Checkmate H-II - off rest or shelf?

[BobW]

I just picked up a used Hunter II that the previous owner was using with a rest.  It is pretty beat so I need to make a change.  Trying to figgure if there is any advantage staying with a rest or just go back to the shelf (owner before him used it that way).  If it matters, I shoot three under and I guess the bow was tillered for split (unknown).

This is a first forray in recurves as I only own a longbow that I shoot off the shelf.  Traditional archery is a relatively new thing to me.

Thoughts please.

BobW

[rbbhunt]

I prefer shooting off the shelf, especially if you cant the bow.  I had a bow for a while the the riser design was for an elevated rest and just could not shoot it consistantly.  Years ago, I shot off a rest, but held the bow vertical and shot 3 fingers under and used a gap shooting method.  For instictive shooting, I feel that the closer the arrow is to the hand, the better.

[eagle feather]

The only advantage with a rest that I can think of would be the ability to use plastic vanes?? On my old H2, and on the one that should be here any day now     I shot off the shelf. Enjoy your new bow!

[chappy]

Just got my Chekmate 56" and shooting it off the shelf.  Seems made for doing that with it being radiused at the shelf.  Can get you finger right close to the arrow.

[JohnHV]

I shoot my Chekmate HII off the shelf with 3 fingers under.  It was tillered for split finger as well.  Never had any problems with it.  Just make sure the brace height is correct (between 8 and 8.5 inches measured from the deepest part of the grip) and your nocking point is right.  For 3 under I usually have to bump the knock point up a little higher than I would for split finger.  Just play with it a little and you'll find the sweet spot for your shooting style.

Have fun.

[Grizzly]

Why not try both?  Stick on rests are cheap, only a few dollars.  Start with either one first.  You could install a nice rug rest and later a stick on above it.  Just dont put it too low, as you will gain max accuracy if the feathers dont contact the rug/shelf.  Since you already shoot three under, you may really like how the stick on positions the arrow under the eye.

[Ian johnson]

what do you guys mean by sooting off the shelf and off the rest, whats the difference?

[eagle feather]

Off the shelf refers to shooting the bow without any type of added "arrow rest" such as a stick on type "flipper" rest. Off the shelf uses the bows built in arrow shelf, that is the area of the bow directly above your bow hand. Leather, fur, or some other material is glued to the shelf and a similar strikeplate is glued to the riser to cushion the arrow as it is shot. Some bow have a radiused shelf that is more suited to shooting off the shelf. Some bows have flat shelves that need to either be "built up" with material or used with a glue on flipper type rest. Hope that makes sense/helps.