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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Phrogdrvr on March 02, 2014, 05:41:00 PM

Title: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Phrogdrvr on March 02, 2014, 05:41:00 PM
Shooting my bow this afternoon, and this happened.  

 (http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm136/brannan_family/Mobile%20Uploads/tom1_zpsf906be2e.jpg) (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/brannan_family/media/Mobile%20Uploads/tom1_zpsf906be2e.jpg.html)

I'm still a little bit shaken up, this is the first one to ever blow up on me.  What stinks is, this is one of the best shooting bows I have ever held.  87# at 28"

Now for the part that makes this post "not for the faint of heart"... my abs covered with winter grizzle.    :biglaugh:   This is the only injury I sustained, my gut and my knuckle, thank God.  It felt like the bow had impaled me.

 (http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm136/brannan_family/Mobile%20Uploads/tom2_zps26233a27.jpg) (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/brannan_family/media/Mobile%20Uploads/tom2_zps26233a27.jpg.html)

The very kind gentleman I bought the bow from even offered to reimburse me the full cost of the bow, without me even asking.  I didn't feel right about that so we came to another agreement.

Thanks for reading.
Tom
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: dhermon85 on March 02, 2014, 05:50:00 PM
Whoa! Coulda been a lot worse. Glad you are okay.
I'm sure 87@28 didn't feel good.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: BowHuntingFool on March 02, 2014, 06:04:00 PM
OUCH!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: ghoster808 on March 02, 2014, 06:06:00 PM
Any theories on where and why it failed?
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: jkm97 on March 02, 2014, 06:07:00 PM
Man that sucks. What caused this?
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Phrogdrvr on March 02, 2014, 06:09:00 PM
Ghoster,

I don't want to speculate, I think it just happens sometimes- even with the best of equipment.

I strictly followed the 8 to 10 GPP rule of thumb, and was drawing it right at 28".

Tom
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: stickem1 on March 02, 2014, 06:13:00 PM
Dang! Glad you're ok. Just reading the bow specs made my back muscles hurt...
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Mamba on March 02, 2014, 06:14:00 PM
That sucks, I have had 2 bows delaminates while shooting but it was at the top of the limbs.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Wannabe1 on March 02, 2014, 06:33:00 PM
Man that really sucks but, I'm just glad you were not hurt worse!   :eek:
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Jayrod on March 02, 2014, 06:45:00 PM
Godbless ya your lucky!!
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: on March 02, 2014, 06:46:00 PM
Glad you are OK!

I have had a couple bows break  on me and it sucks when it happens!

Bisch
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Orion on March 02, 2014, 06:49:00 PM
Glad you weren't hurt more seriously.  That's a pretty small longbow riser for that much draw weight.  Not a lot of wood in the sight window.  Looks like you found it's structural limit.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Knawbone on March 02, 2014, 06:50:00 PM
Glad your OK and sorry about your bow. I didn't think two piece bows were made at such a heavy draw weight? Perhaps that had something to do with it? No expert, just an observation!
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: ISP 5353 on March 02, 2014, 06:55:00 PM
WOW!  Very glad you were not seriously injured!
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: FerretWYO on March 02, 2014, 06:56:00 PM
Yikes. Glad that's all that happened to ya.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: jmahma on March 02, 2014, 06:58:00 PM
The take down system looks fine to me. That wasn't the problem.  I saw this bow on the auction site recently. That was a beautiful bow. Glad you're okay.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Duker on March 02, 2014, 07:06:00 PM
WOW     :scared:   Glad your ok
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Wudstix on March 02, 2014, 07:23:00 PM
Glad it turned out OK.  Had a Graphlex arrow accordian on my arm once years ago and though I had been stuck.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Steve Jr on March 02, 2014, 07:32:00 PM
OUCH!!! Glad to hear you weren't hurt worse and nice of the bowyer is going to make it right.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Knawbone on March 02, 2014, 07:42:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by jmahma:
The take down system looks fine to me. That wasn't the problem.  I saw this border griffon on the auction site recently. That was a beautiful bow. Glad you're okay.
Your probably right Jmahama, but it could have contributed to the weakening of the riser section due to the rigidity of the grip section. There must be a reason why most bowyers limit draw weight on two piece bows? Not saying that was the problem for the bow blowing up, but was a possible contributing factor. Nothing is proven out here that I can see! Maybe a bowyer or two will weigh in.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: centaur on March 02, 2014, 07:42:00 PM
Had one explode while drawing on a turkey. Not fun! Glad you are OK, if a little worse for wear.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Crooked Stic on March 02, 2014, 07:47:00 PM
Bummer for sure. I cant see any type of reinforcement running thru the riser block? That sure needs to be for a bow of that weight and with the sleeve take down.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: jmahma on March 02, 2014, 07:47:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Knawbone:
 
