[Jeff-C-IL]

Here is my "non-scientific", observation only, from running and riding along with many different corn heads.

• Deck plates with rods or upward bends butt-shell corn like crazy. They do retain most kernels that fall onto them, swept up into the auger.
• Flat deck plates shell less, and some kernels may stay on the plates to reach the auger.
• Plates with a downward slant (Calmer) shell even less, but any kernel that is shelled is guaranteed to slide out thru the stalk rolls.

My personal "choice" would be a flat plate with the Drago GT style spring cushions under them. I could be convinced about the downslant deck plates if butt shelling was truly minimal - but I also know that there is always that one hybrid that just shells in the head no matter what you do.....

Its kinda up to you to decide butt shelling vs kernel retention. Would make for a fun study for sure. Somebody post it if already done!