I really like using feathers, it's almost all I will use at this point. They are a bit noisy compared to vanes. As long as the vanes are in perfect condition that is. You get a slight tear or hole in a vane and it will be as loud or louder than feathers. Not to mention it may not fly quite right. Feathers are so forgiving in most regards. They can be seriously messed up and still fly perfect. I have some arrows where half the feather is missing, they still fly right. For this reason they are more forgiving in a grouping situation. You can put another arrow thru the fletch of a previous arrow and not really damage anything. It gets expenisive and time consuming doing that with vanes. They are also lighter and have more resistance, so they help control the arrow better and faster. They are a good way to increase your FOC as well. And they are very forgiving for contact with cables and rests if you have a problem with that sort of thing. Some will say they slow your arrow down because of the resistance. It's true, but it doesn't show up until after 50 yards or so. Most people don't shoot that far anyway. And since they are lighter you will pick up a little speed.

As far as using them with the WB rest, not really a good idea from what I understand. They will most likely wear out pretty fast unless you trim alot of bristles out. They suggest vanes with that rest I think. I don't use one however, just things I have read in the past is all.

For water proofing I use food grade silicone spray, it works pretty well. I don't hunt in the rain though so I don't worry about it that much. And for target practice when it is raining out they don't fly any different with field points when they are wet for me.

Good luck, and by the way, I have found True Flight feathers to be of better quality than Gateways. Just a personal preference though.

Paul