QuoteOriginally posted by jmahma:
The take down system looks fine to me. That wasn't the problem.  I saw this border griffon on the auction site recently. That was a beautiful bow. Glad you're okay.
Your probably right Jmahama, but it could have contributed to the weakening of the riser section due to the rigidity of the grip section. There must be a reason why most bowyers limit draw weight on two piece bows? Not saying that was the problem for the bow blowing up, but was a possible contributing factor. Nothing is proven out here that I can see! Maybe a bowyer or two will weigh in. [/b]
I see where you're coming from! Most important thing is no one is seriously hurt.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: slim_grim on March 02, 2014, 08:15:00 PM
YIKES!!! It's time to start wearing glasses when I shoot...
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: sorefingers on March 02, 2014, 08:27:00 PM
I had shot this bow many times and had full confidence in this bow. Sad this was a beaut and a fine performer. Sure glad your not hurt bad it looks like it exploded. I have a 100#@28 Big Jim take down that I drew to 29" the other day, I may not be doing that anymore. Nope not after seeing that JEESH!!!
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Mike Shaw on March 02, 2014, 08:39:00 PM
I was with Tom at the time and we were checking his draw length with a draw check arrow. I was just getting ready to read the length when she blew. I want to tell you that bow flew all over my shop. I am just so glad Tom is doing ok and no real serious injuries. I don't know how I got my face away in time. I have seen bows blow up ..but this was an explosion!
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: pamike on March 02, 2014, 08:43:00 PM
Wow - hard to believe that could happen! Has feel bad, but you are quite lucky.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: John Havard on March 02, 2014, 09:08:00 PM
Asking a traditional bow to withstand 87# @ 28" is tough.  Not impossible but requires a lot of overbuilding in key areas.

Glad you weren't hurt any more badly than you were.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Sixby on March 02, 2014, 09:18:00 PM
That has nothing to do with it being a two piece. It has everything to do with it being 87 lb and all actionwood through the sight window.
A heavy phenolic or ironwood I beam would be the order of the day.
I'm very thankful that you were not hurt. I have had more than a few of those stomach wounds. LOL It makes you a little touchy the next few times you draw a bow.
God bless, Steve
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: VictoryHunter on March 02, 2014, 09:33:00 PM
Yikes, sorry to hear that. Glad you are okay though.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Stumpkiller on March 02, 2014, 10:11:00 PM
Yikes!  That must have been a shorts soiler!

I've only had one give out - a 52#er when a nock failed - and that was quite an attention getter.

A pity when they go.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: BrownA5 on March 02, 2014, 10:50:00 PM
Ouch...!!!  Best part is you are ok.  You can always get another bow.  Take care!
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: kbetts on March 02, 2014, 11:17:00 PM
......and a Border no less.  I had a carbon limb fold up on me once.  Scared me to death.  Glad you weren't hurt too bad.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: critter69 on March 03, 2014, 01:37:00 AM
Ive had two do that. 60 lb but the exact same spot on my stmoch as yours. Knocked my glasses off and on one of them I have never found the string, no clue where it went.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Bjorn on March 03, 2014, 01:45:00 AM
Had that happen once glad you are OK. The website won't allow me to show my "winter grizzle"!   :laughing:    :laughing:    :laughing:
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: hitmantoto on March 03, 2014, 04:08:00 AM
OUCH !
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Keefer on March 03, 2014, 05:16:00 AM
Man it's one thing to get whipped up on by your wife but never would think your bow would turn on ya! So glad it wasn't worse and you had your winter protection on!
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: 59Alaskan on March 03, 2014, 06:36:00 AM
Glad you are OK!
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: BigJim on March 03, 2014, 08:03:00 AM
I had two brand new bows go like that many years ago. They weren't bows of my making, but two different TD systems that were improperly done. I have broken more than a couple of one piece bows too.

When done correctly, the takedown sleeve becomes the strongest part of the bow. Eliminating riser flex is key.

This looks like someone added the takedown as an after thought. There is no glass I beam in the riser to keep the riser from flexing.
Phenolic is a poor substitute for glass when trying to reduce flex, but even it would have  helped.

I have never limited the draw weight on my two piece bows and never had an issue. I do have my limits however and they are above 90 lbs.
I expect that this bow done in the mid 50 lb range on down would have never had an issue.

Sorry for your loss,
BigJim
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Keith Zimmerman on March 03, 2014, 02:40:00 PM
Glad ur OK.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Eric Sprick on March 03, 2014, 03:31:00 PM
Been there before! Glad you're OK

Eric
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Mojostick on March 03, 2014, 03:39:00 PM
Glad there was no serious injury. I hope you get a new bow before you go on that elephant hunt.    ;)
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on March 03, 2014, 05:47:00 PM
Tom,  It always sucks when bows Blow.

I am glad you and Mike were not seriously injured.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: SheltonCreeker on March 03, 2014, 06:13:00 PM
Glad your okay. That looks painful in more than one way.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: GreyGoose on March 03, 2014, 06:49:00 PM
Whoa!  Glad you weren't hurt worse, and sorry about the stick.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: stujay on March 03, 2014, 08:09:00 PM
:scared:    :pray:
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Doc Nock on March 03, 2014, 09:06:00 PM
Well, Marine,

Now that its well documented that you nor Mike were hurt, we can raz you a bit...

