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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Whitetail Chaser on November 05, 2008, 04:34:00 PM

Title: Can I break a bow?
Post by: Whitetail Chaser on November 05, 2008, 04:34:00 PM

I normally draw about 29 inches, and I love short bows.  Sometimes those two things don't go together well.

My question is this: Do you think that I could break a short bow by drawing it too far?  

(I'm not a big and strong guy, just average 180lbs.)

I am talking about laminated fiberglass recurves and longbows, 56 inches or less in length.  I have never had a short bow break on me, but I was just wondering what some of you thought about the matter.

Brett

Title: Re: Can I break a bow?
Post by: Kingstaken on November 05, 2008, 04:42:00 PM

I've seen one break that had a fracture in it.
I wouldn't try.

Title: Re: Can I break a bow?
Post by: BobW on November 05, 2008, 04:58:00 PM

Having exploded a vintage Red Wing when I pulled it to 32", YES, you can!

But then again, I now am hunting with a 56" Shrew Classic Hunter and drawing 32"+.

I'd stay away from older bows, and discuss it with bowyers on newer models.

Title: Re: Can I break a bow?
Post by: Chris O on November 05, 2008, 04:59:00 PM

i'd suggest asking the bow maker what draw length it can handle. I pull my 54 inch curve to 29" no problem, but only cuz Mr. Fedora said so

Title: Re: Can I break a bow?
Post by: DeerSpotter on November 05, 2008, 05:42:00 PM

I will be pulling my new whisperstik " 58 " to 29" and that is the bow JD recommended for me, it is one of the quietest and smoothest short bows that I've ever had.  I have had both 58 "
And 60 " this will be the first " custom " 58" I will of head from JD, and this one will be the third whisperstik I owned.

Make sure whoever you are having make your bow, let them know your concerns.  J.D. is great to work with.  And he make sure he gets exactly what you want.


Carl

Title: Re: Can I break a bow?
Post by: Earl E. Nov...mber on November 05, 2008, 06:31:00 PM

A bow might break at any time, but a long draw is unlikely to hurt a laminated bow.. If it starts stacking bad you'll know you have exceeded it's design criteria.

Title: Re: Can I break a bow?
Post by: Brian Krebs on November 05, 2008, 07:37:00 PM

I was just watching Byron Ferguson shooting a robinhood; and noticed the fistmile on his bow was really high. How does that effect the chances of breaking a bow ( I shoot 31 inch arrows)...

Title: Re: Can I break a bow?
Post by: JEFF B on November 05, 2008, 07:49:00 PM

all i can say is have a bow made with your draw length.  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Can I break a bow?
Post by: Bill Skinner on November 05, 2008, 07:56:00 PM

I watched John Sullins draw a short bow to 32" to demonstrate that short bows can be drawn further than 28".  He pulled the string off the bow.  Something to watch for.  Bill