66 Bear Kodiak-Which to use

[akalhunt]

I have a 66 Bear Kodiak on the way, and I was wondering which would you recommend.  Rest shelf material for off the shelf or a Bear Weather Rest. I have been a longbow person for years and this is my first recurve in a many years.
Lynn Hunt

[4runr]

I like the feather rests Trap sells for my old Bear bows. He has an add in the sponsor classifieds.

[SCATTERSHOT]

I have one of those, too, Lynn. They are beautiful bows. I believe the original setup was a leather strike plate with a Bearhair rug rest. You may shoot more accurately with a Weatherrest, however.    

Mine is still in as-found condition, but it will shine up nicely.

[yellow bow]

Trap's feather rests are hard to beat,but try off the shelf and see which one works for you the best. Have fun with your '66 your gonna love her no matter what you decide on.  

[George D. Stout]

I love the looks of the carpet and shelf, but I would use an elevated rest.

[reddogge]

I've never had a problem with the carpet off the shelf on my '66 Kodiak but I like the arrow close to my hand.  The carpet and leather strike plate was original equipment on that bow.

[mnbwhtr]

I normally shoot raised rests but on my 66 I just shoot from the rug. I would think coming over from a longbow it would be more natural for you.

[Dan Spiece]

Soft side of velcro

[Wapiti Chaser]

I have a 66 Grizzly that I shoot with a feather rest. Got a 66 Kodiak this fall and have been shooting off the carpet but just ordered a feather rest for it. I think it's more forgiving with the rest. Good luck and post some pics !

[rickshot]

I only shoot elevated off some vintage target bows…and only those that are difficult to change. If it was factory cut to accommodate shooting off the shelf it really makes me a happy camper to complete the picture. New rug and larger size strike plate with a slight build up under contact points is my standard set-up. Whatever you choose…enjoy it to the fullest. Rick.

[Raineman]

I really can't say enough about how pleased I am with a feather rest. I have been using TRAP's rests for over a year now in all types of weather. They are the perfect rest, and that is pretty much it.

I like to shoot off the shelf because it puts the arrow close to my hand. The raised rest (Bear Weatherest, and Flipper rests) I have used but have never been a fan of. I do like its characteristics in wet weather due to the fact it allows me to use low profile vanes when hunting in the rain or snow.

A feather rest affords me the advantages of both. A raised rest that puts the arrow close to my hand. I can use feathers, I can use vanes. I can use it in normal conditions, I can use it in wet conditions, heck...I can even use a glass arrow and bowfish with it. I've done it. If it gets flattened out, just hit it with a bit of steam and you are back in business. I have spent a lot of time actually trying to destroy Daryl's rests, and they win every time. They can take abuse, they are forgiving, they perform, and they give you the best of both worlds.

TRAP's feather rests. That is my recommendation. Hate to sound like a commercial, but dang...they are sweet.

Here is one on a B-mag riser:
 

An A-mag riser that I bowfish with:
 
 

And a '65 Kodiak:
 

I still shoot off the shelf with my '64 Kodiak and my longbows, but everything else has a feather rest.