...as in, I ain't got no sympathy for anyone who can PULL a 87# bow getting hurt!    :scared:    :rolleyes:

Suck it up, Soldier!

What I want to know was the wife and girls along and, if so, how high did the li'l one I played with jump???

Seriously, that rather rips it and yet, you could have easily had a "pass thru" a vital organ down that way...

Someone is watching over ya, Pard!  

Blessings, Brother...
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: joe ashton on March 03, 2014, 09:11:00 PM
Holy Crap!!!
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: longbow fanatic 1 on March 03, 2014, 09:28:00 PM
Glad you're okay!
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Phrogdrvr on March 03, 2014, 09:32:00 PM
Hey Doc,

I got thick skin so you can go right ahead and raz away.  I think the thick skin kept the pointy bow shards out of my vitals too.  It just so happens all three of my lovely girls were there at Mike's enjoying Sue's homemade banana cake at the moment I was at full draw and the bow came apart.  The little one just kept saying, "Daddy's OK, Daddy's OK".

You're right about someone watching over me.  Mike too, he was just leaning in to look at my draw length on the measuring arrow.  He somehow got his face out of the way just in time.

Aren't we due for another dinner soon?

Tom
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Doc Nock on March 04, 2014, 02:38:00 PM
I'm ready to visit with your clan of lovely people anytime...

I figured she'd have jumped higher than her height when that bow let go...

Praises to He who protects! You and Mike are most fortunate, but clean living and high ideals will do that for a person!

Read your PM's brother...
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: vermonster13 on March 04, 2014, 02:44:00 PM
Good thing the gut got in the way, you could have been made a steer!


I have had many test bows blow up on me over the years and have a permanent reminder of a de-lam in my left palm from one.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: kawika b on March 04, 2014, 02:46:00 PM
Glad you walked away with only those minor injuries.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Slickhead on March 04, 2014, 04:07:00 PM
I was afraid to open this
But it looks like you'll be OK
Glad it wasnt worse
sucks about the bow, it was pretty
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Phrogdrvr on March 04, 2014, 04:25:00 PM
Yeah, sorry Slickhead.  The "not for the faint of heart" bit was supposed to be a lighthearted jab at the state of my winter fitness.  Also a commentary on the destruction of a beautiful bow.

Hope I didn't scare folks away.

Tom
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Kris on March 04, 2014, 05:01:00 PM
10" down and 3" to your right and you'd still be on the floor...MAN!   Catastrophic to say the least!

Sorry for your loss, hard to replace a bow you really liked and have it be the same.

Serves you right though...what the hell you doing shooting 87# anyway    :eek:  

Glad you're okay!

Kris
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: LB_hntr on March 04, 2014, 07:38:00 PM
Its very rare comparably but occasionally bows break. It happens to most of us at one time or another.
Glad you are ok .

That is a great bowyer to offer full money back. Glad to hear you guys got it all worked out.

Also props to you for not blaming the bowyer. Wood is wood and sometimes it happens IMO. I really like how you handled it.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Friend on March 04, 2014, 08:34:00 PM
Pleased to hear that little bodily damage was sustained.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Joe2Crow on March 04, 2014, 08:49:00 PM
ah, if you're tough enough to pull an 87# bow, you're tough enough to take a punch in the gut! Glad you're ok.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Yolla Bolly on March 05, 2014, 02:17:00 AM
good to know you survived it, sir.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: RecurveRookie on March 07, 2014, 09:22:00 PM
Wow!  Just drawing that monster would have broke me like a wishbone.   Glad you're ok man!
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Thumper Dunker on March 08, 2014, 01:09:00 AM
Ouch. Glad your ok.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Zbone on March 08, 2014, 10:40:00 AM
Been around and shooting bows all my life but this is the first I've heard of an "I" beam. Can someone enlighten me? .... Thanx
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: rainman on March 08, 2014, 10:48:00 AM
If you would've been a Super Stallion pilot the bow would not have broken out of respect. LOl  Glad you are okay, I had a Herters recurve do that to me and still have the scar on my ribs.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Phrogdrvr on March 08, 2014, 05:14:00 PM
Daniel, Daniel, Daniel... You had to go there?  Just because a 53E can sling load a Phrog, doesn't make it a superior platform.  I bet you can't trim yours up and go hands and feet off hover in ground effect.

Semper Fi.
Maj Tom
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: rainman on March 09, 2014, 12:42:00 AM
Used to be able to do that, because we had automatic flight systems.  Been 20 years since I flew one.  That phrog must be older than you because back then we had phrogs older than the pilots.
Title: Re: Not For the Faint of Heart
Post by: Pointer on March 09, 2014, 02:48:00 PM
been there done that...not fun..glad you are not hurt too badly..mine broke my finger and gave me a similar bruise cross the chest