peel off your old rest, you can clean it up with Goof-Off or a similar product.

Do you mean your bow was made in 1968?  If so, you will definitely want to use dacron bowstring, as opposed to fast-flight.  I checked and 3 Rivers also sells already made bowstrings made of dacron.  I've never tried any, but everything else I've bought from them has worked out fine for me.  I would replace the bowstring ASAP if you don't know its history, as that is cheap insurance against a catastrophic broken string while you're shooting the bow.

BTW, in the future, equipment related questions should be posted in PowWow, and shooting related questions should be posted here.