Has any one shot the Tonkin Bamboo limbs yet? Like to know if it is worth the extra money for them and if they are smoother and faster than the regular limbs? Thinking of ordering a set.
happy1,
I'll comment although you have to consider me a biased source since it's my and Larry's company. I'm the testing and R&D geek and seldom offer a subjective opinion since they're so, well, subjective. But in this case I'll do both. The objective part is easy. These limbs increase performance.
By a material margin the fastest bow test I've ever conducted was on our 64" limbs made with this bamboo. I'm anxious to test more sets to build a collective data base that covers the bow-to-bow variations that any bow design can have, but I'm confident that the performance increase is very real.
With that caveat out of the way I will say that normal bow-to-bow variations caused by slight differences in materials will not overcome the speed increase I measured in that one set of tested limbs. I feel comfortable in saying that objectively you will experience an increase in performance.
The subjective part is also very good in my opinion, but you know what "they" say about opinions. These limbs "feel" very, very good. For the ultimate subjective wham-o, when made up as one of our ACS-ACX limbs (with all carbon wedge to complement our 4 layers of carbon on the limb surfaces) the subjective feel of these limbs is superb.
Now that I, your friendly biased source has commented, maybe you will hear from some of our satisfied customers who now have these new limbs.
John,
JP and I will be happy to give you an objective view point since we have ordered the "new" Tonkin Bamboo limbs and will have a good base line.
The orginal limbs are performing exceptional well and we are anxious to see the difference.
Have you notice any difference in sound quality?
I suspect that the boo might also be quieter?
God Bless, Pierre and Jean-Pierre
Pierre,
I know you will be pleased with the new limbs but I cannot comment on the difference in sound quality. I haven't shot enough of these limbs side-by-side with our other non-bamboo limbs to have a comparison.
Normally waste energy translates into vibration and therefore sound. Since these limbs deliver a slightly higher percentage of their stored energy to the arrow (ergo - less waste energy) it would make sense that they'd be quieter. A first-hand opinion, however, isn't mine to give at this time. Larry and Phil shoot every bow and set of limbs we make before they leave the shop. Larry would be in a good position to comment on the sound comparison.
I can DEFINITELY say that the ACX limbs with the carbon wedge is quieter and even subjectively better than our limbs with the standard wedge. You should consider the ACX option if you want to maximize the sound deadening qualities of the materials.
Love your strings!
John
Carbon wedgie? I wasn't told about that when I ordered my Bamboo limbs a couple of day ago. John Is that something you can add to my order?
Not sure about a wedgie but we can definitely take care of the wedge!
Bjorn, unless the limbs have already been laid up then there is no problem. Our website talks a fair amount about our ACS-ACX bows (all carbon riser and all carbon limbs).
The ACX limbs include a carbon wedge as well as carbon butt cap and tip overlays. The overlays are cosmetic but add a nice touch. The carbon wedge (instead of our standard solid-fiberglass wedge) adds functionality.
We've found that the use of carbon in our all-carbon riser as well as the use of carbon in the limb wedge both noticeably attenuate sound/vibration. I'm not a princess-and-the-pea type of shooter (meaning I don't easily notice slight subjective variations) in bows. But I can guarantee that the ACX riser and limbs are an entirely different animal and offer a shooting experience that's extraordinary. The difference is very easy to feel and the difference is a good one.
Add the ACX carbon option to your limbs. I'll forward this thread to Dan & Larry and they can take care of you. You should also give them a jingle on Monday and confirm things.
John
John,
Thanks for the kind comment. Our SBD Ultra 6 strand really make your bows hotrods and super quiet.
I have already sent Larry and Dan our request to change our limbs to the ACX carbon wedge with the boo cores in an e-mail. I hope it is not too late.
We are trying to get the utimate ACX experience....
God Bless, Pierre and Jean-Pierre
I can't find on the website what the extra cost is for Tonkin or carbon wedges. What is the additional cost for the Tonkin and carbon wedge?
Thanks
Gil
Hi Gil,
You're right - it is hard to find. We need to update our website!
The Tonkin bamboo additional charge over standard limbs is $50.
I believe we're charging $25 additional for the ACX limb treatment - carbon wedge + carbon butt & tip overlays.
I'll make a note to have our website updated accordingly.
John
Thanks John
Well John I just bought a riser from Peckerwood, so I guess I am going to have to put in an order for a set of these limbs and give them a try.
I knew I shouldn't have read this thread!
Gil, you are both a wise and discriminating man. We appreciate your business!
John,
I think I need to get on board with this as well. $25 for the upgrade sounds like a bargain. Please drop a note to the guys as well. If its too late, thats okay.
Thanks,
Casey
Well John I just got off the phone with Larry. I have a 64", 55# @ 28, Tonkin with carbon set of limbs coming.
Thanks
Gil
Thanks John I will making an order for some new limbs.
Hey Gil,
Once you have the new bow I would love to draw it once! Willing to take the chance?
ALDO
Thanks John I will making an order for some new limbs.
You bet Aldo.
You took a chance on me with that Adcock! I nearly lost an eye! Ha!
I don't think you have to worry about an A&H though. I will send you a PM when I get them. I may have to sell one of my one piece ACSs to help cover the limbs.
Gil
John: Just when I thought I would never, ever have to buy another set of limbs for my ACSs (unless they were lost or stolen) you do something like this. Oh, well, I've been wanting another set of shorter limbs anyway. :thumbsup:
Jerry, you never can have too many bows or limbs. It's a personal rule of mine. ;)
John,
i unfortunately have a very long draw length to 31,5" and with the standards limbs i was adviced to use a 66" ACS bow lenght with the 14" riser but it is too long for the way and places i hunt.
Would these bamboo limbs give me the possibility of using 64" bow with the 14" riser or a 62" bow with the 12" riser ?
Thanks
Laurent
i won't own/shoot a longbow unless at least the cores are bamboo/tonkin cane.
Laurent,
Because of your very long draw length I believe 66" would still be the best length for you, with the Tonkin core limbs or with the standard core.
John
Dang John your up early today.
Mike
I am with Rob on the bamboo statement. I don't think you can beat bamboo in a bow.
I can't wait to get these ACS limbs and give them a try.
Mike, I had to get up early to take the kids back to the airport to go home.
Gil, I think you will be very satisfied with everything about these new limbs.
John
Thanks for the info john.