What does this material do in a bow? Is it for strength, weight? I see folks post bows with no phenolic in them and just had me wondering.

I use in the tip overlays against the glass for protection of the non stretch strings. Also can be used as riser accents. It does not stiffen the riser any but will add some strength. I have seen some risers made of solid phenolic that are stiff and heavy.

They make it heavy for sure

I have a Phenolic riser for my Morrison and for me it's just bomb proof. I travel a lot and don't have to worry about dings, scratches, or anything else with it.  It's also stable in any weather, rain or shine.

All my risers are solid phenolic and for me it's the only way to go. Limbs are all foam/carbon. No wood no skins no worry.

Phenolic (the generic name for Micarta - a G.E. product) is durable beyond most materials, heavy, takes epoxy or similar resins very well and adds vibration dampening weight to a bow.  Or, depending on your point of view, adds synthetic materials and undesireable weight to a light and nimble bow design.

I love it buddy. My go to Griffin has a solid phen riser and I like the weight.

You can get overlays applied if you dont like the looks.

There are many, many different types and grades of phenolic used as accent lines in risers, limb pad coverings, and overlays with various effects ascetically and structurally. in some cases it can add strength depending on the riser shape and exact location of the accent lines.

There are high grades of phenolic called Garolite and others that are composed of epoxy and fiber glass that are stronger than steel.... and some linen phenolic or paper phenolic that are much softer materials that have very little structural value at all.

Aside from my metal risers my all time favorite bow was an all phenolic Groves take down. The weight of the riser made a very stable bow moreso. It's good stuff to have in a riser.

It helps to reinforce risers and is usually put on limb tips to make a bow fast flight compatible.

My '69 Bear Super Kodiak is the most pleasant bow that I have to shoot with its solid phenolic riser.  Some people like a light weight riser, but I really prefer a little heft in the hand.  There's absolutely no hand shock and the bow stays right where you're pointing.

The only downside to a solid phenolic riser for me is that they are cold when the hunting temperatures take a dip.  Not a big issue, but one that I've noticed.

Bernie Bjorklund

NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin

Have a Thunderhorn with a Micarta flare. Fantastic addition to a riser.

QuoteOriginally posted by frassettor:
What does this material do in a bow? Is it for strength, weight? I see folks post bows with no phenolic in them and just had me wondering.

The "no phenolic" posts I most often see are in regard to Black Widow bows.  It comes standard in most (if not all) their various models however you can have them made without phenolic.  

For instance, they use phenolic in their take-down recurves limb butts.  I assume this is for it's strength and stability. By request they will use wood instead.  Some prefer the look of wood for aesthetic reasons.  I, on the other hand, appreciate not only physical properties of phenolic but also like it's appearance when incorporated into the riser.  To each his own.

My phenolic/Bubinga Hawk recurve.
Somewhat like gripping a bowling-ball,
but definitely stable&shockless. [/url] [/IMG]