I have a longbow that wants a new "Southeast Alaska" grip. I think a chunk of bike inner tube would be just fine but not sure what diameter to get.
Reccomendations?
I cut up my kids 20" bike tube and I betcould do a dozen or so.
Give it a try, it's a workout rolling it down some of the biger risers.
good luck!!
It's has a connexion hinge so it shouldn't be that hard to get on. We'll see though.
Chunk of inner tube is exactly what Black Widow will sell you if you order their rubber grip.
Yeah, I'm guessing diameter is all relatively the same so I'll just get whatever's on sale.
Have used bike inner tube on several bows, still have some on one of my longbows. It works ok, but the rubber 'ShurGrip' sleeve available from trad archery suppliers (including Black Widow) is MUCH better. Its thinner and pretty flexible so rolls up and down the grip easier than tube, and it hugs the riser tightly for a better 'form fit'. Durable, and good for bows with slippery grips, in cold weather, two-piece takedowns (hides and protects the seam), to protect leather grips from weather, or just to make a more comfortable hand fit. Two of my longbows (one with a connexxion hinge) have them...I like the solid, non-slip feel they give.
If you want a rubber grip but don't shoot your bow much the bike tube will work ok, but if you shoot it alot check out the ShurGrip at about $7 (not exactly a bank-breaker).
I use mtn. bike tubes for the grip on my Martin Bushmaster longbow ( 26" x 1.95 - 2.125 ) and it works great. Just hold it next to the grip to estimate the length you need and roll it down the limb to install. Prety simple and economical.
Top bow(Widow PLX t/d) is wearing an innertube grip.Works great,hand doesn't slip and I shoot this bow alot (http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s128/JCPic/OsagePLX002.jpg)
Ok, I'll error on the small tube diam. so it fits nice'n tight. I'll try and remember "1.95 - 2.125". If it doesn't work well I'll look into the Shur Grip but since I'm in AK and would have to order, ship(probably more $$ than the grip itself), and wait I'll see what I can get locally. I plan on removing the old leather and completely replacing with rubba.
I use the inner tube.Lot cheaper.
I have them on my recurves as well. It is a struggle but worth it.
What I did after I installed the innertube grips was to take some coarse sandpaper and scuff the surface (on the innertube) up a little. Brokenwing
innertube works great.
Bike shops are replacing tubes all the time. They gave me all I wanted and I got a few diff. sizes. Use two pieces of parachute type cord 12" long to help drag the rolled up sleeve into position. I've tubed even the big recurve risers without too much trouble using the ropes to help.