As a precursor, this may seem weird, but I can't stand the thought of my bow getting scratched up, etc while hunting.
I want to have my widow for years and years and i believe that will happen when you take care of stuff. So with that being said, i would like to know what are the options for protecting your bow while out in the field. Some time I am having to walk in through a tons of briars, etc.
What are all my options?
Thanks,
Daniel
I use nothing and mine look just fine. I don't use my bow as a walking stick, cane or sticker bush beater though.
I expect the bowyer to have put a good, quality finish on my bow. I'm not worried about a few scratches, and I am pretty hard on m equipment. When it comes to new bows, the first scratch is just like on a new car. The first one kind of hurts, but at some point, you realize there is no way to stop it from happening if you use it very much! My bows were made for going into the field. If I do get them messed up enough, I just refinish them. It is not hard to do at all.
Bisch
Watch where you're walking :bigsmyl:
My black widow has an unbelievably tough finish, I just like to take care of my things. I do agree that bows are like new cars, but even with my 7 year old truck, a scratch is still disappointing.
Not to seem curt but use common sense. About 99.9 % of my shooting is on a 3d range but it is in the woods and I've never had a bow scratched up where it was noticeable. The only time I've ever damaged the finish on a bow that had to be addressed was accidently dropping a brand new Toelke Whip on the lower tip, I was standing on concrete. It was embarrassing to call Dan but it came back like new.
Someone on here used to make a Limb sock of sorts, that covered limbs....
Don't worry about it. Use it and enjoy it. After a few years if it gets that bad [ it won't ] send it back to get it refinished. To tell the truth, I like the character a few dings and dents give a good hunting bow. Many of those dings will have a story to reflect on later.
I like glossy bows so I use limb socks. Hides and protects the finish. I do not use the older cotton one's. When it rains they soak up water like a sponge. The material on the newer one's repels water much better.
3Rivers sells limb socks.
x2 what Ron said, Widows have excellent finishes, i am harder on bows than most folks ever thought about being, just use some common sense like having your haul rope short enough to keep your bow off the ground etc... if it does get some small nicks etc black widow does a refinish at a very reasonable cost and the bow looks brand new afterward .. but i guess ya could use a limb sock or even removable camo tape...
Dirt. If they don't get scratched or dinged they are not having fun.
Cloth camo tape. Reduces glare and scratches.
Nada
I can relate completely Daniel, I hate getting a nick or tiny scratch. When I get something brand new, it stays looking brand new for as long as possible. Just stay in 100% stealth mode when going in and out of the woods to protect your bow, it'll probably help you see more game too, lol.
Camo bow socks from 3 rivers. I like the pin oak ones.
Most bowyers would probably shoot me if they saw what I put some of my bows through....
There is a big difference between use and abuse. I use my bows and guns just like the tools that I make my living with and they all still look pretty good. A little care goes a long way.
I don't abuse my bows but they are tools. Worrying to much about getting a scratch on them while hunting could cost you a shot from not being focused on the task at hand. Like some have said a few scratches adds character. When I first got my 4 wheel drive shiny new truck people would ask me if I was going to put it in the woods. You bet I was. I wouldn't have gotten a 4X4 if the woods were off limits. It's 14 years old and got a few scratches but I have used it for what it was meant to do. I look at a bow the same way.
You haven't lived until you drop a $1400 Widow in the dark, only to hear it clang off the screw in's on the way down. :D
I use common sense and a little care. Has been working for a long time.
I'm with Orion.
Otto, does a $ 1,250 Blacktail count?
I try to be careful with my bows. That being said, I've taken a couple of tumbles down some scree rock that ultimately took a bit of a toll on my bow. If you're hunting in the mountains and you don't slip and slide a little on some of the varied / steep / rocky / wet / log-ridden / grass / moss-covered terrain, you have far balance and coordination than I.
What about plasti-dip? Shouldn't do much of anything to the draw weight and it peels off when you're done. Look at what folks have been doing to cars with the stuff.
homebru
I make my own, and while I do my best to make them nice, I don't mind the scratches. I've always been a hunter/woodsman first, archer second. Besides, they don't shoot right till they get a little blood on em. You gotta train em :)
QuoteOriginally posted by PaulDeadringer29:
I can relate completely Daniel, I hate getting a nick or tiny scratch. When I get something brand new, it stays looking brand new for as long as possible. Just stay in 100% stealth mode when going in and out of the woods to protect your bow, it'll probably help you see more game too, lol.
that is a great point! The main reason i was asking is last year a friend and I were hunting primarily out of a canoe and i would have to lay my bow down on the floor of the canoe, put stuff on it, it on stuff, etc. while paddling through back water thickets. I would just rather know that my bow is protected from scratches and dings to the best of my ability.
I know some think that nicks and dings give their bow "character", but if thats the case, i hope mine never has any character. I like nice things to stay nice to the best of my ability.
QuoteOriginally posted by mahantango:
There is a big difference between use and abuse. I use my bows and guns just like the tools that I make my living with and they all still look pretty good. A little care goes a long way.
Very well said and my exact sentiment. My bows are tools to help in the pursuit of one of my greatest passions. They are a huge part of my life in one way or another and certainly get respected and cared for to the extent needed to keeping them functioning well and certainly never abused but... It's a tool. Use it as such. Poly finish and spar varathane continue to produce more everyday.
I think I have a couple pairs of the old style camo bow socks if you want a pair, PM me your address. I don't use anything. I try to be careful and watch where I walk, like around briar patches and not thru them.
I have owned my custom made longbow for 8 years, no limb coverings and no scratches.
Use it because when you are gone the next guy that owns it is going to.
Satin finish on my Black Tail, I had it refinished this winter by Black tail's Allen Pope. Great job done. They told me it is extremely durable, but I had it done to reduce glare on the bow.
My mom made me a set of limb covers from camo parachute material, but again that was because of the white limbs. I don't worry about scratches much.
I buy my bows and all my hunting stuff to be used, so if any items get some character, it is part and parcel of the equation. Fly rods, cameras, and even my truck have a few dings from being utilized for the jobs for which they were designed. I, too, have some marks from living life. It is all part of doing what we do.
I take care of stuff too; a bow is a tool and not a grand piano. You can gage the skill of a craftsman by looking at his tools and the stories they tell. I like my stuff to show signs of enjoyment.
Plasti-dip. May stick to my copperhead skins, though.
homebru
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i255/adamkean/WP_20131123_005_zpse3da93b3.jpg)
QuoteOriginally posted by Bobaru:
Otto, does a $ 1,250 Blacktail count?
LOL... Yeah.... I think that counts!! LOL!!!
How many curse words did you mutter to yourself on the way down!!! LOL!!!!
They are not dings and scratches, they are memories.
And besides, it's a Widow, the assembly line on those runs 24/7/365
No one picking up one of my hunting bows would ever ask if it has seen some "adventures" I am sure in some locations I would be arrested for bow abuse - I call it building memories
No one has mentioned Onestringer's limbstations yet. Awesome way to camo / customize / protect your limbs (not to mention they're sponsors and darn fine folks to deal with). Made primarily for the back of the limb, but could be used belly and back. Might get a little pricey if covering both back and belly though.