Probably a dumb question, but I don't have a ton of actual match experience, due to distance and mostly health issues for the last year or so.  I purchased a Bald Eagle rest a few years ago and bought the "Y" version, vs the slingshot, as I thought the wider stance would be more stable.  In looking at pictures and different posts, I see the slingshot to be very popular, but can't figure out why, and hoping you folks can satisfy my curiousity.

Thanks

I prefer this Bald Eagle rest since I have more room to postion myself for benchrest shooting without the restriction of the side legs.
It is more suitable to maintain my benchrest position consistently that is required to achieve excellent accuracy.

Without the legs extending sideways I can place my ammuntion, bullets, breech seater, small scoring targets, spotting scope, timer etc. on the bench without disturbing my benchrest position.

Many benches may not have sufficient room so the legs going forward does provide more side space for other items.
Also the longer length makes the rest a slight bit more stable during recoil.

More importantly I had mine cast in iron and it's addtional weight also makes it more stable.

Many of the other rests may only be available in aluminum.

Just to stir the pot a bit more, it seems that many benchrest shooters are beginning to use front rests that are neither the older triangle or the later slingshot style. Rather, they are moving to solid bases with three adjustment points.  Some are simply flat, heavy triangles (or other shapes) of steel while some, like a Caldwell I have, curve up in the center so the center post extends through the bottom. This leads me to believe that as long as it’s stable the style of the base can be anything that fits your need.
Froggie

Doesn't that long rear leg give problems with an underlever..especially one with a long throw such as the Ballard? 
Even with my Hart, I position rear leg to one side when using a Borchardt.

Stability, stability, stability.

Everything you folks say makes sense.  Thanks to all. 

It brings more questions to mind, but they are different from original post, so think I should start another thread, just for clarity and hopefully to conform to accepted practices.

thanks again