I’m new to wood turning and would  like guidence on the subject of tool rests.

The tool rest that came with my Jet 1642 has been scared more than a few times.  I’ve filed down the rough areas but it seems that  a harder steel rest would be desireable.  Also I need a tool rest for doing bowls.  Web surfing has found “modular” tool rests, a set of horizontal bars, straight and curved, that are screwed to a vertical post.  One is made by Sorby but I’ve come across others.  Does anyone have experiece with these types of rests ?  Do round rests have any advantage for the stock mild steel rest that came with the lathe ?

Thanks,

Tom