If I draw and let down my BW recurve the string is occasionally out of the lower groove and then "pops" into place. My limb does not seem to be twisted when the string is in the groove. Could it just be that I am torqueing the grip? Shoots fine otherwise but makes me nervous to take to the woods...
I think you have a twist
Had that same problem with my Bear TD . They replaced the limbs for me . They didn't look twisted but when the guy at the archery shop was behind me he said the bottom limb twisted at full draw .
I agree with the twist theory. It may not show at rest but on the draw it seems likely.
ChuckC
Twisted limb. Had the same issue.
BW recurve limbs can twist pretty easily.
Just try to determine which way it needs a little help.
Twist the other way with it strung. Draw several times to see if it helps.
Have seen this many times.
Sounds like a slight twist to me too.
limb twist
Does it return to the groove when shot? If so it could be that you are torqueing it a bit, or it could have a very slight twist. Do you store it strung? If so a little uneven pressure could cause a slight twist, more of a memory than twist. I would try twisting it the opposite way like Macbow suggested.
I have the same problem with the PCH I bought used except its the top limb. Been wondering if it was a twisted limb.
I agree that it is likely a twisted limb issue. But I have also seen this happen when the brace height was way, way off...
It stays in groove after a shot. I have gently countertwisted and the problem seems to temporarily go away. I do keep it strung and hung evenly by the string. I have had widows for almost 20 years and this is a first. Do you think I can expect the twist (if there is one) to gradually disappear? BTW I did contact BW and they said they would be happy to check it if I sent it back, but thought that the torque on the handle might be the issue.
It would help if you had someone with a critical eye watch the limb at full draw. Maybe they could see if your torqueing the handle. Also just watch your form.
Got someone else that can draw and shoot it?
The reason I asked if it was left strung. Had a bow I left strung as I shot it almost daily, I had it supported on two pegs and no trouble. Until I put a bow quiver on it and the additional weight of the quiver put a slight twist in the lower limb. Twisting the opposite direction and unstringing solved the problem it has remained straight for years since and I still shoot it.
If the lower limb look straight at brace and if you dont torque the grip or the string,the problem can come from a twisted limb but also from the riser pad.
You can check for a twisted limb pretty easy by having a buddy watch you draw. However when you do this test make sure only the palm/thumb web of your hand is touching the grip; don't wrap your fingers around the riser. I've seen many guys with a little too much finger pressure on the riser turn their wrist in slightly as they draw, the result being the limbs have no choice but to draw crooked. The limbs are meant to come back on a plane parallel to the riser. Highly stressed, high performance limbs like a BW are more susceptible to this, often called torquing as you described in your opening post. Once they twist they're more likely to twist again, but you can "bump" this out of the limb pretty easy and it should stay true.