Arrow Shelf or Shoot Around?

[DesertFox]

I've been wondering if the arrow shelf or "Shoot Through" design is inherently better than the plain, round handled "Shoot Around" design. (not sure if I'm using proper terms here).

I'm building my girlfriend a board bow and she's never learned to shoot before so I want to set her up with what works well. She likes the look of a bow without an arrow shelf (more symmetrical) and I prefer to use an arrow shelf (because I've always shot recurves in the past)

What I'm getting at is, which tends to be most accurate, or is there any difference?

[Dick in Seattle]

I build some of both.   Maybe every third bow no shelf.   The main advantages of the cutout/shelf are a consistent arrow placement reference and being less fussy about spine matching the arrows.   However, shooting around the riser seems just as accurate with a good match and good form.   As far as the arrow placement goes, I insert a small leather wedge in the grip wrap.  It serves as an arrow placement reference and also the slight swell it puts in the wrap serves as a hand placement reference.   Here's a pic.  It happens to be left handed, from an ambidextrous bow I made, but you'll get the idea:

[504state]

Where do you guys usually cut your rests? I have seen someone post an inch above center, but am not sure about this.

[Roy from Pa]

I cut to an 1 inch to 1 1/4 above the center of the bow. But that's just how I do it.

[Dick in Seattle]

I may end up anywhere in that vicinity... 1 to 1 1/2 inch. I position by balance rather than bow length.   I was taught to find the actual center of balance of the bow, rather than the center of length.  I mark that, then put the grip in my hand such that that balance point is on the ball point of my hand grip.  Since I shoot Hill styles, that's the muscle under my thumb, where I want the bow's balance to be.   Then I  cut the shelf where the top of my hand comes.  That puts the center balance point, which is a null point in the vibration pattern of the bow, in the middle of the grip... hence, minimum felt bow vibration in my hand.

[DesertFox]

Interesting. Well, since I need to learn more about spine I might as well go without a shelf then. Probably need to start learning to make arrows too...

I usually place an 8 inch riser section on the center of the belly then place an arrow rest about an inch above center to allow for hand placement.

[Pat B]

I generally grasp the handle with my hand centered and place the arrow pass just over my knuckle. I think it is about 1 1/2" above center.
 Properly spined arrows is the secret to good shooting. The bow just throws the arrow.

[George Tsoukalas]

I don't cut in shelves but a leather shelf will do just fine. Jawge
http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/leatherhandle.html