I have a bear Montana 50#@28 that I'm drawing to exactly 30", I've been shooting recurves until this time, I noticed I can feel the riser in the grip area flexing on the Montana when I draw. Is this normal? I've been shooting it for a month with no problems. I keep meaning to ask someone about it, but it has slipped my mind.
I have a couple longbows cut like the Montana but heavier # and draw to 30 and have never had a riser flex in the grip area that can be noticed. Maybe coming from recurves you attribute larger flexability of the bow as this or you may have structural issues. One way to tell is to put it on a bench and draw to 30 and measure for flex. If it shoots good for you then go with it!
Austin,
I too have a Bear Montana at the same poundage as yours. I used to draw it to 29" but never felt any flex in the grip area.
I hope your limb core laminations are not coming apart at the grip.
(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a6/RHB65/Archery/IMG_4720.jpg)
(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a6/RHB65/Archery/IMG_4721.jpg)
Perhaps you need to call or e-mail Bear Archery regarding this.
Are those two piece bows?
No.
That's odd. The fadeouts will flex, but not the center of the grip area.
I really don't see how the laminations could possibly come apart in the grip area. They can't slide within a bow unless you have a total delamination along both sides of a lamination along the entire length of the bow all at once.
I've glued up a couple where the laminations separated when I applied air hose pressure. The gap filled with epoxy an I've never had a problem, even after 1000's of shots.
I took the grip off, I have the same two crappy seams in the back maple lams as Dodger but everything is solid. The draw is smooth and the bow hasn't lost any power. I just wanted to make sure I'm not missing anything. Whatever I'm feeling is very slight.